The Ultra Running Guys (The Ultra Running Guys)

Meg Landymore is legit.  Not only is she the current female course record holder for both the Georgia Jewel 100 and the Tennessee Mile 40 hour events, but she recently finished logging 2,194 miles to complete the entire Appalachian Trail.  And now that she is done?  She is facing down the Grindstone 100 on September 16th.  We had so much fun getting an inside look into what makes her tick why she loves a good challenge.  Be sure to follow her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/mxgrunfit and you can check out her website at https://www.mxgadventures.com/ where she has been posting blogs on the ATRUNVENTURE Project.  Enjoy the episode!

Adventure Awaits! Our mission is to help runners take their next step along their ultra running journey. Well a 250 mile race is one helluva big step and we invite you to go on that trip with us. The Cocodona 250 debuted in 2021 and has been a huge success from day one. This race is 250.1 miles. You have 125 hours to finish. The overall elevation gain is 40, 154 feet with a cumulative loss of 34,958 feet. Runners will use portions of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, the Prescott Circle Trail, Sedona, the Arizona Trail and the Flagstaff Loop Trail. You will see everything that Arizona has to offer. In addition to the 250, there are other distances for you to check out, including the Sedona 125, Elden Crest 38, and a 4th distance to be announced soon! What does it take to run a 250 mile race? Joining us on the show is the race director of the Cocodona 250, Steve Aderholt, to help answer that question. Enjoy the show? Please leave us rating and comment to share the love! We appreciate you taking the time to join us. Cocodona 250 Info:

Race Info: https://cocodona.com/ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cocodona250

Photo credits: Scott Rokis and Howie Stern

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Mark Bottenhorn is an accomplished runner, seasoned coach, devoted family man, and pound for pound one of the strongest people you have ever met.  In this episode we walk through his inspiring personal story, listen as he floods us with invaluable training tips, and get a glimpse of the big races he is preparing for.  This is definitely one you don't want to miss! You can find Mark on Instagram at @bottenhornrunning or check out his website at www.markbottenhorn.com

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. On the show we are taking a look at the Rocky Raccoon 100 which takes place in Huntsville Texas on the weekend of Feb 3rd and 4th. According to the website, the Rocky Raccoon 100 is "Known as the perfect trail running course for veteran runners wanting a 100mile P.R., as well as the perfect race for rookie ultra runners wanting a good setup to accomplish their goal. Expect frequent and incredible (known around the world) aid station support all day and night.  Generous cut-offs.  A fun atmosphere for family, friends, and awaiting crew members with 5 x 20 mile beautiful loops around the lake, over wooden bridges, and through towering East Texas trees.  Gently undulating trails on a bed of pine needles." The race is a Western states qualifier and runners have 30 hours to complete. Join us as we sit down with PJ Izaguirre, Assistant Race Director for the Rocky Raccoon 100. Rocky Raccoon 100 Info: Main website: https://www.tejastrails.com/rocky100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejastrails⁠ Photo credit: Let's Wander Productions: https://www.instagram.com/letswanderproductions Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - TBD Race: ⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

We had so much fun talking with the one and only Tom Clifford about one of our favorite events, The Southern Tour Ultra! As well as being a heck of a runner and the lead coach at Without Limits, Tom is the Race Director for Southern Tour which boasts 50K and 50 mile individual events as well as an age graded 50 mile relay. Tom recently announced the addition of a Last Man Standing event kicking off on Jan 15, 2021 and our very own Jeremy Reynolds was the first to sign up. We hope you enjoy hearing why this event has a vibe like no other! And be sure to join us for the next episode when we sit down with Jeremy and 3 other runners that will also be participating in Last Man Standing. You won't want to miss it! Thanks so much, Tom! Check out www.iamwithoutlimits.com to to see everything that Tom and his team are up to!

This week we sat down with our friend and ultra running legend, Charlie Engle! While Charlie is best known for RUNNING THE SAHARA, along with his incredible book RUNNING MAN, you still won't find him sitting still. After a quick recap of who Charlie is, we pick his brain about his BIG upcoming races and get some insight into his current passion project. Do yourself a favor and check it out! Be sure to visit www.charlieengle.com and follow along on IG at https://www.instagram.com/charlieengle/

Dan LaMorte is one special dude!  A stand up comedian training for his first 100 mile race (who also boasts a 170 pound weight loss journey 🤯), we had so much to talk about. And to say he is a great story teller would be a major understatement. Tune in to see how Dan navigates life's challenges, both on and off the trail, and why we learned so much from him.  Believe us when we sat this is not one you want to miss.  Follow Dan on IG and Twitter @danlamorte and be sure to check out his website at www.danlamorte.com Enjoy the episode!

Michelle Goldberg (@mrmribbit on IG) is a force. Not only has she been an instrumental part of The Ultra Running Guys Community, but she is one heck of a runner, as evidenced by her recent 1st place finish in the Midnight Squatchapalooza! Tune in to hear why her perspective on training is so refreshing and how she was able to decide LAST MINUTE to jump into her very first marathon AND ultra. Yeah... Whether you are just getting into ultra running or are a veteran preparing for an upcoming race, this is a must listen. Enjoy! And let us know what you think!

We LOVE episode recommendations for race spotlights or for guests on the show. And that is how we first heard of this race out of Nebraska. The Cowboy 200 was recommended by our friend Tyler (@crimsontyler88).

On to the race, the Cowboy 200 is a point-to-point 200-mile footrace along the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. This is a rails-to-trails course and is run on a non-technical, 100% runnable, crushed limestone path. NO MOTOR VEHICLES ARE ON THE TRAIL! There will be short paved sections when running through towns along the route. But that basically means, for 200 miles, you aren't dealing with cars along the way.

The 200 miler has a cutoff of 84 hours (25:12/mile average) and based on some of our research looks like an incredible option for those runners looking to try out a 200 mile race that may be a little less daunting than one with a large amount of elevation.

If you have been thinking about a 200 mile race, it may be time to add the Cowboy 200 to your list. We spoke with the race directors, Casey and Chase Hammond about the race and think you may be inspired to sign up! Enjoy the show and, if you like the content, leave us a comment or subscribe to let us know.

Photo by Brooke with Brooke Kaczor Photography.

Cowboy 200 Info: Race Website: ultraversesupplements.com/our-races

Registration: Ultrasignup for Cowboy 200

Facebook: Cowboy 200

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

The Legend Himself! Few people have impacted the sport of ultrarunning like Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake. It was an absolute honor to sit down with him and chat not only about the races that have made him known around the world, but also his personal journey into running and race directing. Tune in to hear about his overnight Christmas runs, how he got the name Lazarus Lake, where he originally got the idea for the Backyard Ultra, and more. If you like what you hear, don't forget to give us a follow, review and share with your friends. Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Dr. Brandon Ostrander is legit! After turning to endurance sports to aid his transition from the US Marines, Brandon has made a career of specializing in assessing, strengthening and rehabilitating endurance athletes. He recently performed a full running assessment for both of us and it was EYE OPENING to say the least. Take us on your long run so you can hear our chats around strength training, injury prevention and why not all physical therapists are the same. Be sure to follow Brandon on IG at @dr_brandon_ostrander and see his other links that we reference in the show below. If you are looking for a strength and conditioning program, check out Brandon's Run Strong Program to see if it's right for you. Enjoy the episode! Brandon's links: Change The Game Endurance Account: @ctgendurance Change The Game Performance Therapy account: @changethegamept Run Strong Strength Program: Run Strong Strength Training Request a Clinical Run Analysis (In Person or Virtual): Run Assessment Form

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠The Hydra⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Patrick Dunlap hit bottom in 2014, weighing in at 350 pounds. But following weight loss surgery in 2014, Patrick leaned into his disciplines, dropped 195 pounds, and soon found peace on his daily runs. Before long, he stumbled into the world of ultra running and used his "Do More" mentality to set his sights on conquering the 100 mile distance. We so enjoyed chatting with him about his successes and struggles, his journey with mindfulness, and even a big crash and burn during his first Pine Creek Challenge. Tune in and connect with Patrick as he prepares to take on the Pine Creek 50 miler on Sep 11, 2021. Enjoy the episode. And remember, you can always "Do More." #JustShowUp

Our mission is to help runners take their next step along their ultra running journey. With this series of Race Spotlight episodes, we want to introduce you to races that you may or may not have heard of by speaking directly to the Race Directors to give you all the information you need. On this episode, we want to welcome you to the world of Javelina. I don't know if this is actually a race or not. Over the past several years this race has just continued to explode in popularity. Everything about it just feels like the Woodstock of Ultra running where the entire community comes together to just have a great time out in the Arizona desert. But there is a race that takes place in the middle of this party, and it has had some blazing fast times with Jonathan Rea setting the course record in 12 hours 43 minutes in 2023 and Camille Herron setting it for the women in 2021 with a blistering time of 14 hours and 3 minutes. The 100 mile race, known as the Javelina Jundred, covers 5 loops that wind through Sonoran desert. Elevation gain is minimal at about 1580 feet for each loop, while running on a surface of packed granite, rocks and sand. After listening to this episode, we can guarantee that the Javelina Jundred will show up on your list of must do races in the future. We invite you to take a few minutes to listen to the race director of the Javelina Jundred, Jubilee Paige.

