Jim Sweeney | Running and Brewing on the Beast Coast
Sep 16, 2021
Jim Sweeney runs primary on the technical trails around upstate New York and New England, still loves a good old road marathon, and even ran the fastest hundred miler (13:09) in 2018. He’s also the Lead Brewer at a brewery you’ve heard me talk a lot about…Athletic Brewing in Connecticut.
It was high time I had Jim on the show to talk about his life (he’s got a degree in forensic psychology, whaaa?), his love of brewing beer, and what races he’s got on the horizon.
Fun talk with a guy sounds like he’s living the dream. I hope you enjoy this episode.
Jim Sweeney on some non-technical trails!
Jim Sweeney Episode Notes
Here’s a link to the Escarpment Trail Run that Jim mentioned. Mighty technical.
And here’s a link to the race I couldn’t remember…Manitou’s Revenge.
And here’s a link to Athletic Brewing. If you need any suggestions, ask away. I’m what they call, I believe, a prolific drinker. (Here’s my story about when and why I stopped drinking and the role Athletic played.)
Terry Miller | Lessons from DFL at Hardrock 100
Jul 22, 2021
I was DFL at #hr100 Not the result I was hoping for, but I think I learned even more this way. Been trying to get here for about 10 years. pic.twitter.com/DFWkR6zhdk
Alek Simpson | Running Ultramarathons with Narcolepsy
Jul 16, 2021
Alek Simpson was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy at 18 years old and has continued running ultramarathons and trail races. He’s on a combination of drugs to keep him “normal”, never gets hungry, has extreme light sensitivity, and has experienced sleep paralysis…but none of this is changing his love and passion for the trails and racing.
In this interview, I ask Alek about the disorders and how they affect his personal and running life. We talk about where he grew up, his upcoming races, and we talk about everything from falling porcupines to a new route from San Diego to Mexico that I didn’t know existed. Alek is very candid about this mysterious disorder and hopes to bring some attention and light to it.
Alek Simpson and Baz HawleyAlek Simpson, his sister Katie Burns and her husband J.K. Lundberg at Dick Collins 100k in 2019.
Torsten Heycke | Running, paddling, mapping, and more.
Jun 21, 2021
Torsten Heycke is an endurance athlete who’s participated and competed in a panoply of outdoor sports. From ultramarathons like UTMB-CCC and Western States to field hockey, surfing, MTB racing, tennis, XC ski racing and triathlon, today, Torsten and I drill down and discuss our joined passion for paddle sports.
He and I both competed in a paddle race last month in Northern California, me in the 25 mile race on stand up paddleboard, he in the 100 mile race on a Surfski. (Torsten won his event.)
In this interview, we talk about paddling and discuss the similarities and differences between it and trail running. We talk about gear, “terrain”, the overall scene, and where to find good races. If you’ve thought about taking your SUP past the point of casual paddling, this is the episode for you.
Additionally, Torsten lives in Ashland (Southern Oregon) with his wife where he’s a member of a group looking to put Ashland back on the map for outdoor endurance sports. Since it’s heyday (hello Rogue Valley Runners?!?) a decade ago, Ashland has unfortunately seen its share of catastrophic fires that dealt a big blow to its running and tourism industry. We talk about races coming up and why you should consider Southern Oregon as a destination for your adventures.
Finally….Torsten Heycke is a bit of a mapping geek and we talk about how he came to design the official maps for Western States and he answers a few of my gripes/questions about Strava.
Paddlers’ equivalent of a black toenail.
Torsten Heycke Episode Notes:
Paddling Resources:
Paddleguru is the paddler’s version of Ultrasignup. Nowhere near as comprehensive, but it’s the best I can find.
Noah Brautigam is a Salomon sponsored trail and ultra runner who started life as a xc skier and instructor in Vermont who bounced to the West Coast and has spent the last few years in Salt Lake City. Now he and his wife are living the van life as they prepare for a big move to her native Sweden later this summer.
We talk about xc ski training, coaching, his recent 3rd plan at Canyons 100k, some drastic diet challenges, and the mindset Noah has going into races. This was a fun interview with a really neat guy. Keep an eye on him this summer then we’ll see what he’s up to in Europe later this year.
Canyons 100k: Anthony Costales (1st), Max King (2nd), Noah Brautigam (3rd.) Pic by me.
Annie Hughes is a 23 year old runner living in Leadville Colorado who hasn’t finished off the podium in nearly two years. She likes big vert, technical terrain, and long hauls that push her abilities. Haven’t heard of her? Listen to this interview and keep an eye on Annie…she’s got big plans and all the components to make them come true.
Annie loves the mountains, she loves pushing herself, and we’ll really get to see what she’s got after a series of races this summer…Speedgoat, Mace’s Hideout 100 high up in Colorado, then Moab 240. Yowza, how’s that for variety?! Go Annie!
Fifty Miles on Acid | Interview with Lucas Simon Drake
Mar 15, 2021
Lucas Simon Drake joins me to share his experience of running a 50 mile trail ultramarathon tripping on acid. Why did he do it? How did it go? Does he see it as a PED or did in hinder his performance?
Please, listen to this interview with an open mind. It’s pretty damn interesting.
If you’re going to try something like this, please do it on your own and don’t put the RDs at risk of liability and/or losing their permits.
The look of pure bliss: 150 micrograms of LSD during a 10k.
Nicole Monette started running competitively in high school and moved to ultramarathons a few years ago. She won Yeti 100 in 2020 and then last month participated in the Hoka Carbon X2 event in Arizona. During that event, Nicole finished second.
She doesn’t race a lot, but instead Nicole focuses on and enjoys the rigors and structure of training. In this chat, we talk about her childhood, kids, her fierce competitiveness, and how she got wound up racing 100k in Arizona last month. How will that event be different than her next trail ultramarathon? In about every way possible.
We also talk about parenting active kids, keeping them motivated and engaged, and what it’s like having little kids with glasses. Lots to cover here!
Austin Bogina is an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the Marathon, a member of the USA 50k team, and a Ph.D candidate in the field of sports management.
In this interview, we talk about growing up in small town Kansas, finding his legs in Colorado, and working his butt off to get where he is now.
(Austin is) just a farm boy from Kansas who made his dreams happen.
Matt Daniels
Austin and I could have spoken for hours about his academic focus and how small groups of runners affect the overall running scene and about how money affects the sport. I’ll likely ask Austin to be on the show again to dig even deeper about how our sport is growing and how that growth will affect athletes from casual ultramarathon runners to sponsored athletes.
Austin Bogina (r), Matt Daniels (shirt) and Matt’s wedding.
Sarah Biehl ran track and XC in both high school and college, ran an Olympics Trials Qualifying marathon, then set her eyes on her first ultramarathon. With guidance from friends in the ultra world, she ran an impressive 5th place, but most importantly, had a great time and smiled the …
Clint Welch Interview | From Rodeos to Running
Oct 29, 2020
Clint Welch grew up playing football and riding bareback rodeo in California’s Central Valley and Texas. He also ran with his mom occasionally through childhood, but that bug ultimately caught up with him and now he’s an accomplished ultramarathon runner with numerous hundred milers under his belt. So how’d that …
Francesca Muccini – Overall Champion at Vol State
Aug 27, 2020
Francesca Muccini has run—and won–Vol State before but her performance this year at the Lazarus Lake event has been called one of the greatest multi day performances of all time. In this interview, Francesca–originally from Italy–describes her meticulous training on the roads and the gym and how she focused for …
Pam Reed has run ninety six 100 milers and finished 50+ Ironman triathlons. She’s set the record for 24 hours on the track, and won–outright–Badwater two times. Most impressive to many was her 2015 Western/Hardrock/Badwater triple. All three of those events occur within one month. Woof! In this interview, we …
Ellie Pell has had success in trail ultras and recently ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta. How'd it go, and what's next for this native New Yorker?
For those who use Twitter to get their ultramarathon and trail news, you’re likely familiar with SteeltownRunner. He adds to conversations with civil, salient, and smart commentary about some of the obscure races, records, and athletes from our sport. Behind the online moniker is Paul, a guy originally from Pennsylvania …
Ryan Haebe Interview | From Collegiate Success to a Tragic Accident and Back to the Trails on his Terms
Jan 24, 2020
Ryan Haebe went from top collegiate runner with an OTQ to someone fighting for his life. Then he won a 55k last year in Arizona and it got me thinking if we'll see his passion and fierce talent on the MUT scene any time soon.
Bethany Patterson | Finding Time For the Trails
Dec 19, 2019
Bethany Patterson started her running career when she took David Horton’s ultramarathon class back in 1999. (Here’s our interview with the good doc from 2013.) From his class, she learned where to run, how to run, and he supported her throughout her upcoming races around the country. Here’s a great …
Sabrina Stanley | Surviving a Tough First Half to Win at Grand Raid
Nov 04, 2019
No American has even stood on the podium at Grand Raid Reunion Island (and Diagonale des Fous.) The notoriously difficult hundred miler in the India Ocean has seen greats like Andrea Huser, Nathalie Mauclair, Nuria Picas, Kilian Jornet, and Francois d’Haene work for wins, but Americans have had a tough …
Michael Ortiz | A 100 Miler Each Week for a Year
Oct 22, 2019
Inspired and motivated by his late brother, Michael Ortiz set off on an audacious goal last year…run a hundred miler each weekend for a year. Could it be done? Could he handle not just the running, but the logistics and travel of such a big project? Now throw in a …
Jessica Hewitt joins me to talk about how she lost her trail running mojo, and what steps she took to get it back. Great follow up to her recent post in Trail Sisters.
Chase Parnell | Taking Big Steps Towards his Best Life
Oct 03, 2019
Two weeks ago he stopped drinking, quit his job, and started a website about ultra trail running, parenthood, and the outdoors. Many of us wish we could take that proverbial jump...Chase Parnell and Nikki did it and are living it right now. Here's there story.
Michael Carson | Mental Strength and Physical Training
Sep 24, 2019
Michael Carson lives and works in Phoenix Arizona and trains on flat canal paths, treadmills, and an indoor spin bike. Two weeks ago he took this training to the notoriously tough Mogollan Monster 100 miler and came away with a podium win. So how’d he do it? I asked Michael …
Wookie Kim | Fighting For His Life in the Maroon Bells
Aug 30, 2019
Wookie Kim started out his weekend like many of us do. He’d planned a fun run in Colorado’s Maroon Bells with a buddy and they’d given themselves 12 hours to finish the 27 mile loop. All was going well, until fit hit the shan. Faced with an excruciating headache that …
Earlier this summer, Zach Violett ducked away to Andorra for a month–his goal being a good finish at the notoriously difficult and beautiful Ronda dels Cims 105 miler. In this interview, we talk about his training and execution of the race (he, ahem, negative split the darn thing) and he …
Carol Seppilu | From Tragedy to Trails
Jul 08, 2019
Carol Seppilu survived a gun-related suicide attempt at 16yo and went thru some dark times. Then she found ultra trail running and has some incredible stories to share.
Jonathan Levitt: Podcasting and Predictions
Jun 25, 2019
Ever wondered what it takes to start a podcast? What kind of equipment is needed, what level of tech knowledge is necessary, and how and why guests are booked? Some hosts focus on accomplishments, some on deeper stories, and some avoid controversy while others take on big issues. This past …
Jennifer O’Connor | Lessons from Western States and Marking the Course
Jun 20, 2019
Sarah joins me again to talk to the woman responsible for getting her into running 25 years ago. Jennifer has lined up at Western before but had a bad day and was carried out on horse back. She’s also finished with less than an hour to spare, and has moved …
Tim Lambert | From the UK to Squaw Valley
Jun 13, 2019
Tim Lambert has had his name in the Western States lottery for six years and every year he’s come up short. He’s been to The Big Dance two times, crewing elite runner Jez Bragg and soaking up as much information and wisdom as possible. Then in December of last year, …
Amanda Basham has lined up at Western States three times in the past three years. Two of those were fourth place finishes and one was a DNF with a pulled ankle. So what’s her strategy this year? Harder? Faster? More intense? Or did she pick up some tips from one …
Zach Ornelas Interview | What a Year!
May 13, 2019
Zach Ornelas won American River 50 miler just over a year ago. Then he represented the US at the IAU Trail Championships in Spain, then he won the USATF 50 Mile Trail Championships at Tussey Mountainback. Less than two months later he finished California International Marathon (CIM) with a three …
Jimmy Elam | Golden Ticket to the Big Dance
Apr 30, 2019
Jimmy Elam has been running competitively since he was nine years old. He was an All American in college, ran his first and only marathon in 2:21, and has had tremendous success in the MUT scene, setting a CR at the wild and competitive Broken Arrow Skyrace, pushing Walmsley hard …
Anna Mae Flynn | Sonoma Strategy and Future Plans
Apr 16, 2019
Anna Mae Flynn had an incredible performance at Lake Sonoma on Saturday, finishing it off by overtaking race leader YiOu Wang in the final 1/4 mile of the race. At the finish line she was offered a Golden Ticket to Western States Endurance Run and she told RD Craig Thornley …
Gabi Maudiere | Another Tough DNF. Now What?
Apr 10, 2019
Last weekend Gabi Maudiere lined up at American River 50 miler and felt off from the start. She battled stomach issues the whole way, never able to shake the nausea and finally throwing in the towel at mile 42. So what happened? She’s run the distance before. Heck, she’d won …
M.E.A.N. events with Guillaume Arthus
Apr 05, 2019
Guillaume Arthus joins me to talk about an acronym he’s been using to describe alt-format events in this wacky sport of ours. MEAN stands for Mind – Endurance – Autonomy – Navigation and describes events with increased mental strain, abnormally long distances, many, many hours of alone time, and map …
Sean Blanton | Rules and the State of the Sport
Apr 01, 2019
RunBum RD Sean Blanton joined me for a discussion about a call he made this past weekend that I have serious disagreements with. What better way than to discuss the issue on a live call, agree to disagree, then move on to better topics like Barkley, media, sponsors, Anton, podcasts, …
Ryan Lange | Generation Z on the Trails
Mar 25, 2019
Where Ryan Lange lacks in raw leg speed or a monster VO2 max, he makes up for in enthusiasm for the trails. Ryan’s 21, lives in Jersey, and besides running 200s, also likes to DJ at EDM events and hunt white tail deer. In a sport made of people with …
Kami Semick | Ten Years Later and a Fresh Outlook on Running
Mar 20, 2019
Kami Semick was at the top of her game 10 years ago, ran for a few years, then stopped completely. Now she's back at it, but with an entirely new outlook on racing.
Dani Moreno | Patience and Speed on California’s Central Coast
Feb 26, 2019
Dani Moreno (HOKA/rabbit) lined up for her first trail ultramarathon last week and ran away with the USATF 50k Trail Championship title. Nice work for her first ultra! Want to hear more about her training and whether we’ll see her at more ultras? Make no mistake, Dani Moreno’s no newbie …
Matt Daniels | Taking a Sub 4 Mile to the Big Dance
Feb 20, 2019
Matt Daniels will be the first sub 4 minute miler to line up for Western States Endurance Run this June. In his first 100k last weekend, Matt won a Golden Ticket by leading from early on in the race and he’s ready to bite off even more this summer. With …
MUT News Update | Feb 14 2019 | Results, Predictions, Cheaters, New Events, and More!
Feb 14, 2019
A podcast without a guest! I run down some of the top MUT stories from the week. Links: Jeff Browning’s strength routine. Ethan Newberry’s new race in Washington…Tiger Claw! Ryan Sandes’ Tarawera Report Kelly Agnew’s latest problem: Stealing from his employer. More on his problem cheating in ultras. More on the Piece of String race. This Week …
Amy Puzey | When Perfect Training Isn’t Enough
Jan 31, 2019
Amy Puzey lined up at Houston Marathon after a perfect block of training, but when the gun fired, she fell apart. What happened, and how can she prevent it next time?
