First 50-miler: a brutal learning race

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start ultrarunning — or whether you can build elite durability while juggling a full-time job, a family, and life responsibilities — this episode is going to light you up.

In this conversation, I sit down with Everyday Ultra coach, ultrarunner, dad, and leader — Kirk Blevins — to unpack his incredible journey from powerlifter… to OCR athlete… to 50 miler… to 100 miler… and ultimately his first 200-mile finish at the Across Florida 200.

Kirk started endurance sports later in life — but through mindset, structure, and smart training, he’s built a level of durability most runners never reach.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kirk went from watching a Spartan Race on TV to signing up within minutes
• The brutal first 50-miler that nearly broke him — and why he doubled the distance anyway
• Why starting later in life isn’t a disadvantage… and might actually be a superpower
• The mindset shift that helped him handle ankle-deep mud, freezing rain, and adversity
• The training changes that allowed him to run a 200-miler with zero soreness
• How he balanced training, career, and family without burning out
• The role of strength training, mobility, and footwork in staying injury-free
• What he learned about recovery that transformed his performance
• Why finding your “apex” of volume and recovery is the real secret to ultra success
• How to build belief after a bad race — and why it’s never too late to start

This episode is packed with practical training insights, mindset shifts, and real-world lessons from someone who has built an unbreakable foundation while living a full life.

Whether you’re training for your first ultra or leveling up to the next distance, Kirk’s story will show you exactly what’s possible.

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