Enjoy the show? Please leave us rating and comment to share the love! We appreciate you taking the time to join us. Javelina Jundred Info: Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=112165 Race Info: https://aravaiparunning.com/network/javelinajundred/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javelinajundred Photo credit: Jesse Ellis

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Marcus Smith is a renowned ultra athlete and coach who recently helped 2 of his athletes set the UK Backyard Ultra Records for male and female, with showings of 89 hours (370 miles) and 35 hours (145 miles) respectively. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. While training to set a cycling world record in 2018, Marcus had a nearly fatal collision with a truck that resulted in a shattered shoulder, 7 broken ribs, and punctured lung. Rather than embrace a victim mindset, Marcus took control of his recovery, placing gratitude and intention at the forefront of his lifestyle, and continued living life to the fullest as evidenced by his seemingly never-ending string of accomplishments. Take us on your long run to listen as we chat with Marcus about what he has learned, the 4 principles of The Ultra Mindset, and how you can incorporate his training secrets to dominate your next Backyard Ultra. Be sure to follow him on Instagram at @mjd_smith and check out his website at www.mjdsmith.com where you can find the book list we mention in our discussion. Also, you won't want to miss his documentary, Fight For Every Breath, which chronicles his crash and incredible recovery journey. This guy lives and breathes #JustShowUp. Enjoy the episode! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠ Race: ⁠The Final Countdown⁠ - September 16, 2023 Patreon: ⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Brian Zickefoose has both speed AND endurance! After securing the #2 performance in all of North America for 2020 for the 100K event, Brian is about to take on the C&O CANAL 100 Miler. And he is going for broke. We talk with Brian about his training, his sobriety, and his 2:28 marathon PR (yeah...you read that right). We know you'll love his story! Follow him on IG @americanmarathoner to keep up with this next exciting chapter!

Jeff Browning is currently ranked 2nd in the world for most 100 mile career wins, having competed in over 200 ultras and standing at the top of the Podium for races like Hardrock, Bighorn 100, HURT 100, and so many more. He has been named in the top 10 ultra runners of the year an astounding 8 times, and at age 52, is the oldest male to ever be ranked. And he just keeps getting better. He took the win at 5 of his 7 races in 2023, and then kicked off this year with a win at the Coldwater Rumble 100, a podium slot at the Mesquite Canyon 50 miler, and then came across the line at the Cocodona 250 with a heart wrenching 2nd place finish due to a bout with Reactive Airway Dysfunction after absolutely dominating the majority of the race. He is renowned for his coaching, his expansive knowledge around training, strength work and nutrition, and after getting to spend a little time with him, we can confirm that he is the nicest dude you could ever hope to come across. No matter where you are in your ultra journey, there is always so much to learn from this guy so be sure to plug in for our chat with the one and only Jeff Browning, aka "Bronco Billy." This episode was edited by Steve Saunders at Saunders Audio Check out more from The Ultra Running Guys Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Melissa Londry ran her first 50K back in 2015, but it was during COVID that she really got warmed up, knocking out her first 100 miler as a virtual race and then completing an astounding 45 UltraSignup events since Feb of 2020, which doesn’t even include other monster efforts such as the 240 mile Tridge to Bridge which is an unofficial and unsupported race in Michigan that she completed in 2023.  She is currently gearing up to take on the Massanutten 100, another round of the Tridge to Bridge 240 in July, and then our recently spotlighted Mamba 100 in November, which looks like an absolute blast.  So plug in to hear us chat about her experiences, her training, and what prompted her to take over Race Directing duties for the New River 50K, which just so happened to be her first ultra finish back in 2015. As always, we would love to hear what you think! Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

For many of us, completing a 100 mile race represents a crowning achievement. But when Eric Giessler finished the Indiana Trail 100 last October (his first), he said he felt "lesser" rather than satisfied. Not because of his time or placing. But because his body's physical breakdown highlighted areas that he knew he had full control of and had not executed on. Strength and nutrition. So he went all in! Take us on your long run to hear why he was so humbled on the course, what changes he has incorporated since (hint: it includes Ethiopian flour and stronger quads), and what races he has coming up to put those changes to the test. This was such a great conversation! As always, be sure to let us know what you think and enjoy the episode! #JustShowUp Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: www.theultrarunningguys.com Race: The Hydra - April 22, 2023 Race: The Final Countdown - September 16, 2023 Patreon: www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Chris Varnadoe is all grit.  The only person to complete the East Coast Triple Crown of 200 milers, Chris is most at home plowing through the swamp in the most miserable conditions imaginable (think lots of snakes).  And with a sub-16 hour finish at the Yeti 100 in 2021, it's clear that Chris is still just warming up.  Tune in to hear all about his training methods, why he likes the tough races, and why he simply will not accept failure.  Be sure to follow Chris on IG at https://www.instagram.com/gritty_runner/ and say hello.  And be sure to leave us a review or send us a note if you find value in the episode. Enjoy!

Justin Hamilton is an aspiring professional ultrarunner and a major hopeful for the upcoming Mid-State Mile.  He trains like a madman, has the strictest of personal standards on the course, and uses the mountains to "run the quit out" of his life.  But when he first made the decision to pursue his new path, he was an overweight alcoholic police detective who had just been arrested for DUI.    Tune in to the full audio episode to hear Justin's story and why he is obsessed with using ultra running to spread hope and honor his fallen brother in blue.  This is not one to miss.  Be sure to follow Justin on IG at https://www.instagram.com/ultra_dad_/ and welcome him to the URG family.

It was amazing to sit down with Jack Brunecz, winner of our first race The Final Countdown, and talk running, his victory, his coaching tips and more. Jack is a total class act and we can't wait for you all to get to know him. You can follow Jack on IG @jackbrunecz . Enjoy the Episode!

We officially met Chris Sherwood at the recent Loopy Looper where he finished the grueling 100 mile event, overcoming the relentless heat and humidity to cross the finish line in 27:42 minutes.  And while he ran in college at Georgia Southern University where he logged a 28:30 8K (that is a 5:44 per mile pace for just under 5 miles for anyone who can’t convert that quick), life happened and he took a long break from running until 2018, at which time he made the wise decision to jump straight into a 50K, despite never having run or raced more than 13 miles.  But he apparently learns quick, and in 2022 he toed the line at Western States, having earned an unlikely entry from a single ticket following his finish at Canal Corridor 100 in late 2021. But forget those short races, because he is currently gearing up to make the jump to the world of 200s with the Cocodona 250 in May of 2025.  So take us on your long run to hear how he got our attention, why he runs with a picture of some very special people on his back, and what his training looks like as he faces down Cocodona. Enjoy!

Dale Garland is the race director behind the iconic Hardrock 100 and we were lucky enough to pick his brain about what he has witnessed over the past 30 years.   Dale is kind, genuine, and has just about seen it all.  Plug in and be sure to check out https://www.hardrock100.com/ if you are not yet familiar with what is arguably one of the toughest 100 mile endurance events in the country.  Enjoy the episode!  Also, for exclusive content and behind the scenes info, join us at https://www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys 

Wes Claytor is the real deal.  And we can all learn from him.  Jeremy first met Wes while sharing miles at the Southern Tour Last Man Standing and it was immediately clear that there is something special about him.  Following the death of his son in 2018, Wes turned to running, and ultimately a solo 100 mile effort, to reframe the loss that had threatened to destroy him and his family.  Tune in to hear how "Giving our pain a purpose can help us transcend the suffering" and why the sharing of Wes's personal story has been so impactful since he has opened up publicly about the journey.  You can checkout his website at https://wesclaytor.com/ and follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wes_claytor/ Enjoy the episode!

