Sierra started running ultras in 2015 and has excelled in the 100-mile distance. On this podcast we talk her recent win at the USATF 24-hour national championship, what that means to her and what she hopes to gain from that experience. We also discuss a recent 100-mile race, the Bear 100. This is one of the best stories of mental toughness and resiliency we have ever heard. Sierra is incredibly disciplined; she puts in high mileage and balances her time to train and race. You will be inspired to get those miles in after hearing this one.
IG- @sdegroff
Amanda flips the script and interviews her coach Addie Bracy on today's episode. We talk about imposter syndrome in new runners and in general and it's a conversation most of us have had if even with ourselves. Other topics that came up were what is the biggest lesson from endurance efforts from a mental standpoint? How does running on trail verse road change the meditative benefits of running? We hope you enjoy!
Kris first met Steve in Texas a couple years ago while crewing at Bandera 100k. Steve has done some amazing things. He is one of the most supportive people she has ever met she has never known anyone who steps in as much as he does to help others achieve their big goals. While recently crewing and pacing a friend, Beth, for the Bear 100 in Utah, Steve shared his why. Kris was so moved by it she told him he needed to come on the podcast and share more.
We love a podcast guest that makes you feel inspired to do more giving. Steve is a 21-year retired Air Force veteran; he has been searching to find his purpose and live a life that is in line with his principals. Steve shares his journey after retiring that takes us through his Dad’s passing and becoming sober. He has immersed himself in the trail running community. Steve is making an impact through Band of Runners and bringing awareness to drug and alcohol addiction. Steve is a wonderful person who loves connecting people. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Alexa has had some big changes since we last talked. She is still leading by example and empowering women to do big things.
We had another great conversation with Alexa. She is still busy but has found a way to shift her priorities and conquer big goals. Alexa shares her journey to running Bigfoot 200 and gives a full race recap. She merged her passion for mountain running with the need to raise awareness for gun violence. Alexa continues her mission to raise funds and awareness while setting her sights on Cocodona 250. When we talk to Alexa, we feel the support and enthusiasm for anything we want to accomplish. She truly is our Wonder Woman!
IG - @uphill_athlete
Most endurance athletes have heard about post race blues. In this short one I give 6 ways to plan for it should it happen so you are ready to move on mentally and physically from your epic adventures, races, and other efforts!
Coach Addie Bracy and Scott chat with Amanda to see how her last couple weeks of training have gone. She is dealing with work stress, don't we all, but Addie has some great tips for managing it all. We bring up the beer mile and have a little fun planning one. Amanda is training for her first ultra in Sedona next April!
Coach Ian Sharman and Scott talke with Brittany about early training and how she is handling it so far. We dive into how she recovers from multiple overnight shifts in a row and how her upcoming schedule can be managed. She plans on more social runs to find more accountability and local community. Enjoy the show!
Tara has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she has found healing through trail running with her husky, Suki and hopes to show others that they can move their bodies even if they are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Tara is on a mission to show people a diagnosis does not mean you have to stop doing what you love. She has taken charge of her health and wants to encourage others to do the same. We discuss what it means to have a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and how to move through it. Tara is incredibly positive and driven to help people. This conversation left us feeling inspired.
While we were catching up on the second call for Noel for Season 14 we learned how her first time trial went, why she makes her boyfriend ride his bike next to her, and what is coming up in training! Coach Lindsay shares some of the life adjustments with her newly added twins. Enjoy the show!
Mari is ini the thick of it now. She got on the call and was excited to share her four first from the frist week of training. Running 5 days in a week, running 2 days in a row, running trails, and intervals. This project is meant to get athletes out of their comfort and pushing limits so hearing this on the second call was such a good reminder of how many people we could really inspire to try new things. We hope you enjoy!
Scott sits down with Travis Zmak to talk about his running story and how he got into the sport. We love to showcase everyday people training for big things. Travis is a working husband and father of three out of Idaho Falls. We talk about his first ultra, some challenges that have some up recently with his health and why he is ready to take on his first 50 miler! Enjoy the show.
We had Sabrina Stanley on the podcast two years ago. What stands out most is her confidence and drive. She has won some of the most difficult 100 milers including the Hurt 100 and Hardrock 100 twice. Ultrarunner magazine has named Sabrina one of the top ultra runner’s multiple times.
