In this conversation, Denise shares her experiences and insights from her recent marathon as she prepares for her first ultra marathon. The discussion covers her mental and physical state post-marathon, the challenges she faced during the race, and her recovery process. Addie provides guidance on navigating the next steps in training, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and adapting plans as needed. The conversation highlights the excitement of marathon running, the lessons learned, and the strategies for effective recovery and preparation for future races.

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for the Ultra: Mental and Physical State 05:57 Marathon Experience: Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced 11:56 Recovery and Future Plans: Navigating the Next Steps

Trail camp

Our first ultra event. 

In this engaging conversation, Scott and Cassidy Randall explore the world of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the adventures that inspire Cassidy's work.   They discuss the challenges of the writing industry, the importance of vulnerability in creative pursuits, and share personal stories about their journeys in the outdoor and writing realms. They discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating social media as a writer, the value of platforms like Substack for building community and sharing stories, and her journey in writing her book '30 Below,' which highlights the first all-women's ascent of Denali.   She reflects on the impact of trailblazing women in mountaineering and shares personal adventures that inspire her work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community, and the legacies of those who break barriers in their fields.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 02:09 Getting to Know Cassidy Randall 03:11 The State of Freelance Writing 06:30 The Impact of AI on Writing 07:39 Exploring Influential Writers 10:09 Living in Missoula, Montana 12:42 Cassidy's Journey to Writing 21:06 The Vulnerability of Writing 26:14 Navigating the Social Media Landscape 28:42 The Value of Substack and Community Building 30:10 Exploring the Journey of Writing and Publishing 34:50 Unveiling the Story Behind '30 Below' 46:32 Impact and Legacy of Trailblazing Women 53:04 Personal Adventures and Inspirations

Cassidy's book is here!

Check out her website.   Find your own adventures!

In this episode, Scott Jones, Carrie, and her coach Ian Sharman discuss Carrie's journey as she pivots from training for her first ultra marathon to participating in the Napa Valley Half Marathon. They explore the challenges she faced, including injuries and mental health struggles, and how she found closure in her athletic identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting expectations, embracing change, and setting short-term goals that bring joy to the fitness journey.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carrie's Journey 01:24 Carrie's Experience at the Napa Valley Half Marathon 07:04 Reflections on Improvement and Injuries 09:35 Finding Closure and Acceptance 13:19 The Evolution of an Athlete 18:08 Looking Forward: Embracing Change 22:26 Short-Term Goals and Enjoyment in Fitness

 

Apply to the Becoming Ultra Project here!

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones, along with coach Addie and her client Denise, discuss Denise's journey as she prepares for her first ultra marathon.

They talk about various aspects of training, including the impact of a recent dental surgery on her running schedule, strategies for the upcoming LA Marathon, nutrition and gear considerations, and the importance of recovery. They also share personal stories and adventures outside of running, including Addie's adventurous heli-skiing adventure!

Enjoy the show!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ultra Training Journey 03:00 Denise's Dental Mishap and Its Impact 06:13 Preparing for the LA Marathon 08:59 Race Strategy and Goals 11:53 Nutrition and Gear Considerations 15:01 Post-Marathon Recovery and Future Plans 18:02 Adventures Beyond Running 23:58 Conclusion and Future Check-In

Deidra's Journey to Ultra Running Continues:

In this episode, Scott talks with Deidra about her training regimen leading up to a crucial race in April.

They discuss the intricacies of dealing with Texas weather, allergies, and maintaining energy levels during long runs. Deidra shares her recent experiences with physical challenges such as leg tightness and concentration lapses, while Scott provides advice on fueling strategies and mental preparation. They also touch on the importance of recovery, maintaining proper nutrition, and balancing family life with training.

The discussion ends with Scott giving tips for the upcoming weeks and both expressing excitement for the progress made so far.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:20 Weather and Running Conditions

00:55 Allergies and Their Impact

02:28 Training Progress and Challenges

03:07 Mental Preparation and Strategies

04:01 Understanding the Bonk

05:01 Fueling and Hydration Tips

07:27 Balancing Training and Life

14:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

15:55 Upcoming Plans and Events 

Run with us. Becoming Ultra

Summary

In this conversation, Scott Jones and Mari Lowe discuss Mari's journey from training for her first ultra marathon to summiting Kilimanjaro. They explore the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, the importance of training, and the personal growth that comes from facing fears. Mari shares her experiences with cultural insights from Tanzania, the logistics of her trip, and the impact of her adventures on her perspective of life. In this conversation, Mari Lowe shares her transformative experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, detailing the preparation, the challenges faced during the ascent, and the camaraderie built among the group. She reflects on the physical and mental hurdles of altitude sickness, the emotional support from fellow climbers, and the personal growth achieved through this adventure. Mari also discusses her future aspirations in outdoor activities and the importance of community in overcoming challenges.