Mindset! It's our main topic of discussion as Steve Epifano stares down the Robin Ames Memorial 100K this Saturday, November 21st. And in this Episode we are introduced to Katie Epifano, Steve's wife and Crew Captain, who shares her perspective on his inspiring journey. We also dig into the "Pain Cave" and walk through some techniques share you YOU, the URG family on how to work through it. Thanks so much for tuning in and we hope you ENJOY!

Canyon Woodward has been tearing up the Ultra scene with a top 50 finish at UTMB (7th American) and a 3rd place finish at the Bandera 100K this last weekend.  He's no joke.    But as good of a runner as he is, he's an even better human.  We sat and talked with him about his running adventures that included eating dirt, getting caught during a trailside bathroom stop by a pretty girl, and even breaking his hand during his successful SCAR FKT.   Take us on your long run tomorrow morning to find out why Canyon is so passionate about building community, and just how little we know about grizzly bears.  No, they don't inhabit NC or UT. 🤷‍♂️. And be sure to follow Canyon on Instagram and check out his book, Dirt Road Revival, HERE.  Enjoy the episode!

On May 18, we took on the grueling Cruel Jewel 50 miler, which is actually a 57.5 mile trek through the Georgia mountains with 17K feet of climbing! It was beautiful, it was awesome, and it was tough! And as it turned out for both of us, our race ended just past the 50K mark. Check out the full episode to hear how we prepared, what went well, and what ultimately led to the decision to pull the plug. Huge thanks to our good friend Michelle Goldberg for stepping in as guest host and keeping us in line. Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Jake Martinez is probably unlike any Ultra Running Race Director that you have ever met. At 20 years old, and still running collegiately, Jake has never even competed in an ultra of his own. But he is no stranger to the sport and is overflowing with passion for growing the ultra community. We sat down with Jake as he prepares to host The Keystone Backyard Ultra on May 22nd and we had a chance to hear first hand why Jake believes the Backyard is the purest form of ultra running. Be sure to check out the race website at https://keystonebackyardultra.weebly.com/ and follow Jake on IG at https://www.instagram.com/jakemartinez__

Lisa McFadden is an amazingly accomplished runner with over 100 ultras completed, including twenty 100 milers.  She is also one of only a handful of people on the planet to complete the Triple Crown of the Last Annual Tennessee Journey runs, put on by that evil genius and previous guest Lazarus Lake, which is comprised of the Vol State (314 miles which she has completed twice), The Last annual Heart of the South (340 miles), and culminating in The Last Annual Third Circle of Hell race which was an astonishing 371 miles. And if that wasn’t enough, she took on the 2024 Barkley Marathons with 3 weeks notice for entry and then toed the line at Western States where she missed the official time cutoff at a heartbreaking 98 miles into the race, but still continued on to finish the legendary course.  Take us on your long run to hear our incredible conversation with Lisa and soak in all the value that she provides. Enjoy the episode!

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. Races can come in all different types of formats with varying distances, duration, and locations. Training for ultras often includes considerations for heat training, elevation, and altitude changes. But there are those gems out there that turn the equation around and challenge runners to the other extreme. Welcome to the world of cold. We'd like to introduce you to the Frigid Fox which takes place in January and is a 63 mile trek along the Ice Age Trail in Southeastern Wisconsin with an elevation gain of a little over 7000 feet. The race has a 24 hour cutoff which seems like a generous cutoff until you understand how harsh the weather can be in Wisconsin in January. Part of signing up for this race is that runners acknowledge an understanding that the weather can be unforgiving. That's what makes this race unique and one heckuva challenge we think. Join us as we sit down with Dustin Schmidt, the Race Director of the Frigid Fox to tell us all about it. If you like the show, leave us a comment or rating to help others hear about it. We appreciate you taking the time to join us. Frigid Fox Info: Race Website: https://www.frigidfoxrace.com/ Registration information: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=101964 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frigidfoxwi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/frigidfox

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Jake Jackson started out as a smoker who could afford to drop an extra 30 pounds and transformed himself into one of the best endurance runners on the planet! He has competed for Team USA twice at the 24-Hour World Championships and after taking on the Black Canyons Ultras 100 Mile Challenge, he will be gearing up for the longest challenge of his life, the Cocodona 250 Miler in May. Take us on your long run to hear Jake's inspiring story along with why he believes we can all benefit from not being afraid to try new things. Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

This week we caught up with the one and only Jon Frey! Not only is Jon the RD behind the upcoming Mountains to the Sea Trail (MST) Endurance Run, but he is an accomplished ultra runner with an incredible personal story about overcoming addiction. We are so grateful for his time and hope you enjoy the episode! Follow Jon on social media @F3FreyDaddy and check out the MST100 Endurance Race at www.mountainstosea100.com. To learn more about Healing Transitions, the recovery program that was discussed in the Podcast, visit www.healing-transitions.org

Kevin Hoegler ran his first 10K trail race in early 2020. By the end of that year, he had completed the Daytona 100 and has continued to test his limits, using MAF training, nutrition, and a killer mindset as foundational tools.  If all of that is not impressive enough, Kevin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 9 years ago at the age of 18. He embodies the idea that a diagnosis will not define him, and we can all learn from Kevin's story.  Be sure to follow Kevin on IG at https://www.instagram.com/kevinhoeglerruns/ send him some love.  Also, show him support for his HUGE upcoming events, including his 220 mile leg for MS Run The US.  You can see all the details at https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2022relay/p/kevinhoeglerrunsforms For now, take us along for your long run and enjoy the episode!

You may recognize David Theriot as the awesome host behind the Run The Riot Podcast! But David is one heck of a runner and in this episode we focus on his preparation for the upcoming Triple Crown of 200 mile races (Big Foot 200, Tahoe 200, and the MOAB 240). We also touch on his recent 2nd place finish at the LOVit 100 and dive into the highs and lows he has experienced with previous 200 milers. We hope you enjoy! Do yourself a favor and checkout the Run the Riot Podcast. You will LOVE it! (Hint - We were recent guests): Website: https://www.theriot.run/podcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast David on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ri0tdude/

Jeff and Catie Wilson have used a run / walk strategy to race their way to multiple sub-24 100 mile buckles. And what's more fascinating is that they have completed most of their 100 mile efforts completely together, every step of the way.  Tune in to hear their story, their tips, and why they choose to tackle most of their major events together.  Enjoy the episode!

Chris Rice got his start as an adventure racer and has since racked up more than 90 events on UltraSignup.  We were lucky enough to shake hands with him recently at the Loopy Looper 100 miler where we witnessed his sub 24 hour finish , teaming up with prior guest Michael "Gagz" Gagliardi to tough out the last 3 hours of the race.  And to hint at the grit this guy has, the Loopy Looper was just 10 days after his 4th Badwater 135 finish. He is now preparing for the 153 mile Spartathlon on September 28, and then The Arizona Monster 300 in April 0f 2025.  So plug in to hear what makes him tick and how he is approaching a 300+ mile challenge. Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: The Final Countdown

Variety is the name of the game in the ultra world. Located in the town of Lillington NC, which is about an hour outside of Raleigh is the Cape Fear 24 Hour endurance run. The looped course is asphalt paved, flat, with one small incline, measures 0.59 mile and is USATF certified/sanctioned. To get a picture of this location, it will remind you of what you would see in many small towns with a paved trail running the outer perimeter of the Parks and Rec baseball fields.

As you think about this race, consider this, the current course record was set last year at 130.78 miles, which turns out to be about 221 loops. So, if you like flat, paved, short loops where you are only about a half mile from your car with the option to run as many miles as you can in 24 hours, well then this is the race for you.

Joining us today to talk about her race is the RD, Lisa McFadden who is an accomplished ultra runner in her own right having over 110 races on ultrasignup alone to her credit.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, like and leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

Special thanks to Emily Lyons for the recommendation!