Brittany Peterson | Golden Ticket Time!
Jan 24, 2019
Brittany Peterson joins Sarah and I to talk about her recent win at Bandera and Golden Ticket win. How will she translate her skyrunning skills to The Big Dance? We'll see in June!
Sarah and I chat with FKT/UD head honcho Buzz Burrell about the ethics and people behind FKTs and where our sport is headed. We also talk aging, mixed drinks, podcasts, and more.
Jimi Oostrum | Trail Running in Nepal
Jan 09, 2019
I’ve been semi-obsessed with trail running in the Himalayas since my race in India two years ago. I found the trails, the people, the exchange rate, and the culture perfect for getting in some big miles, so I asked an expert to join me on this episode to talk about …
Ms. Monday Jones | BDSM and Ultramarathons
Dec 21, 2018
Let’s finish up 2018 with something different, shall we? Ultras and trail running are two sports that normalize all of us…we all step up to the same line and finish in the same place, but often times our fellow competitors are coming from all over the place. Doctors, hippies, CEOs, …
Bob Hearn set out at Desert Solstice to run 154.5 miles and came within a few hundred yards of doing so. That’s pretty incredible planning and precision, and it’s nothing to new to the guy known as the Prince of Pacing. Bob’s unique background includes an insatiably curious mind and …
Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo loves to run ultras and will not be stopped. She wasn’t stopped when Hurricane Maria ravaged her island of Puerto Rico. Instead, she used her fitness to traverse washed out roads as she carried aid to her family and friends. She wasn’t stopped when she showed up for …
2018 Year in Review and Predictions for 2019 | Sarah, Eric, and Dylan Bowman
Dec 12, 2018
It’s that time of year again. Each December, the URP crack team of historians (Sarah and I) put together a list of fun categories that look back at the year of ultramarathon and trail results and trends and make bold predictions for the coming year. We also talk about personal …
Spartan Trail Series | Spectator Fees for Trail Races?
Dec 06, 2018
Before we get into the Spartan Trail Series…Spartan has a long history of success in Obstacle Course Racing and has built an incredible organization around the world. Led by Spartan and competitor Tough Mudder, the sport of OCR catapulted into the mainstream and really hit it’s peak around 2012 and …
Katie and Dominic Grossman | Expectations, Reality, and the Future
Nov 30, 2018
Katie Grossman got pregnant earlier this year and fully expected to stay in perfect shape, have a flawless pregnancy, bounce back, and continue to crush the trails like she has for years. She documented much of her journey in some honest and poignant essays for her TrailSisters column. Like many …
Liz Canty | Rugby, Trail Running, and Barkley Dreams
Nov 28, 2018
Liz Canty won the Barkley Fall Classic last year, won Pinhoti 100, and just last month, podium at Bear 100. Look through her results list and you’ll see an overall trend towards difficult and challenging events that test the will of the runner. So hearing that she grew up in …
David Ayala grew up in mountains and desert of Utah with dreams of being a theoretical physicist. Running outside for fun and pouring over books, David was an only child and kept himself busy. Now a Professor of Mathematics (here’s his CV and field of work), David has also found …
Jackson Brill is a 20yo at CSU Boulder who's tearing up the trails and podiums. Keep an eye on this dude: He's got an infectious love for the trails and is making good decisions.
Keely Henninger has had a great year with wins at Chuckanut 50k and Lake Sonoma 50 miler, podiums at other big races, and a monster win at Tussey Mountainback championships. Next up? She’ll toe the line with the fastest ultra trail runners in the country at The North Face Championships …
Walter Handloser | Fifty Hundred Milers in One Year
Nov 05, 2018
What type of personality and planning does it take to run fifty 100 mile races in one year? Meticulous, fit, and passionate. A mind bending interview with a guy taking on an audacious goal.
Courtney Dauwalter | Big’s Backyard in the Past and Big Plans for the Future
Oct 31, 2018
Courtney Dauwalter joins Sarah and I to talk about the finer points of Big's Backyard Ultra, her plans for 2018, the partnership with her husband Kevin, and more.
Ellie Fox | Second Generation Adventure Enthusiast
Oct 19, 2018
Ellie Fox is living the life many of us envy. She grew up in an MUT family and now lives in a tricked-out van with her husband and their pets, traveling from trailhead to trail race whenever they want. Ellie recently won Cloudsplitter 100k and we talk about what she …
Annie Weiss | 1200 Miles on the Ice Age Trail
Oct 05, 2018
Annie Weiss ran her first ultramarathon on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin and won the 50k division. Since then, she’s gone on to run Kettle Moraine, North Face (Wisconsin and San Francisco), Black Canyon, Gorge Waterfalls, and Leadville three times. In 2017, Annie set out with an audacious plan …
Doug Strachan | Training for Mountain Races 1,000 feet Underground
Sep 28, 2018
When Stephanie Case (interview here) tells me that someone she met has a good and compelling story, my ears perk up and I pay attention. In this episode, Kiwi Doug Strachan tells a story about a life changing experience ten years ago that set him up for the extraordinary training …
URP Daily News | September 27 | Audio Format
Sep 27, 2018
Since I failed to produce the regular URP Daily News this morning, I’m making this episode available to everyone. This is a show format that’s been exclusive to the Patreon crowd for the last few months, and one that I’ve received positive comments about. It’s a rundown of the top …
Chris Hammes | First American at UTMB
Sep 14, 2018
Christopher Hammes was the first American to finish UTMB this year. So who is this guy and why does he like to suffer so much? (Keep an eye on this dude!)
When Katie Arnold crossed the finish line at the Leadville 100 last month, many in the ultrarunning world recognized her name from her Outside Magazine column Raising Rippers. But there’s a lot more to Katie’s incredible story. It starts with a nasty rafting accident two years ago that left her …
Jeff Ball lined up at Kodiak 100 last weekend in his second attempt at a hundred miler. His first was Western States last year, and he earned that spot by nabbing a Golden Ticket at Bandera 100k. So what was he expecting at Kodiak? Jeff was in great shape. His …
Neal Collick Interview | From the Marines to a Biker Gang to Trail Ultras on Michigan’s UP
Jul 26, 2018
We all have our own stories of finding our place in this silly sport. Some move seamlessly from collegiate track to the trails, while some have been running their whole lives. Then there are people like Neal Collick from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Neal didn’t run in high school and only …
Jessa Hackman | Positive Vibes from the Midwest
Jul 13, 2018
Jessa Hackman graduated law school two years ago, them immediately set off for a solo trek of the Appalachian Trail. After a chance encounter with an ultrarunner on the AT, Jessa signed up for her first ultra trail race less than a month after reaching Katahdin, and with no run …
Traci Falbo | Running Mojo, Western States, and the Power of a Positive Pacer
Jul 06, 2018
Traci Falbo is one tough and accomplished runner. She holds the indoor 48 hour record (remember this crazy video?), she’s been named to the top 10 list for Ultrarunner of the Year, she held the 100 mile trail record, has completed the Grand Slam, and has countless ultramarathon finishes and …
Bob Shebest | Everyone Has a Plan Until it Falls Apart
Jun 28, 2018
Bob Shebest lined up for Western States this year in prime shape. He’d put in solid training with a high mileage block timed just right. He’d podiumed at other races in the past year and had specific experience racing from Squaw to Auburn before. He had a quality race plan …
URP Daily News Briefing Monday, June 25
Jun 25, 2018
In addition to the URP Daily News that’s published each morning, I’ll be recording the URP Daily News Briefing each day (maybe?) that’ll go into a bit more depth with some of the issues covered in the online edition. Please let me know what you think of the audio format …
Diana Fitzpatrick | Ultra Trail Wisdom from a Legend
Jun 13, 2018
Diana Fitzpatrick has experienced a lot in her running career. She’s won the storied Dipsea Race two times, she’s qualified for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, she’s coached a high school running program for years, co-RD’ed a popular trail 50k with her husband Tim, earned four silver buckles at …
Kate Elliott Interview | Positive Attitude for Her First Hundred Miler
Jun 07, 2018
Kate Elliot won herself an Altra Golden Ticket to the Western States Endurance Run just four months ago. With her 2nd place finish at Sean O’Brien 100k (her first try at that distance), she suddenly found herself on the registrants list for her first hundred miler on the biggest stage …
Lee Conner Interview | How She Trains for Mountain Ultras Without Any Mountains
May 24, 2018
Lee Conner has been stacking up finishes, podiums, and wins at trail ultramarathons across the country for a number of years. In the past 18 months, Lee has run HURT 100 (5th female), Orcas Island 100, Miwok 100k, Bighorn 100 (2nd female), UTMB, Chatanooga 100 (win), the Georgia Death Race (3rd …
Jenny Jurek | Running, Writing, and Adapting to Life Along the Appalachian Trail
Apr 30, 2018
When seven time Western States champion Scott Jurek decided to take a crack at the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail in 2015, he knew it would be a team effort with his wife Jenny. This interview is with Jenny Jurek and gets her perspective on the 46:08:07 FKT. After the six …
Jared Hazen Interview | Golden Ticket Grab at Lake Sonoma
Apr 12, 2018
Jared Hazen will line up at Lake Sonoma 50 in two days with one goal: Earn an Altra Golden Ticket to the Western States Endurance Run in June. His fellow Coconino Cowboys are in, but for he and fellow Cowboy Eric Senseman, this is their last chance for 2018. In …
Mike Strzelecki’s 18 Tips for Trail and Ultramarathon Success
Apr 11, 2018
Mike Strzelecki isn’t fast, but he’s been running trails and ultramarathons for the better part of thirty years. This guy loves single track. He loves timed events. He loves road races and trail races. And he loves the heck out of the ultramarathon community. It’s one thing to hear advice …
The picture below shows it all. With a pulk behind them and hundreds of miles of baren tundra in front of them, it takes a special type of athlete to line up at the Iditarod Trail Invitational. Alaskan transplant David Johnston has won the event six times in the last …
Semi-Rad.com’s Brendan Leonard Interview
Mar 26, 2018
Brendan Leonard, founder and creative drive behind the popular semi-rad.com website joins Sarah and I for a wide-ranging talk about running, outdoor adventures, media, and more. Brendan’s an interesting guy and leads a multi-fasceted life that many URP listeners will appreciate and relate to…all told through the eyes and ears …
Scotty Mills | Ultra Longevity, the MUT Community, and New URP Music!
Mar 20, 2018
Scotty Mills Episode Notes Scotty Mills has been running Ultramarathon and trail events since 1981 and has racked up a few hundred finishes and made what seems like just as many friends. He’s run UTMB, JFK, Lake Sonoma, Massanutten, Hat Run 50k and Wasatch. He’s run Western States 18 times, …
Rob Goyen | Race Directing and the MUT Industry
Mar 16, 2018
Ever wanted to put on a trail race or ultramarathon? What does it take to launch your first event and how do you build a community around it? In this interview with Rob Goyen, we hear about how he accidentally started one of the most successful race companies in the …
Dr. Hal Rosenberg | When and Why to See a Sports Chiropractor
Mar 12, 2018
Dr. Hal Rosenberg has lived and run in the trail meccas of Boulder and Flagstaff and currently lives and practices in the running hotbed of Mill Valley, California. He’s an experienced MUT runner, cyclist, and triathlete, who also happens to treat some of the top ultra trail runners in the …
Ladia Albertson-Junkans ran the competitive Chuckanut 50k for her first ultramarathon last year and won it. With a stacked field that included YiOu Wang, Camille Herron, and Corinne Malcom, Ladia bonked hard but rallied and came out on top. I think I’ve learned to focus on joy through the …
Adharanand Finn | Japanese Ekiden, Kenyan Marathoners, and the Rise of Ultrarunners
Mar 01, 2018
Adharanand Finn has lived with the elite Kenyan runners in Iten, he’s trained in Japan while learning about the famously cut-throat Ekiden races, and he’s now turning his attention to the burgeoning ultramarathon scene. In this interview, we talk about: The cultural and social influences on the Japanese distance running …
Ailsa MacDonald showed up at the Black Canyon 100k–a Western States Endurance Run Golden Ticket Race–and walked away with second overall. Now she’s got to squeeze “The Big Dance” into her already tight racing schedule of marathons, ultras, and Ironman distance triathlons. So who is Ailsa? She’s got an interesting …
Natalie Ghelfi Interview | Lessons From Her First 100k
Feb 20, 2018
Natalie Ghelfi joined me for a conversation about her first 100k. We talk about her training, what she learned in her buildup, and how she executed her race. We also talk strollers, marriages, downhill running, shoes, and more. In this podcast, we discuss an issue many runners struggle with, and …
Angela Shartel has wins at Quad Dipsea, Bear, Cruel Jewel, Massnutten, and San Diego 100 miler. She’s an M9 at Western and recently finished 2nd at Araivapa Running’s Coldwater Rumble in Arizona. That last result–a podium at a 100 miler–is what we focus on a lot in this interview. After …
Natalie Larson won the #4 FKTOY of the year for 2017 for her self supported 1200 mile trek up the California coast. In that adventure, she cussed out a mountain lion, fell in love with Malibu, learned the tidal tables on the Lost Coast, and had to take an Uber …
Kyle Pietari – Leadville Lessons, Strollers, Run Commuting, and Poop Science
Jan 26, 2018
Kyle Pietari (Altra/NordicTrack) ran Leadville in 2012 as his first hundred miler and finished in 28th place. Not bad, but since then, he’s been back to finish 2nd two times, has wins and podiums across the country, and ran to a grueling M10 at Western States Endurance Run last year …
Soon-Chul Choi | Enthusiasm, Lessons, and a Ticket to UTMB
Jan 17, 2018
Soon-Chul Choi grew up in the midwest playing football, joined the military where he trained mine-detecting dolphins and seals, went to Berkeley, thought about joining the CIA, but instead went to work at startups…and here we are. Soon-Chul ran his first ultramarathon just over four years ago, then quickly started …
Michele Yates Interview | 2018 | Recovery and Resilience
Jan 12, 2018
The last time we had Michele Yates on URP was in early 2014 right after she’d been named Ultrarunning Magazine’s Ultrarunner of the Year alongside Rob Krar. In 2013, Michele won nearly every race she entered, including Bandera 100k, North Face 50M and Run Rabbit Run 100 miler. Since then, …
Una Beaudry | Health Scares, Breast Cancer, and a Positive Attitude
Jan 05, 2018
I sat down with Una Beaudry to talk about running, strength, sickness, positivity, and what she’s got planned for her future. Una ran three 100ks in three months, she and her husband went on a self-guided run/eating/drinking tour through the Cinque Terra region of Italy, and she fills me in …
2017 End of Year Review and Predictions for 2018
Dec 19, 2017
2017 was a big year in ultrarunning. Between Jim Walmsey’s bold predictions on huge stages, the rise in popularity and performances of women road and track times, and the overall growth of the sport, these have been an interesting and fun twelve months. Just like years past (here’s 2015 and 2016), we …
Anthony Costales Interview | Preparing for Ultra Distances
Dec 13, 2017
Anthony Costless just clicked off a 2:13:12 marathon at CIM, a mere four weeks after finishing 2nd at the USATF Trail Championships to Mario Mendoza in Moab. While Anthony hasn’t yet crested 26.2, we talk a lot about sub-ultra distances and what he’s doing to train for his first trail …
Ben Nephew is considered one of the Kings of (b)east coast trail running and racing. Over his 17+ year career, he has or held multiple FKTs on some iconic trails and has over 110 MUT results on UltraSignup The vast majority of those are for outright wins. Professionally, Ben is …
Kelly Wolf | From Gymnastics to Massive Vert on the Trails
Dec 07, 2017
Kelly Wolf spent much of her childhood thru high school competing as a gymnast. Fatigued from the pressure and some physiological concerns, she stepped away from that sport and found rock climbing in college. A bit burned out from climbing, Kelly discovered the trails and hasn’t looked back. She ran …
Eric Senseman Interview – Running, Racing, Media, and More!
