We’re back at Falcon’s Nest talking snow, family chaos, and what it really means to do hard things. From crawling through tight caves to navigating life when there is no obvious way forward, this episode is all about finding the right people to guide you when things get uncomfortable.

We get into mentors, trust, learning as you go, and why having someone who can see the next step for you matters more than being the best in the room.

* video and not ideal for Apple listening

We’re back at Falcon’s Nest talking snow, family chaos, and what it really means to do hard things. From crawling through tight caves to navigating life when there is no obvious way forward, this episode is all about finding the right people to guide you when things get uncomfortable.

We get into mentors, trust, learning as you go, and why having someone who can see the next step for you matters more than being the best in the room.

Kicking off 2026 with real talk about why they don’t believe in resolutions, why comparison and “motivation culture” miss the mark, and what actually creates change when a calendar flips.

Becca shares a recent solo scramble in search of a cave that turns into a lesson on risk, confidence, and knowing when to pull back. Jon reflects on the mental shifts that come with a new year, letting go of anger, protecting energy, and realizing that not everyone wants the truth, even when it’s well intentioned.

Then it’s Mid-State Mile season. Registration opened on New Year’s Day, the race is already sold out, invites are rolling, and they break down what makes Mid-State different and the selection process, the returning community, the first-timers jumping in with zero ultras, and why this course is relentless from the first whistle. Mid-State isn’t just mind vs body ...it’s heart.

Kicking off 2026 with real talk about why they don’t believe in resolutions, why comparison and “motivation culture” miss the mark, and what actually creates change when a calendar flips.

Becca shares a recent solo scramble in search of a cave that turns into a lesson on risk, confidence, and knowing when to pull back. Jon reflects on the mental shifts that come with a new year, letting go of anger, protecting energy, and realizing that not everyone wants the truth, even when it’s well intentioned.

Then it’s Mid-State Mile season. Registration opened on New Year’s Day, the race is already sold out, invites are rolling, and they break down what makes Mid-State different and the selection process, the returning community, the first-timers jumping in with zero ultras, and why this course is relentless from the first whistle. Mid-State isn’t just mind vs body ...it’s heart.

Becca and Jon drag themselves to the mic while both feeling wrecked—Jon’s coming off a brutal stomach bug, Becca’s battling sinus junk.

They dig into the difference between side quests vs. the main quest—how distractions, limbo, and unfinished projects can make it feel like nothing is moving forward. Becca lays out her mindset for 2026: forward with intention, getting strength training and running back at the forefront, and creating a clearer plan for life and work as they prepare for big changes on the farm.

The episode wraps with Mid-State season officially kicking off: Mid-State Mile registration opens January 1 at noon Central, plus a quick reminder of why Mid-State isn’t built for hype—it’s built for the runners who really want it.

*VIDEO - not suitable for audio listening

Becca and Jon drag themselves to the mic while both feeling wrecked—Jon’s coming off a brutal stomach bug, Becca’s battling sinus junk.

They dig into the difference between side quests vs. the main quest—how distractions, limbo, and unfinished projects can make it feel like nothing is moving forward. Becca lays out her mindset for 2026: forward with intention, getting strength training and running back at the forefront, and creating a clearer plan for life and work as they prepare for big changes on the farm.

The episode wraps with Mid-State season officially kicking off: Mid-State Mile registration opens January 1 at noon Central, plus a quick reminder of why Mid-State isn’t built for hype—it’s built for the runners who really want it.

Becca and Jon talk about how Christmas feels different as you get older—more logistics, more stress, and a lot more emotional weight. Jon shares a frustrating car saga after an oil change turns into repeated leaks and unexpected expenses, sparking a real conversation about the difference between gratitude and forced positivity.

Becca recaps an 11-hour caving trip and what it taught her about trusting herself in unfamiliar environments, building confidence through discomfort, and using “transferable skills” from running to handle new challenges. The episode closes with reflections on the year—why the most meaningful moments are rarely planned, how growth takes time (like trees finally bearing fruit), and why being present matters more than chasing one big “highlight” moment.

Merry Christmas from Becca and Jon—thanks for listening.

In this episode, Becca and Jon talk openly about something most people never see: what happens to race directors after the runners go home. They break down the emotional crash that can hit once an event wraps up—the exhaustion, the silence, and that weird mix of pride and loneliness that shows up when you’re the one packing up the course.

They share what the post-race blues actually feel like, why directing can be both rewarding and isolating, and how community plays a bigger role than anyone realizes. They also talk about the Tennessee Mile leading into the Mid State Mile, how the runner community keeps them going, and why support after an event matters just as much as race-day hype.

It’s a real, honest conversation about the highs, the lows, and the part of race directing that rarely gets talked about and more.