In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Deidra shares her inspiring journey to becoming an ultrarunner, detailing her training, race experience, and the personal growth she achieved along the way. From overcoming physical challenges like back surgery to embracing the beauty of the of Mendocino, Deidra's story highlights the importance of mindset and perseverance. She reflects on her post-race recovery and the lessons learned, giving some words of encouragment to other new runners out there!
Chapters
00:00 Deidre's Journey to Becoming an Ultrarunner
02:52 The Race Experience: Challenges and Triumphs
06:00 Post-Race Reflections and Recovery
09:03 Mindset and Overcoming Life's Challenges
11:58 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Advice for Others
Chapters
00:00 Preparing for the 50K Adventure
03:02 Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges
05:57 Training Insights and Strategies
09:01 Race Day Logistics and Mindset
11:59 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies
14:58 Mental Preparation for the Race
18:01 Support Systems and Community
21:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
The project for new ultra runners!
In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott Jones, Denise, and Addie discuss the journey of preparing for an ultra marathon, focusing on the challenges of tapering, dealing with injuries, and the importance of mindset. Denise shares her recent experience with an injury and how she is managing her nerves leading up to the race. The conversation also covers race strategies, nutrition, and the significance of having a support system throughout the training process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:51 Tapering and Illness: A Common Challenge
06:47 Denise's Injury and Recovery
11:16 Mindset and Pre-Race Nerves
16:38 Race Strategy and Nutrition
22:19 Setting Goals and Expectations
27:23 Support System and Shout Outs
The project for you!
Chapters
00:00 Pre-Race Insights and Nerves
03:03 Race Logistics and Packet Pickup
05:59 Course Overview and Strategy for First Timers
09:08 Aid Stations and Nutrition
11:57 Spectator Information and Post-Race Activities
15:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this conversation, Denise shares her experiences and insights from her recent marathon as she prepares for her first ultra marathon. The discussion covers her mental and physical state post-marathon, the challenges she faced during the race, and her recovery process. Addie provides guidance on navigating the next steps in training, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and adapting plans as needed. The conversation highlights the excitement of marathon running, the lessons learned, and the strategies for effective recovery and preparation for future races.
Chapters
00:00 Preparing for the Ultra: Mental and Physical State
05:57 Marathon Experience: Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced
11:56 Recovery and Future Plans: Navigating the Next Steps
In this episode, Scott Jones, Carrie, and her coach Ian Sharman discuss Carrie's journey as she pivots from training for her first ultra marathon to participating in the Napa Valley Half Marathon. They explore the challenges she faced, including injuries and mental health struggles, and how she found closure in her athletic identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting expectations, embracing change, and setting short-term goals that bring joy to the fitness journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Carrie's Journey
01:24 Carrie's Experience at the Napa Valley Half Marathon
07:04 Reflections on Improvement and Injuries
09:35 Finding Closure and Acceptance
13:19 The Evolution of an Athlete
18:08 Looking Forward: Embracing Change
22:26 Short-Term Goals and Enjoyment in Fitness
Apply to the Becoming Ultra Project here!
In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones, along with coach Addie and her client Denise, discuss Denise's journey as she prepares for her first ultra marathon.
They talk about various aspects of training, including the impact of a recent dental surgery on her running schedule, strategies for the upcoming LA Marathon, nutrition and gear considerations, and the importance of recovery. They also share personal stories and adventures outside of running, including Addie's adventurous heli-skiing adventure!
Enjoy the show!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ultra Training Journey
03:00 Denise's Dental Mishap and Its Impact
06:13 Preparing for the LA Marathon
08:59 Race Strategy and Goals
11:53 Nutrition and Gear Considerations
15:01 Post-Marathon Recovery and Future Plans
18:02 Adventures Beyond Running
23:58 Conclusion and Future Check-In
Deidra's Journey to Ultra Running Continues:
In this episode, Scott talks with Deidra about her training regimen leading up to a crucial race in April.