Cape Fear 24 Hour Info:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/capefear24hour/

Info: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=91341

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

It is not often that you stumble across the first of anything these days. But through the course of this episode, we learned a fun fact. This race was the first 100k race distance to be held in the state of Alabama. In the Heat of the Night 100k takes place in the Talladega Forest, in Anniston, Alabama.

Not only is the first 100k in Alabama, but, as the name implies, what sets this 100k apart from others is that it is run at night. The course is a looped course and runners will complete 4 - 15+ mile loops on a surface of maintained dirt and gravel forest roads. You have 18 hours to complete the 100k, and the elevation gain is a little over 7900 feet. Interested? Check out the episode with our new friend, Becki Jones, Race Director for In the Heat of the Night 100k.

Photo: Pete Schreiner

Thank you for the recommendation Jake @irunuphillsallday and Melissa @melisssalondry

In the Heat of the Night 100k Info: Registration: https://ultrasignup.com/groups.aspx?gid=367
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtysolestrailraces/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtysolestrailraces/

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Last week Steve introduced us to his friend Robin Ames who is at the center of his upcoming 100K Memorial run on November 21, 2020. This week we learn more about Steve, why his doctors said he would never run long distance, and the specifics of his training plan. It's a good one! Thanks for listening and be sure to check out Episode 3 where we will be talking nutrition and hydration for his 100K!

Welcome to the Yeti Army! The Yeti 100 is one of those races that just needs to be experienced. When it comes to community and a sense of family, the Yeti trail races are top notch. Both of us have finished this race and both of us have DNF'ed it. So, we speak from experience when we tell you that this 100 is one of those that needs to be on your list. The Yeti 100 takes place the last weekend in September in Damascus, Virginia. The race starts at White Top and has a gradual descent for the first 18 miles that most everyone runs too fast, but the adrenaline and experience makes it hard not to! The race is run on the Virginia Creeper trail and surface is not technical. Jason Green, Race Director of the Yeti 100, joins us on the show to talk about all things Yeti.

Yeti 100 Info: Race Info: https://yetitrailrunners.com/yeti_100_va/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yetitrailrunners

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Avery Matthews is one of the kindest human beings you will ever come across. She is also one of the toughest. We sat down with her shortly after her agonizing DNF at mile 99 of the Grindstone 100 and got a chance to see what makes her tick. To say it was inspiring would be a major understatement.
Avery will just so happen to be hitting the course at the Rim To River 100 on the same day that this episode drops so give it a listen and then send her some love and encouragement. She can use it during her recovery before she also takes on the @dirty_wolf_racing Beast Of The East 100 in December. We just featured that race in Episode 92 so check it out if you haven't already.
Be sure to connect with Avery at @thelowcountryrunner and let us know what your favorite takeaway is! Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - TBD, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. In this episode we want to introduce you to the Badwater Salton Sea. Part of the Badwater family of races, Salton Sea is lesser known than the Badwater 135, but has all the features that you would come to expect from a Badwater race. Salton Sea is a team race consisting of two or three runners and the kicker is...it is not a relay, instead they have to stay together.

The course covers 81 miles over deserts and mountains in Southern California from Salton City to Palomar Mountain. The route is a mix of road and trail with a total elevation gain of over 9000 feet. The next Salton Sea will take place on April 27th and has a cap of 100 runners. Interested? Listen in as we catch up with race director, Chris Kostman.

More information on the Badwater Salton Sea: https://www.badwater.com/event/badwater-salton-sea/

Register here:  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=106596

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

There is so much we could say about Aaron Saft: He is a ridiculously accomplished runner who just nailed the Bigfoot 200. He hosts the MR Running Pains Podcast and provides a ton of value. He has all kinds of letters that come after his name because of all his certifications. But his biggest claim to fame has to be that he is Jeff's coach, and he has yet to fire Jeff which speaks volumes about his character 😎. But seriously, Aaron is legit and we loved talking ultras, running, coaching and taking on monster goals. Be sure to  give Aaron a follow on IG at https://www.instagram.com/mrrunningpains and you can check out his website at https://www.mrrunningpains.com/ .  Enjoy the episode!

We first connected with Carlita Farmer late last year when she reached out to share about her first 100 mile finish, the grueling Uwharrie 100. And she shows no sign of slowing down. But that wasn't always her story. In high school, Carlita struggled to finish the 3 mile loop at the local park. Often, she would target simply running to the next light pole. Fast forward, and this mom of 2 jumped into the ultra world when COVID shut down her gym, keeping her from competitive power lifting, and she has not looked back. Be sure to follow Carlita on IG at https://www.instagram.com/lita_pita1523/ and tune in tomorrow for the entire episode. Enjoy!

As recently as 2022, Diana Gorder believed that running 100 miles was a personal impossibility, an iconic feat reserved for the ultra fit. And then within a year, she set the course record at the 2022 Nutcracker Endurance Run 12 Hour (75 miles), took 1st place female at the 2023 Blackbeard's Revenge 100 Miler (18:44:08), and set another course record with the overall win at the 2023 Tideland 24 Hour with 117 miles, just 8 miles off the current 24 Hour World Championship qualifying standard. Not bad for someone who ignores her watch, runs by feel, and only has 2 followers on Strava (it's us by the way). Take us on your long run to hear how her running journey started after 5 fractured vertebrae, along with the rest of her inspiring story. Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Since Christopher McDougall released Born To Run in 2009, the story of Caballo Blanco and "The Greatest Race The World Has Never Seen" has become a running culture staple, introducing thousands of runners to the world of ultra and building the case that our bodies are biologically designed to hit the trails.  13 years later, Chris has again teamed up with Eric Orton, the coach that took him from a busted up runner to toeing the line at a 50 mile ultra in Mexico's Copper Canyons, and together they have released Born To Run  2: The Ultimate Training Guide.  We sat down with Chris and Eric to talk about the book, tactical training tips, and what you can do today to quickly improve your form and add more joy to your running.   Be sure to give them both a follow on Instagram ( www.instagram.com/chrismcdougallauthor and www.instagram.com/borntoruncoach ) and YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/@borntorunworld165 and https://www.youtube.com/@BornToRunCoach ) and check out https://borntorun.world/ for all the book info.  Born To Run 2 is available for preorder and the official released date is 12/6/2022.  Enjoy the episode!

To commemorate launching our first event as race directors, we thought it was only fitting to release an episode with one of the most iconic RD's in ultra running history! Chris Kostman is the legend behind The Badwater 135 and we had such a good time picking his brain about the race, ultra endurance, his personal experience as an athlete, and more. You don't want to miss this one. You can follow Chris and Badwater at @chriskostman and @badwaterhq and check out the Badwater website at www.badwater.com

On April 28, Richard Sexton will begin his journey across the Carolinas running 25 miles a day for 30 days (750 miles total!)...all with a 25 lb slam ball on his back! Richard is on a mission to raise autism awareness and support Becky Large and the Champion Autism Network, and he's willing to suffer to do it. We had a blast talking with Richard and Becky and diving into the details of this awesome adventure. Be sure to check it out and follow Richard at https://www.carolinascanruckforautism.com/ Enjoy the episode!

Chris Bartoli has been part of The Ultra Running Guys Family since we launched. We had a great time catching up with him about his run streak, taking on a Backyard Ultra, and his journey into ultra running. We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed making it! Give Chris a follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cbartetc/

Rebecca Scott is a fighter!  A quick scan of her UltraSignup will definitely show that she’s tough, with a podium finish in 12 of the 27 listed events, but what it won’t show you are the obstacles that she has had to overcome to get here.  Because the truth is that life is not always fair, and adversity is not evenly distributed, but she is a glaring example that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we all have the power to persevere.  And in her case, to share extra positivity with those around her.  Her goal at every ultra is to bring a smile to someone in the race, Because, in her own words, “You have no idea what someone has struggled with, and if you can bring a little light to their darkness, you are doing well.”  So plug into to hear her inspiring story, why her kids had to kick her out of the car at Mile 80 of the Rocky Raccoon 100, and what type of race she swears to never do again after a recent, hard fought DFL experience.  And also, a huge congrats for just taking on the Speedgoat 50K!  Hard fought and well deserved! Be sure to give her a follow on IG at @rscott_ocrmomma!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

After over a year of race spotlights, we must confess. This is the first race spotlight for a race in Iowa. And, we are so grateful that this one was recommended to us as it was flying under the radar, but no more. The Mines of Spain 100 takes place in Dubuque, Iowa in October and sells out each year, so if you want to run this one, you may have to wait until next year. But put it on your watch list so you can be alerted to register in time next year.

