Free Outside From the Classroom to the Golden Ticket – Will Murray’s Road to Western States
On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, we welcome Will Murray, a math teacher, coach, and elite runner who recently punched his ticket to Western States 100. Will shares his unique journey from growing up in Georgia as a baseball player to rediscovering running after college, transitioning from cycling to trail racing, and ultimately shocking the ultra world with a Golden Ticket win at Black Canyon 100K.
Our Black Canyon Coverage: https://youtu.be/SO-6YkxWczM?si=IXEDglz96vCwI6p7
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Topics:🏃♂️ Will’s path to teaching and endurance sports
🚲 How cycling shaped his ultra-running success
🎓 Balancing coaching, dorm duty, and training at a boarding school
🏔️ His Silver Rush 50 debut—placing second in his first ultra
🔥 How he prepped for Black Canyon 100K and handled the Arizona heat
🧠 The mental strategies and self-talk routines that powered his breakthrough
🏆 What it felt like to earn a Golden Ticket and his plans for Western States 100
Will’s story is a testament to balancing a passion for running with a full-time career.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Will Murray
Jeff introduces Will Murray—math teacher, coach, 2:32 marathoner, and now a Golden Ticket winner to Western States 100.
02:00 – Growing Up: From Baseball to Running
Will shares his early years in Georgia, playing baseball and discovering running in high school.
04:30 – A Roundabout Path to Teaching
How Will went from working at a bike shop and guiding cycling tours in France to studying math and eventually becoming a high school teacher in New Jersey.
07:00 – Finding His Way Back to Running
After college, Will rediscovered endurance sports through bikepacking but shifted to running due to time constraints.
09:30 – Jumping Into Ultras: Silver Rush 50
Why he picked Leadville’s Silver Rush 50 as his first ultra—and how he shocked the field by finishing second.
12:30 – Competing at Chuckanut 50K
Testing himself against elite competition like Matt Daniels, Francesco Pupi, and Zach Perrin, and learning from a tough day.
14:45 – Leadville 100: First 100-Miler Experience
The highs and lows of Leadville, racing in the mountains, and the emotional finish under the night sky.
17:00 – Dreaming of Western States
How Leadville fueled his desire to chase a Golden Ticket, and the logistics of making it happen with a full-time teaching job.
20:00 – Training for Black Canyon: The "Artistic" Approach
Will's unique training philosophy—balancing structured workouts with an intuitive approach.
23:30 – Preparing for the Heat: Ice Sleeves & Indoor Treadmill Runs
Simulating Arizona’s heat while training in New Jersey, and the cooling strategies that worked.
25:00 – Race Day at Black Canyon: Going All In
How he ran with the front pack, handled key decision points, and executed his mental strategy.
27:45 – The Big Move: Passing Eli Hemming
The moment he secured his Golden Ticket, the decision to push instead of fade, and staying locked in.
29:15 – Crossing the Finish Line: Reality Sets In
The shock and joy of achieving his dream race entry, plus the practical side of getting a Golden Ticket home.
31:00 – The Aftermath: Teaching, Training, and What’s Next
Returning to school as a Western States athlete, student reactions, and how he’ll prepare for June.
34:00 – Racing Without Pacers & Crew Strategy
How his sister became an impromptu crew chief, and the last-minute aid station pit crew he didn’t expect.
36:30 – Mindset Mastery: The Key to Ultra Success
Breaking down "Decision Time", self-talk strategies, and how he stays mentally strong in long races.
41:00 – Looking Ahead to Western States
Goals for June, training adjustments, and balancing it all while still teaching.
44:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Non-Pro Athletes
Why you don’t need to be a full-time athlete to compete at the highest level in ultrarunning.
46:00 – Outro: The Journey Continues
Will reflects on what’s next and his excitement for Western States 100.