Another great conversation with one of our favorites. On this episode we talk about what the last two years have been like for Sabrina. The heartbreak of preparing for a big event and not being able to compete due to Covid followed by a tough DNF. We discuss the physical and mental work it takes to overcome setbacks; Sabrina is very open and honest about mental health. We appreciate this conversation and hope it helps others. Sabrina is a strong woman with a positive message for all of us trying to do hard things.
IG - @sabrinaleannstanley
Becoming Ultra coach Linday LaForce and Scott introduce Sheila Munch. Sheila is a mom of 4, wife, and nurse out of Grand Junction, Colorado. Not too long ago she decided it was time to take care of herself and see what was possible. On today's introduction we talk about her life and her goals and the fact that she will be training for her first ultra in Sedona with the rest of the Season 14 crew. It's another reminder that it's never too late to start with these crazy goals!
John Calabrese is embracing life! We had a great time chatting with him about racing, the trail running community, parenting, and caregiving. John is racing almost every weekend. He is a proud dance Dad and puts parenting at the top of his priority list. John also tells us about his special relationship with Donald, who is confined to a wheelchair but has taught everyone he meets so much about living. John’s energy and joy are contagious. You will be inspired by this one.
IG- @breezytrailhead
Mari is ready to train for her first ultra. With good work/life balance she is pumped to test her limits on trails and see what she is capable of doing! We hope you enjoy the episode!
Scott and Lindsay take some time to get to know one of the runner's of Season 14. Noel has found purpose in her work and inspiration from her sister. Now she gets to train for her first 50k! We hope you enjoy!
Addie and Scott get to meet Amanda who is just now starting her journey to run her first ultra. Amanda works at Trader Joe's and bartends and has some great reasons to take this challenge head on. We hope you enjoy!
Ian and Scott sit down with Season 14 runner, Brittany, to learn her story and get her rolling to training for her first Ultra. She resides in Oregon and works as a shift nurse in the Cardiac unit. We hope you enjoy!
Marshall Ulrich is 72 and isn't showing any signs of stopping. After a couple surgeries and seeing close friends deal with things like Alzheimers, Marshall can't help but do what he has always done, keep it moving. His endurance exploits are second to none from circumnagivating Death Valley to climbing the seven summits. This is one to share with anyone who wants to do epic things late in life or someone who just needs a reason to start! We hope you enjoy.
Taylor Spike (Tspike) is an ultra-endurance athlete, Husband, Father, and recovering addict. He is one of the few people to complete a 200-mile ultramarathon in less than 60 hours. He also holds the master’s course record for the Tahoe 200 clockwise and counterclockwise. Taylor has experienced extreme discomfort on the trails and in life. Taylor doesn’t make excuses; he is sober and accountable to himself. He embraces his family and the moments he shares with them.
Kris met Taylor and his dad, Greg at the Wy’east Wonder Ultra in June. She knew immediately she wanted to talk more. It was a short meeting but made an impact. On this episode Taylor talks openly about addiction and loss. We discuss what shapes us, inspires us, and drives us as trail runners and how we persevere through pain. It was a privilege to have this conversation. We hope it resonates with people who have similar struggles.
IG- @tspike2
IG- @live_recovery_strong
Scott, Ian, Addie, and Lindsay sit down to pick which runner they will work with to get to their first ultra. The Becoming Ultra Project brings new ultra runners along with training, podcasts, and community to the start line of their first ultra. This show is the first of Season 14 which will finish with runners in the Sedona desert in April 2024. Enjoy!
Today we catch up with some old friends, and some new ones, to talk about the TransRockies Race! TRR is a 6 day stage race across the Rocky Mountains that covers 120 total miles and 20,000 feet of elevation gain. Ina & Mike along with Jenn and Dave relive their experience during the week and talk about how as partners they successfully completed the event.
We are all familiar with the Leadville 100, Hisa has a great story about how she made her way to the iconic race. In 11 months, she went from running 2 miles to 100. We discuss her athletic background as well as training for a mountain race at altitude in the heat of Baton Rouge. We absolutely loved this conversation with Hisa. Her story is one that will make you feel inspired and happy. Taking a chance and not being afraid to fail can lead to some great things.
IG- @hisa.turner
Scott and Dylan have a great conversation that goes all over the place.
We hope you enjoyed the show!
Scott and Jason Fitzgerald catch up on all things running from group run etiquette to losing his voice cheering for one mile racers. We talk about why he has kept a running journal for decades and so much more in a fun conversation from the Strength Running founder.