The Mines of Spain 100 takes runners on 5 - 20 mile loops covering trails that range from steep & technical to flat dirt single track to rolling & grassy and everything in between. Each 20 mile loop of the course is about 2800 feet of gain/loss which totals out to roughly 14,000 feet for the full 100 and runners have 33 hours to complete the distance.

Joining us on the show to talk about the Mines of Spain, is RD, Josh Sun.

Race spotlight recommended by Chad Fridley Photo: Mile 90 Photography @mile90photo Mines of Spain 100 Information Race website: https://minesofspain100.com/ IG: @minesofspain100

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Joel Cervantes is one of the toughest people we have ever talked to. He works nightshift as a nurse for special needs kids, cross trains like a madman, ran his first 100 miles in his neighborhood to "prepare" for a 100 miler, and just tackled the MOAB 240 in October. On top of it all, he is an amazing, positive guy. Hit him up on IG at @hownowbrownjoel and send him some love. Enjoy the episode!

Tara Dower is a thru-hiker turned ultra runner who has proven to be a dominant competitor since she came on the scene just over 18 months ago. With podiums in 11 of her 12 races to date, including a 2nd place finish at the mega-competitive Run Rabbit Run 100, 2023 is looking to be a promising year. Huge shoutout to our friend and listener Jay Pounds for putting Tara on our radar! Tara was kind enough to sit down with us and talk FKT's, her performances at Umstead 100 and Run Rabbit 100, dealing with anxiety on the trail, and more. Take us for your long run to catch all the value that Tara dropped and like, comment, and let us know what you thought. Enjoy the episode, and be sure to follow Tara on Instagram and her YouTube channel @taratreks for all kinds of great thru-hiking and ultra related content. 

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: www.theultrarunningguys.com

Race: The Hydra - April 22, 2023

Race: The Final Countdown - September 16, 2023

Patreon: www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Derrick Wess is the complete package. Adventurer, weight lifter, runner and deep thinker. We so enjoyed talking to Derrick about his "Movement is a Privilege" philosophy and how it has fueled his unique exploration of London. Along with taking on epic races and personal running challenges, Derrick is also active in the mental health space, to include involvement with Run Talk Run, an organization that uses running as a platform for providing mental health support. We really hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Derrick is a new friend, but he is a friend for life! You can follow Derrick on IG at @derrickgoesrunning: https://www.instagram.com/derrickgoesrunning/ For more information on Run Talk Run, visit www.runtalkrun.com

Wes Plate is one of 5 people this year to complete The Cocodona 250 and follow it up with The Triple Crown of 200s, consisting of Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200 and MOAB 240.  In other words, he is as legit as they come.  But Wes will be the first to tell you that he is not talented and that with the right amount of hard work, anyone can tackle a 200 mile race. Be sure to tune in for this inspiring episode to hear his tactical tips and why he actually recommends taking your time at the aid stations during a 200.    Also, check out his awesome YouTube channel over at  https://www.youtube.com/c/wplate where he puts up all kinds of great content and give him a follow on IG at https://www.instagram.com/midpackelite/   Enjoy The Episode!

Not only does Kent Mullins have a much cooler accent than either of us, he is also the founder of Run4YourLife , an organization that centers around running to battle mental health issues. In this episode we dive into Kent's personal struggles, explore Run4YourLife and the impact it's making, and hear the aftermath of his recent first ultra effort...where he thought he may have broken his feet. 😁 Enjoy! Follow Kent and Run4YourLIfe on IG below! Kent: www.instagram.com/the_imperfect_athlete/ Run4Your Life: www.instagram.com/run.4yourlife/

Randy Van Dusen just finished his tenth 100 mile race at the 2022 Western States Endurance Run.  But to get there, he has had to overcome cancer, a pulmonary embolism, and even an on duty shooting that nearly killed his police dog partner, Bodie.  But you won't find a more positive runner on the trails.  We talked about his running, his family, and even learned what NOT to do during your first ultra attempt (You mean I shouldn't eat 8 Taco Bell Bean Burritos?).  Check it out and see why Randy will always be one of our favorites.  Be sure to follow him at https://www.instagram.com/trail_sloth/ and enjoy the episode!

When we asked for guest suggestions, we had an immediate response from Dylan Scaringelli and he pointed us to Eric Hewell as someone we needed to talk to. Dylan couldn't have been any more right. In 2021, Eric took on the Tuna 200 Mile Relay as a solo runner and broke the solo course record...all without having ever even raced a 50K. He has since become a UESCA certified endurance Coach and recently had the assist in the Last Man Standing Ultra after completing 121+ miles over 29 hours. But most importantly, he overflows with joy and loves to see those around him succeed. Tune in during your long run to hear why Eric says we should never let the size of a goal dictate whether we pursue it. And huge shoutout to Dylan for making the introduction. Be sure to follow Eric ilon IG at https://www.instagram.com/eric_hewell/ and check out his newly launched site at https://erichewell.run/ Enjoy!

You think you have excuses? Aaron Hale lost his sight as a US Army Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) tech and a few years later, he completely lost his hearing as well. With plenty of reasons to give up, Aaron stepped into his warrior self and shows the rest of us what is possible, including becoming the first blind and deaf person to ever complete the World Famous Badwater 135. Tune in to hear Aaron's incredible story and hear how he does it and what he tells himself when things get hard. He is a leader, a patriot, and walking (running) example of what it means to #JustShowUp no matter the circumstance. Trust us. You don't want to miss this one. Links from the episode: Building Homes For Heroes Giving Link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/building-homes-for-heroes-inc/aaron-hale-badwater-135 EOD Fudge: https://eodfudge.com/ Point Of Impact Podcast: Spotify , Apple , YouTube

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. In this episode we want to introduce you to the Canal Corridor 100. If you want to know about a race though, who better to tell us about that race than the race director themselves. The CC 100 is Flat and Fast with generous cutoffs. It is also a Western States Qualifier and may be the race for you! Join us as we explore the CC 100 with RD Emily Collins.

More information on the Canal Corridor 100: https://urultra.com/races/canal-corridor-100-mile-endurance-run/#race-info

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

You know him, we love him, and it was time we had him BACK on the show! Tune in to hear us chat with Andy Glaze about running monster volume, navigating all 350 miles of the Coco-Canyons, and what it's like being a social media star. Andy lives by the motto "Smile or you're doing it wrong" and it shows. Be sure to follow him on IG at @amglaze and check out lots of his other great content on his linktree As always, enjoy the episode and be sure to let us know what you think!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

As ultra runners, we are on a never-ending quest to dial in our nutrition because if we get it wrong, it can end in disaster! Lucky for us, Julie Shobe has made a career of helping people dial in their fueling plans, and she sat down with us to share all the deets. And it was...AWESOME!Plug in to hear how to optimize your nutrition for training and for race day. Think you know how to carb load? You may be surprised. Either way, Julie lays it all out with specifics and tips. There is so much to take away from this episode.Be sure to follow Julie at @ultra.running.nutrition and huge shoutout to @lindsayrunswild for the awesome guest recommendation! 💯 on point! And if you are interested in finding out more about Julie's Fueling Ultras Program, click HERE to watch her program video or set up a call with her. Enjoy the episode! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023 Race: ⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. In this episode we want to introduce you to the Tunnel Hill 100. Race Director Steve Durbin joins us and breaks down all the information about the race that will help you decide if the Hill should be added to your race calendar. The Tunnel Hill 100 has seen multiple elites crush the course and it is designed for runners to see how fast they can run when the weather is nice, surface is flat, and volunteers are top notch. It is also a Western States Qualifier and may be the race for you! Join us as we explore the Tunnel Hill 100 with RD Steve Durbin. More information on the Tunnel Hill 100: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=101007 Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023 Race: ⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theultrarunningguys/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theultrarunningguys/support

We first came in contact with Brooklyn Dawson when she shared one of our episodes in her IG stories. And we have since had the pleasure of witnessing her inspiring journey from running newbie to tackling her 2nd 50K at our race, The Hydra. It was epic!Brooklyn is everything we love about this community. She shows up, she's engaged, and she shares value with everyone she comes in contact with. And as one of our first Inner Circle Patreon members, she has quickly become a friend as well.Take us on your long run to hear what she has learned along the way, her experience at The Hydra 50K, and what keeps her going when her mind is telling her to quit. You don't want to miss this.Be sure to follow Brooklyn at @brooklyndawson and let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode. Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023 Patreon: ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

When Anton Simorov first visited Colorado, it changed his life. And then a year and a half ago, despite having never yet run an ultra, he decided he wanted to find out if he had what it takes to conquer the legendary Leadville 100. He hired a coach, laid out a plan, and on August 21st of this year, he toed the line at Leadville. We sat down to talk with him about his preparation, his mindset, and what it was like to stare into the darkness on that start line. The episode is one you don't want to miss so be sure to take us along on your long run. Follow Anton on IG at www.instagram.com/antontherun/ and send him a huge welcome from the URG family. Enjoy the episode!