They discuss the intricacies of dealing with Texas weather, allergies, and maintaining energy levels during long runs. Deidra shares her recent experiences with physical challenges such as leg tightness and concentration lapses, while Scott provides advice on fueling strategies and mental preparation. They also touch on the importance of recovery, maintaining proper nutrition, and balancing family life with training.
The discussion ends with Scott giving tips for the upcoming weeks and both expressing excitement for the progress made so far.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:20 Weather and Running Conditions
00:55 Allergies and Their Impact
02:28 Training Progress and Challenges
03:07 Mental Preparation and Strategies
04:01 Understanding the Bonk
05:01 Fueling and Hydration Tips
07:27 Balancing Training and Life
14:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
15:55 Upcoming Plans and Events
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Adapting Goals and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Training. Pivoting is not quitting.
In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones and coaches Ian and Carrie discuss Carrie's decision to shift her training focus from a 50k race to a half marathon. Due to recurring injuries and the demands of scaling her business, Carrie reflects on the emotional and physical challenges she faced in making this decision.
The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in ultra-running, emphasizing how setbacks can lead to new opportunities and healthier habits. The team also discusses ongoing physical therapy and the mental adjustments required to stay motivated and find joy in the process.
00:00 Introduction and Updates
00:28 Carrie's Shift in Focus
01:31 Emotional Decision and Business Challenges
04:55 New Goals and Adjustments
06:24 Physical Therapy and Running Mechanics
08:34 Adapting to Changes
10:46 Reflections and Moving Forward
19:06 Conclusion and Future Plans
Becoming Ultra: Training Tales and Marathon Musings with Denise and Addie.
In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie catch up on Denise's running journey, discussing her increasing mileage, recent crewing experience, and upcoming training race.
Denise shares her pain-free yet challenging training progress, including a memorable long run in Griffith Park and plans to run the LA Marathon as part of her training.
Addie reflects on her own marathon experience and offers advice on pacing and race preparation. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and setups in ultra-running, the importance of self-care while crewing, and the contrasting dynamics of road and trail running.
Tune in for insights, personal anecdotes, and tips for runners at all levels.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:31 Training Updates and Challenges
02:05 Griffith Park Memories
5:03 Crewing and Pacing Experiences
11:43 Upcoming LA Marathon
19:53 Concluding Thoughts and Announcements
Come run with us in Colorado
In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra', Scott, Ian, and his coaching client, Carrie, discuss the emotional and physical hurdles faced during Carrie's preparation for her first ultra marathon, the Mendocino 50k.
The conversation delves into the common struggles of first-time ultra runners, the importance of learning from setbacks, and finding balance amidst a busy life. Carrie shares her personal journey, dealing with injuries, and managing a business, while receiving valuable insights and encouragement from Ian and Scott. They emphasize viewing the bigger picture and appreciating the progress made, despite not always meeting immediate goals.
00:00 Introduction to Becoming Ultra
00:25 The Challenges of Training for Your First Ultra
02:10 Carrie's Personal Struggles and Progress
05:23 Balancing Life and Training
09:12 Finding Motivation and Adjusting Goals
11:28 The Importance of Self-Care and Perspective
20:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Training for Your First Ultra: Overcoming Challenges with Deidre
In this epsode, Scott and Deidre discuss her journey of training for her first ultra-marathon scheduled in Mendocino, California. They explore challenges she has faced recently, including minor injuries, stomach issues, and strategies to overcome them.
Some of the topics include the importance of communication with her coach, proper nutrition and hydration strategies during long runs, and how to manage the physical demands of increasing mileage.
Deidre shares her progress, the support she has received, and how she is mentally and physically preparing for race day.
