Becoming Ultra

As Season 16 kicks off we are talking to the coaches of the project about all things ultra running. On this episode Ian Sharman and Scott talk about the most common reasons or excuses people make to not take the first step to training for an ultra.  We hope you enjoy and if you are on the fence about running your first ultra, now is a good time to apply for Season 16.  

Erin trained for over 4 months for her first ultra with Coach Lindsay and nailed it on the Grindstone 50k course!  We talk about things she learned on race day and what is next. She also gives one of the best answers ever as to why you should try for your first ultra! Enjoy the show and check out the launch of Season 16.

Scott talks to the race director and founder of the Mendocino Coast 50k, Sid Garza-Hillman about the history of the race, his running journey, and the launch of the newest season of the Becoming Ultra Project, Season 16.   Si didn't run his first ultra until he was 46.  We talk about his life as a musician and actor and why he decided to uproot and more to the northern part of the state.  His race sells out fast and running along rivers, redwoods, and ocean probably has something to do with it all. Sid even wrote a book about running ultra's as a normal person which is amazing!  We hope you enjoy the conversation and share with a friend that a great opportunity to run their first ultra is now taking applications.  Season 16 information The race

We had the most fun talking to Tracy Meyerson. She recently finished her goal of running a marathon/ultra distance in every state. We discuss what it takes to accomplish that goal and how long it took her. Tracy will be sixty-one soon and not slowing down. She tells us how she maintains good health and the importance of nutrition. Tracy is living her best life, having amazing adventures and thriving. We hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did. Instagram - @seetracyrun website www.goodhabits.guru

If you have ever wanted more information about the World Major Marathons, this episode is for you!  If you haven't, well, still listen for a educational lesson :).  We talk all about the six world majors, how you get in, the NEW Boston qualifying times, and our upcoming trip to Japan!

The time has come for Erin to go celebrate her training on the Grindstone 50k course!  Her calf woes are over and the training is in the bank.  We started the call with a little quiz about her race and she nails it.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Kris is back from an epic backpacking trip and is here to tell us all about it!  She gives listeners some great advice on how to get started in backpacking, based on her own experiences. This trip was in the Shining Rock Wilderness/Pisgah National Forest and she booked the trek through The Wildland Trekking Company! https://wildlandtrekking.com/

Erin is experiencing the ups and downs of training as we get ever so closer to her first ultra. On the show today she shares her advneture on the Aqua Blaze race.  A rowing and running adventure race.  She also deals with her first real setback in the form of a knotted up calf for a few days. She seems to be on the mend though so for now, it's taper and get the mind right for the Grindstone 50k!

Kris first met Ashley during a 50 mile race Ashley was running and then continued to see her at other local races. With Ashley's unassuming confidence and talent, Kris just knew we had to have her on the podcast!  Ashley talks with us about her running past, how the road led her to the trails, and how she is now in the middle of a huge running streak (well over five years, which is amazing)! We love talking to runners like Ashley because it really showcases that everyone's journey to who they are as a runner "today" is totally different!

Karmell Ohlrogge & Lee Conner are two bad ass women. Collectively they have conquered over eighty 100 milers. They are also champions of women who want to experience a 100-mile race. They are the creators and driving force behind the Women’s 100 Miler Project.  Karmell & Lee are champions for supporting women, they have started a program that supports women who want to embrace ultra distances. On this podcast, we talk about both of their running  journeys and the inspiration for the project. They both have powerful reasons why they run. Their support of each other is also inspiring. These women are passionate about supporting women and doing their part to help them achieve their goals. We encourage you to check out The Women’s 100 Miler Project and go for it! You can sign up for the Women's 100 Miler Project for HALF OFF with this code: BU50OFF https://thewomens100milerproject.com/ 

Enjoy another episode about ultra endurance. Our guest, Jenn Pattee, is an ultra runner and entrepreneur who took on the challenge of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico.  Seeing how much the sport of running can open up opportunities for adventure is always inspiring.  Enjoy the show   Check out here adventure on IG and Follow Jenn

Training fatigue has definitely set in as Erin balances her demanding work and training schedule but it doesn't mean she isn't going to find adventure to keep her spirits and energy up.  She shares that she is doing a race called the Aqua Blaze which is rowing the Shenandoah River and running after which is a great reminder that keeping fun things in the mix during training can be a great way to stay motivated.  We hope you enjoy!