Takeaways

• Mary faced trepidation before summiting Kilimanjaro, highlighting the mental challenges of adventure.
• Training for the ultra marathon taught Mary about her mental toughness and ability to push through.
• Mary's experience with the ultra marathon was empowering, allowing her to confront her fears of heights.
• The winter training for Kilimanjaro was psychologically challenging without a running goal.
• Mary learned to appreciate the importance of strength training in her fitness routine.
• Traveling to Tanzania provided Mary with humbling insights into cultural and economic disparities.
• Mary enjoyed the local food in Tanzania, which was fresh and grown nearby.
• The experience of hiking Kilimanjaro was enhanced by the support of local guides and porters.
• Mary's perspective on fitness and health has changed significantly since working with a coach.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of adventure in personal growth and perspective.  
• Preparation is key for a successful climb.
• Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
• Mental toughness is as important as physical strength.
• Camaraderie among climbers enhances the experience.
• Hydration and nutrition are crucial at high altitudes.
• Summit night is both physically and mentally challenging.
• Experiencing nature can be a profound and grounding experience.
• Post-adventure blues are common after significant challenges.
• Reflecting on experiences helps in personal growth.
• Future adventures are essential for continued motivation.

Run with Us:  Becoming Ultra

 

Adapting Goals and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Training. Pivoting is not quitting. 

In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones and coaches Ian and Carrie discuss Carrie's decision to shift her training focus from a 50k race to a half marathon. Due to recurring injuries and the demands of scaling her business, Carrie reflects on the emotional and physical challenges she faced in making this decision.

The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in ultra-running, emphasizing how setbacks can lead to new opportunities and healthier habits. The team also discusses ongoing physical therapy and the mental adjustments required to stay motivated and find joy in the process.

00:00 Introduction and Updates

00:28 Carrie's Shift in Focus

01:31 Emotional Decision and Business Challenges

04:55 New Goals and Adjustments

06:24 Physical Therapy and Running Mechanics

08:34 Adapting to Changes

10:46 Reflections and Moving Forward

19:06 Conclusion and Future Plans

Becoming Ultra: Training Tales and Marathon Musings with Denise and Addie.

 In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie catch up on Denise's running journey, discussing her increasing mileage, recent crewing experience, and upcoming training race.

 Denise shares her pain-free yet challenging training progress, including a memorable long run in Griffith Park and plans to run the LA Marathon as part of her training.

Addie reflects on her own marathon experience and offers advice on pacing and race preparation. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and setups in ultra-running, the importance of self-care while crewing, and the contrasting dynamics of road and trail running.

Tune in for insights, personal anecdotes, and tips for runners at all levels.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:31 Training Updates and Challenges

02:05 Griffith Park Memories

5:03 Crewing and Pacing Experiences

11:43 Upcoming LA Marathon

19:53 Concluding Thoughts and Announcements

Come run with us in Colorado

 In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra', Scott, Ian, and his coaching client, Carrie, discuss the emotional and physical hurdles faced during Carrie's preparation for her first ultra marathon, the Mendocino 50k.

The conversation delves into the common struggles of first-time ultra runners, the importance of learning from setbacks, and finding balance amidst a busy life. Carrie shares her personal journey, dealing with injuries, and managing a business, while receiving valuable insights and encouragement from Ian and Scott. They emphasize viewing the bigger picture and appreciating the progress made, despite not always meeting immediate goals.

00:00 Introduction to Becoming Ultra

00:25 The Challenges of Training for Your First Ultra

02:10 Carrie's Personal Struggles and Progress

05:23 Balancing Life and Training

09:12 Finding Motivation and Adjusting Goals

11:28 The Importance of Self-Care and Perspective

20:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Training for Your First Ultra: Overcoming Challenges with Deidre

 

In this epsode, Scott and Deidre discuss her journey of training for her first ultra-marathon scheduled in Mendocino, California. They explore challenges she has faced recently, including minor injuries, stomach issues, and strategies to overcome them.

Some of the topics include the importance of communication with her coach, proper nutrition and hydration strategies during long runs, and how to manage the physical demands of increasing mileage.

Deidre shares her progress, the support she has received, and how she is mentally and physically preparing for race day.

00:00 Introduction and Training Overview

01:03 Current Training Status and Challenges

03:20 Foot Pain and Shoe Tightness

05:13 Long Runs and Physical Condition

06:38 Stomach Issues and Fueling Strategies

09:44 Caloric Intake and Nutrition Tips

15:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

Come run with us here, or here!