I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast

Fresh off a record-breaking performance at the 2026 Western States 100, Jennifer Lichter joins the podcast to share the story behind one of the most impressive breakthroughs in ultrarunning.

Jenn won Western States in 15:28:05, breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record in her very first 100-mile race. Just a few months earlier, she won Black Canyon 100K and set another course record in her debut at that distance.

In this conversation, Jen reflects on the race itself, the mindset it took to stay present over 100 miles, and how she handled the pressure of chasing history. She also opens up about her childhood in Colombia, being adopted and moving to the United States, and how those experiences shaped the resilience and gratitude that define both her life and her running.

We also talk about training with coach John Fitzgerald, her nutrition strategy, racing after battling a stomach bug just days before Western States, and what comes next as she looks toward the future.

Topics covered: 

Winning the 2026 Western States 100

Breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record

Running a course record in her 100-mile debut

Winning Black Canyon 100K in her first 100K

Growing up in Colombia and being adopted

Gratitude, resilience, and how hardship shaped her

Training with coach John Fitzgerald

Racing while recovering from a stomach bug

Nutrition strategy at Western States

Managing pressure and expectations during a 100-mile race

Life in Missoula and training with Nike ACG

Looking ahead to CCC at UTMB

Sponsors:

Goodr

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Be the first to know about my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon group training!

Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you’ve already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you’re trying.

The Geist Half Marathon offers a scenic, community-focused race experience with half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances in Fishers, Indiana. Use code ANOTHER26 for 10% off any race distance!

Today we’re continuing the Female Founder Series, and it wouldn’t be a series about women entrepreneurs in the running space without welcoming Erica Sara from Erica Sara Designs.

Erica has been part of this running community for a long time. She’s been creating jewelry for runners since before I even started this podcast. She’s the official jeweler for the New York City Marathon and the Every Woman’s Marathon, and she designs every piece from her home studio while also raising two kids and continuing to run marathons herself.

In this conversation, we talk about entrepreneurship, motherhood, running, creativity, and what it’s been like to build Erica Sara Designs into such a beloved brand within the running community. This is actually Erica’s fourth time on the podcast, and I know you’re going to enjoy catching up with her.

Be sure to check out Erica’s beautiful work at EricaSara.com, and thanks so much for being here. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Erica Sara.

Books Mentioned

On Being Jewish Now

Support our Sponsors:

Lindsey’s Monumental Marathon Training GroupI’m coaching a virtual training group for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon weekend beginning July 20. You’ll get a VDOT training plan, monthly coaching calls, race weekend meetups, and guidance on training, fueling, and keeping the joy in running. SIGN UP HERE.

Lagoon SleepI absolutely love Lagoon pillows, especially the Cooling Otter Pillow. As a hot sleeper, I appreciate that they’re cool to the touch and completely customizable, so you can adjust the height to fit exactly how you sleep. Use code LINDSEY for 15% off at https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey

Rachael Rudel is having one of the biggest breakthrough seasons in American distance running. After years away from elite racing, she’s back in a big way. This spring she became the top American woman at both the Boulder Boulder and the B.A.A. 10K, finished second overall at the B.A.A. 10K in a personal best 31:31, placed runner-up at the USATF 4 Mile Championships, and broke the course record at the Horsetooth Half Marathon.

Rachael shares the story behind her journey, from battling an eating disorder that stemmed from an undiagnosed case of celiac disease, to making the difficult decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation. She talks openly about rebuilding her relationship with running, returning to competition after nearly a decade away from the elite level, and why she believes she’s still only scratching the surface of her potential.

We also dive into her work with Front Range Elite, training under coach David Roche and now recently beginning to work with agent Josh Cox, balancing a demanding full-time career alongside professional-level racing, and what’s next as she eyes the marathon and beyond.

Rachael is one of the most refreshing personalities in the sport right now, and I absolutely loved this conversation.

Topics discussed:

Rachael’s breakout 2026 racing season

Finishing second at the B.A.A. 10K and becoming the top American

Growing up as a multi-sport athlete

Being recruited to Colorado State as a jumper before becoming a distance runner

Living with undiagnosed celiac disease

Recovering from an eating disorder

Undergoing a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation

Finding joy in running again after stepping away from elite competition

Working full-time while competing at a national level

The culture and mission of Front Range Elite

Why she’s taking a patient approach toward the marathon

Learning to race fearlessly while staying healthy

What’s next for the second half of the season

Get connected with Rachael’s team:

Front Range Elite

Support our Sponsors: 

HUUG makes high-quality bras and underwear designed to actually fit and support your body through every phase of life. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and built for movement, making them a go-to for everyday wear, running, and training alike. Use the code Lindsey for 15% off at huug.com.

Be the first to know about my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon group training!

Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you’ve already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you’re trying.

Tailwind NutritionTailwind Nutrition creates all-in-one endurance fuel and hydration products designed to be easy to digest while providing calories, electrolytes, and hydration during long efforts. Their products are built specifically for endurance athletes who want simple, effective fueling without GI issues.

Go to tailwindnutrition.com/another and use the code “Another20” for 20% off your first order.

Lagoon Sleep — If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout.