Ed Kennedy is kind, tough, and has 100% earned our respect. From The Umstead 100 to The Uwharrie 100 to the Southern Tour Last Man Standing, we had tons to talk about. And he brought so much value! Take us on your long run to hear how Ed knocked 4 minutes off his aerobic running pace, how he worked through multiple setbacks on his journey to conquering 100 miles, and the steps he takes to stack the odds in his favor when toeing the line. And be sure to follow Ed at @edkennedy1100 and send him some love! Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Running 100 miles is hard enough. Now imagine doing it BACKWARDS! That is what Tracy McCullen will be doing on Dec 17-20 (100 Hours) to raise $100,000 to begin building the Track of Optimism and the Field of Dreams for the Community Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington. We sat down with Tracy to talk about the project, what it's like to run backwards, and even some about his good friend and ultra running legend Charlie Engle! We think you are going to love this one! If you connect with Tracy's story, visit www.100ultra4kids.com to give and find out additional information about the project. And be sure to tag @100ultra4kids when you post for the backwards running challenge!

We first met Agnes Huff a handful of weeks ago because she flew all the way from Santa Cruz, CA to North Carolina to run our race, The Hydra 50K.  And she did it alone, without any ties to the area.  Yes, she is a badass.  Agnes immediately made an impact on us and after watching her power through the race, including some tears shed at the finish line, we knew we wanted her on the show.  We talked about pain, pickle juice, and her quest to slay The Hydra and can pretty much guarantee you will find a TON of value from this conversation.  Be sure to follow her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/the_madmedic and welcome her into the URG family.  Also, for more info on The 100 Miles Or Bust Giveaway that we mentioned in the intro, head over to theultrarunningguys.com/giveaway and you will find everything you need.  Just Show Up!

Over the past 8 years, Charlotte Curtis has transformed herself from struggling addict to an absolute machine. After making a name for herself in Obstacle Course Racing (OCR), Charlotte turned her sights to running ultras in 2020 and was immediately a force to be reckoned with. And now she is facing down the Georgia Death Race on March 27! Check out the episode to see what makes Charlotte tick, and how she uses a painful past to fuel the fire for being her best self. We hope you enjoy! Follow Charlotte on Instagram at www.instagram.com/charlotte_c_ocr !

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. This week we are taking a look at the Umstead 100, which is a 100 mile run located in Raleigh, NC at the William B Umstead State park. The course consists of 8 loops of 12.5 miles each and consists of crushed gravel and dirt compacted together and provides good footing. Despite being on the east coast it does have some elevation, though not a ton like a mountain race, this course has rolling hills and is considered runnable, but many runners will take the hills as walk opportunities - particularly the steeper ones on the back half of the loop. Total elevation gain is 8000 feet. Runners have 30 hours to complete and the race is also a Western States qualifier. Join us as we sit down with Rhonda Hampton, Race Director for the Umstead 100. Umstead 100 Links: Info: https://www.umstead100.org/ https://www.umstead100.org/pdf/First_100.pdf Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Nick Pappas was the winner of our "100 Miles Or Bust" Giveaway and we had an absolute blast getting to know him!   We chatted about his previous races, his real thoughts on getting us as his crew, and how he is preparing for the upcoming Unico 100 put on by our friends over at Vagabond Endurance.   Take us along during your Saturday long run so you can get to know Nick as well.  And be sure to give him a follow on IG at https://www.instagram.com/npappas23/ and welcome him to the URG family!    You can also get more information about Vagabond Endurance and the races they put on at https://vagabondendurance.com/race-schedule/ Enjoy the episode!

John Maynard appears to be the perfect combination of ultra experience and positive mindset. On the running side, he figured out pretty early on that he was built for endurance, covering 18 miles in the 5th grade to win a season pass to Great America. And he has continued to develop that endurance to the point that he just toed the starting line of the Angeles Crest 100, which was his 3rd 100 mile event in the last 10 months. And we are just as excited to dive into mindset with this guy because he comes across as one of the most positive, encouraging individuals that we have connected with in the space. So stick around to hear how he got into ultra, the powerful rules that he lives by, and all the juicy, painful details of his recent ultra experiences. Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Owen Thornton ran his first marathon at 15. And then his first 50 Miler at 16. And at 17? He took 1st place in his first 100 mile finish at the Vagabond Endurance Unico 100 last December. Epic. 🤘 And while we are at Unico this year he will be chasing the elites at the Javelina 100 with many of our other previous guests. Tune in, check out his story, and hear how this 18 year old has already snagged 6 ultra podiums at the age of 18! Be sure to follow him at https://www.instagram.com/owenrthornton/ so you can keep up with all of his adventures because this dude has a bright future ahead of him.  Enjoy the episode!

Callie Vinson is an expert in setting goals, putting a plan in place, and then taking action to make those goals a reality.  So much so that she was featured in the recently released Born To Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide by our recent guests, Christopher McDougall and Eric Orton.    In this episode, Callie lays out how she was able to go from someone who was not able to walk to lunch with friends, to the superstar that we see now who has lost 200 pounds and recently just finished the Moab 240.  And her strategies?  Probably simpler than you think. As we kick off 2023, Callie is the perfect person to remind us all what we are capable of and give us the tools to put that potential to work.  Go follow Callie on IG at https://www.instagram.com/callievinsonn and shoot her a message letting her know how much we are all looking forward to her book coming out (you'll have to listen to hear why!).  This is one episode you do not want to miss so be sure to take us on your long run!  Happy New Year!

Family! 

That's what this race, the Loopy Looper, feels like to us. We have had 6 of our previous guests run this race at some point and all have talked about it in some way, shape or form. So, we figured, it is time for us to get to know the Race Directors themselves. 

The race itself has 12 hour, 24 hour, a 100 mile and a relay option for those looking at different formats. The race is held on a 3.75 mile loop on a paved path around Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The course is mostly flat and you will run as many loops of it as you can/want in the time allowed. According to the race website, this is one of the fastest looped courses in the country and a great chance to put in some serious mileage. 

Take a few minutes to learn more about this incredible race, the Loopy Looper from co Race Directors, Jen Gaynor and Pete Greenfield.

Loopy Looper Info: Registration for the Loopy Looper is open, the race is 8/3 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ, and new for this year the Glow Up Night Loop - 1 lap of Cooper River at 10pm. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endlessenduranceraces/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endlessendurance/ Website: https://www.endlessendurance.com/ Ultrasignup: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111437

Photo Credit: Glass Jar Media - https://www.instagram.com/glassjarmedia/⁠

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

We all know that Ultras come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is only one common denominator, an ultra, by definition is any race over 26.2 miles. In our race spotlights over the past year, we have never covered a race like this one.

We first heard about this race from our good friend Michelle Goldberg who connected us with the race director and we are grateful to have runners in the community that continue to make recommendations to us about guests and races. Thank you all for that!

On to the race, the Warriors UltraRun is an overnight, underground running experience that carries runners over 28 miles as they recreate the escape route from the iconic 1979 cult film by Walter Hill. After attending a 1 AM Conclave, held at a secret location in the Bronx, runners dressed as gang members pass movie shooting sights as they race for Coney Island. The course passes key landmarks from the movie and will run through Times Square and over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Have we got your attention? It has gotten ours. The race is one of a kind. And there is so much more to learn about the race, so take some time to listen to our chat with the RD Todd Aydelotte. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and if you love the episode make sure to like and subscribe!