Dec 01, 2017
Eric Senseman ran JFK50 two times before nailing it last month. What did he do differently this time that failed to do his first two attempts. Different workouts, different gear, or was it a different mindset? When you’ve got 20+ time finisher Ian Torrence and three time champion Jim Walmsley …
Kris Brown | A Fookin Animal on the Hills
Nov 29, 2017
Kris Brown finished 4th at the hyper-competitive North Face 50 championship earlier this month, begging a lot of people to ask “who was that guy?” I wondered the same thing, so I invited him on the show to learn more. What I learned is that Kris Brown has been running …
Timothy Olson and Mid Career Optimism
Nov 22, 2017
It’d be easy to look at Timothy Olson’s career and focus on the past. He’s got some big wins (current course record at Western States Endurance Run, anyone?), plenty of highlights, and has run at the top of the field for years, but I wanted to have Tim on to …
Larisa Dannis joined us in 2014 to discuss her mountain training in Vermont and subsequent move to Northern California. During that year, she finished 2nd at Western, ran a 5:59 fifty miler, and racked up wins across the country only to break her fibula at 100k championships in Qatar. So …
Mae Barker and Zach Hanna and How to Run 100 Miler Together
Nov 10, 2017
Mae Barker and Zach Hanna are a couple from Florida who’ve been running together for a few years while also busy at home with two kids and demanding jobs. Let’s hear from a couple who train on flat roads but race on mountain trails. I wanted to interview them for …
Chris Mocko | New City, New Outlook, New Energy
Nov 09, 2017
Chris Mocko Interview Chris Mocko last joined us in May of this year to talk about his goal of becoming a sponsored athlete. He’d strung together a great running resume, had a strong social media presence with The Mocko Show, and was ready to make his big splash at Western …
Patrick Reagan | Hundred Mile Debut, Pedicabs, Jugbands, and Training Tips
Nov 07, 2017
Patrick Reagan and His 100 Mile Debut Patrick Reagan (HOKA One One) ran his first hundred miler at Javelina this year and was two minutes away from breaking thirteen hours. He says he felt fine, loves the distance, and can’t wait to run more. He also wants to be smart, …
Katie Graff Interview | Triple Crown of 200s, Sewing, Cryotherapy, and More!
Nov 02, 2017
Katie Graff ran competitively in college, burned out, and took some time off before creeping back into the sport. She ran recreationally for a few years, then, looking for a new challenge, discovered 200 milers and found her niche. This past year, under the coaching of Jason Koop, Katie entered …
Chris Jones | Six 100 Milers in One Summer, Wild Fires, Military, and the Rest of Life
Oct 31, 2017
Chris Jones has had a busy summer. Aside from helping to raise his newborn daughter, he’s also served in the National Guard, fought wild fires, raced nearly every weekend and managed to squeeze in six mountainous hundred milers around the country. Did Sarah and I want to get him on …
Patrick Caron Interview | Boston’s Young Gun
Oct 24, 2017
Patrick Caron just ran the 3rd fastest 100 miler in the world for 2017. He’s 20, has big plans for his future, a positive outlook, super quick lets, and a pretty solid head on his shoulders. Patrick is the high school kid who scored straight A’s, but is passing on …
Andy Gohlich – Establishing a First Route on Norman’s 13
Oct 19, 2017
Andy Gohlich won an FKT grant earlier this year and announced his intent: He aimed to connect 13 of California’s 15 fourteeners in under 60 hours, an homage to Colorado’s Nolan 14. I asked Andy about finding possible routes on maps, how he trained, what he brought for gear and …
Synchrocast: How to Make Your Race Day PERFECT
Sep 20, 2017
Welcome to the inaugural MUT Synchrocast! Six MUT-related podcasts have teamed up to tackle one issue, offering multiple opinions and perspectives on a topic that affects runners of all abilities and experience levels: How to Make Your Race Day Perfect. In this episode, Sarah and I break down the definition …
Sean Nakamura | Serial Ultra Racing, 200s, and the Trail Community
Sep 19, 2017
Outside of a very few people, Sean Nakamura has one of the most intense race schedules in this ridiculous sport of ours. This year he’s run seven 100 milers, four 100ks, a bunch of “normal” ultras, and a then earlier this month he won Tahoe 200, after which he took …
Courtney Dauwalter | Blind Perseverance at RRR100
Sep 15, 2017
Courtney Dauwalter already holds the 24 hour record (155 miles) as well as numerous course records on mountain ultramarathons in the US. She won (outright) Javelina Jundred 100k last year and bagged a nice win when she won Run Rabbit Run 100 miler in 2016. Along with other runs, she’s …
Joe McConaughy | Appalachian Trail FKT and Ultrarunning
Sep 14, 2017
Earlier this month, Joe McConaughy stepped off the trail in Maine after demolishing the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the 2,200-ish mile Appalachian Trail. He averaged about 50 miles a day and completed the journey in an unsupported fashion. So really, how much actual running did he do? (A lot.) …
Tim Tollefson returned to UTMB this year and ended up with a similar race as 2016. Fast Europeans, an enthusiastic American charging out front, and plenty of vert before the finish line. Like last year, Tim played it smart. He ran conservatively and strong throughout the race, worked with friend …
Clare Gallagher | One Year Anniversary and a Big Win
Sep 07, 2017
Clare Gallagher made her debut podcast on URP at this time last year–she’d just crushed Leadville and we got to hear about her training, eating, collegiate running, and studies in Thailand. Lots of energy, lots of fun, and the potential for a big career was obvious. In this most recent …
Ruperto Romero Interview – 100 Mile Champ at 53 Years Old
Aug 31, 2017
Ruperto Romero Interview Ruperto Romero breaks the mold for the modern day ultramarathon stud. No sponsor, no GPS, no shoe contract, no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Strava. He’s never heard of URP and doesn’t pay attention to most ultra news. But damn….Rupert can throw down when he hits his favorite …
Runner and writer Yitka Winn joins me just a few days after her win at Fat Dog 120 to talk about her first big win, how it happened, and the feeling of running “up front” and getting chased. We also discuss the importance of good communication between runners and pacers. …
Elisa Laverty | New Mom and Her First 50 Miler
Aug 11, 2017
Elisa Laverty Interview Elisa Laverty has had a big year! In January, she and husband Keith welcomed their first child into the world. A few months later, she attempted a 50k, then this past weekend, she ran her first 50 miler at White River. Everyone’s got a story, and Elisa’s …
Joe Gray Interview | Sponsorships, Racial Disparities in MUT, Treadmill Training, Food, and More
Aug 09, 2017
Joe Gray Interview Joe Gray is a well accomplished, multi-medaled, and openly opinionated guy who’s got a great perspective on this silly sport of ours. Joe is perhaps the most accomplished and decorated mountain runner in the United States and has the stats to prove it. He won the World Mountain …
Sarah Lavender Smith – Speedgoat, Hardrock, Outdoor Retailer, and Ultra Training
Aug 04, 2017
Sarah Lavender Smith joins me give a fun and informative Speedgoat recap–she ran the tough 50k for the first time and has some great advice if you plan on running one day. Is it really as tough as we’ve heard? (Answer: yes.) Sarah also talks about pacing Hardrock and the …
Kaytlyn Gerbin nabbed one of the final Golden Tickets to Western States Endurance Run this April with her win at Gorge Waterfalls 100k. Admittedly, I didn’t have her on my top five radar at The Big Dance, so I asked her to come on the show and tell us about …
Kyle Robidoux | First 100 Miler Follow Up
Jul 19, 2017
When we spoke with Kyle Robidoux one week ago, he was preparing for his first hundred miler. He’d trained, prepared, planned, and analyzed, put together a team of crew, pacers, and sighted trail guides, and was of to Vermont 100 to execute his strategy. In this interview, we find out …
Kyle Robidoux – 100 Milers and Athletes with Disabilities
Jul 11, 2017
Kyle Robidoux is like many people we know. He’s in the taper week of his first 100 miler, he had a ho-hum 50 miler a few weeks ago, but he’s confident in his crew, pacers, and mental strength and he’s ready to get through the whole race. The difference is …
Kaci Lickteig has a solid history at Western States, winning the storied trek from Squaw Valley to Auburn last year, and starting the race this year in tip top shape and ready to race hard. Considered one of the best trail ultramarathon runners in the country, Kaci was odds on …
Amy Sproston has 50 results on her ultrasignup, and 49 of them are top ten results. She’s won the IAU 100k Championships and finished 2F last year at Western. How has she been able to perform at such a high level for over a decade? In this interview (her 2nd …
Jackie Merritt – #BeastCoast to Squaw Valley
Jun 21, 2017
Jackie Merritt has been tearing up the trail and ultra scene on the (b)east coast for a number of years. She’s racked up top performances at the USATF Trail Championships, nabbed the overall win at Ice Age 50k, set a new course record at Pinhoti 100 in November, then won …
Jim Walmsley – Lighting the Fire for Western States 2017
Jun 21, 2017
Jim Walmsley is a fearless runner who’s been known to target other runners, records, and FKTs with abandon. His performances have backed up and sustained this confidence as he’s only “lost” one race in over two years–that the infamous “wrong turn heard ’round the world” at last year’s Western States …
Andrew Chapello – Training For a 100 Miler He Might Not Run
Jun 13, 2017
Andrew Chapello Interview In 2016, Andrew Chapello ran a Western States qualifier at Canyons 100k. He finished the race and threw his only ticket into the pot for the lottery in December. His name didn’t get drawn, but he was added to the wait (#36) list as a possible starter. …
Scotty Sandow – Five Months Down, Five to Go Until His First 100
Jun 05, 2017
The last time we spoke with original URP host Scotty Sandow was in February of this year. At that point, Scotty had (re)committed to running his first hundred miler after taking an extended absence away from the trails and was fully dedicated to push through life and making it happen. In that interview …
Nick Arciniaga – Can 2:11 Convert to Trail Ultramarathon Success?
May 31, 2017
Nick Arciniaga will line up at North Face Endurance Championship with the fastest marathon time of anyone on US soil. Faster than Max King (2:14). Faster than Sage Canaday (2:16). Faster than Jim and Zach (though I don’t believe either have ever run a proper marathon) and Ian (2:21) and …
Wally Hesseltine – 72 and Going Strong
May 26, 2017
Wally Hesseltine is seventy two years old and is gearing up for another run at Western States Endurance Run in a few weeks. He’s run it a number of times, but many will remember his non-finish last year when he passed under the arch less than two minutes after the …
Live from Trail Heads Escape with Meghan, Zach, and Hayden!
May 25, 2017
Trail Heads Escape was a fun trail running camp in Michigan Bluff that I attended last weekend. Set near the iconic Western States Endurance Run course, campers ran Volcano Canyon and El Dorado Canyon, saw product demos from Nathan, HOKA, Addaday, Altra, and Drymax, and listened to coaches talk about …
Sarah Lavender Smith | Self-Supported Stage Race in Hawaii | Mauna to Mauna Report
May 24, 2017
If you’ve heard the show over the past few months, you’ve likely heard Sarah mention her preparation and training for the Mauna to Mauna stage race in Hawaii. Six days of running over beautiful trails, volcanoes, lava fields, and beaches, the event would cover 155 miles with variable weather and …
Chris Mocko Interview | Training, Recovery, Diet, Sponsorships and Dating
May 18, 2017
Chris Mocko Interview A road runner just a few years ago, Chris Mocko burst onto the MUT scene last year with a top ten finish at Western States Endurance Run, then followed it up with a string of top performances this year. Since January, he’s finished 2nd at Way …
Nicole Ederle – Planning Her First 100 Miler
May 08, 2017
Nicole Ederle Interview – Planning Her First 100 Miler Last week I had the pleasure of talking to recovering attorney slash mom of two slash former long jumper slash dedicated ultrarunner Nicole Ederle and hearing about how she got into this crazy sport and most importantly, how she’s methodically planning …
Anthony Famigletti – From the Olympic Games to 100 Miles
May 04, 2017
Anthony Famigletti Interview Anthony Famigletti has spent plenty of time at the very far reaches of racing success. Two Olympic Games, multiple US championships, Penn Relay Champion, a freaking 4:23 mile pushing a stroller and a 3:58 mile on a treadmill. But in the last few years we sort of …
Bob Shebest – Staying Engaged on the Trails
May 03, 2017
Bob Shebest Interview Fresh off his win at Canyons 100k, Bob Shebest (Hoka ONE ONE) joins me to talk about one thing he did differently at this race–he ran without his GPS watch. We talk a length about staying engaged on the trails and focusing on the moment, rather than …
Jess Mullen – Closing Hard, Hundreds, Daily Diet, and More.
