#41: From Road Marathons to Mountain Ultras: Jonathan Edwards' Journey

Guest: MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards (@jedsoutside)
Host: Rob Shaul

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Rob Shaul sits down with MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards, an endurance athlete who transitioned from road marathons to ultra mountain running and backcountry bowhunting. Jonathan shares his late start in endurance sports, the lessons he learned from his first ultra race in the mountains, and how he balances running, strength training, and hunting. He also discusses his training philosophy, race preparation, and the mistakes that shaped his growth as an athlete.

Key Topics Covered:

• Moving from Florida to Utah to pursue mountain sports and hunting
• Transitioning from road marathons to high-elevation ultra running
• The importance of strength training for endurance athletes
• Training volume and structuring weekly mileage for ultra races
• Lessons learned from his toughest races, including heat management and downhill running
• Balancing hunting and ultra racing
• His approach to fueling and hydration in long races
• Gear selection for ultra running and backcountry hunting
• His upcoming race at UTMB and how he's preparing for the biggest challenge of his career

Notable Quotes:

• "I disrespected the mountains and the distance on my first mountain ultra—and I paid for it."
• "The best runners aren’t always the fastest; they’re the ones who slow down the least."
• "Backcountry hunting and ultra running both demand patience, endurance, and mental resilience."
• "I don’t come cheap—I’d rather sponsor myself and pick my own gear."

Jonathan’s Favorite Gear:

• Running Watch: Garmin Fenix 7
• Running Vest: Salomon ADV Skin 12L
• Shoes: Solomon S-Lab Genesis & Nike Agama
• Strength Training Tool: Sandbag for loaded lunges
• Headlamp: Fenix rechargeable headlamp
• Hunting Pack: Stone Glacier Sky Talus 6900
• Bow: Hoyt RX-9 Ultra

Upcoming Races and Hunts:

• March 1, 2025: Belgian Waffle Ride AZ (103-mile gravel bike race)
• August 2025: UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, 176 km)
• September 2025: Idaho elk hunt
• 2026: Alaska/Yukon moose hunt

Connect with Jonathan:

• Instagram: @jedsoutside