Photo by Armando “OUTthere” Diaz @outtherenj Warriors Ultra Run Info:
Race Website: https://thewarriorsultra.com/

Warriors UltraRun Info: Race Website: https://thewarriorsultra.com/⁠

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

In Part 2 of The Southern Tour Ultra series, we talk all things strategy about the upcoming Last Man Standing event (Jan 15), a Backyard Ultra style race. Joined by experienced ultra runners Maleia Tumolo, Tim Hamilton and Drew Coombes, topics include tactics for nutrition, pacing, sleep, and of course Mindset. If you are thinking about taking on a Backyard Ultra of your own, this is a must watch! We hope you enjoy!

When it comes to people who have had massive positive impact on the sport of Ultra, Dean Karnazes makes the short list. We were honored to hang with the Ultraman Man himself to talk running, longevity, joy, and family, among other things. It was so much fun and true to form, he was pure value add! Be sure to follow him on Instagram, check out his website, and if you haven't already, pick up a copy of his book A Runner's High: My Life In Motion. You won't regret it. Send us a message after the episode and let us know your favorite part.  Enjoy!

This is our FIRST race spotlight for a race that takes place outside of the US. This race is the largest trail race, the largest ultra, and the oldest ultra in Canada. And, as of May 2024, the first ever Western States Qualifying race based out of Ontario.

The Sulphur Springs Trail race takes place on the trails of the Dundas Valley Conservation area located in Ancaster, Ontario. The event hosts multiple race distances ranging from a 10k all the way up to a 100 miler. According to the race description, the course is a 20k loop with 520 meters of elevation gain per loop. For those of us that find the metric system challenging, the math on that is that each loop is about 12.5 miles long with 1700 feet of elevation gain. 

Joining us on the podcast are two of the three Race Directors, Mauro Campanelli and Russell Thacker. Make sure to download for your next run, or jump over to YouTube to catch it there. Either way, leave us a comment and let us know what you think?

Special thanks to Brendan Smith for the recommendation!

Photo credit: Sue Sitki

Sulphur Springs Trail Race Info: Facebook: Sulphur Springs Trail Race Instagram: Sulphur Springs Trail Race on IG Twitter: https://twitter.com/SulphurTrailRun Info: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/76105/sulphur-springs-trail-race-2024

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Trey Morrison has been on quite the journey.  After a high school injury ended his sports aspirations, he found himself in a deep dark hole fueled by drugs, alcohol, and self hatred.  And then, after losing his brother a few years ago, he hit rock bottom, and decided he only had 2 options.  Suicide, or faith.  Luckily for us, he chose faith and in December of 2022 his new path led him to his first 50K, followed by his first 100 miler a year later at the crazy tough Beast of The East 100 here in North Carolina.  He has since launched his Run With Christ mission where he plans to run a 100 miler in all 50 states, taking on the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 in May to check off the state of VA.  Join us while we chat with this coach and strength training gym owner about how he got here, what will keep him going, and how he plans to tackle fifty 100 milers to carry forward his mission.  Enjoy the episode! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Matt and Paul Murray are twin brothers who have finished 4 of the 5 200 mile races that they have attempted. But before jumping into the Tahoe 200 in 2018, they had never raced more than a 5K...and to this day they have never tackled an ultra less than 200 miles. 🤔
Want to hear how they have done it and why? Take us on your long run and be sure to follow them on Instagram at @pmurray1991 and @matthew_murray_1991 Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Ron Maver is the man behind First Mile Sucks Running and has one incredible story! After suffering from crippling anxiety, Ron walked away from a successful career, overhauled his life, and found ultra running in the process. We are so glad we connected with Ron and look forward to sharing some trails with him in the future! Check out First Mile Sucks Running to learn more about Ron's awesome apparel and coaching: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fmsrunning FB: https://www.facebook.com/FMSRunning Website: https://www.fmsrunning.com

We have been asked on multiple occasions to interview each other so that you all could hear our story. But as luck would have it, we were honored enough to be invited on the Run The Riot Podcast with our good buddy David Theriot...even better! David is one heck of a runner and a future guest of ours as well. We hope you enjoy the conversation and be sure to head over to theriot.run/podcast and checkout the rest of his episodes. Not only is he really good at what he does, but he is as solid as they come in terms of just being a great dude!

Prior to COVID, Chase Price was a gym rat who hated to run. But after putting in some time and targeting a few half marathons, he decided to "do something crazy" and set a personal goal of finishing a 100 Mile race. And boy, did he! Chase blazed through his first 100 miler at Blackbeard's Revenge, finishing in 16 hours and 17 minutes, claiming 2nd overall. He then went on to set a marathon PR of 2:44 only a few months before becoming one of only 6 people to have ever finished the Uwharrie 100 in under 24 hours, good enough for 1st place in 2023. He has since started the Casually Ambitious Podcast as well as founded the Casually Ambitious Performance Club. Tune in to hear his tips and tricks as as well as his big plans coming up in 2024! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

We are heading down to Florida for this one. The Long Haul 100 miler consists of 6, 16.7 mile loops and runners have 32 hours to complete the race. However, this race is also a Western States qualifier, so if you finish this race in under 30 hours, you also earn your ticket to the Western States lottery.

The race takes place in January each year, so for those looking to get that States lottery ticket, it allows you to knock that out early in the season.

The Long Haul 100 is held in Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, FL, is Trail Sister Approved and is great for runners looking to take on their first 100 and there are also a ton of veterans that flock to this race.

We had a great time learning about this race, so take a few minutes and listen to get the inside scoop from the Race Director himself, Andy "Croom" Mathews.

Race spotlight recommended by Rusty Smith. Thanks Rusty!

Long Haul 100 Info: Registration: Long Haul 100 A1 Ultra Events: https://a1ultraevents.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongHaul100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longhaul100/

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

After years as a busted up runner who seemed to constantly be facing injury, Jameson Collins had a life changing moment in 2021 that sent him on a trajectory to signing up for a marathon, then a 50K and then...the MOAB 240. In 2023, less than 2 years after his epiphany, Jameson finished 2nd overall for the combined times of the Triple Crown of 200s, proving to himself and others that we are capable of more than we ever might believe. This was one of the most insightful discussions we have ever had and it shouldn't take you long to realize Jameson is not just lucky or gifted, he is a mindset juggernaut that has transformed himself mentally and physically and he is on a mission to share what he has learned with others. Take us on your long run, pay close attention, and enjoy the heck out of this episode, because it is just in time to help you set those 2024 goals. Prepare to #JustShowUp

Photo Credit: Jason Peters

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Ray Berlanga has quickly become one of our favorite people on the planet. As the self proclaimed slowest ultra runner on the course, his approach to training, racing, and just having a good old time is refreshing. But don't let him fool you...Ray as completed five 100+ mile efforts and has a distance PR of 144 miles. Catch the entire episode on Saturday, 5/22 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Enjoy! And be sure to follow Ray on IG at https://www.instagram.com/ray_ray_runner/

We sat down with Ashely Durstine, an Air Force veteran and mom of 3, and she was EPIC! From AZ trails in the White Tank Mountains, to conquering the Oregon 200, to running with protection, the conversation was top notch. Take us on your long run while we chat hallucinations, aid stations names that can't be pronounced, and why the Grand Canyon makes for the perfect training runs. Be sure to follow Ashley on IG , let us know what you think about the episode, and as always, #JustShowUp ! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 2024 Date TBD Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s⁠

Our mission is to help you take your next step on your ultra running journey. And, sometimes, if you are like us, you may not know what that next step may look like. As you many of you know, we live on the east coast and don't have a lot of exposure to the races on the west coast, and as we have been doing this series, we have come to find more and more races that are just incredible to think about running. This race is one of those races. The Leona Divide 100K is held in Lake Hughes, California which is North of Los Angeles and runners will spend a majority of their race on the Pacific Crest Trail. The race is also a Western States Qualifier. We encourage you to stick around through the end of the show as well as there is a HUGE announcement this year that the RD, Keira Henninger, makes and we think will make the Leona Divide experience even more incredible. If you love the episode make sure to leave a rating, comment, and subscribe. We appreciate you taking the time to listen. Leona Divide 100K Info: Main website: https://www.khraces.com/series/leona-divide-50-50 Race / course preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXG7jmR9sk&t=1s https://www.instagram.com/khraces https://www.instagram.com/keriahenninger