Eric Davis is new to ultra running. He has tackled some technical ultras over the last year and has consistently finished in the top, including winning the MoMoFo 100k in June. He has an incredible work ethic and is one of the most positive people I have ever met.  This was such an uplifting conversation. Imagine being diagnosed with cancer during Covid while in another county and just starting your family. Eric was faced with this and chose to live by the words “Be Brave, Be Powerful, Be Fearless. Eric talks about that defining moment and how he moved through it. Eric is new to ultra running but has quickly excelled in the sport. We discuss his races, training and how ultra running teaches you many life lessons. Eric also talks about how he manifests positivity in his life, future goals and balancing family and training. This conversation will leave you thinking about the choice we make to be happy. Kris recorded this in her sun porch with Eric. It was a beautiful setting and one of her favorite conversation

Will Sprouse is an interesting guy, I think everyone will feel inspired after hearing what he has to say. Will is an ultra-runner, restaurant owner, pilot, race director, husband, and father. He has had two major health scares in his life but that has not stopped him from achieving his goals. Most people can’t imagine running the distances Will has. The fact that he continued ultra running after a motorcycle crash that left him with numerous broken bones and after having a stroke that affected his ability to talk, swallow, see or stand is even more remarkable. On this podcast Will shares his amazing story of how he has learned to heal his body through movement. He knows no limits and has an incredible belief in himself. Will also talks about race directing and creating races that are inclusive and adaptive to all athletes. He has earned the nickname “Iron Will.” You will rethink what is possible after listening to Will’s story.  

Andrew Kelly is extreme, and we mean that in the best way. He rises at 4 am every day to run and is currently on a running streak that is over 1,500 days. He loves the challenge of a big race, he has tackled the Canebrake 200, Across Florida 200, and most recently the Cocodona 250. Andrew lives by the motto, no excuses. On this podcast we got to know Andrew a little better. He is a very interesting guy who decided to take some big steps to lead a healthier and more productive life. We discuss his run streak and what it takes to accomplish this goal daily. We also talk about the Cocodona 250, Andrew shares the struggles and accomplishment of taking on such a hard race. There is a lot to unpack in this one. We had a lot of fun getting to know Andrew. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.  

Scott had a great chat with Susie Chan on all things adventure, life, and running.  We aim to make more content to inspire big efforts from regular, amazing, humans.  Enjoy!   From her book blurb: Susie Chan is an icon of endurance running. Since taking up running at the age of 35, she has completed the legendary Marathon des Sables more times than any other British woman, set the 12-hour treadmill World Record and was one of the first women to finish all the World Marathon Majors. Susie's story is an inspirational fight against the odds. From leaving a dysfunctional marriage, managing as a single mum and tackling cancer treatment, Susie has had her fair share of adversity. Throughout it all, running has kept her going. She always finds a reason to lace up her shoes and hit the road – or the track, trail or tread. Her mantra: You never regret a run. From the Moroccan desert, the Peruvian jungle and the sweltering Death Valley, to Susie's local South Downs and a running track in Tooting, her adventures take

Delorean Ostrom was a featured runner on Season 13 of the project.  His amazing wife lost her battle with a rare cancer in January and we wanted to check in on Delorean.  He is setting some big running and fitness goals while starting a new restaurant business and raising his two young daughters.  This one is full of love and emotion and we hope if you or someone you know is going through a tough time that this conversation helps even a little. Thanks for listening.  Donate to the Cholangiocarcinoma foundation here. 

Erin had the chance to get out and run a part of the course for the Grindstone 50k to see how technical the trails were.  School is back in session so a new training schedule had to emerge for the last 7 weeks of training.   The humidity and heat are still wreaking havoc.  Coach Lindsay helps coach her through some niggles and continue to prep for the big effort in September!

Becky & Sarah are two fun spirited, adventurous friends. They have shared many miles together on the trails including backpacking sections of the AT, trail runs, and most recently the 100k One Day Hike from DC to Harpers Ferry, WV. We had such a great time discussing friendship and adventures.  This one will make you want to grab your bestie and hit the trails.  Becky & Sarah tell the story of their friendship and love of trail adventures.  We discuss how their support of each other has opened them up to amazing experiences. These beautiful ladies have a wonderful bond that has been strengthened by lots of miles.  Their support of each other will leave you inspired.   

Today's episode is a change up from typical ultra conversations but an important one nonetheless. Whether you are training for the Olympics or your own big goals, having coaches and people in your corner that want the best for you on the field or trail is important.  One of Scott's former athletes shares her journey with the author of All In Stride to hopefully help other athletes navigate training, disordered eating, and more. Hope you enjoy! In All in Stride, Johanna Garton tells the gripping and inspiring stories of Elvin and Shadrack. Beginning with their upbringing in Kenya, Garton follows the runners through their journeys to the United States, running for Division One universities, their blossoming romance as college students, and ultimately their service as U.S. soldiers and professional runners. Woven through the narrative is the story of Samantha Schultz, who also competed for the U.S. Army. Like Elvin and Shadrack, she struggled with several obstacles throughout her journey, including poor coaching