Lance Smith didn't set out to become a name in ultra running — he just laced up and kept going. In this episode, Lance tells the unfiltered story of his journey through the sport: the grind, the setbacks, and the moments that made it all worth it.

We get into his Mickelson Trail FKT — what it took to chase it down, what broke him along the way, and what pushed him across the finish line. But Lance's story doesn't stop at personal records. He's been building something bigger: community-driven events and challenges rooted in purpose, proving that running can be a force for real impact.

Gritty, honest, and fueled by a deep love for running — this one hits different.

Lance Smith's running journey and community involvement

Setting and breaking FKTs in South Dakota

Creative and fun running challenges like gas station runs and track races

resources

Lance Smith's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LanceSmith1970

Lance Smith's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lance_smith_1970/

Join Justin Andreas and guest Chris Riley as they explore ultra marathon topics, race strategies, race experiences, and the evolving landscape of trail running. Gain insights into race planning, gear choices, and the mental aspects of ultra running.

ultra marathon, trail running, race strategies, race experiences, gear, mental toughness, race planning, ultrarunning community

key topics

Pacers in elite ultra races Race preparation and strategy for 200-mile events Trail race experiences and course insights Gear and nutrition for ultra running Mental resilience and recovery in ultrarunning

sound bites

"Black Hills is my hometown course." "Tailwind is my go-to nutrition." "Follow me on Strava for updates."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Chris Riley 03:01 The Role of Pacers in Ultra Races 05:46 Chris's Journey into Ultra Running 08:37 Experiences with Various Ultra Races 11:27 Favorite Races and Future Aspirations 14:09 The Cost of Ultra Racing and Race Selection 23:15 Exploring 200-Mile Races 28:33 Planning for Ultra Races 29:40 Motivation and Mental Breaks in Training 35:18 Setting Goals and Managing Expectations 39:00 Favorite Gear and Nutrition Strategies 45:42 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

If you'd like to donate to Orla's fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation for NYC marathon. https://give.bcrf.org/newyorkrundiva

The Story Orla McCarville was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas 2024. Rather than stepping back from her life, she ran straight through treatment—literally. She completed six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 19 sessions of radiation, all while lacing up her running shoes and even racing on chemo days.

Key Moments

Diagnosis as a starting line, not an ending. Orla reframed her diagnosis as a reason to move forward, not retreat.

Running as medicine. She found that the steroids from chemo gave her energy to keep running, and her oncology team supported the routine. The hardest days weren't the treatment days—they were the days she couldn't run.

Celebrating the finish. After her final immunotherapy session, Orla threw a "cancer-free party," treating milestones as victories worth marking. What's Next Orla is training for the New York City Marathon, running for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Her message to others facing challenges: "If I can do this during chemo, so can you."

There's something striking about using the very body that's being treated as the vehicle for healing—running becomes both defiance and therapy. If you want to adjust the tone, length, or focus (maybe highlight more of her mental health insights or the fundraising angle), let me know.