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FACING VERT

FACING VERT

By: Tara Jordan
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About this listen

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.Tara Jordan Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • 083: Catawba Falls 15K-Brandon Thrower
    Feb 7 2026

    In this episode, I sat down via FaceTime with Brandon Thrower to talk about Tanawha Adventure's new race...the Catawba Falls 15K! You can hear Brandon's love for Catawba Falls as he describes every detail of the course from start to finish. If you are running this race or considering running it in the future, make sure you listen!

    Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/catawbafalls15k

    Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawhaadventures

    Facing Vert's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/facingvert

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    45 mins
  • 082: FKTs Are Better With Friends-Teresa Bowser & Nathan Frantz
    Jan 24 2026

    Two FKTs (fastest known time) from two different people, on two different routes, for different 'whys', but with the support of one another they accomplished great things. Teresa Bowser came up with her own 100+ miler called Project Untamed, and now the holds the FKT. When you come up with your own course, you would think you would make it as easy as possible, but not Teresa. My legs were burning just listening to her and Nathan describe the course! If you want to go for this FKT, just expect it to be BRUTAL but amazing all wrapped into one. This is everything Teresa loves on the trails she loves, and she wants YOU to go out and try it. For Nathan Frantz, his goal was to get the FKT for the yo yo of the Foothills Trail which calculates to over 150 miles. Nathan wanted to do this for his nephew, TJ, who has a rare form of leukodystrophy. As Nathan describes him..."He is the only child in the U.S. (with this form) and one of six in the entire world. And yet, if you met him, you'd never know the weight he carries. He is a light. Joy. Laughter. The kind of kid who reminds you what hope looks like". Nathan used his FKT attempt as a fundraiser for TJ, and the Go Fund Me link is still live: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tjs-fight-against-leukodystrophy

    Teresa was Nathan's crew chief and helped him through all the highs and the lows. Nathan paced Teresa for SO many miles in the hardest sections when she was the most tired. They supported each other, they laughed together, they slept-ran together, and I am so happy I got to hear their journeys from both of their perspectives. Thank you, Nathan and Teresa, for coming on the podcast!

    Teresa Bowser's Instagram:

    Nathan Frantz's Instagram:

    Teresa's Strava: @teresabowser_

    Nathan's Strava: @steadypacenate


    Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

    As always, thank you for listening!

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    2 hrs and 46 mins
  • 081: 1st Overall At The Looking Glass 100K-Cameron Brown
    Jan 2 2026

    I was looking forward to speaking to Cameron Brown about his Looking Glass win because I knew absolutely nothing about him...other than the fact the he absolutely crushed the race! He was first overall in a time of 9:31:55! Mind-blowing. What an interesting conversation I had with Cameron! I was fascinated to learn that he has only been running for less than 2 years, and it all started with his wife convincing him to join her for a marathon! It truly is unbelievable to hear how far he has come in such a short amount of time, and he takes every opportunity he can to learn more about how he can improve. Cameron has CERTAINLY discovered a gift, and I look forward to seeing where he goes from here. Thank you, Cameron, for joining me on the podcast and sharing your story! You are amazing!

    Cameron Brown's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cam_i_am1110/

    Cameron Brown's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/145052574

    Youtube Link about his Looking Glass experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUiYBxehPAo&feature=youtu.be


    Thank you for listening to Facing Vert! Follow on Instagram: @facingvert

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    1 hr and 25 mins
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