Apr 28, 2017
Jess Mullen Interview Jess Mullen has had quite a streak recently, racking up strong finished and wins at races around the country. She flew by Sarah in the final stages of Rio Del Lago 100 miler a few years ago, and now she’s on the show to share her secrets! She’s got …
Blake Wood on Hardrock, Lotteries, Longevity, Training, Nuclear Bombs, and Home Brewing
Apr 27, 2017
Blake Wood Interview Blake Wood has finished Nolan’s 14, competed in Barkley 8 times with one finish*, and has an incredible 20 finishes at Hardrock 100. He also just recently set the record for longest span between sub 3 hr marathons, a feat he started at 17 yo and just completed …
Rickey Gates – #TransAmericana Rickey Gates joins us 45 days into his transcontinental run he’s dubbed #TransAmericana. Talking to us while running through rural Arkansas, Rickey tells us about the people he’s met, the places he’s slept, the food he’s loving, the routes he’s taking, and what lies in those 2500 miles ahead. …
John Kelly Interview – Barkley Finisher Number Fifteen
Apr 10, 2017
John Kelly Interview – Barkley Finisher 15 John Kelly joined me just a few days after his finish to talk about what it took to finish the Barkley Marathons. Here’s a hint: Massive amounts of planning, decades of course knowledge, his Aunt Brenda’s cookies, and the incredible ability to focus …
Dave Mackey Interview – One Step at a Time
Apr 05, 2017
Dave Mackey Interview When we last spoke with Dave Mackey in 2015, his prognosis was still undetermined. One month after falling down a cliff on a training run, he was recovering from the trauma and had undergone a few surgeries. Little did he know what the next 18 months would look …
Mojo, Motivation, and Burnout – A Conversation with Therapist Drew Mikita
Mar 30, 2017
Runners’ Lack of Mojo, Motivation & Eventual Burnout While we’ve all experienced the excitement and subsequent motivation of trail and ultrarunning, many of us have also been through the doldrums of no motivation, losing one’s mojo, and the dreaded burnout. So how do you define each? Are motivation and mojo the same thing? How …
Suzanna Bon Interview – Staying Engaged on the Trails
Mar 22, 2017
Suzanna Bon Interview If Suzanna Bon’s name isn’t familiar to you, clear an hour of your schedule and listen to this episode. If you’re an aging runner and feeling sorry for yourself, do the same and listen to how she’s taking on her 50s with focus, perseverance, and a sense …
Jeremy Hinshaw – Alaskan Trail Running, Moose, and Funky Hallucinations
Mar 17, 2017
Jeremy Hinshaw is a trail runner in Anchorage, Alaska who runs everything from the wild and wacky 3.5 mile Mount Marathon to the Susitna 100 miler in the dead of winter. We talk about surviving versus enjoying freezing weather and special precautions taken to survive the cold. He also tells …
Andy Wacker – Excelling at Different Distances and Terrains
Mar 07, 2017
Andy Wacker Interview Andy Wacker has only run two actual ultras in his life, but both have been competitive USATF Trail 50k Championship races. He won his first in 2015, then recently DNFed his 2nd when he fell at the FOURmidable 50k in Auburn, CA and ended up with a …
Moving on up in Distance – A Q&A with Sarah and Eric
Mar 01, 2017
Looking at moving up and running your first ultramarathon? Maybe you’ve run some 50ks, but are looking at a 50 miler or even a 100 miler. What do you need to know about making that jump? Sarah and I take questions from the URP Patreon page about training and racing …
Morgan Elliot – Skyracing and Runbummin’
Feb 24, 2017
Morgan Elliot joined me to talk about his insatiable love for the outdoors and the trails. This is a guy who’s written an ode to singletrack, lives in his car part of the year to be closer to the trails, picks wild mushrooms to eat after his run, and is on …
Scotty Sandow – Back to Ultras After a 3 Year Absence
Feb 10, 2017
Scotty Sandow How would you feel if you’d taken three years away from the sport completely? Let’s follow Scotty as he makes his way back into ultras and closer to a hundred miler. Many of you will remember Scotty’s voice from URP—he’s one of the original hosts of the show …
Stephanie Case – Rescue in the Alps and Pushing our Limitations
Feb 08, 2017
Stephanie Case Interview Stephanie Case has in incredible resume of ultramarathon and trail races: Tor des Geants Lavaredo UTMB Gobi Desert Grand to Grand Vermont Matterhorn Madeira Island UROC If it’s long and tough and pushes the limits, Stephanie has likely run it. Does she “listen to her body” when it …
Emily Harrison – A Golden Ticket and a New Leaf for 2017
Feb 07, 2017
Emily Harrison Interview Emily Harrison is back on the scene with a shiny new Golden Ticket to Western States Endurance Run! She’s had mixed luck there, finishing top ten in her first attempt, and a tough DNF bonk on her second. How is she preparing for her third try? At …
Hillary Allen Interview – Energy, Adventure, and Rest
Feb 02, 2017
Hillary Allen Interview North Face athlete Hillary Allen joins Ethan and I to talk about her past few years of running, what she’s got on her calendar for this year, and where she sees this going later in life. In this epidote we discuss: How her love for science sort of …
Gavin Woody – Big Race Prep and Ultra Wisdom
Jan 26, 2017
Gavin Woody saw combat time in Iraq as an Army Ranger. He’s an Eagle Scout, he’s finished HURT, Badwater, UTMB, Susitna, Tor des Geants, Western States, Bigfoot 200, a few Ironman triathlons, and a whole lot of other endurance events. He’s Past President of a huge foundation that gets families into …
Ken Michal – HURT DNF and His Battle Plan for Awesomeness
Jan 24, 2017
Ken Michal has attempted HURT 100 eight times and finished twice. Why does he keep going back? What’s the draw to that event that appeals to him so much? With almost 100 ultras under his belt, how does this one relate to his upcoming 48 hour run in a suburban …
Mike Wardian and His Latest Challenge
Jan 12, 2017
Mike Wardian’s 7/7/7 Marathon Interview Mike Wardian has been on the show before and he’s always one of my favorite guests. This latest show is no exception as he fills us in with the details of his latest adventure, talks about the logistics of getting sponsors to support him, how …
Alicia Vargo – Diet, Nutrition, and Staying Fueled on the Trails
Jan 11, 2017
Alicia Vargo Interview – (Updated to mp3 format.) Alicia Vargo has a degree in nutrition from Stanford, she’s a two time NCAA 10k champ, won the Flagstaff Skyrace last year, coaches runners professionally, runs for HOKA, and has some severe dietary restrictions of her own to contend with. Seems like …
Jamil Coury Interview – New Media, Race Directing, and Barkley.
Jan 09, 2017
Jamil Coury Interview Jamil Coury wears many hats in the sport of ultra and trail running. He’s a race director, competitive athlete, pizza chef (wait, what?), and film maker. I asked him to be on the show to talk about the role of “new” media in our sport, where he sees …
2016 Year in Ultramarathons and Predictions for 2017
Dec 21, 2016
2016 Year in Review and Predictions for 2017 Each year we get together to discuss the previous 12 months and make predictions for 2017. With a sport that’s changing as rapidly as ours it, it’s always a fun discussion to have, and I predict one that’s been had on many …
Sabrina Little Interview – Overcoming Injury and Learning Lessons
Dec 20, 2016
Sabrina Little Interview – Five Years Later We last interviewed Sabrina Little in early 2012. Then Sabrina Moran, she was running for a different shoe manufacturer, was attending college at Yale, and starting to make a real name for herself in the ultramarathon world in mainly timed and track ultras. Fast …
Magdalena Boulet Interview We had Magdalena Boulet on the show two years ago when she was just one year into her ultra career. Fast forward, and she’s got a healthy resume of wins and wisdom under her fedora. Sarah and I chat with Magda about how she stays positive on …
Steven Wiseman – Couch to 50 Miler in Nine Months
Dec 01, 2016
Steven Wiseman – Couch to 50 Miler in Nine Months Prior to March of this year, Steven Wiseman wasn’t a runner at all. He’d never owned a pair of running shoes and was overweight. For whatever reason, Steven entered a 5k, suffered through to the finish, then a friend challenged …
Cody Reed – Planning His 50 Mile Debut at North Face Endurance Challenge
Nov 22, 2016
Cody Reed – Planning His 50 Mile Debut at North Face Endurance Challenge Cody Reed grew up in Northern California, ran at Northern Arizona University, and still lives and trains in Flagstaff. His friend and training partner is Jim Walmsley, and Cody has run three ultras in his short career, …
Hayden Hawks – Track Speed on the Trails
Nov 17, 2016
Hayden Hawks Interview – Track Speed on the Trails Utah native Hayden Hawks blasted on to the ultra trail scene earlier this year when he showed up to the wild and competitive Speedgoat 50k and won the thing, beating some top level elite runners who likely had no idea who …
Himalayan 100 – My First International Stage Race Report If you’ve been listening to the show for the past few months, you’ve heard me stressing out about preparing and packing for my first stage race – The Himalayan 100. Before I left, I recorded this interview with Russ Trice who …
Sarah Keyes – SkyRunning, Dirt Bagging, Beer Drinking, and Running in the Adirondacks
Oct 26, 2016
Sarah Keyes – SkyRunning, Dirt Bagging, Beer Drinking, and Running in the Adirondacks Sarah Keyes has everything it takes to be a great URP guest: She’s a vibrant and dynamic story teller who lived in her truck last year with her dog while driving around the country to different SkyRunning …
Russ Trice Helps Me Prepare and Pack for the Himalayan 100
Oct 20, 2016
Preparing and Packing for an International Stage Race – The Himalayan 100 A few days prior to my leaving for my first international stage race (The Himalayan 100), I hopped on the phone with experienced trekker/runner/stage racer Russ Trice to get some last minute tips for my journey. I was …
John Andersen and His Run at the Wet and Wild Grindstone 100
Oct 12, 2016
John Andersen and His Run at the Wet and Wild Grindstone 100 John Andersen ran his first hundred earlier this year at Bighorn100 in Wyoming and had a blast. He felt great, had fun, ate well, and loved every minute of it. Well, then he signed up for his local …
Meredith Edwards Interview – Skimo, Trail Running, and Massive Amounts of Vert
Oct 07, 2016
Meredith Edwards: Mulit-discliplined Mountain Endurance Athlete Meredith Edwards joins Ethan and I to talk about her childhood spent skiing, her teenage years playing field hockey, her collegiate years running track, and how that all combined to make her a member of the La Sportive Ultrarunning Team and the US Ski …
Dylan Bowman – The UTMF Typhoon and His New Partnership With Red Bull
Oct 04, 2016
Dylan Bowman – What happens when a typhoon changes the race from a 100 miler to a 27 miler? If you’re training is on point, you win the race. In this interview, Dylan Bowman describes the best block of training of his life, as he focused on Ultra Trail Mt Fuji …
Chuck Radford – Blind Perseverance at RRR100
Sep 22, 2016
Chuck Radford Interview – Blind Perseverance at Run Rabbit Run 100 Sometimes you go into a race with a certain goal and you cross the finish line in decent condition after hitting your mark. Sometimes runners DNF after a tough few hours on the course. Sometimes you go into a …
Clare Gallagher and Her 100 Mile Debut Fueled by Cake Frosting and Laughs
Sep 13, 2016
Clare Gallagher – Winning Her Hundred Mile Debut with Hard Work, Cake Frosting, and Laughs Clare Gallagher grew up in Colorado (looking up to an influential and famous family friend who you’ll hear about at the end of the episode), and went to Princeton where she ran XC and track. While …
Dakota Jones 2016 Battling the Injury Demons, Pizza, Race Directing, and More.
Sep 08, 2016
Dakota Jones Interview – Injuries, Pizza, Stretching, and Staying Relevant as a Sponsored Athlete Dakota Jones had a tough 2015, battling a persistent injury and yearning to race again. All the stars aligned in ’16 as his training and patience paid off, pushing him to wins against some tough competitors …
Tim Tollefson – Pacing to the Podium at UTMB 2016
Sep 01, 2016
Tim Tollefson – Pacing to the Podium at UTMB 2016 Tim Tollefson chose UTMB as his first hundred mile attempt. Set on a giant international stage in the French Alps, UTMB is arguably the biggest trail ultramarathon in the world, and it’s at this race that Tim executed a well-paced …
David Stango – The Eastern States 100 Interview
Aug 18, 2016
David Stango Interview – Eastern States 100 We all know about the iconic Western States Endurance Run, but let’s jump across the continent and learn about the Eastern States 100. My guest David Stango has been running ultras for ten years and chose Eastern States 100 as his first “official” …
Andrew Miller Interview Last month, Andrew Miller became the youngest winner at Western States Endurance Run. He’d worked hard in training, and although he was only 20 years old, Andrew still had six years of ultras under his belt. Let’s find out what drove him to the finish line. Note: For …
Michele Graglia – From the Yukon to the Desert in 2016
Jul 27, 2016
Michele Graglia Interview Sarah and I interviewed Michele Graglia a few years ago, and I found time to catch up with him recently about his recent adventures. You may remember him as the former underwear model-turned ultrarunner who had some audacious plans for his time on the trails, and we …
Running the Camino de Santiago with Kevin Moore
Jul 07, 2016
Running the Camino de Santiago with Kevin Moore Kevin Moore is an average guy who wanted to do something big. With a passion for self-discovery and a 100 mile DNF on his back, he booked a flight and set off to run the iconic 500 mile Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage …
Sarah Lavender Smith’s Report from Western States Since her name was drawn in December, URP co-host Sarah Lavender Smith has been planning and training to run her first Western States Endurance Run. In many episode over the past six months, she’s shared tips on her fitness, diet, and ultimately, anxiety …
Colleen and Chris, Part 2. Their Western States Race Report
Jul 01, 2016
Colleen and Chris, Part 2 – Their Western States Race Report One week ago, I sat down with siblings Colleen and Chris in a vacant bar in Squaw Valley and listened to siblings’ Colleen and Chris tell an incredible tale of how they found themselves at the starting line of the …
Jim Walmsley – His Run at Western States 2016
Jun 29, 2016
Jim Wamsley and His Run at Western States 2016 All eyes were glued to Jim Walmsley’s breakneck speed as he traversed the Western States Endurance Run course on Saturday. Chewing deeper into the course record as miles fell under his feet, Jim was putting on a clinic on how to …
Colleen and Chris – A Family Affair to the Starting Line at Western States 100, Part One
Jun 28, 2016
Colleen and Chris and Their Journey to Western States All Trails Lead to Auburn, but everyone has their own journey to the starting line in Squaw Valley. While some earned Golden Tickets, others nabbed a sponsor spot or finished top 10 last year. Colleen and Chris, two siblings from Northern California, …
Paul Terranova Interview – Tapering, Hundreds, Aid Stations, and more
Jun 15, 2016
Paul Terranova Interview Paul Terranova joins us 10 days before Western States Endurance Run to talk about how he prepares for a race, his tapering routine, how he travels smart, and what he expects to go down during the Big Dance. Four years ago Paul Terranova completed the Kona Slam–the …
Brad Dains Interview – Midwest Ultra Scene
Jun 07, 2016
Brad Dains Interview Brad Dains joined Ethan and I to chat about his most recent hundred miler–his fifth in 18 months–and lessons he’s learned during past races. What’ll he do differently in his next big race, and how will he find time to train with a pregnant wife and three …
Brian Morrison Interview – Ten Years Later
Jun 02, 2016
Brian Morrison Interview Ten years ago, Brian Morrison staggered across the finish line in Auburn, the first to do so at the iconic Western States Endurance Run. Only problem is, he’d been assisted by his pacer Scott Jurek and the Board disqualified him for not completing the race under his …
Timothy Olson Interview – Overtraining, Reality Shows, Run Mindfull Retreats, and Family Balance Episode
May 20, 2016
Timothy Olson Interview After setting the Western States course record, Timothy Olson has had mixed success in competition. Along with some more monster wins, Timothy has also struggled with symptoms that resemble Over Training Syndrome. His physical mojo was gone, he was tired, sore, and struggled to race past 30 miles …
Darcy Piceu Interview Whether you know her as Darcy Africa or Darcy Piceu, she’s undoubtedly the Queen of Hardrock, having won the race in three out of her six finishes. Darcy also holds the overall (male or female) record for the Rocky Mountain Slam—that’s Bighorn 100, Hardrock 100, Leadville …
Mental Health, Depression, and Ultrarunning – A Talk with Nikki Kimball and John Onate, MD
May 05, 2016
Nikki Kimball and John Onate, MD: Depression and Ultrarunning Nikki Kimball is one of the most accomplished female ultrarunners in the sport. She’s won Marathon des Sables, UTMB, Western States, represented the US overseas in countless races, and even went to Olympic Trials for the damn biathlon. Nikki has also been …
Jade Belzberg – Her First Hundred Miler
Apr 27, 2016
Jade Belzberg And Her First Hundred Miler Sarah and I asked Jade Belzberg to come on the show to share her story about her first hundred miler. Jade is like many people in the sport…she’s run a bunch of 50ks, one 50 miler, then jumped feet first into a hundred. Not …
Dominic Grossman and Overtraining Syndrome Sarah and I chat with Dominic Grossman about his life on the trails and overtraining syndrome: The symptoms, effects, and results of this interesting condition. We’re not doctors, but we get a very real sense of what OTS does to the body and the mind …
Gary Robbins Interview – Pacing 100s, Barkley, and Squamish
Apr 11, 2016
Gary Robbins Interview Gary Robbins joins URP to chat about a wide swath of topics, all of which kept me captivated during our hour-long conversation. This is one of those interviews that I’ll go back and listen to over an over, as Gary drops a few metric tons of wisdom …
Starchy Grant Post-Barkley Interview Starchy Grant’s introduction to running is pretty funny and has some obscure parallels to the Barkley Marathons. You’ll have to hear how he figured out he was a good runner, and what inspired him to keep going to the hell no end of the running spectrum. …
Amy Rusiecki – Elite Ultramarathoner, Wife, and Race Director Amy Rusiecki (Team Inov8) is an elite runner from the North East who’s been tearing it up on the trails for the past ten years. She’s won races big and small, as well as had some bonks and a DNF that’ve …
Chris DeNucci Interview Chris DeNucci, “DeNuch” to most, started running a few years ago after he had his entire colon removed. Fast forward to 2014 when he came onto the competitive San Francisco/Marin ultra scene and started kicking butt, winning a Western States Golden Ticket along the way. There’s a …
Jason Schlarb Skiing the Hardrock Interview
Mar 23, 2016
