In this episode of Weathering The Run, I sit down with rising Ohio ultra star Alec Cline, a runner who’s been on an absolute tear this year, including a podium finish (3rd place) at the notoriously brutal Georgia Death Race. I first crossed paths with Alec at the Ohio Backyard Ultra, but our interview got delayed… and in hindsight, I’m glad it did because nearly every race since then, Alec has won.

We dive into Alec’s training mindset, his rapid climb in the ultra scene, and his upcoming race calendar, including:

• 🏃‍♂️ Burning River 100 – July 26, 2025

• 🏞️ Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra – Aug 2, 2025

• ⛰️ Tuscazoar Endurance Race (100 miler) – Aug 30, 2025

• ⏱️ NEO24 (24-hour race, Oct 4, 2025) – Goal: 140+ miles

Alec shares three keys to his training success:

1. Make Wednesdays Hard – Midweek 20-milers to boost volume early

2. Insert Fun – “We get to do this”—find joy in the process

3. Consistency – Show up, even when you don’t feel like it

His grit and gratitude are contagious, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone chasing big goals or needing a push through the daily grind.

🔗 Follow Alec’s journey:

Instagram: @alec_k_cline

Strava: Alec on Strava

🎧 Who You’ll Hear:

Larry O’Neill — Associate Professor and Oregon State Climatologist specializing in air–sea interactions and Pacific Northwest weather, offers an expert forecast for this year’s race.

Ashlyn Culbertson — A high school running coach, drawn #75 on the Western States Endurance Run waitlist, currently with just 19 runners ahead of her, shares her experience and hopes for joining the starting line.

Some topics:

-Insights on temperature, high country storms, and fire risk heading into the race.

-Historical drought, heatwaves, and how climate patterns are shifting.

-Social dynamics and emotions around being near the front of the waitlist.

-Running strategies for tough weather conditions and preparing mentally when you’re on the cusp.

-What the weather is likely to be during this year’s Western States.

-The lived experience of waitlisted runners and the emotional rollercoaster as race day nears.

Follow the guests:

Larry O’Neill on X (formerly Twitter): @laoneill25

Ash Culbertson on Strava): ⁠Ash's Strava

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we sit down with Paul Johnson—a former Naval officer turned ultrarunner who’s not only run across the United States but also set a world record by completing 100 miles in Antarctica in under 24 hours.

Paul shares how running became his outlet for managing anxiety and depression after his military service. We discuss his 2024 transcontinental run, where he covered over 3,000 miles in just over 51 days, raising more than $500,000 for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit supporting veterans' mental and physical health.

Now based in California, Paul is embracing new challenges, including mountain running, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness.

Connect with Paul:

• Website: pauljohnson.run

• Instagram: @pauijohnson

• YouTube: Paul Johnson

Learn more about Team Red, White & Blue: teamrwb.org

Watch Paul's Antarctica 100-Mile World Record Run: YouTube Video

Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and how he's using endurance sports to make a difference.