00:00 Introduction and Training Overview
01:03 Current Training Status and Challenges
03:20 Foot Pain and Shoe Tightness
05:13 Long Runs and Physical Condition
06:38 Stomach Issues and Fueling Strategies
09:44 Caloric Intake and Nutrition Tips
15:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In the first call of 2025, Denise catches up with her coach Addie about her training progress for her first ultra marathon, set for April 19th in Mendocino.
They discuss balancing holiday breaks, ski trips, and work commitments, and address ongoing air quality issues in Southern California. Denise talks about her company's efforts to support associates affected by the Pacific Palisades fire.
The conversation also covers Denise's cross-training activities, including a high-altitude skiing trip and her experience with recovery and endurance.
The episode concludes with advice on specific training inquiries and race day preparations.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:23 Holiday Recap and Balancing Life
00:59 Weather and Relocation Updates
01:31 Denise's Work and Community Efforts
03:34 Grocery Industry Insights
05:10 Ski Trip and Cross Training
08:14 Training Progress and Future Plans
12:25 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones interviews Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman.
Carrie is training for her first Ultra marathon on April 19th in Mendocino.
They discuss several key aspects of her training regimen, including a recent sleep study that diagnosed her with moderate sleep apnea, and the use of a CPAP machine to improve her sleep quality.
Other topics covered include gait analysis, fueling strategies during training, and the importance of incremental improvements in training routines. Ian emphasizes the importance of consistency, incremental progress, and adapting training based on individual needs.
There's also a focus on the balance between work, life, and training, highlighting the challenges and strategies for maintaining a healthy routine. Carrie shares her experience of joining a local running group for accountability and the benefits of social running.
00:00 Welcome to Becoming Ultra
00:06 Carrie's Training Journey
00:56 Entrepreneurial Insights
02:45 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies
10:45 Dealing with Aches and Pains
23:09 Sleep Study Results
28:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Learn more at Becoming Ultra
Overcoming Winter Challenges: Deidra's Journey to Her First Ultra Marathon In the first call of 2025, Scott and Deidra discuss how she is faring in the initial weeks of 2025 of her training for her first ultra marathon.
Deidra shares her struggles with running in cold weather in Texas, her efforts to adapt to new training routines, and her recent achievements in strength training. They talk in detail about the importance of consistent strength training, proper running form, and strategies for dealing with cold weather runs. The conversation also covers the gradual ramp-up in training intensity and the mental fortitude required to stay motivated.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:17 Running in Cold Weather
04:19 Training Progress and Challenges
07:30 Strength Training and Its Importance
12:56 Running Form and Technique
20:39 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts
Midpoint Training Updates and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Marathon Prep
In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones catches up with Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman as Carrie prepares for her first ultra marathon. They discuss their progress halfway through the training, overcoming challenges such as sickness and a busy schedule, and the importance of recovery, including insights from Carrie's recent sleep study. Coach Ian provides valuable advice for maintaining consistency and managing health during the training process, while Carrie shares updates on her personal journey and professional life.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:30 Holiday Recap and Listener Feedback
02:04 Carrie's Health and Training Updates
03:07 Training Tips for Cold and Flu Season
04:57 Balancing Work and Training
09:26 Adjusting Training for Injuries
20:14 Sleep Study Insights
24:45 Conclusion and Next Steps
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Balancing Training and Holiday Cheer: Denise, Addie, and the Importance of Cross-Training In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie discuss their recent training updates and balancing commitments during the holiday season.
They cover the importance of maintaining a variety of workouts, incorporating cross-training, and staying motivated. Denise shares her insights on the benefit of hiking versus running and how cross-training like mountain biking can complement her running routine.
They also delve into the pros and cons of different types of running shoes and the importance of finding the right fit according to personal needs. The conversation wraps up with holiday wishes and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the festive period.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:03 Holiday Cheer and Traditions
02:32 Gift Giving and Personal Touches
03:57 Running and Training Updates
09:55 Mountain Biking Adventures
13:02 Balancing Training and Life
23:09 Shoe Talk and Race Preparation
29:27 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes
Carrie brings some great questions about her training to the call today including: How to decide when running is too much when you aren't 100% well? Pre and post training Dexa scans. Is gait analysis worth it? How much of the training should be walking verse running?