Jason Schlarb Skiing the Hardrock Interview Not content with just running the iconic Hardrock 100 this summer, Jason Schlarb and friends decided they’d like to ski the course in freezing temperatures and snow. What resulted will be featured in an upcoming film called Skiing the Hardrock, but we got to hear it …
Coree Woltering Interview Coree Woltering recently came onto my radar after winning a small 50k in Ohio by over 40 minutes. Who is this guy, and what’s he all about? Turns out Coree has been running his whole life, but just in the past few years started with trail ultramarathons …
Tim Tollefson Transgrancanaria Interview
Mar 10, 2016
Tim Tollefson – Transgrancanaria Sufferfest Interview Fighting an injury and against his wife’s judgement, Tim Tollefson headed to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco for a monster race called Transgrancanaria. How’d it go? How would he perform on the notorious technical trails while virtually all of his training …
Chris Solarz – Ultramarathons, stairs, triathlons, pub crawls, streaking, and more! Chris Solarz is one of those guys who’s figured out what’s important in life, worked hard, prioritized his passions, and is pushing pushing pushing for more. Having just returned from the UltraMan competition in Florida, Chris and I chat …
Jim Walmsley Interview Jim Walmsley joined us right before Lake Sonoma 50 last year and we were impressed with his talent, attitude, and low key outlook on the ultra scene. He finished fifth in the hyper-competitive field, and since then, has won every single trail race he’s entered, despite …
Amelia Boone – Obstacle Course Racing Ultrarunner Extraordinaire! In the world of Obstacle Course Racing, Amelia Boone stands tall. She’s been named the World’s Toughest Mudder, she’s graced the covers of magazines, and enjoys a lucrative contract with Reebok. So what’s she doing on an ultramarathon podcast? Turns out, she’s …
Maggie Guterl – Ultrarunner Two years ago, Maggie Guterl was a solid mid packer with a few marathons and ultramarathons behind her. Then something snapped. She got a coach, became laser-focused, and represented the US overseas. Currently, she’s aiming for a Golden Ticket to Western States and winning races. So …
Matt Fitzgerald “How Bad Do You Want It?” Interview
Feb 05, 2016
Matt Fitzgerald Interview Sarah and I chat with author and nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald about his latest book How Bad Do You Want It: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle. (Velo Press) Fitness, nutrition, crew, and gear are all important to ultramarathon success, but where is psychology? Recent studies indicate …
Avery Collins Interview In this interview with Avery Collins, I get a chance to hear what it’s like racing Gary Robbins through the jungle at HURT 100, and what he’d do differently next year. We talk about weight training, an insane schedule of some of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, and the …
Ultrarunner of the Year David Laney joins URP to chat about what led up to his incredible 2015 and what he’s looking forward to this year. After strong wins at Bandera and Chuckanut, a top ten at States and 3rd overall at UTMB, he’s still got Olympic Marathon Trials this …
Ultrarunning’s 2015 Year in Review with Karl Hoagland, Sarah, and Eric
Dec 21, 2015
2015 has been quite a year for the sport of ultrarunning. We’ve seen great performances by veterans, runners of all levels enter the sport, and even seen some controversy that we’ll likely be dealing with for the long run. During the past twelve months, URP released 54 episodes and those …
We last interviewed Caitlin Smith exactly three years ago, right after what she considered a disappointing 50 miler at North Face Championships. Sarah and I caught up with her again this week to chat about her recent run at World 50k Championships in Qatar where she struggled with diet and …
You’re going to like Paddy O’Leary. Paddy came to the US three years ago as a scientist who played lacrosse, but has transformed into a formidable trail runner who’ll be testing himself at his first fifty miler in December. Paddy ran his first half marathon on a whim (and all …
Ethan Newberry Ginger Runner Interview
Nov 05, 2015
Two new media ultrarunning beer dorks get together to chat about road marathons! Yay! Fresh off his run at NYC Marathon, Ethan Newberry (aka The Ginger Runner) and I get together to chat about why road races are so tough, what differentiates the experience from trail ultras, and why they …
Camille Herron won the World 100k Championships last month, clocking the 4th fastest time in history. She’s qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials three times, has countless other wins to her name, and she brews her own beer at home in Oklahoma. The funny thing? She’s never even been to …
Mike Foote Interview – The Crown Traverse
Oct 16, 2015
Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe dreamt up a plan to run from Missoula to Banff–a largely off-trail expedition that would have them traverse a 19,000,000 acre ecosystem right in the middle of grizzly bear season, inconsistent weather, and a million freakin peaks. How’d they plan it? How’d they execute it? What did …
How cool is this?!? I finally got to interview Kelley Schranz–my mom–on the show! I get to ask her about starting running later in life (she never ran before her mid 40s), and what it’s like doing track workouts and weight training at 65. We chat a lot about beer, …
Lorraine Young is a mother of three and grandmother of two and took up running in 2011. Last weekend, at the urging of her coach, she lined up at Table Rock 50k in North Carolina, and ran away with the overall win—besting all the men and women out there. We welcomed this …
Jeff Browning has been running ultramarathons since 2001 and has racked up a string of victories, course records, and lessons from around the world. I got a chance to speak with Jeff about a number of issues important to MUT runners. In this interview we talk about: How he’s stayed …
Andrew Skurka has been on some pretty epic adventures–many lasting thousands of miles of hiking and adventure racing–and has bagged National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year title in the process. Surely, a measly hundred miler in Colorado is no match for this experienced mountain guide, right? After his second …
USATF MUT Team Scoring Idea with Kami Semick
Sep 03, 2015
In this post last week, I discussed USATF’s proposition to start and sponsor a team scoring format in a few major races around the country. I’ve been a huge proponent of a team scoring initiative, I’ve also been reflexively against anything having to do with USATF, and I wanted to learn more about …
Sarah and Eric talk about Iron Deficiency and Kidney Stones
Aug 28, 2015
Sarah spent an entire month at altitude in Colorado training, eating well, and getting good sleep. She then returned to sea level with hopes of capitalizing on her training month, only to find her fitness severely compromised. What the heck? She learned what the issue was, worked to fix it, wrote about …
Last week Anna Frost and Missy Gosney made history as the first women to complete Nolan’s 14, a series of 14 fourteen thousand peaks in Colorado. The ladies spent just shy of two and half days covering the 100-ish miles in which they climbed about 90,000 feet and slept for …
Ryan Kaiser won the competitive Waldo 100k this past weekend, two months after showing a strong 11th place at his first time at Western States, and that’s about all I knew about him before asking him to come on. It turned out to be a good decision. We chatted with …
Take one part mountain woman, one part 2nd grade teacher, one part fierce trail runner, add a gigantic smile and a positive attitude, and you get Stevie Kremer. Sarah and I had a blast talking to this ball of energy from Crested Butte, CO about a wide range of topics …
Sage Canaday has had quite a run at this ultra-thing, but he hasn’t yet tackled the hundred mile distance. Being Sage, he’ll make his debut on a big stage–UTMB–in just a few weeks, and Sarah and got to chat with him about training for the big race. We also chat …
We intended to sit down with Mark Tanaka and chat about how he’s run 160 ultras with barely one DNF, how he’s prepping for heat at Angeles Crest 100, how he manages his body as an ER Physician, and what advice he’s got for those afraid of hurting themselves on …
Last week, Phil Wiley ran Hardrock 100, drove a few hours, then ran the Colorado 200. That’s 303 miles, 80k’, and 120 hours of racing in one week. Holy crap is right. I got a …
Ever had crotch chafing so bad that you threw up? What if it was in the first few hours of a 500k race across Tennessee? Would you go on? Johan Steene just set a new record for Vol State 500k, and he’s here to tell the story about training (surprising), diet …
Western States 2015: Brendan Davies and Cyril Cointre
Jun 24, 2015
Here are two fellas, both foreign, coming to Western States with different histories. Brendan Davies, wearing M8, is, in his own words, winding down his competitive MUT career to focus on coaching, while Cyril nabbed an entry thru the UTWT and is using this as his first ultra in America. What …
Ryan Sandes is coming to Western States with the third-fastest time ever recorded on the iconic course. Three years ago he finished second to Timothy Olson. Two years ago he dropped, and last year he was fifth. This year, the native South African has targeted Western as an “A” race, …
Dave Mackey has won big races and earned the respect of other runners for well over a decade. Even at 45 years old, he’s widely considered one of the toughest runners on the trails, able to endure pain and push his body to it’s limit in pursuit of a goal. Then on …
Western States 2015: Ryan Smith and Michele Yates
Jun 22, 2015
This is gonna be an exciting year! Ryan Smith earned his ticket to Western States by beating last year’s 2nd place Seth Swanson at the tough Sean O’Brien 100k in February, while Michele earned her ticket by winning Gorge Waterfalls 100k a few months ago…remember, she was 4 months post-partum. Ryan’s my …
Western States 2015: Dylan Bowman and Ford Smith
Jun 18, 2015
Here’s another mixed bag of interviews from those who’ll be toeing the line at Western States next weekend: Dylan Bowman and Ford Smith. Dylan Bowman (The North Face/CamelBak) is widely expected to podium this year, capping off a 4th year at this race with 7th, 5th, and 3rd place respective finishes. …
Western States 2015: Caroline Boller and Billy Yang
Jun 17, 2015
In this episode, I chat with Caroline Boller (Nike Trail Elite) and Billy Yang about what’ll be their first time running Western States. Caroline has had a meteoric rise in the sport, bagging some impressive wins in her 18 month career in MUT running. Here’s our interview with her from …
Western States 2015: Erika Lindland and Brett Rivers
Jun 12, 2015
Erika Lindland and Brett Rivers both have experience on the famed Western States course, and each sat down with me to chat about what they’ve learned at the race, what they’ll focus on this year, and what advice they’ve got for others. In this podcast we talk about: Erika’s strengths and what …
Western States 2015: Jason Green Interview
Jun 09, 2015
Meet Jason Green. Jason’s an Atlanta native who runs the Yeti Trail Running Group and will be making his way to Squaw Valley to run his first Western States. This, after four unsuccessful years of lotteries. Let’s find out how he’s preparing and what he’s expecting to go down in …
Meet Jared Burdick. We went into this interview knowing very, very little about Jared, other than that he’d just finished 2nd place at Cayuga Trails 50M championship in New York. We’d heard that it was his first ultra, and that he had some decent times on the road. But …
Rachel Bell Kelley was born with a backwards foot, but started running as a kid and hasn’t stopped. She chooses ultras that scare her and take her out of her comfort zone and it seems to be working! Rachel runs with the Trail Heads running club in North Carolina where she’s …
IAU Trail World Championships Preview w Krissy Moehl and Alex Varner
May 26, 2015
Slipping on a racing singlet with USA emblazoned across the front is a big deal, and this weekend, eight MUT runners from this country will toe the line at the 85km IAU Trail World Championships in Annecy, France. I chatted with two of our best – Krissy Moehl and Alex Varner …
Bob Shebest is having a pretty remarkable 12 months, and it’s setting up to only get better. He’s not a spring-chicken-living-in-his-truck type of guy…Bob is a middle school teacher who qualifies as a masters runner, but who’s won his share of hundreds and has really found his stride. Ethan and I …
Western States President John Trent Interview
May 05, 2015
Sarah and I sat down with Western States Endurance Run President John Trent to get his take on the MUT world, Western States in particular, and what we should expect in the future. John’s got a great story about how he got into ultrarunning, what the WS Board is chartered …
Sarah and I sit down with The Ultra Mindset – An Endurance Champion’s 8 Core Principles for Success in Business, Sports, and Life (Lifelong Books) author Travis Macy to learn how we can apply what we know as ultrarunners to our every day lives. Though Travis is an experienced endurance athlete and …
Many of you know Ben Gibbard as the lead singer/songwriter for Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, but it turns out, he’s just as big of an ultrarunning geek as the rest of us. When most of us talk about our records, Ben has to clarify which he’s referring …
Scotty and I spoke with Devon Yanko (then Crosby-Helms) a few years ago after she ran her Olympic qualifier for the marathon, but she’s been busy opening a bakery for the past few years and has stayed away from the ultra circuit. She’s back. After a recent 7th place finish …
Lindsay Tollefson and Jim Walmsley pre Lake Sonoma Interviews
Apr 09, 2015
Ooooeeee! This is going to be a fun weekend at Lake Sonoma! Both Lindsay and Jim have limited trail racing experience, but each are ready to shake up the front of the pack. Lindsay Tollefsen is running her first fifty miler–only her second ultra–and has confidence from Way Too Cool …
Katy Gifford and David Li Pre-Lake Sonoma Interviews
Apr 08, 2015
One goal with URP is to bring a variety of guests into your ears and to your attention. Yep, Lake Sonoma 50 is the most competitive, elite-laden race so far this year, but most of the people running are every day runners. Maybe they’re trying to break 11 hours, maybe …
Kaci Lickteig and Max King Interviews
Apr 07, 2015
Kaci and Max are both coming to Lake Sonoma 50 miler with stout resumes and course experience, but neither have been able to nail down a win on this elusive course. Will it happen this weekend? Kaci Lickteig has had a solid year of racing since last year’s 3rd place …
YiOu Wang and Jacob Puzey are each coming to Lake Sonoma with a mission: Do the best they can and push hard. Will that get either on the podium? We’ll have to wait until Saturday to find out. For YiOu, this will be her second attempt at 50 miles, though …
Lake Sonoma Preview: Jared Hazen and Ashley Erba Interview
Apr 03, 2015
The Teenagers Jared and Ashley are both 19, both live in Colorado, and both are extremely fast. Jared’s got a solid resume of ultramarathons behind him, and even though Ashley’s only been at this since last year, she’ll be running as a contender for the podium. Ethan and I spoke …
After a funky finish at his first attempt at a 100 mile ultramarathon, Mike Daigeaun targeted Umstead for not just a finish, but a win. He assembled a team, made a bunch of matzo balls, and “went dark” as he prepared for the big race. Then he found out Hal Koerner …
Jen Benna talks to us live from the hospital while she’s currently caring for her sick baby. We expected to chat with her about balancing family life, but we certainly didn’t expect it to be so real. Yikes. In this talk, we cover: How she’s bounced back after having her …
WayTooCool Preview Couples Edition: Tollefsons and Roches
Mar 06, 2015
In this first ever couples edition, I chat with both Tim and Lindsay Tollefsen and David and Megan Roche…two extremely fast couples who will be at Cool this weekend. In the interviews, I learn about how nervous Lindsay is to run on the trails (this is her first 50k), and …
WayTooCool Preview: Stephanie Howe and Serena Wilcox
Mar 05, 2015
Two women will be lining up at Way Too Cool on Saturday with two very different backgrounds. Stephanie Howe won Western States last year and is widely considered a top contender for any event she enters. I ask her about her honeymoon, skimo, and her busy busy life. Serena …
WayTooCool Preview: Ryan Bak and Pat Smyth
Mar 05, 2015
You’ve heard talk about the new breed of runner entering 50ks. These two guys are examples of what we’re talking about. Though neither has much experience at this distance, they’re each widely expected to stand atop the podium on Saturday. Ryan Bak has a 2:14 marathon PR with hopes of running …
Rod Bien – Masters Ultrarunner Interview
Feb 25, 2015
Competing in ultramarathon at a high level for an extended time is tough to do in this sport, and Rod Bien seems to have mastered it. He’s been running ultras for 15 years–ten of those near the top. Sarah and I chat with him to find out what he’s doing …
Two years ago, Caroline Boller was on occasional runner at best, sitting by and reading running magazines while her husband hit the trails. Then at 38, she started running and in a quick 14 months has run her first 50k, first 50miler, and first 100k–with all top ten finishes. She …
Drew Mikita is an addiction specialist, a trail runner, a beer geek, a psychology professor in a hippie town in Colorado, and co-owner of the highest running store in the country. Sounds qualified to enter the URP studio and chat about what makes so many of us crazy? Yep! In …
What does it take to run a hundred miler each month for a year? Lots of experience, a slow pace, an understanding family, tons of luck, great friends, and a positive attitude. Cory’s got all that, in spades. I chat with him about all these aspects of his journey, including finding …
Elite Altra runner Duncan Callahan wrote a compelling piece recently about “The Burden of Self-Improvement” that really hit home for a lot of people. He wrote how we need to stop trying to perfect the little things about our own running, and instead focus on the aspects of MUT running that …
Since we spoke with Mike Arnstein last (in 2012!), he’s ran a Badwater/Vermont double, a handful of 2:3x marathons, ran a sub 13 hour 100 miler, retired from ultrarunning, moved to Hawaii, and most recently…won HURT. Wait, what? Mike is one of our most downloaded and asked about guests, and …
In the past few years, Chris “Tarzan” Clemens thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail on a whim, discovered his love for MUT running, got a divorce, moved into his Honda Element, ran his first hundred, competed with a horse in an ultra, and is now living at the beach or trailhead in …
Ken Michal has never won an ultra and he surely won’t be pushing the pace from the front this weekend at HURT 100. He has DNFed dozens of races, finished a lot more, has been chased by cutoffs, spent a night–midrace–in an outhouse and swallowed a bee at an aid …
