FACING VERT

Welcome to Facing Vert...both on trails and in life. So, what is vert? For all of those in the trail running community, it is short for Vertical Elevation Gain. Basically, it is climbing a mountain, and we have all faced mountains in our lives. This 'vert' may be an upcoming race, or simply getting up the courage to start training for a 5k. Or, this mountain is an obstacle, a burden, a fear that you just want to claw your way up and conquer. These are conversations you will hear about, and I hope they will inspire you to do the impossible and face the impossible with greater hope.

Last refreshed: July 1st, 2025 at 3:07 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

011: The Pacers' Perspective-Cruel Jewel 100

This episode is SO important to me because it highlights the people that helped me accomplish my goals at the Cruel Jewel 100…my pacers! Without Lara, Evan, Lisa and Tom, who knows if I would have even crossed the finish. But fortunately, I don’t have to know that feeling because they were there for me. I don’t even know if they realize how they important they are to me, and how grateful I am for each one of them. You will hear about their experience pacing me and what they learned during the pr...

Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 42 min

010: A Conversation With My Hero...My Daddy, Terry Tolle

With Father's Day approaching this coming Sunday, there is no other person that I would want to talk with other than my daddy. No, my dad is not a runner and not even a lover of hikes, but he has definitely faced VERT in his life. In this episode, listen as we talk about his life growing up on a wheat farm in Oklahoma, becoming a collegiate gymnast, his stories of his time in the Air Force in the middle of the Vietnam War, and his battle with prostate cancer. This time with him, the stories he t...

Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 41 min

009: When You Can No Longer Run-Tory Grieves & Sara Molskness

Tory and Sara are two powerhouse runners that have performed extremely well in the trail & ultra running world. Hear how they fell in love with the sport of running, found their passion, and then navigating the unknown when the ability to run is stripped away. Tory and Sara, I can't thank you enough for your authenticity, your transparency and your perseverance. Most importantly, thank you for your friendship. I know I will see you again at the top of the mountain. If you have enjoyed these ...

Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 34 min

008: From Rage to Redemption-Jack Kitching

**WARNING** SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSED ON THIS PODCAST. My incredible guest, Jack Kitching, was born and raised in England. As athletic as they come...hear Jack's journey to becoming the first line of defense for the late Queen of England to enduring military tasks that only few can handle. Jack took the rage he felt from his traumatic childhood and poured it into every obstacle or challenge he faced. This is a story that you need to hear. Thank you, Jack, for your vulnerability. If you ...

Jun 01, 2023•2 hr 21 min

007: My Cruel Jewel 100 Experience

Hear my journey taking on the beastly Cruel Jewel 100 mile trail race in the mountains of North Georgia. It may be called a 100 mile race, but in reality it is somewhere between 103-106 miles with around 30,000 feet of elevation gain, and I felt every bit! After hitting a mental and physical low early in the race, I thought I was never going to finish, but with so many prayers I was able to pull through and finish stronger than I ever imagined I could. 2nd place female and 13th overall still see...

May 25, 2023•1 hr 48 min

006: 2nd Overall in the Hellbender 100 Mile Race-Jonathan Ibach

Jonathan Ibach-a phenomenal runner and just as phenomenal of a person. We talk all things Hellbender...from his past experiences to his most recent performance just this past weekend. One thing that stands out for me is how Ibach never wants to lose the joy of running, and this is a big part of his training and strategy. Thank you, Ibach, for coming out to record with me just 2 days after crossing the finish line, and I am so excited to see you become a dad in July! If you are enjoying this podc...

May 18, 2023•1 hr 36 min

005: A Conversation with Superwoman-Barbara Green

Barbara Green doesn't want to be called superwoman because she doesn't see herself that way, but I certainly do. We discuss balancing being a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, and an extremely strong and active athlete (she swims, she mountain bikes, she runs, she races, she paces, she's awesome...). I can't think of a better episode to put out there in the world as we approach Mother's Day. Our conversation is like ones we have on many of our trail runs together (maybe slightly more serious), and I...

May 11, 2023•1 hr 42 min

004: The Power Of Accountability

Special guests, Lara and Evan Dykes, talk about how accountability from friends and each other has been critical in their motivation to attempt and conquer their fitness goals. From dabbling in Crossfit to stepping on the podium. From zero exercise to running a marathon. They are inspiring. You will love them, just as I do. Lara's Instagram: @laracantrell Lara's Strava: Lara Dykes Evan's Strava: Evan Dykes Evan's Instagram: never mind, he never posts anything :) Their Crossfit Gym: https://ncope...

May 04, 2023•1 hr 8 min

003: Mark and Laura Rollins - The King and Queen of Trail Running

Mark and Laura equal a power house couple who have more races under their belt than I or they can count. They are an inspiration to so many because of the way they support one another. They train together, race together, crew each other, and soak up every moment they can doing what they love. If you are a trail runner in WNC, you either know of them or you have raced beside them. In this episode we will dive in to who they are, how they fell in love with each other and running, and hear their pe...

Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 41 min

002: My Hellbender 100 Experience

This episode is all about my experience running the Hellbender 100 mile trail race held in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. This race climbs over 24000 feet in elevation, and takes you to the top of Mt. Mitchell. This was my first 100, and if you are running this epic race or crewing a runner, this episode will hopefully be helpful resource. My VERY special guest is my husband and crew, Jonathan. He will talk about his experience and the knowledge he gained from crewing me thro...

Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min

001: From Hating Running To Loving It, My Journey To Becoming An Ultrarunner

Never would I have thought running would be a joy instead of a dread...what changed? How did I go from hating running to running 100 miles? Come along with me as I share my journey. Find out what is next on Facing Vert or message me on Instagram: @facingvert Cover photo: @schreinertrailphotograpy Youtube Link to my Pitchell experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mBChMbGJik Youtube Link to my Hellbender 100 experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx031mfr0JA Interested in volunteering or...

Apr 20, 2023•27 min

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