Today we’re continuing the Female Founder Series with author, podcaster, and co-founder of Another Mother Runner, Dimity McDowell.

Dimity was one of the first people I really knew in the running space over a decade ago when I started dipping my toes into podcasting and becoming part of the broader running community beyond my hometown of Indianapolis. Alongside her co-founder, Sarah Bowen Shea, she helped create a movement with Another Mother Runner by providing support, encouragement, and connection to women around the country and around the world. That community continues today, and Another Mother Runner has recently found a new home with Feisty Media.

As Dimity entered a new season in her own athletic journey, she wrote a beautiful book called The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of the Running Years. She’s a former contributing editor at Runner’s World, and through this book she’s supporting anyone whose relationship with running is beginning to change.

As I’ve navigated my own injury and foot surgery, this book helped me feel a little less alone. Watching other people accomplish incredible things while wondering what my own future in running might look like has been emotional, and I think learning to accept change is an important part of the process. In The 27th Mile, Dimity reckons with her decision to stop running, grieves leaving behind a sport she deeply loved, and shares how she rediscovered purpose, connection, and those endorphins on the other side.

I love Dimity’s heart and everything she’s done for women in the running community over the years. And I’ll tell you what, interviewing another podcaster is always fun because they know how to have a great conversation.

If you’re in any kind of transition with your own running journey, I highly recommend checking out The 27th Mile.

Thanks so much for being here, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dimity McDowell.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Cure HydrationCure Hydration makes it easier to stay properly hydrated with clean ingredients and electrolyte support that actually helps your body absorb water more effectively. Use code ANOTHER for 20% off at curehydration.com or find it on Amazon.

Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you’ve already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you’re trying.

Be the first to know about my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon group training!

I also have two openings for individualized coaching. I intentionally keep my roster small so I can give each athlete the attention they deserve. If you’re interested, email me to see if we’re a good fit – lindsey@sandyboyproductions.com.

Western States is here, and I couldn’t think of a better guest to have on the podcast than Canyon Woodward.

Canyon has quietly become one of the most exciting athletes in trail running. He became the first ultrarunner to earn three consecutive top-five finishes at Western States Golden Ticket races in a single season, finishing third at the 2025 Javelina 100, fourth at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K, and fifth at the 2026 Canyons 100K. His progression at UTMB has been just as impressive, climbing from 48th place in 2022 to 13th place in 2025.

But Canyon’s story goes far beyond racing. He grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina, was homeschooled, spent part of his childhood in the remote community of Stehekin, Washington, and now balances elite ultrarunning with environmental advocacy and political organizing. He also co-authored the book Dirt Road Revival.

This was such a thoughtful conversation. We talk about growing up immersed in the outdoors, his journey into elite trail running, preparing for his Western States debut, and why he believes “stacking bricks” applies just as much to life and community as it does to training.

A big thank you to Mount to Coast for connecting me with Canyon. He’s sponsored by Mount to Coast and will be racing Western States in one of their trail shoes this weekend.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review. It helps more people discover the show.

Thanks for being here, and enjoy my conversation with Canyon Woodward.

What we talked about:

Growing up in western North Carolina and Stehekin, Washington

How homeschooling and outdoor adventures shaped his life

Balancing environmental advocacy, politics, and professional running

His progression from first ultramarathons to Western States contender

Preparing for his Western States debut and race strategy

UTMB progression and lessons learned over four years

Pacers, Golden Tickets, and the future of elite trail racing

Finding purpose through running, community, and public lands advocacy

Media mentioned:

Books

Dirt Road Revival

Landmarks

HUUG makes high-quality bras and underwear designed to actually fit and support your body through every phase of life. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and built for movement, making them a go-to for everyday wear, running, and training alike. Use the code Lindsey for 15% off at huug.com.

Tailwind NutritionTailwind Nutrition creates all-in-one endurance fuel and hydration products designed to be easy to digest while providing calories, electrolytes, and hydration during long efforts. Their products are built specifically for endurance athletes who want simple, effective fueling without GI issues.

Go to tailwindnutrition.com/another and use the code “Another20” for 20% off your first order.

Be the first to know about my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon group training!

Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you’ve already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you’re trying.

BatchBatch is a Wisconsin-based wellness brand creating small-batch, science-backed CBD and THC products designed to help with stress, sleep, and overall balance. Their formulas are developed in-house using high-quality hemp and third-party testing for consistency and transparency.

Go to hellobatch.com/another and use code “Another” for 30% off your order!

Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand focused on supporting runners who push beyond traditional race formats, especially in the ultrarunning space. Rather than taking a standard approach to race weekend activations, the brand leaned into its identity by backing unique efforts like Double Boston, providing athletes with both gear and logistical support to take on unconventional challenges. Their C1 shoe is designed with long-distance comfort in mind, offering substantial cushioning that holds up over extended efforts on the road. The brand’s approach reflects a commitment to endurance, creativity, and meeting runners where they are, whether that’s chasing a personal best or taking on something entirely outside the norm.

Cure HydrationCure Hydration makes it easier to stay properly hydrated with clean ingredients and electrolyte support that actually helps your body absorb water more effectively. Use code ANOTHER for 20% off at curehydration.com or find it on Amazon.