The Idiots join host Celeste Fong as she shares her recent health scare that led to surgery, getting the all clear to start training again and trying to plan races for the year.

The group debates whether she should attempt the 112-mile Cut race or drop to the 50-miler, discussing fitness, injury risk, fueling struggles, pacers and crew, plus upcoming races and volunteer plans.

Host Celeste Fong talks with Greg Smith about his running journey from college runs and marathons to technical mountain ultras. They cover standout races—from Spain’s rugged Pyrenees course to Mid-State Massive and Old Dominion—plus the thrill and challenge of trail versus road running.

The conversation also explores balancing training with new fatherhood, sleep deprivation, race planning and fueling, community support on the trail, and facing risks like allergies and the surreal moments that come with ultra-distance running.

In this episode Celeste Fong talks with Marcy Ritsick about her shock discovery from an at-home DNA test, learning she was donor-conceived and half Ashkenazi Jewish, searching for and meeting her biological father, and the ripple effects on her family, identity, and medical history.

They discuss the emotional fallout, the loss and rebuilding of relationships, finding community and chosen family through running and advocacy, and how Marcy moved forward with resilience.