Amanda got the full trail race treatment at her first trail race recently.  Full with mud, rain, cold, snow, and slosh she learned a lot to bring with her to her first ultra in April! She also ran her longest of the training, a 22 mile and is realizing that trail running has a "more unexpected element" compared to road running!  We think it's the best part of the sport.  Enjoy the show!

Megan Eckert is someone who has found her community and embraced them. She didn’t start trail running until she was 30. Recently, at the Snowdrop Ultra she completed 218.87 miles, set a new female course record, and qualified for the US National 24-hour team. Three weeks later she was the last person standing at the Saguara Showdown Backyard Ultra, completing 270 miles. Megan talks about those experiences with gratitude and enthusiasm. We also talk about her influence as a cross country coach and how she wants to show her students the joy of running. Megan discusses what training looks like for her, self-care, and how she uses hobbies like backpacking in her training and recovery. Megan is a great role model for trail running and women. We are big fans of Megan, and you will be too after hearing this one!

IG - @_megeckert

As Mari continues to train for her first ultra she keeps breaking her own personal records.  In the last couple weeks she has put up the most volume for a week ever and the fastest mile ever.  Pretty impressive in the middle of the big volume.  We talk about the training for the last month and answer some more about race day! Enjoy the show!

As Brittany works through a slight setback her coach, Ian Sharman, makes sure she is getting ready for the start of her first 50k with a thoughtful approach to dealing with niggles and ramping up for big running goals!  We hope you enjoy!

The owner and founder of our partner race for Season 14 is back on with her social media and community manager to talk about the weekend festivities, local happenings, and race course so you can show up in Arizona ready to roll.  Enjoy the show!

Libby Jones is the founder and Race Director for The Active Joe. Since 2008 she has been putting on fun, friendly, affordable races with a focus inclusion.

Libby Jones is a race director with a passion for bringing all people together. On this podcast we discuss how she creates races that include the underrepresented in running. We also discuss her journey to become a Western States qualifier and what it takes to organize these races. Libby stands by her morals and does everything with heart and a mindfulness that is unmatched.

IG - @theactivejoe

linktr.ee/theactivejoe

IG - @libbyruns

Chad Sullivan is a father, husband, writer, and ultra runner. He is the creator of Hard Prairie, a magazine and website that highlights the trail and ultra running community with human stories of vulnerability and beautiful photography that compliments each story.

We talked with Chad about his journey to sobriety and the changes it brought to his life. We learn about Chad’s running background and how he found his way to writing for Eat Clean, Run Dirty magazine and eventually starting Hard Prairie, a story telling magazine. Chad discusses how the ultra-running community has supported him and impacted his life. His passion for connecting people through stories is inspiring. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

IG - ultra.sully

hardprairie.com 

Nutrition coach and RD Abby Penamonte McQueeny and coach Scott Jones discuss more listener questions in the new series about nutrition and fueling for runners.  Today's question was "For those of us who HATE logging our food. Is there an alternative?"  Enjoy the show and shoot us your best questions for upcoming episodes!

As Amanda recovers this week Addie preps for her first race of the season in the PNW.  We even have Amanda give her coach some advcie for the effort!  Becoming Ultra follows the journey of first time ultra runners.  Enjoy!

Brittany is still dealing with the shin pain that kind of sidelined her for a couple weeks but it is getting better.  He lays out a plan for her to keep her focused and confident that setbacks aren't always as final as we feel they are in the moment.  We hope you enjoy!

Please listen with an open mind and heart. When we are open to expanding our views and learning with compassion it is a beautiful thing and that is what sparks change.

Eric Quallen is a trans ultra runner, Wildlife Biologist who recently obtained his PhD, he is a dog lover, and master educator for leave no trace. He has completed many ultra marathons including Moab 240, Wyoming Range 100, and Zion 100.

Eric is one of the most open and honest people we have had on our podcast. He shares his journey as a trans runner and discusses his experiences through transitioning. Eric tells us what trail running brings to his life and what it is like to run 240 miles. We discuss challenges he has faced, mental health and so much more. Eric not just living, he is thriving.

Mari has had some mentally down moments after her long run from a couple weeks ago had her reeling a bit.  Her coach Scott gives perspective from a few different angles to get her back on track.  Realizing that so many go through the same tough spots is so helpful for new ultra runners.  We hope you enjoy!