Everyday Ultra

Evan Moody, an accomplished ultrarunner, shares his journey from casual runner to owning the identity of an athlete. He discusses the importance of trusting the process, especially during training doubts, and how a strong support system transformed his approach. Evan reveals his race strategies for the Javelina 100-mile event, focusing on pacing and nutrition. He also dives into friendly rivalries and upcoming challenges, like his ambitious attempt at completing the Catskills 35-peak FKT. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their ultrarunning game.

Alyssa Clark, a pro ultra-runner with numerous FKTs, joins Shelby Heinz, a race director known for challenging routes, and Lizzy Fowler, an experienced coach and ultra-runner. They dive into the nitty-gritty of planning and executing FKTs, discussing the distinctions between supported and unsupported attempts. Alyssa shares insights on logistics and pacing, while Shelby recounts her rugged Tucson trek. Lizzy emphasizes the importance of safety, flexibility, and community, revealing how unexpected challenges can shape an FKT experience.

Wes Plate, an accomplished ultrarunner and race director, shares his inspiring journey from alcohol addiction to becoming a beloved figure in the running community. He discusses how running replaced his unhealthy coping mechanisms and transformed his life. Wes emphasizes the lessons ultrarunning teaches about resilience and mindset. He reflects on the profound impact of events like Cocodona on his self-identity and the importance of community among mid-pack runners. With a blend of ambition and humility, he reveals plans for future races and endeavors.

Discover how to train for ultras without sacrificing your life or relationships. Learn to prioritize what truly matters and create a schedule that balances work, family, and fitness. Embrace the concept of treating workouts as essential meetings and adapt your plans around life's unpredictability. Explore the importance of sleep for recovery and the value of fulfillment over mere happiness. Plus, find out how to reclaim time through audits and design your ideal week for maximum efficiency.

Mikey Mitchell, an elite mountain athlete known for his joyful approach to ultrarunning, discusses how embracing fun can enhance performance. He shares insights on balancing discomfort with enjoyment, emphasizing that fear shouldn't hinder progress. Mikey recounts his journey from 10K to Leadville 100, highlighting the community aspect and resilience gained. He links mountaineering skills to success in ultras and critiques the obsession with perfect races, advocating for a more inclusive and enjoyable ultrarunning culture.

In this insightful discussion, Christie Brinker, a certified ultra coach from the Midwest, and Andrew Redden, an experienced mountain racer, share their expert advice on training for mountain ultramarathons. They delve into the common mistakes runners make when preparing for steep climbs and offer practical tips on treadmill training and simulating course elevation. The duo also emphasizes the importance of power hiking, downhill training, and altitude acclimation strategies, ensuring you’re race-day ready—no matter where you live.

Winter can be a challenging time for ultrarunners, but it’s also prime for growth. Uncover how winter training builds mental toughness and aerobic capacity. Learn to tackle cold, dark days with effective strategies for staying motivated and fit. Discover the importance of treadmill training and tips for safe outdoor running in harsh conditions. Plus, get insights on hydration, nutrition, and cross-training options to make the most of winter. Embrace this season as an opportunity to elevate your performance come race day!

In this engaging discussion, Hillary Allen, a world-class trail running athlete and mental performance coach, shares insights from her unique blend of neuroscience and endurance running. She emphasizes that mental toughness is a trainable skill, not just raw determination. Topics include overcoming identity loss after injury, the importance of aligning goals with personal motivation, and practical tools like journaling and affirmations to build self-belief. Hillary redefines rest and recovery as crucial for mental adaptation, making this a must-listen for aspiring ultrarunners.

Dr. Kameron Harder, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and strength coach, shares insights on knee pain, specifically runner’s knee and IT band syndrome. He debunks the myth that running is bad for your knees and emphasizes the role of strength training in injury prevention. Kameron reveals common mistakes runners make when treating knee pain and highlights how hip strength is crucial for recovery. He also discusses the ineffectiveness of foam rolling the IT band and offers practical exercises to stay strong and injury-free.

Lydia Oldham, a creative ultrarunner and storyteller who began her journey during lockdown, shares her transformative path from short runs to ambitious 300-mile projects. She emphasizes the power of self-created challenges over traditional races, reframing failure as a stepping stone to growth. Lydia dives into her mental strategies for tackling tough moments and the profound meaning behind her adventures. Her advice on embracing enjoyment in running encourages anyone to push their limits and redefine their potential.