Distance To Empty

Distance To Empty will take its audience deep into the world of ultra-endurance running, with a particular focus on races exceeding 200 miles. Through in-depth interviews with athletes, race organizers and sports scientists, the episodes shed light on the unique challenges and strategies involved in tackling these extreme distances. Tune in and learn what it takes to reach your distance to empty.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • MattJRuns
    My favorite podcast
    I’ve been a fan of this podcast for over a year and look forward to a new episode each week. Kevin and Peter are such fun to listen to. Unlike other podcasts, they are truly experts in this distance and it shows in the quality of questions during their interviews. They end the show with a fun game that always makes me laugh. Thanks for the great content! You guys rock!
  • DadyWarbucks
    My new favorite running companion
    I’m training to run all of Destination Trail’s 200+mi events this year and have been burning through podcasts left and right. I can’t believe I had never heard of this show until now. I’ve been traveling for work quite a bit recently, and having this show to listen to while I mindlessly grind away on hotel treadmills has been a lifesaver. As someone who has really fallen in love with the 200mi distance, it’s nice to have a show that I know is going to be relevant for me 100% of the time. It seems like maybe you record these segments separately, but have you ever considered having your guests do the “deep” questions with you guys? Might be a fun way to get to know some of the personalities in our incredible community. Thanks for all of the great work so far. I can’t wait to see what’s next. See ya in AZ!
  • Mppppppjjovffbjo
    Prepping for my first 200
    I have enjoyed the focus on 200’s as I prep for my first. Very useful information. Interviews are done well. Production quality is high and not over-done. I’ll admit I skip the game at the end.
  • MarathonCarolB
    From First 50K to Western States Dreams – My Running Companion
    I was introduced to Distance to Empty when my colleague's dad, Michael Koppy, ran Cocodona and you interview him—and it was love at first listen. I started running in 2023, tackled my first 50K in 2024, and now I’m fully bitten by the distance bug. I’ll be heading to Western States this year to support Michael, and your podcast has been my loyal training partner through it all. From epic miles to post-run reflection, Distance to Empty keeps me entertained, motivated, and ready to "puke, rally, repeat." Thanks for being the perfect companion on my long runs—I couldn't imagine grinding out those hours without your stories, humor, and inspiration. Keep up the amazing work!
  • Arizona.Dreaming
    Definitely 200 Curious
    I’ve been dreaming about Cocodona since its inaugural year (wayyyy before I even ran my first ultra), and finally thinking hard about taking a crack at it in 2026. This podcast sealed the deal. I have been listening to all your episodes while doing barn chores every morning, and love all the wisdom, stories, guests, and of course the hosts! This is definitely my favorite podcast (across all genres!). Thank you for what you’re doing here!
  • Brad_Mcd
    New Favorite podcast!
    Has become my go to listen to help me get through my weekly runs! Great conversations with some unique and entertaining guests. Love how Kevin and Peter are creating a platform for those athletes that chance 200+ mile races share their stories
  • TrevorCoulter
    The best podcast
    Happy to be #69. You guys are the best! I have yet to run my first 200 but I’ve learned a lot from you guys!! I’m a plumber in NJ and you guys are always in my ear.
  • Megan Zdancewic
    First 200
    I just found out I got into Bigfoot which is my first 200 so I’ve been trying to learn as much as possible. Your podcast has helped me wrap my head around the training process. Thank you!
  • Marlow_m
    Great listen!
    If you want to hear about the ins and outs of ultra marathoning this is the podcast for you!
  • Haroldas S
    Awesome!
    Amazing podcast, really helped me for my Cocodona training throughout the winter to concentrate and motivate myself getting out there. I always run by myself, but with Kevin and Peter ‘nerding’ out about 200s makes me feel that I am running with company. The best thing about distance to empty is the sense of community, making me realize how big and wonderful it is. Thanks!
  • cwarreninspire
    Best!
    Best running podcast out there in my opinion. It helps that I’m training for my first 200 as well. Kevin and Peter are such great guys!
  • Elijah Syndergaard
    i love this show!
    I think the show is great and while I may never do a 200 mile race(i never know but don’t assume i will) I think it’s very interesting to hear peoples experiences and just talk about that next step in the ultra scene. I currently run rabbit run 100 miler in September but before that I have Tushars 100 K in a few weeks which I am equally scared for. edit: sorry for the VERY accidental 1 star review and thank u for calling me out in the badwater episode! also kudos on the right pronunciation of my last name!
  • Limple Rimply
    Got you boys
    I texted Elijah S for you guys. He decided to change his one star review, even though he was reluctant he said he would. Just want you to know I’m here for you. Love the show, thanks for everything you do. See you out there.
  • Laurajeangreenbean
    Awesome content and great laughs!!
