Ryan is a runner with a full time job, family man, ultra trail athlete, queer and gay person.

In this episode we talk about:

-dealing with a multitude of injuries

-running identity when you can’t run

-wearing many hats and being more than a runner

-channeling a competitive type A personality

-growing up and running in Alaska

-running 5 marathons in 5 days aged 16

-connecting with your mind, body and surroundings through running

-ultra running unlocking possibilities

-belonging as a queer and gay trail runner

-running retreats to help LGBTQ+ youth find themselves on the trails

-giving back and having an impact

-the pull to run longer and longer

-Ryan’s first ultra marathon

-getting hooked on ultra running to discover yourself and explore the unknown

-growth and development in ultra and trail running

-goal setting

-sustainable motivations for lifelong running

-community being about shared values

Follow Ryan on Instagram @ultra.ryan and For The Long Run @forthelrpod

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/forthelongrun/support

Tracksmith

Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode.

Tracksmith is an independent running brand inspired by a deep love of the sport. Their Summer Collection, inspired by the blue hues of summer watering holes, is now available and features staples thoughtfully designed for training. From their race-day-ready Van Cortlandt Singlet cut from Tracksmith’s signature 2:09 mesh, to the Allston Half Tights and Shorts built to provide a sleek fit in a minimal silhouette, these pieces are built to work as hard as you do.

Visit Tracksmith.com/forthelongrun to see some of my favorite pieces, and all orders with the code FORTHELONGRUN will receive free shipping, and 5% of your purchase amount will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation to help find a cure and support those living with Parkinsons.

Freedom Solar Power

This episode is brought to you by Freedom Solar Power, the company I am using to go solar on my house.

When I first started looking into solar, I thought it would be a clunky and expensive process.

Going solar isn’t as hard as you think it is, and Freedom Solar Power is a turnkey solution focused on educating the consumer and making sure they have all the information they need to make sure going solar is right for them, both financially and as a way to help the planet.

With no downpayment required, solar not only ads value to your home and is great for the environment, and might even allow you to save money from day one.

Freedom Solar operates in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, but there are plenty of other great options nationwide.

REVEL Big Cottonwood

This episode is brought to you by the REVEL Race Series. REVEL is an incredibly fast and remarkably beautiful series of full and half marathons that take place in the most scenic U.S. locations. All the races feature a fast downhill slope and spectacular scenery. Their next race takes runners from the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains to the foothills of Salt Lake City, Utah on September 10th for the 10-year anniversary of REVEL Big Cottonwood. Register at runrevel.com with code FTLR for $10 off.