Traci Falbo has had a heck of a few years. She started running ultras in 2011, ran the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning in 2013 and in 2014 ran the fastest trail 100 of all time and broke the World Record for the indoor 48 hours with 242 miles covered. Still, her name isn’t …
Year in Review with Tropical John Medinger
Dec 23, 2014
Sarah and I sat down with Tropical John Medinger to talk about results and trends of 2014. What were the prevailing ideas in MUT running? Who stood out and who was the biggest surprise? What did you learn, what did you wear, and what exactly is the state of this sport? I …
Jason Koop Interview Jason Koop lists a who’s who of elite runners on his coaching roster (DBo, Kaci, Dakota, Timothy, Varner, Ghelfi), so we thought it’d help to pick his brain a bit and find out why he’s had such success–especially after last weekend’s race at NorthFace50. We learned that most …
Jason Bryant, SRA Mark Bunkley, Major Grant Flynn
Dec 12, 2014
Three separate interviews with runners from Camp RWB. Jason runs for La Sportiva and is nicknamed “Mountain Goat” for a good reason…he’s able to ascend technical terrain better than anyone I’ve seen. In this interview, I pick his brain about how I can improve at that skill and he tells …
Three more additions to this deep and varied field, these women bring with them a grab bag of talents that could land them with some extra cash in their pocket this weekend. Magda Boulet is an Olympic qualifier marathoner with a 2:26 PR who finished 2nd here last year (as …
Just as the diverse as the mens field, the elite women that’ll be lining up on Saturday bring a variety of skill sets to the race. These three women have a lot of talent, and any or all of them may be standing on the podium this weekend. Stephanie Howe has had …
TheNorthFace Endurance Championship Preview Show – Chris Vargo, Dylan Bowman, Dakota Jones
Dec 01, 2014
This episode features three more guys who have a very real shot at standing atop the podium on Saturday. One of them is my pick to win it. Chris Vargo made a big name for himself last year at this race, finishing a strong third place and has had a …
TheNorthFace Endurance Championship Preview Show – Mike Wardian, Ryan Ghelfi, Tim Tollefson
Nov 26, 2014
To highlight the depth and diversity of this field, here are three more guys all with legitimate chances of standing on the podium, all with drastically different backgrounds. Mike Wardian’s been running ultras for a long time and has raced in the Headlands with some frequency. He also just raced …
TheNorthFace Endurance Championship Preview Show – Tim Olson, Sage Canaday, Mike Foote
Nov 25, 2014
Today we’ll hear from three guys who have a shot at the podium (and the big check) on December 6th. Timothy’s had a frustrating year of racing, but it’s behind him and he’s ready to run fast in hard conditions. Sage has had a pretty solid year, he’s been putting …
Team RWB Podcasts – Ford Smith and Roy Pirrung
Nov 20, 2014
What I love about this sport is the variety of activities and people it encompasses. This episode features two wildly different runners who offer compelling advice and fun stories. Ford Smith, an 18yo ultra phenom from Austin (who I’ve interviewed before here), specializes in tough and dirty 100 mile trail runs, while …
Justin Houck Interview Justin’s only run a couple of ultras, but he’s set his sight on being one of the best MUT runners in the country. His first 50k he broke the course record. His second, he got his butt handed to him, and his third, he beat some top …
Ian Sharman Interview SkyRunning, Coaching, Sports Management, and Costumes Sarah and I chat with Ian about SkyRunning: Who, what, when, where, and…how do I sign up? Prior to chatting with Ian (who’s now the US SkyRunning Series Director), I knew it as a race series in Europe, run on trails …
Hal Koerner Interview We’ve spoken with Hal before, but it’s generally right after or before a major run. Western States, Hardrock, Javelina, and the JMT FKT interviews have all been great, but this week Sarah and I spoke with him about not running–he’s been injured since July with a torn meniscus. With …
Jeremy just ran at the Big Backyard Ultra in Tennessee (just over 200 miles) and I had to invite him on the show to pick his brain about the format, sleep deprivation, diet, and his race history. Well, he chose Leadville as his first race to spite a roommate, eats …
James Varner Interview I’ve wanted to catch up with past guest James Varner for a while, and when I heard he was producing a film festival dedicated to trail running films, I shot him an invite immediately. James and I chat about trail running films–who makes them and why–and the …
Matt Flaherty Interview Matt’s got a wicked ‘stache, brews beer, plays the guitar, and has got some screaming fast times on his feet. I was curious to learn more about this guy who quit his attorney gig in his quest to break 5 hrs in the 50 milers. His goal …
Larisa Dannis Interview Curious about heart rate monitors and the Maffetone Method? So was I! Ethan and I sat down with Larisa Dannis (2nd female at WS100 ’14) to learn how she uses her HRM, how she’s training for the marathon, 50k, 100k, and 100 mile simultaneously, what type of recovery she …
Michele Graglia Interview OK, so take a charming Italian guy from the Riviera who happens to be a top underwear model, introduce him to ultrarunning, and see what happens, right? No coach, no real training, no experience, and he chooses a hundred as his first footrace ever, which he …
Nickademus Hollon Interview So you think you’ve bonked before? Legs hurt, you’re zapped of energy, and your stomach turns? Try having full psychedelic visions of your pacer splitting in two, while you’re 3 days into a race with virtually no sleep in the Italian Alps…and you’re still wanting to race …
Tim Tollefson Interview Meet Tim. For those not familiar, he’s a wickedly fast 2:18 marathoner who went to Oly Trials, lives in the trail mecca of Mammoth Lakes where he loves running trails, was a steeple and XC champ in college, is friends with elite trail runners, gets better as …
Jon Olsen Interview Jon Olsen was at the peak of his career when he decided he just couldn’t race trail ultras any more–at least at the level he expected of himself. The pullings of family commitments and a nasty injury caused him to step back and re-examine his racing…and what emerged …
Ethan Veneklasen – First Hundred in Ten Years Interview You’ve heard Ethan on the podcast, but this time he jumps to the other side of the mic as I chat with him about running his first hundred miler in ten years. What’s changed since he left (besides him getting faster?) …
How many 14k’ peaks could you run in 100 miles? How about 14 of them in less than sixty hours? That’s the goal of those intrepid runners and climbers who take on the Nolan’s 14 challenge, and Brandon and a couple of friends just completed it just last weekend. In …
Jason Schlarb UTMB Interview Fresh off a strong fourth place at UTMB, Jason gives us the play by play on his finish…from moving to the Alps with is family for three months to running scared for fifty miles with a fast Lithuanian on his heels. We talk training, beer, gear, what …
How could I not have Jay Friedman on the show? He’s a solid NY state runner, got into ultras by watching Jurek at WS100, he owned a running store, he’s an ER physician who works aid stations, owns part of an awesome brewery, and has got a million stories to …
It’s hard to believe that Leadville was only his 3rd hundred miler, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. Rob is learning to run them well–along with many of us–but happens to be a few levels above the average runner in terms of ability. To say the least. At Leadville this …
Well, well, what can you say about Jenn? We talk about her recent 220 mile John Muir Trail FKT attempt with Krissy Moehl, what to do with Desitin on the trail, which wild animal she’s like to make pork rinds out of, DNFing a beer mile, which special guest flew in to …
Billy’s probably a lot like you. He’s been running ultras for five years, done a handful of 50k and 50 milers, gone to races to geek out, studied and prepared, and finally pulled the trigger and signed up for his first 100 miler. He just finished that hundred two days …
Brian just set a wicked new course record at Vermont 100 and he’s heading to the Alps for UTMB next month. He’s torn up the New England trail scene and loves roots, rocks, technical trails, and mountains, he’s got no coach or organized plan, but Brian loves running hard and it seems …
Fifty miles or 100 miles sounds pretty nuts to most people, but what Joe Fejes does takes it to a different level. 329 miles in 72 hours, 124 miles in 24 hours on freakin’ sand, or how about 555 miles in six days? While we focus on nutrition and fatigue, …
John Burton is by no means an elite ultrarunner, but he focused on Hardrock for three years and pulled an elite-level performance out of his hat this past weekend. Despite being freezing cold, shattering a finger, freaking out about passing one of his heroes, and dropping his pacer, John came …
Sage Canaday has had a pretty awesome year by most standards, but he wants more more more. After a win at Tarawera and North Face Costa Rica, Sage is running Speedgoat this weekend to repeat his win from last year…a win that found him precariously close to getting caught by …
Rickey Gates rides around the country on his motorcycle and races seemingly any distance that strikes his fancy…from 3 miles up a 60deg pitch in Alaska to the Canadian Death Race to racing the stairs up the Empire State Building. This weekend, he’s riding to Utah to run Speedgoat 50k, a race …
Anton has had a heckuva few months–and says he’s back in shape to win on the trails. As an athlete with such a stout resume, he has set himself up for Speedgoat, then UTMB later in the summer–both races that require a fair amount of climbing prowess–and he’ll be racing hard …
After last year’s “Hunchback of Hardrock” finish, Adam is back for more of the iconic race, but this year, he’s wedged it in between Western States and UTMB. Yep, Adam got into all three events, and fills me on how he’s handling the “Mondo Slam” this year. What’s it like …
We’ve spoken with Zach on the show twice before. Once before his inaugural hundred in ’12, and once in Dec’ 13 after he busted Yiannis Kouros’ 12 hour record. Zach currently has the WR for the 12 hr and the AR for the hundred miler (a speedy 11:47.) Today he joins me …
If you were like a lot of us at Western States, you asked “Seth who?” as he worked his way through the top ten. Meanwhile, those in the Pacific NorthWest or Montana just nodded their heads. Seth Swanson worked his way up all day, finishing a strong second place (15:19) at the Grand …
WS100 Fast and New: Alex Varner and Max King
Jun 25, 2014
They’re wicked fast, but neither have ever run a hundred miles. And both will be pushing the front this weekend. Alex Varner and Max King: Alex has been running ultras for less than a year, but is considered by many to be a threat due to his leg and climbing speed. …
WS100 Past Winners: Pam Smith and Nikki Kimball
Jun 24, 2014
Pam Smith (La Sportiva) and Nikki Kimball (Hoka) have each won the race and made it look relatively easy. Each will be back this year, and after Pam’s “perfect run” last year, she’s got a big ol target on her back. Nikki, fresh off some solid races this year, is anxious …
WS100: Zach Miller and Ellie Greenwood – Not running
Jun 23, 2014
No, don’t get all excited, neither Zach nor Ellie are running Western States this year, but we still wanted to catch up with them and find out why they declined. They’re each at the top of their game, each were handed an entry, and both Zach and Ellie each said …
WS100: Kim Gaylord and Vajin Armstrong – Crewing and Pacing
Jun 23, 2014
Kim’s own ultra experience is probably what makes her such a valuable crew member for her husband, veteran ultrarunner Topher Gaylord. She’s raced and crewed all over the world, and now she sits down with me and chats about the traveling circus around the runner and what it takes to get them to …
WS100 Preview – Regular guys Kyle Kugler and Scott Salisberry
Jun 20, 2014
Kyle Kugler and Scott Salisberry We met Kyle in the parking lot of Squaw Valley two years, on the eve of his first ever hundred, and interviewed him here with his dad (who coincidentally finished WS in the ’80s.) Kyle finished Western (silver buckle on his first attempt!), and is coming back …
WS100 Preview: Larisa Dannis and Kaci Lickteig
Jun 19, 2014
Larisa Dannis and Kaci Lickteig: They both have wins at hundred milers, both have road speed, and both are making their debut runs at Western States this year…and neither live in California nor Colorado! If you fear getting “chicked” in a …
WS100 Preview: Dylan Bowman and Jesse Haynes
Jun 18, 2014
Last years’ top ten: Dylan has had a strong year since his 5th place last year, and Jesse is anxious to replicate his breakout 7th place from 2013. Both guys are ready to go, have great attitudes, are excited, and have the experience to run smart races. DBo and Jesse …
The Speedgoat tells us about his crazy plans this summer which include running Western States, directing the toughest 50k in the country, and trying for a speed record on the dang Appalachian Trail. As the winningest 100 miler in the country, Karl tells us his strategy for Western (“don’t let …
Ethan and I sit down with Ellie to hear all about how she overcame major injury last year, to win the biggest ultra marathon in the world this year. We get deep into her incredible Comrades victory and Ethan nearly books himself a ticket for 2015. Naturally, we also talk …
Mike Wolfe has taken on some pretty serious challenges…paddling across Canada, running the John Muir Trail, quitting his attorney job to be a professional ultrarunner, and now, becoming a dad. Sarah and I catch up with Mike to talk about some of these accomplishments, how he got into this weird sport, …
Dakota “Young Money” Jones joins Sarah and me to talk about Hardrock, racing overseas, RD’ing, running at the back of the pack, and what else? Literature and beer! We really enjoyed hearing a fresh perspective on the racing scene, what it all really means, and Dakota’s middle name. Podcast Notes: Episode …
Photographer, race director, accomplished ultra runner, XC coach, and Born to Run veteran Luis Escobar joins us as we talk about his unique races, what vegans should do at aid stations, coaching high school kids, skinny dipping in sulfur pools (wait, what?), selfies, and the impact Born to Run has …
I’ve heard a lot about obstacle course races (and Facebook insists I “like” all of them), but I was unable to tell the difference between the different events. Tough Mudder? Spartan? Huh? How long are they? Are there long lines? Aren’t they basically cross-fitters in the mud, or are they MUT’s strange …
Leor Pantilat won a streak of ultra/trail events in the San Francisco Bay Area that has yet to be rivaled. Since then, he’s concentrated his efforts on adventure runs on lost paths, rivers, and unmarked areas on some of the most beautiful trails in the world. We discuss the state of …
She’s 42, she just ran a course record 15:07 at Umstead 100, and she did it all while stopping to pump on the floor of an outhouse. Sarah and I sit down with Liza Howard to talk about running through-and post-pregnancy, adapting to training with kids, wilderness survival, beer, coaching, …
Talk about adaptability. Zach Miller lives on a cruise ship most of the year, trains on a treadmill (for 80mpw!) and a stairwell, then enters his first fifty miler and beats Rob Krar. Boom! In this interview, we get into detail about time spent on treadmills, almost missing the boat, …
Lake Sonoma Preview Podcast #3 – Max and Emily
Apr 09, 2014
The Speedsters: Max and Emily. Both Montrail’s Max King and AdiUltra’s Emily Harrison were collegiate standouts who bring wicked leg speed and an intense focus on racing to Healdsburg. Max’s combination of a 2:14 marathon, steeplechase champs and mountain running champs–not to mention his quest to punch his ticket to …
Lake Sonoma Preview Podcast #2: The Past Winners
Apr 07, 2014
The Past Winners: In this second edition of the ultrarunnerpodast.com/ultrasportslive.tv preview, Nate and I talk with the two past winners (who are also running this year.) At last year’s race, Salomon’s Cassie Scallon took tops for the ladies, edging out Montrail’s Joelle Vaught by fifteen minutes. The year prior (2012), …
By day, Beat Jegerlehner is a software engineer with Google, but set him loose, and Beat participates in events that make mere ultrarunners look timid. A thousand miles across Alaska? Check. Tor des Geants? Check. HURT? Check. Beat tells me (and my dad!) about the specifics and logistics of participating in …
Lake Sonoma Preview Podcast: Clark, Howe, Vargo
Apr 02, 2014
Over the next ten days, URP and ultrasportslive.tv will be releasing a series of podcasts with top runners entered in the competitive Lake Sonoma 50 on April 12. Check out the previews, then be sure to enter our Lake Sonoma Prediction Contest that URP is running with San Francisco Running Co, Victory …
At twenty four years old, Nickademus has finished HURT, Western States, Tor des Geants, Badwater, Barkley, adventure races in the jungle…and he’s not done yet. Nick talks to me about how to train for sleep deprivation, why he never DNFs, why he carried a bunch of concrete in Nicaragua, and …
What do you get when you combine a 2:32 marathon, a world-class ultra coach, a mom who ran JFK back in the day, and a fiercely competitive attitude? We were happy to talk to AdiUltra Team member Emily Harrison about training, barely missing the 50k record, dog training, what it’s …
Fresh off the Coastal Challenge Stage Race in Costa Rica, Nick joins guest co-host Nate Dunn and I to chat about his first stage race, training, race directing, kids, his goal to bring home a cougar from Auburn, and how to get faster on the trails. Nick runs for Altra …
In two years, she will have been hit by a car, pulled a calf, been coached and coached others, won Speedgoat, placed at UROC, trained for States, earned her Ph.D, and gotten married. Wow! Listen as I pick Stephanie’s brain about training, nutrition, injury, coaching, and what the heck happened …
So what does it take to go from an out of shape 10k runner to running your first ultra (a 50 miler no less) two years later? Kurt explains the planning, dedication, and desire it took to accomplish this goal, which ended up netting him a fifth overall during a …
Chris Kostman (RD of Badwater 135, among others) is the Indiana Jones of the ultra running community. He is devoted to pursuing a life of adventure and exploration of the world and endurance. Chris candidly talks with URP about having to relocate Badwater 135 out of Death Valley pending a …
Just a few weeks past his 10 day run from Maine to the Super Bowl (New Jersey) to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warriors Project, Gary Allen joins URP to tell us the tale. Gary is also the race director of two events deemed “Best race ever” by …
It is our extreme delight to present an interview with the indomitable Ann Trason. Having largely disappeared from the ultra scene for the past decade, Ann is slowly re-emerging and boy, does she have some great surprises up her running sleeve. We talk with Ann about things present and future …
