Episode 83: More Than Just Miles, The Six-Year Journey of Writing an Ultra Memoir

Episode 83: More Than Just Miles, The Six-Year Journey of Writing an Ultra Memoir

Author: Human Potential LLC August 25, 2026 Duration: 1:09:33

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 83 of the show, host John Lacroix reunites with his former co-host Stefan Schuster to discuss Schuster’s newly released book, Beyond the Single Track: How Ultra Running Taught Me to Live. After opening with a humorous conversation spanning classic movies, acting cameos, and historical assassination trivia, the two dive into an in-depth exploration of the book-writing and publishing process. Schuster details the six-year journey of crafting his memoir, the importance of incorporating reflections on personal growth at the end of each chapter, the vulnerabilities of sharing intimate life lessons, and the practical realities of indie publishing and working with an editor. Lacroix also shares insights and hurdles from his own ongoing book project, leading to a candid discussion between the two about finding purpose in ultrarunning, using creative projects as therapeutic tools to process life experiences, and giving back to the running community. 🎧 Listen now at humanpotentialrunning.com or on your favorite podcast app!


John Lacroix, the owner and race director behind the Human Potential Running Series, hosts this engaging The Human Potential Running Series Podcast. Rather than focusing solely on race results or training plans, the conversations here dig into the rich human stories that form the backbone of the trail and ultrarunning community. Each episode is built around the people who are out there on the trails, whether they're pushing their limits as runners or dedicating their time as volunteers. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices connected to HPRS, exploring their personal motivations, the challenges they've overcome, and the unique perspectives they bring to the sport. This podcast sits at the intersection of endurance sports and genuine human connection, reflecting its place in categories like Sports, Culture, and Society. It’s about the shared experiences and individual passions that make long-distance running about much more than just miles. Tuning in provides a sense of belonging and insight into what drives people to participate in this demanding yet rewarding world. The discussions are personal, often profound, and always rooted in the real lives of the community members. For anyone curious about the deeper narratives behind the running shoes and finish lines, this series offers a compelling and authentic listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Human Potential Running Series Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 54: Trail Etiquette & Other Musings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:48
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 54, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott dive into trail etiquette. Who has the right of way on trails? What is it to be courteo…
Episode 53: Reboot with Thomas Stott and Talking Preparedness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:47
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 53 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes new co-host Thomas Stott to the program. In this episode we get to know Tom, his life in general, his jo…
Episode 51: What It's Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:33
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 51 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about What It's Like to be a race director, but this time from the emotional/mental perspective. In previou…
Episode 50: What Prize Money Gets Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:03
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 50 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about recent ultrarunning press releases; most notably the news of Camile Herron's involvement in a wikiped…
Episode 48: Masculinity in Ultrarunning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:06
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 48 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and Co-Host Cade Hanson discuss the topic of masculinity in ultrarunning. Masculinity explored in the discussion…
Episode 42: The Maverick Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:34
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 42 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix tells the infamous Maverick Story. This is the story about a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim Adventure where someo…
Episode 41: Niwot's Challenge Lore - The Day I Almost Died [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19:46
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 41 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about Niwot's Challenge; what it is, how and why it was created, and some of its inner intricacies. Then, t…
Episode 40: Getting Into Trail and Ultrarunning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:25
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 40 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix begins our new series, designed to help folks navigate the ins and outs of trail and ultrarunning. In this episod…