Coach Ian Sharman gives some great insight as she navigates training for her first ultra.
About the hosts:
Ian Sharman
Ian has been racing around the world in all formats of event since 2005 and coaching since 2010, having run over 250 marathons and ultras on five continents (marathon PR 2:21 at age 43, half marathon PR 1:03 at age 44). He's won over 50 marathon+ races with at least one win every year for 19 (and counting) consecutive years. He also holds the fastest time in a trail 100-mile race by a Brit (12h44m), the record for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (69h49m), has won the USATF 100-mile trail championship twice and is a four-time Leadville Trail 100 Champion. Ultra Running Magazine has voted him as high as 2nd in its annual Ultra Runner of the Year rankings and 4th in Ultra Runner of the Decade.
Scott Jones, M.S.
Scott started Becoming Ultra to bridge the gap between athletes doing amazing things and the rest of us. There are so many runners that have experienced the joy of training for big things and getting them done and he wanted to bring that to the masses.
The mission is to bring entertaining content and education to the world of running and to continue to coach runners with big goals as he has for the last 20 years! You can listen to him on the Becoming Ultra podcast as a host and coach, find him interviewing other types of athletes and adventurers on Athlete On Fire, or putting on retreats and training camps all over the world.
He has his M.S. in exercise science and has coached athletes from most major professional sports teams, Olympians, 1000’s of young athletes, and hundreds of endurance athletes in his 20+ year career as a coach.
Many ultra runners start training perfectly healthy with no past injury or issues to slow them down and some of us have to start while we are dealing with those issues. Deidra is managing a back injury she had fixed with surgery as she ramps up. It's almost always 2 steps forward and one step back with these types of issues so don't get discouraged if you are going through it. Thanks for listening.
Our first live race from Becoming Ultra is now taking registrations. Check it out here!
As coach Ian Sharman guides Carrie throughout the holiday season ramping up for big goals in 2025 she asks some common but pertinnet questions about footwear and strength training. Scott announces Becoming Ultra will be putting on their first ultra event in Western Colorado in July of 2025! Enjoy the show and thanks for listening!
On the show today we talk about Ian's amazing PR in the half marathon recently as he had to adjust from a marathon effort to the half. Carrie travels and gets some rest and come back ready to train as she focuses on body care early in the training cycle. Enjoy the show!
Deidra comes back from the amazing mountains of Big Bend and we talk about her adventure as well as come up with some best practices dealing with plantar fasciitis, something that many runners deal with. We are early in the training cycle so taking time to get right early is the goal with slow ramp up in mileage, strength and mobility, and being present along the way. Enjoy!
Coach Addie and Scott get to know Denise on her first epsiode of Season 16. Denise has an amazing coming to running story that I think many will be able to relate to. Starting in roller rinks and moving to roller derby and Spartan races where a shoulder injury left her looking for something bigger. We think she is going to be an awesome follow for the next 6 months so stay tuned and share with someone who needs to hear that just because one door closes doesn't mean an epic one won't open!
Today we get to meet our second runner of Season 16, Carrie Balick who shares her story with Scott and her coach for the season, Ian Sharman. She grew up on the east coast and has spent most of her adult life in California in the school system as a speech pathologist. She recently went all in on her own business so she will be balancing her professional life with training for Mendocino. We hope you enjoy the show!
Coach Scott meets his runner for Season 16 of the Becoming Ultra project, Deidra. Deidra resides in Round Rock, Texas, just outside of Austin. She is currently a stat at home mom who is coming off of a disc replacement surgery that got her back to running. We get to know about her life and who she is before diving into the training on this first episode. She is training for her first ultra for the Mendocino Coast 50k. Enjoy.