The Human Potential Running Series Podcast

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 69, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms discuss the word of doom, "Injuries." Injuries are never on the training plan, but every runner eventually faces them. What matters most is how you respond in the first few minutes, the first few days, and the weeks that follow. In this episode, we walk through the full arc of dealing with an injury, from that initial "uh-oh" moment to your first cautious steps back on the trail. Topics include: Triage on the Spot: How to tell if it's a soft-tissue tweak or a hospital trip. Mindset Matters: Why your brain chemistry shifts in the first five minutes, and how to ground yourself in what to do now. Training Setback → Opportunity: Reframing your outlook, setting up support, and dropping the unnecessary stress of "racing through it." The Real Return-to-Run Checklist: It's not just about time. We dig into pain-free walking, stairs, range of motion, strength, eccentric control, and even hopping tests before lacing up again. Protocols that Work: Run-walk reintroductions, flat terrain starts, and why consistency still trumps intensity. Plus, surprising strategies like gentle uphills (for everyone except Achilles injuries). The Nintendo Reset Button: Use downtime to build where you've been weak—slower paces, mobility, breathwork, hydration, connective tissue health. Healing on Nature's Timeline: Understanding the cellular phases of repair—inflammatory (days), proliferation (weeks), remodeling (months)—so you can respect the process instead of fighting it. Whether you're sidelined today or just want tools for the future, this episode is a guide to resilience, patience, and coming back stronger.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In this deeply personal Episode 67, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix shares a story he's never told publicly, until now. After a lifetime of masking and adapting to neurotypical expectations, John opens up about his recent diagnoses of ADHD (Combined Type) and Autism (Level 1). This isn't just a story about neurodivergence; it's a reckoning with leadership, identity, and the cost of pretending to be someone you're not. You'll hear how John's neurodivergence has shaped everything from race-day logistics to how he handles noise, social interaction, and emotional bandwidth. He talks candidly about Autistic Burnout and the hidden work of masking. This episode is a call to unmask; not just for him, but for all of us. It's an invitation to build a trail community where everyone belongs, regardless of how they blend in. If you've ever felt "too much" or "not enough"… this one's for you. Topics include: What it means to be neurodivergent in leadership ADHD and Autism through a personal lens The invisible cost of masking in trail culture How HPRS is evolving to reflect sustainable leadership The Community Roundtable (CRT) and a shared vision for the future

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 65, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss a wide range of thoughts about race preparation strategies. Together, they take us on a journey from beginner training plans to using races as training. They tackle ego versus mindset, how one can be destructive on your journey and the other the base of your foundation. They tackle movement streaks, body and brain recovery, and what truly matters in the race prep journey.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 63, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Christopher Mellott. In this episode, John and Chris define what a mantra is. They provide various examples of the multitude of mantras that exist in the world. Then they turn to a conversation on how mantras can be turned into action, helping you achieve your athletic goals.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 61, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott give updates on the Silverheels Trail Runs Permitting process before diving into a conversation about chasing an experience (the journey) rather than a destination. They discuss how people tend to become good at helping others meet their needs along the way and how that helps individuals find what they've lost or need while in the mountains. They also discuss the differences between introverted and extroverted trail runners, how to recognize the signs of one over the other, and how to be respectful of one another's "bubble" while on the trail.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 60, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix brings us full circle on how our federal land management partners' current issues could negatively impact trail and ultra events. During the discussion, John highlights the timeline from June 2023 to the Present in discussing how we arrived at this moment and the real-life ramifications of budget shortfalls, cuts, and worker layoffs could have on our sport. John then expresses the importance of continued advocacy by our user group and being intentional by doing more to give back to the agencies that have afforded us the use of public lands for our events and those like them and the need to stop requesting new permits or permits for events with greater impacts.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 58, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott welcome our newest co-host, Megan Storms, to the program. In this episode, we get to know Megan, her life in general, her journey into trail and ultra, and her journey to HPRS. We discuss why she believes in the HPRS community. Then, the three dive into talking about a whole myriad of things in a witty, fun, and off-the-rail conversation.