Think back to when you were 17-years-old. Do you remember what your life was like? Can you imagine yourself running ultras? Ford Smith is not only competing in ultras, but running like a freaking jack rabbit – taking a 5th place finish at Bandera 100K. We talk with Ford about …
The 2013 Female Ultra Runner of the Year joins URP to give us the down on what makes her so dang speedy. Michele Yates talks about her approach to training; breaks down how to do a speed workout for beginners; how to properly take an ice bath and melts our brain …
Candice Burt brings her aloha spirit to URP one day after her second place finish at H.U.R.T 100. In addition to being a trail running – yoga posing bad ass, Candice also throws down some of the best trail events in the Pacific Northwest for Rainshadow Running. She is also …
Frank Bozanich has been running ultras for the last four decades. Recently inducted into the American Ultra Running Hall of Fame, 69 year old Frank isn’t showing any signs of wanting to slow down. In fact, he’s looking ahead to 2014 and beyond. Frank is a true competitor with strong …
Is your 2014 New Year’s resolution to stay injury free or to continue to stay injury free? Yep, same here. “Olive Oil” Joe Uhan joins URP to discuss what we are doing wrong, what we are doing right and running mechanics. Joe Uhan is a physical therapist and running coach …
What can you do in 11 hours, 47 minutes and 21 seconds? Do you think you could run a hundred miles? Zach Bitter did it and set a US record and 12 hour world record. How do you like them apples? Zach joins URP during his recovery to share his …
Double marathon in one day record attempt, JFK 50 and Elvis impersonators are just a few of things you will hear about in our latest interview with Iron Mike Wardian. Why do we want to be like Mike? No, not Jordan. Wardian! Balancing a full house, career and legit …
Okay you ultra running newbies, listen up! Dr. David Horton joins URP to discuss ultra running’s past, present and future. Dr. Horton has been there and run that before today’s young guns could say, “Gu- Gu-ga-ga”. Having run ultras across the span of four decades, including Appalachian Trail speed record, …
We are couple of ultra fools when it comes to Rory Bosio. Besides her awesome talent as an ultra runner and making history at 2013’s Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc by crashing the top ten finisher’s class, Rory’s approach to how she lives life and outlook on running has us wrapped …
If we could weasel ourselves into Cassie Scallon’s circle of friends, we totally would. Having won JFK 50, Sonoma 50 and Tussey Mountainback 50, just to name a few, (on a training program URP coined “whim running”), we are really excited about what Cassie brings to ultra running. So what’s …
A year ago, we had no idea who Rob Krar was. In the past six months, he busted a stout record for his first fifty miler, broke Dakota Jones’ FKT in the Grand Canyon, ran a strong second place at his first hundred (WS100), picked up a The North Face …
Seeing Oz Pearlman at a start line is one of the best disappearing acts you are going to see, and that is saying something, because Oz is a legit magician. We’re not kidding!! What we like about Oz is his competitive nature and get it done attitude… and he is …
Out in the SXSW, ultra runners are basking in the glow of the bounty of Arizona trails, courtesy the Coury brothers, Nick and Jamil. Nick joins URP for a conversation about being the co-RD of some of ultra running premiere events and competing in some of ultra running’s hardest. Nick …
Take two of the toughtest ultrarunners in the country, throw them on an epic trail for 220 miles with a ragtag support crew, add in hundreds of curious backpackers and some guy with a bunch of horses, have them miss an important boat ride, and you’ve got the FKT that Hal …
You probably know our next guest from his big smile and jester’s hat, Ed Ettinghausen. Ed has run more miles than our tiny brains can comprehend. With a Guinness World Record of 135 marathons completed in one year, he certainly has our attention. What’s more amazing is after all of …
If you ever wondered how some runners manage to compete on the elite level and maintain balance between having a family and a career, look no further than 2013 Western States 100 Female winner Pam Smith. Not only was her blazing run from Squaw to Auburn totally text book, it …
Alan Abbs is screwed, well, its not what you think. Welcome to Vol State 500k, where Alan has finished running in the “screwed category” (unsupported, carrying everything you need in a pack) across Tennessee. Not only did he finish the race, but he did it in 4 days, 11 hours, …
One word comes to mind when thinking about Pearl Izumi’s Dylan Bowman…. GERONIMO! Since his foray into Ultra Running Dylan has been snapping up top finishes all over the country. So what is Dylan’s frame of mind with only one week before Western States? Find out now. DylanBowman.com Pearl Izumi …
Eric Schranz – Bryce Canyon 100 Mile Interview
Jun 10, 2013
Eric Schranz – Bryce Canyon 100 There are many firsts in life. First date, first car, and first IPA, but there is nothing quite like the unique experience of your first hundo. URP’s co-host, Eric Schranz, took on his first hundo challenge at the Bryce 100m. In this first …
According to Karl Meltzer, 100 miles is not that far. After talking with Karl we were so amped up to go run 100 miles, it might be true. The “King” of 100 milers joins us to talk about running for Red Bull, preparing for Western States and throwing down a …
I’ll see your 29 mile run and raise you a burro. Wait! What? Welcome to the world of George Zack, an accomplished Burro Racer. Running with a burro might sound funny, okay, it totally is, but for over 60 years the folks in Colorado have taken this sport seriously amid …
Maggie Akyüz likes em long and hard. Okay, once you are done rolling around in the gutter you’ll understand that Maggie likes a challenge. Just having finished her first hundo at Zion, she shares with us how an Eastie moved to the west coast with an appetite for adventure and kicking …
Amy Sproston Interview What do we like about Amy Sproston? Well, just about everything! When she isn’t flying around the globe trying to make this blue marble a better place, she is blazing on trails and roads. We talk with Amy about winning at the World IAU 100k Championship and …
Relatively new to the ultra scene, Sage Canaday is certainly making a name for himself in the ultra community and its easy to see why. Already having claimed victory as the US Mountain Running Champion, 100k Ultra Trail National Champion and course record at White River 50m, Sage’s crossing over …
Tropical John Medinger and Yassine Diboun Interview
Mar 26, 2013
If you are anything like us, you are counting down the days until Lake Sonoma 50 like a 7-year-old counting the days until Christmas. UltraRunning Magazine publisher and Lake Sonoma 50 Race Director, Tropical John Medinger joins us to talk about this year’s premier race and publishing one of our …
Picture in your mind your very first ultra. Now, picture in your mind running your first ultra with your eyes closed. Sound impossible? Don’t tell that to Richard Hunter, a vision impaired runner training for his first ultra, The American River 50 Mile Endurance Run. We are very proud to …
Last year a young man who goes by the name “The Kansas City Kid” caught our attention. We interviewed Russ Thomas about his amazing weight loss journey and how running ultras was a part of his success. He laid out some pretty ambitious goals the last time we spoke. Fast …
Meghan Arbogast and Craig Thornley Interview
Jan 30, 2013
What is the state of ultrarunning and where is it going? To help answer these questions we brought in Western States Race Director, Craig “Lord Balls” Thornley and Meghan “The Queen” Arbogast. We talk about drug testing, runners to watch, ultrarunning teams, swag and so much more. Lord Balls also …
Jesse Barragan and Ken McKee Interview
Jan 22, 2013
I think we have all looked a map and thought, “Wow. No one I know has done that. It would be so cool to run it.” Jesse Barragan and Ken McKee thought it and then did it. Both ran a circumnavigation around Folsom Lake, nearly 70 miles. This is the …
With a name like Davy Crockett it is only fitting that the man with the same name as the American folk hero runs ultras. Fact is, both Crocketts would probably have a lot in common. What started as a way to get fit in his forties ended up being a …
What do you get when you combine one Hardrock 100 shared first place finish, Grand Slam finish, a couple of Western States 100 top ten finishes and a couple of FTK’s just for good measure? Yep, you get Mark Hartell. Fancy that, Mark now lives Santa Barbara and has zeroed …
Caitlin Smith, ULTRArunner The words Caitlin Smith and Course Record nearly seem synonymous. With a proven track record such as Caitlin’s it is easy to see why. For someone who seems to have most things go their way it truly is a crossroad when things do not. Such is the …
Mike Foote, ULTRArunner In the wilds of Montana is a man who runs in solitude, coaches country cross country and plots trails races. Mike Foote forayed into ultra running in 2009 and ultra running is better for it. So, what makes this yurt living, bear dodging, UTMB crushing runner tick? …
Charlie Engle, ULTRArunner This question isn’t, “What did we talk to Charlie Engle about?” The question is, “What didn’t we talk to Charlie Engle about?” Recently released from federal prison and featured on Rock Center with Brian Williams, Charlie Engle grants us an all-access – anything goes interview. From life …
Only two years into running ultras and 28-year old Jacob Rydman has already made a name for himself – and he’s just getting started folks. Jacob talks with us about what makes him tick, what happened when he went head to head against Timmy Olson at Waldo 100k and valuable …
Meredith Terranova, ULTRArunner Here at the URP base camp it seems that the only second serving we want now a days is that of sports nutritionist and ultrarunner Meredith Terranova. Meredith doesn’t just hand out advice, she lives it, and she has the running credentials to prove it. So, open …
James Varner, ULTRArunner If anyone on planet earth is going to have not one but three dream jobs, it’s going to be James Varner. James is the Race Director of Rainshadow Running and for those who know James’ story, you are already smiling, for those of you who don’t, prepare …
Sarah Lavender Smith, ULTRArunner Sarah Lavender Smith joins URP just having finished Grand to Grand, the first and only self supported stage footrace in North America, and boy, we are so glad we did. What is a stage race, how do you prepare for one, what do take with you …
Timothy Olson, ULTRArunner To say Timothy Olson’s foray into ultra running is remarkable would be a remarkable understatement. Delve into the running life of Timmy Olson, how he got into running ultras, his blistering running career, life as a new dad and much more. Will Ashland, Oregon every stop producing …
Derrick Spafford, ULTRArunner Derrick Spafford has run every single day since 1989. Not only does Derrick have a love for running and nature but he also has a love for beer. What else did we need to know about him to book him for the show? Well, as it turns …
Wyatt Hornsby, ULTRArunner We’ve all been there, the race that does not go your way. For Wyatt Hornsby this race was the mighty Leadville 100. We talk with Wyatt about what happened on race day, what may have attributed to his dropping out as well as having to deal with …
Victor Ballesteros, ULTRArunner Victor Ballesteros is the third fastest man to finish the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail. He was also the last man standing from a group of men looking to break Kilian Jornet’s record. How did this amazing journey begin? How was it organized and what happened out …
Hal Koerner, ULTRAruner URP welcomes back Hal Koerner after his amazing first place finish at Hardrock 100. We talk with Hal about how the race went down, his training regimen and acclimation to the altitude. We also talk about his pacing Tim Olson, this year’s Western States winner and new course …
76 seconds. 76 seconds is what separated Mike Morton from setting a new record at this year’s Badwater. Mike Morton has set an agenda and it looks like its all going according as planned. You’ve all been warned. Kick back, grab a beer…. or a whiskey (stay tuned) and get …
Clarence and Kyle Kugler, ULTRArunners It is rare when you can apply the saying, “Like Father, Like Son”, when it comes to Western States. Lucky for us, we ran into such a find at this year’s WS100. Okay, so it culminated over beers, but what else would you expect from …
Western States 100 Pre-Race Interviews
Jun 25, 2012
WESTERN STATES 100, PRE-RACE INTERVIEWS We sat down with Montrail/Mountain Hardware President Topher Gaylord, Mike Wardian, Zach Bitter & Gary Gellin and Western States Assistant Race Director Craig Thornley about this year’s race. We spoke with Topher Gaylord about running at this year’s WS100 for the 7th time and what …
Michael Wardian, ULTRArunner Coming off the heels of Comrades, we talk with Mike Wardian about what he’s been up to as well as what he has planned for the rest of the year. With Western States just a few weeks away Mike talks about his goal and his battle with …
SCOTT JUREK, ULTRARUNNER & AUTHOR of EAT & RUN The widely anticipated release of Scott Jurek’s new book ‘Eat & Run: Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness’ is about race to the NY Times best seller’s list, and for good reason. Scott talks with us about why he wrote the book …
Michael Arnstein AKA the Fruitarian, ULTRArunner Every now again an ultra runner comes along and really breaks the mold. Michael Arnstein, AKA the Fruitarian is no exception. Eating a mostly fruit only diet, Mike has turned skeptics into true believers. How’s a 4th place finish at Leadville or 1st place …
Errol ‘The Rocket’ Jones, ULTRArunner The Patron Saint of Pacing, Errol ‘The Rocket’ Jones might not be familiar to you, but after this interview you will never forget who The Rocket is. The Rocket joins URP to talk about his running history, pacing Ann Trason in her heyday, what it …
Alan & Bev Abbs, ULTRArunners While most married couple’s idea of a getaway vacation is sipping brightly colored drinks with tiny umbrellas on white sandy beaches, the Abbs’ are running together through razor sharp briar patches and hellacious trails of The Barkley Marathons. Sounds like our kind of “date …
Meredith Terranova, Ultrarunner & Nutritionist With over 50 ultras events under her hydration belt how could we not want to a nutritionist about how to eat? What we wanted find out how to eat when we are NOT on the trail. What should an ultra runner’s plate look like and …
Dean Karnazes, Ultrarunner Bring up the name Dean Karnazes to a group of ultrarunners and odds are you will get a varying degree of responses. We’ve read his books, read the articles, seen the television programs – we want to hear what Dean Karnazes has to say about being Dean …
Barefoot Ted, Ultrarunner Barefoot Ted takes a break from his work at the Luna Sandal Factory is Seattle, WA to share with us his philosophy about running barefoot. We also talk about making the transition from shoes to shoeless, barefoot running cultures, skateboarding, Born to Run and his recent return …
Krissy Moehl, Ultrarunner How much wood could a Chuckanut chuck if a Chuckanut could chuck wood? That isn’t one of the many questions we had for Krissy Moehl, Race Director of Chuckanut 50K/elite runner/running ambassador. Krissy spared us a few minutes of her precious time to talk about this weekend’s …
VE LOYCE SHACKLETON AKA “THE MONSTER” If you are looking for a massage that invokes serenity and images unicorns drinking from a pond in a magical garden you’ve come to the wrong place. Welcome to the monsters den, welcome to Monsters of Massage. Ve Loyce Shackleton and wife Marsha, owners …
IAN TORRENCE INTERVIEW, ULTRA RUNNER Get out your glue sticks and no. 2 pencils, Ian Torrence is going to take you to ultra running school. When Ian isn’t out running and kicking butt and taking names, he is coaching for McMillan Running and helping runners to do the same. We …
SABRINA MORAN, ULTRARUNNER Team inov-8’s Sabrina Moran is out running and winning 100 mile ultras like this year’s Rocky Raccoon and 24hr races when most of her peers are taking a respite from hard week of study. So how is this 25 year old phenom able to study philosophical theology/philosophy …
Meghan Arbogast, UltraRunner Needles, horses and coconuts are just some of the MANY things we talked about with Meghan Arbogast. We’re not kidding. We also talked about her race schedule, training, eating, wine and oh, so many other topics. We are delighted to share with you our interview with “The …
RUSS THOMAS, ULTRARUNNER URP proudly introduces Russ Thomas AKA The Kansas City Kid, a most unique individual. To hear his story is both amazing and inspiring. To describe his story to you here would be a disservice, you ought to hear it for yourself from the man who lost a …
RYAN TRIFFITT, ULTRARUNNER You never forget your first, 50 miler. We interview Maine’s Ryan Triffitt, an everyday guy running a not-so-everyday-distance. We talk with Ryan about his training regimen and what went right and what went not so right in his first 50. This is a great resource for those …
iRunFar.com’s Bryon Powell, Ultra Runner, Author There are ultra running websites, and then there’s iRunFar.com. What started as a love affair became Bryon Powell’s way of life. What kind of life did he leave behind and how does he put together one of the standout ultra sites? Oh yeah, did …
Inside the Race Directors Studio with Inside Trail Racing’s Tim Long
Jan 27, 2012
Inside the Race Directors Studio with Inside Trail Racing’s Tim Long Welcome to the first edition of Inside the Race Directors Studio. There’s a new kid in town, (two, actually) who have set their sights on organizing a new trail racing series in one of ultra running’s hot bed communities. …
IAN SHARMAN INTERVIEW Question: What does a 12:44 100 mile run, Spiderman, Elvis and Las Vegas have in common? Answer: Ian Sharman. Last year Ian Sharman set his legs to ludicrous speed and ran Rocky Raccoon 100M in 12:44. How does he plan to repeat this year? Find out here. …
Devon Crosby-Helms Interview Just a few days after Devon’s blistering 36th place finish at the Olympic Trials in Houston, Devon talks with ULTRARUNNERpodcast about her amazing race. We also talk about her life as an ultra runner, nutrition, her goals and why she thinks the best is yet to come, …
Ultra Race Calendar with Run100s Stan Jensen
Jan 13, 2012
Ultra Race Calendar with Run100s Stan Jensen Who better to talk about the 2012 ultra race calendar than with Run100s.com’s Stan Jensen. How should you choose the right ultra? What is one of the best bargains? What’s new for 2012? Stan shares his knowledge and experience with us in the …
Ultra Runners of the Year: Ellie Greenwood and Dave Mackey
Jan 11, 2012
ULTRA RUNNERS OF THE YEAR: ELLIE GREENWOOD AND DAVE MACKEY BIG congratulations to UltraRunning Magazine’s 2011 North American ultra runners of the year, Ellie Greenwood and Dave Mackey. We talk with Ellie and Dave about last year’s accomplishments and highlights as well as 2012’s race calendar. Congrats Ellie and Dave!!
