John Calabrese: Navy Grit, 100 Miles of Pain, Addiction, Redemption & the Taco Bell 50K

Episode 36 — John Calabrese: Navy Grit, 100 Miles of Pain, Addiction, Redemption & the Taco Bell 50K This week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with John Calabrese — a 100-mile ultrarunner, Navy vet, father, and survivor who has battled alcoholism, heartbreak, and rock-bottom moments most people never come back from. John shares how running went from an escape in childhood… to a stabilizing force after the Navy… to the tool that helped him rebuild his life.We dive into TWOT100, Barkley Fall Classic, hallucinations, training 60–90 miles a week at 45 years old, running impressions mid-race, Ainsley’s Angels, and the infamous Taco Bell 50K. If you love raw, real interviews with runners who have lived some life — don’t skip this one. Topics:• Early life & where running began• Navy service stories• Alcoholism, jail, and turning points• Finishing TWOT100• Barkley Fall Classic + JFK 50• Hallucinating cartoon characters• Ainsley’s Angels & running for others• The Taco Bell 50K• Advice for runners facing darkness Follow John at @breezytrailheadLearn More About Ainsleys AngelsFollow the show @ostrich.runningShop Ostrich Salt at ostrichrunning.com