I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast

Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Erin Ton. Erin is a professional mountain runner and endurance athlete who has built a remarkable life around chasing fastest known times all over the world. She has close to 200 FKTs to her name, with efforts that range from all-out sub-hour mountain pushes to 24-plus hour and multi-day adventures. In this conversation, Erin shares what draws her to this style of running and why she is so inspired by self-supported and unsupported efforts in the mountains. We talk about the beauty and challenge of moving through remote places alone, what it takes to prepare for these routes, and how she approaches safety, fear, and decision-making in extreme environments. Erin also reflects on a recent trip to South America, where she set the short-course women’s speed record on Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. She talks about the emotional side of these big efforts too, including what it feels like when an attempt does not go to plan, why some unfinished goals still keep calling her back, and how she has learned to sit with both success and failure. This episode is a little different from the track, road, and marathon conversations I often have on the show, and that is exactly why I loved it. Erin’s story is full of adventure, perspective, and a deep love for wild places. I think you are going to really enjoy getting to know her. Topics Discussed: What fastest known times are and the difference between supported, self-supported, and unsupported efforts Why Erin is drawn to self-supported and unsupported mountain efforts Her recent South America trip and setting the short-course women’s speed record on Aconcagua The difference between the short and long Aconcagua records How she trains for very different kinds of FKTs, from short mountain efforts to 24-plus hour and multi-day routes Strength training, nutrition, sleep, and the more structured side of her preparation Wilderness safety, gear, and learning to move safely in big mountain environments Managing fear and using visualization before committing to dangerous terrain Beautiful places she recommends, including the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Khumbu Valley in Nepal Living out of a van and what that lifestyle looks like in practice Her unfinished pursuit of Nolan’s and what repeated attempts have taught her Why she is more drawn to adventure-style mountain efforts than traditional racing Growing up in Colorado and how leaving home made her appreciate the mountains more The law school path she once imagined and how running became both an outlet and a calling The bigger goals she has for the future, including chasing women’s speed records on the Seven Summits Her encouragement to get outside, explore, and experience more of the world Book recommendations: A Sand County Almanac Support our Sponsors: 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. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! Indy Mini Marathon Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It’s such a fun race weekend.

Lindsey Butler joins the podcast after placing third in the 1500m at the USA Indoor Championships, earning a bronze medal in a stacked field behind Nikki Hiltz and Gracie Morris. What makes this performance even more impressive is that Lindsey came into the race as the lowest seed and didn’t even know she was in the race until just days before. She made the most of the opportunity, putting herself right in the mix and even taking the lead during the race. Lindsey is currently an unsponsored athlete, training in Blacksburg with her college coach at Virginia Tech while also working as an engineer. She’s an NCAA champion and has been on a steady rise, running multiple personal bests over the past year, including a 4:20 mile at Fifth Avenue and 4:25 at the Sir Walter Mile. This is a really exciting time in her career, and I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Lindsey moving forward. Topics Discussed: USA Indoor Championships performance Racing as the last seed in a national final Taking the lead mid-race strategy Missing Worlds despite podium finish Unsponsored athlete experience Pursuing a pro contract NIL deal with On and transition out of college Balancing engineering career with elite running Training setup in Blacksburg Working with coach Ben Thomas Post-collegiate training group (POCO) Late start in running after lacrosse background PR progression in mile and road racing Navigating the pro running landscape Future goals: Diamond League and national team contention Support our Sponsors: Indy Mini Marathon: Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It’s such a fun race weekend. 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 and training alike. Use the code “Lindsey” for 15% off at huug.com. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Price increases on April 1st, so sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off!