Dustin Burgess Interview Dustin just finished his first ultra, 50k and landed a spot on the URP Endurance Team. We talk with Dustin about his training regime , race strategy and recovery. His interview is a great resource for those looking to transition from a marathon to a 50k.
Kevin Green, ULTRArunner You work, you have a family, you’re an average runner trying to find time to train and race in ultrarunning’s Grand Slam. WHAAAT? Kevin Green made it happen and he’s inspiring others to do the same. www.justfinish.com
Jenn Shelton, ULTRArunner At this year’s Litihia Loop Trail Marathon URP’s Eric Schranz ran with Jenn Shelton. Lucky for us she agreed to come on for an interview prior to leaving Eric eating her dust. She has her eyes set on qualifying for the Olympic trials. We’ll talk with about …
Catra Corbett, ULTRArunner I Heart Catra Corbett. There is nothing typical about ultrarunning. The same can be said about The ‘Dirt Diva’ Catra Corbett. Recently featured on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumble, we hear her thoughts about the piece. We also talk about her life as a drug addict, …
UltraRunning Year in Review and Look Ahead to 2012
Dec 28, 2011
UltraRunning Year in Review and Look Ahead to 2012 Who better to talk about the year that was and the year that is to come than Andy Jones Wilkins and Craig Thornley. These two good friends pair to UltraRunning like an ice cold beer and a hot summer day…. well, …
Live from Western States 100 Lottery, Auburn, CA
Dec 28, 2011
Live from Western States 100 Lottery, Auburn, CA UltraRunner Podcast broadcasted live from the Western States Lottery. Check out our Western States Lottery interviews with Race Director Greg Soderland, Gordy Ainsleigh, Meghan Arboghast, Craig Thornley, JB Benna and James Barstad. ws100.com
J.B. Benna, ULTRArunner & Filmmaker J.B. Benna’s talks with us about his new documentary ‘Unbreakable: The Western States 100’. We talk with JB about why he made the film, what the shoot was like and his life as a filmmaker. Now, if we can only get him to make WS …
Anton Krupicka, ULTRArunner Did it feel like something was missing from this summer’s ultrarunning scene? Yep, we felt the same thing. Anton spent his summer recovering from an injury. How does an elite runner cope with the down time and what do they do to keep their bodies in …
Liza Howard and Hal Koerner, ULTRArunners
Dec 28, 2011
Liza Howard and Hal Koerner, ULTRArunners What’s better than having on the winner of the Javelina Jundred? Having both winners of the Javelina Jundred! Liza and Hal give us their impressions of the race, the dark side and Liza’s trip to the E.R. lizahoward.com halkoerner.com
Tim Waggoner Ultimate Direction’s Tim Waggoner placed 6th at Leadville, but don’t call him an ultrarunner. We’ll call him the non-ultrarunner. Find out why. joghard.blogspot.com/
Andy Jones Wilkins, ULTRArunner AJW has been sidelined from running with the vampire bite of foot injuries, so he’s had a lot of time to think. Plug in and get ready for the Ultra Running World According to AJW. ajwsblog.blogspot.com/
Frank Bozanich, ULTRArunner Frank Bozanich uncensored. We talk to Frank about his many accomplishments, how today’s ultrarunning scene compares to when ultras did NOT have aid stations and many, MANY other topics.
Lee McKinley, ULTRArunner With over 70 ultras under his feet it’s safe to say that Lee McKinley knows a thing or two about running ultras. We talk with Lee about how to manage a race. We will cover topics such as using a cheat sheet, the McKinley Method Pace Chart, …
Matt Fitzgerald, Author There is a battle going on inside your body that you might not be aware of. Its a knock’em sock’em fight between increasing performance and losing weight. Find out from one of the countries top endurance nutritionists on how to unlock the secret to your own success. …
Mike Wardian, ULTRArunnerThe Power Bar, Marathonguide.com & North Face Endurance Team’s Michael Wardian joins us just days after his second place finish at UROC. Michael had the lead with 7-8 miles to go and then he took a wrong turn. Hear what happened, what his thoughts were and how he …
Cherie Yanek, ULTRArunner Trail hallucinations, running in socks and a naked man in running shoes…welcome to the World of Cherie Yanek. We often talk to runners that finish at the front of the pack, but what about the person who just doesn’t have their day? Unfortunately, it happened to Cherie. …
Max King, ULTRArunner Did you know an American won this year’s World Mountain Championship in Albania? Yup, and we’re talking to the man, Max King. We’ll also talk about his training for the Olympic Marathon Trials coming up in January. Hail to the King, baby! www.runnerspace.com/maximus
Ray Zahab, ULTRArunner Ray just finished running 180 miles across Death Valley, in 115 degree temps. How did he do it, why did he do it? We’ll also talk to him about the other run he did across the Sahara and we’ll talk about what he has planned for January. …
Eric Orton, ULTRArunner & Training Coach
Dec 28, 2011
Eric Orton, ULTRArunner & Training Coach When ‘Born to Run’ author Christopher McDougall needed to have his running form reconstructed he when to one of the very few people that could fix him, Eric Orton. Eric shares that experience with us and who you can improve your running form. CAUTION: …
Craig Thornley, ULTRArunner & Race Director
Dec 28, 2011
Craig Thornley, ULTRArunner & Race Director We talk with Craig about the recent running of Waldo 100K and a wide range of topics including how he got his outrageous nickname. conductthejuices.com waldo100k.org
Julie Fingar, Race Director & ULTRArunner
Dec 28, 2011
Julie Fingar, Race Director & ULTRArunner Elite runner and Race Director of some of the most popular ultras in the U.S. Julie Fingar joins us to talk about transitioning from the marathon distance to ultras. This a great resource for runners looking to take the plunge and for experienced ultrarunners to …
Sunny Blende, Sports Nutritionist & ULTRArunner
Dec 28, 2011
Sunny Blende, Sports Nutritionist & ULTRArunner Let’s face it, despite all your efforts to do everything right during an ultra things can go wrong. Good thing for you Sunny Blende is here. We talk with Sunny about what to do when things go wrong. What to do when things go wrong …
Marshall Ulrich, ULTRArunner 3063 miles, 52 days and 57 years old. Those are the numbers you need to know about Marshall Ulrich’s run across the United States, but that barely scratches the surface of what he has achieved, so far. We proudly present our interview with Marshall. We cannot wait …
Scott Dunlap, ULTRArunner One of our favorite trail bloggers/ultrarunners/ambassadors of the trail joins URP for a great converation. We talk to Scott about balancing family and running, race distances differences, running for Team Inov-8 and his upcoming race at Wasatch and seeing the face of God – yep, that’s right. …
Don Freeman, ULTRArunner The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. That’s one way to describe Don’s attempt at this year’s Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run. Don tells us his story of the adversity he faced and how when on the trail you are never really alone.
Jimmy Dean Freeman, ULTRArunner In this Ultra Lite URP interview we talk to Jimmy about his experience crewing at Badwater as well as the URP Endurance Team vs SoCal Coyotes AC100 Beer Stein Challenge. Let the countdown begin. inspiredrunning.blogspot.com socalcoyotes.com
Kami Semick, ULTRArunner Coming off a third place women’s finish at Comrades, The North Face’s Kami Semick lays down an incredible 2nd place finish women’s at Western States. You haven’t heard anything until you hear what happened at mile 97. You’ll hear that story, right here. kamisemick.blogspot.com/
Mike Wardian, ULTRArunner After taking 3rd the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile, what does Mike do? He competes in the following day’s 1/2 marathon and wins it. We’ll talk with Mike fresh off his run at Badwater. We can’t wait to see how he does. mikewardian.com Mike is sponsored by Marathonguide.com, The …
Ellie Greenwood, ULTRArunner Fresh off a blistering win at Western States 100, Montrail’s Ellie Greenwood joins us to talk about the race and looking ahead to Mont Blanc. elliegreenwood.blogspot.com/
Tim Twietmeyer, ULTRArunner As we open the advent-calendar windows to countdown the days till Western States 100, we’ll sit down with Tim Twietmeyer. Not only is Tim the president of Western States Endurance Run Foundation but he also has FIVE WS100 victories and 25 sub-24 hour finishes. If you are …
Scott Warr, ULTRArunner Ultrarunnerpodcast.com co-host Scott Warr talks about running his first 100 mile distance, Western States. A podcast for the everyday Joe who has ambitions to run 100 miles. Congrats Scott, we are proud of you!
Hal Koerner, Ultrarunner WS100 2x champion returns to Squaw and lines up with stiff competition. We sat down with Hal the day before WS100 to hear his thoughts about this year’s race, his race plans and the awesome running community in his hometown Ashland, Oregon. www.roguevalleyrunners.com
Cath Todd, ULTRArunner & Adventure Racer
Dec 28, 2011
Cath Todd, ULTRArunner & Adventure Racer Meet Cath Todd. Cath is Australian, lives in Dubai, UAE and travels the world competing in ultras and adventures races, sometimes she does it totally alone, sans crew and pacer. She talks about running WS100 and some of her adventures traveling the world. Oh …
Jimmy Dean Freeman, Running Coach & ULTRArunner
Dec 28, 2011
Jimmy Dean Freeman, Running Coach, Ultrarunner We sit down with Jimmy Dean Freeman in beautiful Squaw Valley the day before WS100 to hear his thoughts on this year’s race. We also talk about his motivational speaking and coaching. After talking with Jimmy Dean for 20 minutes we were motivated to …
Christopher McDougall, Author of “Born to Run” & ULTRArunner
Dec 28, 2011
Christopher McDougall, Author of “Born to Run” & ULTRArunner Author of “Born to Run” joins us for a fantastic conversation about minimalist running, what Caballo Blanco has been up to and what his next project is. http://www.chrismcdougall.com/
Gordy Ainsleigh, Living Legend & Ultrarunner
Dec 28, 2011
Gordy Ainsleigh, Living Legend & Ultrarunner The dean of ultra trail running joins ultrarunnerpodcast.com. He was the first to run Western States 100 and may be responsible for thousands of people testing the limits of their own endurance and breaking down barriers of what the human body can do. We’ll …
Dr. David Hannaford, Elite Sports Podiatrist & ULTRArunner
Dec 28, 2011
Dr. David Hannaford, Elite Sports Podiatrist & Ultra Runner David isn’t your ordinary podiatrist. This podiatrist comes with 3rd place finish at Badwater, 2 Western States buckles and a 250k footrace through a little place called the Gobi Desert. So we figured, yeah, this is the person we should talk …
Mark T. Jackson, ULTRArunner Mark is like most ultra runners, he trains hard, signs up for a lot of ultras and tries to balance family, work and long training runs. What makes Mark unique is how he got into running ultras, where he ran his first one and where he …
Gary Cantrell, Barkley Marathons Race Director
Dec 27, 2011
Gary Cantrell, Barkley Marathon Race Director “Unforgiving.” That is one word used to describe The Barkley Marathon, it’s considered hands down the world’s toughest trail race. Since 1986 only 9 people have finished it. Leaving a wake of empty Gu packets, bloody socks and unrealized goals, we talk with the …
Sunny Blende, Nutritionist & Ultrarunner With a name like Sunny Blende it’s poetic justice that Sunny is a sports nutritionist. Sunny is a presenter and lecturer on sports nutrition, fueling enhanced performance and making healthy food choices, not to mention she’s one heck of an athlete! Sunny tells us what …
GEOFF ROES, ULTRArunner Training in his fortress of solitude in Alaska, ultra running’s trail monster spends some time with ULTRARUNNERpodcast.com Coming off some mind bending wins we’ll talk to the Western States 100 champ about his life on and off the trail, defending his WS100 title and much, much more. …
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