    I’m newer to ultra distance running and am training for my first 100 mile race in September, Run Rabbit Run! Originally from Arizona My dream goal is Cocodona 250 and has been for the past three years (literally obsessed) I went to register for Coco 2025 three weeks after it opened and was devastated to find out there was already a waitlist (#262 and holding out hope!) I learned about this podcast this year while watching Cocodona and have since been inspired to expand my dreams of potential 200 mile races. I truly appreciate the incredible interviews with amazing folks from all over. From nutrition, gear tips, course overviews to interviews with front, middle and back of packers the content is wide and deep!! It’s refreshing to hear perspectives that are not just performance / outcome based but that find the beauty and joy alongside the pain cave moments. Thank you for the amazing content and especially all the laughs!!
  • dancingfajitas
    Awesome
    I’ve never run a 200 but I love this podcast! It still provides me with a ton of new info and I love all the guests. Found Kettle Mountain gear because of them
  • Grateful new parent
    Knowledge is power
    I am newer to the ultra running space. I’ve recently completed my first 100 miler after a few 50ks and 50 milers. I found this podcast pretty early on and have listened to every second of every episode. Now I wait in anticipation for Mondays so I can listen to the next episode. Even though I’m not a 200+ ultra runner, I’ve become, as you guys say, ‘200 curious’ as a result of this podcast. Thank you for dedicating time to making this podcast. The knowledge I get from the episodes has really given me the courage to some day tackle this distance. And although I haven’t signed up for a 200 yet, I know that one day I will. And I feel about as prepared with knowledge as I can because of this podcast. Oh…and I guess y’all are pretty funny too which helps. Lastly I want to say great job to Melanie on being tough through adversity and making it to the finish. I found inspiration in a variety of topics yall discussed but really found the bit about ‘caring’ particularly interesting. In the moment when things are hard it’s so easy to convince myself that I don’t care about the result, only the finish. But I know my past-self and future-self would care so I’m going to keep that in perspective. In your most recent episode with Melanie your call to action was to let you know the race we’re training for. My next race is the Arkansas Traveler 100 miler on October 5th, 2024.
  • Gokimbo9
    Love love love this one
    The hosts are so fun and knowledgeable. Very entertaining.
  • Mazzmatician
    So much information and inspiration
    This is my favorite trail running podcast. And I don’t even run 200s
  • Lusty McGee
    Ehh
    Best podcast I’ve never listened too. But knowing Kevin I’m sure it’s amazing. Might even have to give it a listen. Love you guys 😘
  • DBrigman
    Love it
    Loving every episode. I’ve been binging the podcast post Cocodona and this podcast is helping give me the confidence to try the 200+ distance in the future
  • Vhhcdhvxchgh
    Love this pod!
    Thanks for so much enlightenment! Even bought Let’s Get Deep for dinner time with my wife!
  • Mushroom Man424
    Excellent!!
    Thankfully downloaded a bunch of episodes and binged a bunch when my mountain house lost power. Perfect timing!!!
  • Samiam756
    Such a great pod
    Funny, insightful and an incredible resource for trail runners. Whether they want to run a 200 or not!
  • GhettoBlasta77
    Literally the best
    Best trail running podcast out there
  • No more paper!!
    Always an entertaining show….with great info!!
    I’ve listened to every episode and have gained some sort of new information each time. After having done 6 200+ races, I knew I didn’t know it all. But, I didn’t realize I knew very little! Great podcast for the endurance runner.
  • Vampiresmakemecrazy
    Great Podcast
    Hi! Kevin, I met your mom at a bar at the Grand Canyon and I want to be her new best friend:) I had just finished Sedona 125 and she and your brother overheard us talking about it. She is very proud of you! Congratulations on your amazing finish in a crazy fast group of front runners. I look forward to your post race podcast. I have a fascination with 200’s but not a desire to run one:) Your podcast is entertaining, informative and continues to get better every episode. The course preview really was helpful and I made some gear adjustments that were crucial. I hope you are recovering well and on to the next one:)
  • WonandErn
    I’m not even a runner
    I enjoy listening to this podcast because it makes me understand why my spouse does these races. It makes me realize my spouse really does have benign masochism. I like listening to the guests because they make me believe that these races are actually doable which makes it very tempting to start running (even though I’m about crewing and being a cheerleader!)
  • Gettinskinny123
    Newbie
    Love the podcast! Especially your expertise around Cocodona 250 has been super helpful in preparing for this year‘s race. Especially the course overview. I plan on downloading that and playing parts of it as I go through the race just to get my head around the highs and lows of each section. The podcast is excellent guys keep up the great work.
  • Dollyann café
    Excited for every new episode
    As an avid runner I’ve been dabbling in ultras and these two have created a fantastic podcast about setting and achieving those high mileage goals.
  • Clumsyfeet (Sarah B)
    Running with friends
    I intentionally save these episodes for my long runs, feels like I’m running with my buddies. Love the content and it’s so hard to save the episodes for later in the week.
  • Yahoo Fantasy Crap
    Searching For Empty
    I’m on a journey to find my empty and this podcast inspires me to challenge myself. I am no where near 200 miles, but Kevin, Peter and the guests discuss what is possible. I enjoy the rapid fire questions and the hosts go deep with personal questions at the end of each episode. Keep us the good work guys. I can’t to see where this goes!
  • ScottFromWashington
    Great podcast!
    With 200s becoming more popular, this podcast really was needed. Kevin and Peter have a lot of experience with the distance, but are also entertaining! I’ve especially enjoyed the interviews with the race directors the last few episodes!
  • RunDogMomRun
    Huge fan!
    Such a needed show for the niche of running 200s. I’m hoping to run a 200 within the next couple years. This pod is pure gold!
  • Coach Clare
    Original and from Real Runners
    Love that these guys have been out there doing this since the beginning. They’re so friendly and welcoming to newcomers and it’s an incredible community!
  • Melrwhite
    So interesting! Hosts and guests are great!
    This pod has excellent information for ultra crazies interested in 200+ mile races. It's great for runners in general too!
  • AlwaysinaJam
    What feels like coming home…
    I cannot thank yall enough for this podcast! I’ve been in & out of the running scene for a long time & fell in love with listening to podcasts while on long runs with the pioneer, Eric & his show UltraRunnerPodcast. 🎧 I’ve tried tons of other running & ultra pods and nothing had lit the 🔥 to get me out the door & setting goals since URP like your show has. Since episode 1 -I’ve hit the trails with my pup several times & I’m also now watching ALL of Wes Plate’s YouTube videos in chronological order! 🙌🏻 Seriously, thank you guys for diving deep, being vunerable, choosing rad guests, and making me feel connected again to something I love you much. Keep it up! #normalizecryingin200s 😭
  • moons@uc3
    really good stuff
    even if you don’t run 200+ mile races, this podcast is an excellent deep dive into the minds of those who do! Kevin and Peter are great hosts and interviewers and the variety of guests is awesome. keep up the great work!
  • Roseyggg
    Amazing Podcasts!!!!
    I really enjoy your podcast today with the Chaos Crew. What an amazing concept. Thank you for bringing these amazing topics. As someone who has been away from ultras for a very long time. Your podcasts give me insight and training advice on what it takes to run 200’s. Dave
  • 88sarah8888888
    One of the better ones
    I consider myself a connoisseur of trail and ultra running podcasts so I usually check out new ones I find. This is one of the better ones that I’ve definitely added to my follows. I haven’t run a 200 and probably won’t. But I’ve volunteered at one and find the distance and those who run them intriguing.
  • AnotherCheetah
    BIG PODCAST ENERGY
    I really enjoyed the first episode with Wes! Even though my distance to empty is a few miles (on a good day) I’m intrigued to learn more about the sport. Shout out to my fellow Cocodona live chatters! BGE <3
  • Bluegrass4.0
    Finally a 200 based podcast!
    Love hearing all the experiences and strategies regarding 200’s… hope to do my first in ‘25 and glad to have this constant 200-based podcast!
  • Mike🤓
    Just what I was looking for
    Making the jump from 100s to the 200 + distance this year (Cocodona and The Divide). I’ll definitely be tuning in to get all the knowledge. A great listen, thanks for the content!
  • Master of puzzels
    Awesome Podcasts!
    I particularly like Wes’s humble approach to helping others to achieve these amazing and life changing journeys! Keep these podcasts coming! Mike
  • bjjguy101
    Great show
    Very good show great for something wail your running
  • Ethan_Ultrarunner
    Finally!!
    Great podcast! Glad there is something for the crazy long race runners of the world!
  • Sodavalley
    Listen up !!
    Great podcast with really good info and exceptional guests !!! Loving this 👊🏻👊🏻
  • BobDavis
    Awe-inspiring!
    "Distance To Empty" is a captivating podcast that delves into the gritty and awe-inspiring world of ultra-endurance running, particularly spotlighting the monumental challenges of races beyond the 200-mile mark. Each episode is a deep dive into the very essence of endurance, featuring enlightening interviews with seasoned athletes, insightful race organizers, and knowledgeable sports scientists. The podcast masterfully illuminates the physical, mental, and logistical intricacies of ultra-running, offering listeners a rare and comprehensive glimpse into what it truly takes to push human limits. The host's engaging style and well-crafted questions draw out stories and strategies that are as inspiring as they are educational, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the extreme side of endurance sports. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner, a budding athlete, or simply someone fascinated by the outer reaches of human capability, "Distance To Empty" promises to take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of endurance. Its focus on the 200 mile races isn't just about the distance — it's about the stories, the determination, and the science that propels individuals to confront their own 'distance to empty.' A highly recommended listen that's sure to fuel your next adventure.
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