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s⁠

Nolan McKenna currently holds the Top Performance in North America in 2024 for the 50K distance with an astounding finish time of 2:58:54, which equates to a mind boggling average pace of about 5:46 a mile for 31 miles. And we were super excited to talk with him about his first 100 mile attempt at the Kettle Moraine 100, as well as find out what pulled him into the ultra scene in the first place. Check out the full episode to hear about his lessons learned, what it’s been like transitioning from the track to the trail, and what tips he has for building speed. Be sure to give him a follow on IG at @thecoachmckenna Some of Nolan's go to running drills videos: https://youtu.be/3OvNiI3hLpI?si=QODj_HPh430GTeDZ https://youtu.be/cAzMsSbfh2A?si=W2FBZExcDS2L5s0C Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Tasha Swartley, AKA "Thor," probably has the most unique set of skills out of anyone we have ever talked to.  Not only is she a retired Navy Veteran who made a living loading bombs on jets, but she is also a Wilderness certified EMT who specializes in treating foot and other medical issues for ultra trail athletes.  She has made a name for herself as the Destination Trail Races EMT and probably helped get a few of you busted up 200 mile runners out of the aid station and back out on the trail.  And she has recently launched her own independent company as the Thor Trail Race Medic so keep an eye out for her at an ultra near you.   Plug into to hear all about the crazy things she has encountered as a trail medic, what tips she has for us to avoid having to spend time in her chair at our next race, and also how she is preparing to take on her own first 200 mile run at the Tahoe 200 in 2025. Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Not only was Davy Crockett the 15th person to complete 100 hundred mile races, but as the Director of the American Ultra Running Hall of Fame and the host of the Ultrarunning History Podcast, he has contributed more to the world of Ultra than just about anybody we know. Take us on your long run to hear about his personal running history, why most of us are wrong about the Western States origin story, and what inspired him to write his newest book, Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History. And be sure to follow Davy on Instagram and checkout www.ultrarunninghistory.com for an unbelievable amount of content. Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: www.theultrarunningguys.com Race: The Hydra - April 22, 2023 Race: The Final Countdown - September 16, 2023 Patreon: www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Anthony Lee began running to combat obesity as a child, and has since become one of the toughest mountain runners in the field. Recent 1st place finishes include Mace's Hideout 100 and the grueling Ouray 100, followed by an impressive 2nd place finish at the Spartan Trail Championship Golden Gate Trail Classic 100K. We were honored to chat with Anthony about his story, maintaining balance, and some gnarly mountain running. Be sure to follow him in Instagram at @anthonyclee94 and send him some love. Enjoy!

Our mission is to help runners take their next step along their ultra running journey. With this series of Race Spotlight episodes, we want to introduce you to races that you may or may not have heard of by speaking directly to the Race Directors to give you all the information you need. We have featured a few of the races put on by Aravaipa running which is based out of the Southwest, but what many runners are not aware of is that Aravaipa has also partnered with White Mountain Endurance to host races on the East Coast. This episode spotlights one of those races, the Jigger Johnson 100. According to their website, the Jigger Johnson 100 is one of the world's most grueling trail races. Located in White Mountains National Park in New Hampshire, the race is a 100 mile out and back with an actual mileage of 112 miles and 32,000 feet of elevation gain with a cutoff of 54 hours. Some key info though, the max elevation is 4,340 feet, so you won't be climbing Mt Rushmore and probably not dealing with any form of altitude sickness or acclimation needed. But the race is absolutely tough, remote, and is designed for those that are comfortable being off the grid. Take a few minutes to learn more about this incredible race, the Jigger Johnson, from co Race Directors, Kristina Folcik and Rem Stone. Jigger Johnson Info:

More information on the Jigger Johnson:

Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=109601 Race Info:https://www.aravaiparunning.com/white-mountain-endurance/jigger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitemountainendurance

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Following the passing of a good friend at the age of 15, Jake Rastas made a promise that his life would not be wasted. And he has kept that promise. After hanging up his college jersey as a D1 football player, Jake turned to ultras in 2022 as a way to keep his edge and find strength through adversity. And he is inspiring others to do the same. 

We are so impressed with his mindset, his determination, and his passion for using his running to combat the men's mental health epidemic. And we are pretty sure you will be too. So take us for your long run and hear Jake's full story of turning into an animal and hunting other runners on the trail. 🤣 Be sure to follow Jake on Instagram and check out his Movember support page HERE.  Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: www.theultrarunningguys.com

Race: The Hydra - April 22, 2023

Race: The Final Countdown - September 16, 2023

Patreon: www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

In 2016, Trevor Douglas witnessed two of his F3 buddies run a 50K and thought "that has to be one of the dumbest things you can do." But it wasn't long until he was logging mega miles of his own and in the past 4 years alone he has completed eight 100 mile efforts. And he knows he has a lot more inside of him. Recommended by listeners and friends Perry Allen and Brian Rouse, Trevor was a joy to hang out with even after kicking Jeremy's butt at the recent Southern Tour Ultra Last Man Standing Event. Take us on your long run this Saturday to hear all about getting faster with age, running with snakes, and why you should never underestimate how much time you have to train.  Enjoy the episode! #JustShowUp! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: www.theultrarunningguys.com Race: The Hydra - April 22, 2023 Race: The Final Countdown - September 16, 2023 Patreon: www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Our mission is to help runners take their next step along their ultra running journey. With this series of Race Spotlight episodes, we want to introduce you to races that you may or may not have heard of by speaking directly to the Race Directors to give you all the information you need. This episode presents to you a monster of a race out of Eastern Arizona. The Mogollon Monster 100. The race climbs the Mogollon Rim on six separate locations spending a lot of miles along the Rim, on top of the Rim and climbs up and down with ascents and descents of 30-45% grades at some points. Elevation gain is about 18000 feet, with the entirety of the race hanging out between 5200 feet and up to 8000 feet. The course is considered to be rugged and very technical in parts. Telling us all about it is Noah Dougherty, the RD of the Mogollon Monster 100.

Enjoy the show? Please leave us rating and comment to share the love! We appreciate you taking the time to join us. Mogollon Monster 100 Info: Race Info: ⁠http://www.mogollonmonster100.com/ Registration: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=109352 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mogollon_monster Photo credits: Jubilee Paige and Noah Dougherty Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hydra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - April 20, 2024

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Not only did Andy Glaze log over 8,000 miles in 2020, but he has been ranked #1 in the WORLD on Strava for the last 2 months after running over 1,000 miles in December and January! We had a blast talking with Andy to better understand not only HOW he does it but WHY. We hope you enjoy!

Can you all believe we made it to Episode 50!?  And to celebrate, we are taking it back to where it all began.  Steve Epifano continues to set the example in so many way and we had an absolute blast catching up with him about all the things he has been up to since we first launched the show.  Topics include his tips for success, launching the Robin Ames Foundation Ultra, and taking on the Cocodona 250.  If you aren't already, be sure to follow Steve at https://www.instagram.com/so_cal_runner/ and you can visit https://www.ramesfoundation.org/ to see how you can get involved or sign up for the RAF Ultra.  Enjoy!

Emily Lyons is one of our absolute favorite people and that big, wonderful personality came out when we sat down to record. 😁 Jumping into the Ultra scene in 2016 (the same year as we did), her journey has been fun, inspiring, and pretty downright amazing. So much so that after finishing the Badwater Cape Fear 51.4 Miler and Badwater Salton Sea 81 mile events this year, Emily is looking to be added to the small list of Badwater Ultra Cup finishers when she takes on the self proclaimed "World's Toughest Footrace," the Badwater 135 next week on July 4th.
Tune in to hear about her preparation, how she was able to run three 100 milers in 90 days (including a PR), and why she always has a smile on her face.
Follow Emily on IG at @hungry_vegan_runner so you can keep up with her adventures and don't forget to #JustShowUp ! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2023

Race: The Hydra - April 20, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys