Becoming Ultra

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!

Creating Inclusive Athletic Opportunities: The Kyle Pease Foundation Story

In this engaging conversation, two brothers from Atlanta, Brent and Kyle Pease, share their inspiring story and the creation of the Kyle Pease Foundation aimed at promoting inclusion in sports for people with disabilities. The discussion highlights their journey from memorable childhood sports moments to completing multiple Ironman events and the significant impact of their foundation. They delve into training regimes, facing adversity, family support, and their hopes for the future. The conversation emphasizes the power of endurance sports in bringing people together and creating unique opportunities for those with disabilities.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:09 Atlanta Traffic Woes

00:56 Brent's Scary Breakdown Story

01:31 Introducing the Kyle Pease Foundation

01:47 Inspiration from Dick and Rick Hoyt

03:00 Kyle's Love for Sports

03:41 The Birth of the Kyle Pease Foundation

04:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Endurance Sports

07:30 Kyle's Early Life and Cerebral Palsy

09:06 Parenting Styles and Family Dynamics

14:58 Training and Competing Together

28:07 Family Support and Reactions

30:23 Baseball Fandom and Childhood Memories

31:51 Parenting and Family Values

33:20 Ironman Challenges and Strategies

35:56 Fueling and Nutrition for Endurance Events

41:36 Overcoming Adversity in Races

46:28 Foundation Goals and Community Impact

49:15 Fun and Personal Insights

52:40 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Come and be a part of one of our live events from races to retreats at Becoming Ultra.

In the first call of 2025, Denise catches up with her coach Addie about her training progress for her first ultra marathon, set for April 19th in Mendocino.

They discuss balancing holiday breaks, ski trips, and work commitments, and address ongoing air quality issues in Southern California. Denise talks about her company's efforts to support associates affected by the Pacific Palisades fire.

The conversation also covers Denise's cross-training activities, including a high-altitude skiing trip and her experience with recovery and endurance.

The episode concludes with advice on specific training inquiries and race day preparations.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:23 Holiday Recap and Balancing Life

00:59 Weather and Relocation Updates

01:31 Denise's Work and Community Efforts

03:34 Grocery Industry Insights

05:10 Ski Trip and Cross Training

08:14 Training Progress and Future Plans

12:25 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones interviews Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman.

Carrie is training for her first Ultra marathon on April 19th in Mendocino.

They discuss several key aspects of her training regimen, including a recent sleep study that diagnosed her with moderate sleep apnea, and the use of a CPAP machine to improve her sleep quality.

Other topics covered include gait analysis, fueling strategies during training, and the importance of incremental improvements in training routines. Ian emphasizes the importance of consistency, incremental progress, and adapting training based on individual needs.

There's also a focus on the balance between work, life, and training, highlighting the challenges and strategies for maintaining a healthy routine. Carrie shares her experience of joining a local running group for accountability and the benefits of social running.

00:00 Welcome to Becoming Ultra

00:06 Carrie's Training Journey

00:56 Entrepreneurial Insights

02:45 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies

10:45 Dealing with Aches and Pains

23:09 Sleep Study Results

28:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Learn more at Becoming Ultra

Overcoming Winter Challenges: Deidra's Journey to Her First Ultra Marathon In the first call of 2025, Scott and Deidra discuss how she is faring in the initial weeks of 2025 of her training for her first ultra marathon.

Deidra shares her struggles with running in cold weather in Texas, her efforts to adapt to new training routines, and her recent achievements in strength training. They talk in detail about the importance of consistent strength training, proper running form, and strategies for dealing with cold weather runs. The conversation also covers the gradual ramp-up in training intensity and the mental fortitude required to stay motivated.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:17 Running in Cold Weather

04:19 Training Progress and Challenges

07:30 Strength Training and Its Importance

12:56 Running Form and Technique

20:39 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

Midpoint Training Updates and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Marathon Prep

In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones catches up with Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman as Carrie prepares for her first ultra marathon. They discuss their progress halfway through the training, overcoming challenges such as sickness and a busy schedule, and the importance of recovery, including insights from Carrie's recent sleep study. Coach Ian provides valuable advice for maintaining consistency and managing health during the training process, while Carrie shares updates on her personal journey and professional life.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:30 Holiday Recap and Listener Feedback

02:04 Carrie's Health and Training Updates

03:07 Training Tips for Cold and Flu Season

04:57 Balancing Work and Training

09:26 Adjusting Training for Injuries

20:14 Sleep Study Insights

24:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

Sign up for the Powderhorn Mt Ultra and Vert Challenge

A Deep Dive into the Hard Rock 100 with Race Director Dale In this episode, Scott chats with Dale, the race director of the Hard Rock 100 Endurance Run. They discuss Dale's personal journey, the origins and evolution of the Hard Rock 100, and his experiences as both an educator and a race director. Dale shares insights on the importance of community in the race, the logistics involved with organizing the event, and how the race has positively affected the local economy. They also delve into the challenges of maintaining the course, managing the lottery system, and advice for new participants. The episode wraps up with tips on race directing, emphasizing the significance of relationships and effective communication.

00:00 Catch-Up and Family Life

00:49 Professional Background and Retirement

02:28 Exploring Local Trails

02:53 Teaching Career and Passion for Leadership

04:33 Introduction to Hard Rock 100

04:56 Founding and Early Days of Hard Rock 100

07:00 Course Mapping and Permitting Challenges

07:53 Managing Hard Rock 100

16:21 Economic Impact and Community Relations

27:20 Lottery System and Community Building

31:31 The Significance of 146 Participants

33:19 Challenges of Managing the Lottery System

36:00 Technological Advancements in Ultra Running

36:46 Funding and Philanthropy Efforts

41:33 Memorable Moments and Finishers

46:34 Future of Hard Rock and Ultra Running

48:32 Advice for First-Time Ultra Race Directors

52:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Balancing Training and Holiday Cheer: Denise, Addie, and the Importance of Cross-Training In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie discuss their recent training updates and balancing commitments during the holiday season.

They cover the importance of maintaining a variety of workouts, incorporating cross-training, and staying motivated. Denise shares her insights on the benefit of hiking versus running and how cross-training like mountain biking can complement her running routine.

They also delve into the pros and cons of different types of running shoes and the importance of finding the right fit according to personal needs. The conversation wraps up with holiday wishes and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the festive period.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:03 Holiday Cheer and Traditions

02:32 Gift Giving and Personal Touches

03:57 Running and Training Updates

09:55 Mountain Biking Adventures

13:02 Balancing Training and Life

23:09 Shoe Talk and Race Preparation

29:27 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

The Becoming Ultra High Desert Trail Retreat!

The Powderhorn Mt. Ultra and Vertical challenge!

Carrie brings some great questions about her training to the call today including: How to decide when running is too much when you aren't 100% well? Pre and post training Dexa scans. Is gait analysis worth it? How much of the training should be walking verse running?

Coach Ian Sharman gives some great insight as she navigates training for her first ultra.

About the hosts:

Ian Sharman

Ian has been racing around the world in all formats of event since 2005 and coaching since 2010, having run over 250 marathons and ultras on five continents (marathon PR 2:21 at age 43, half marathon PR 1:03 at age 44). He's won over 50 marathon+ races with at least one win every year for 19 (and counting) consecutive years. He also holds the fastest time in a trail 100-mile race by a Brit (12h44m), the record for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (69h49m), has won the USATF 100-mile trail championship twice and is a four-time Leadville Trail 100 Champion. Ultra Running Magazine has voted him as high as 2nd in its annual Ultra Runner of the Year rankings and 4th in Ultra Runner of the Decade.

Scott Jones, M.S.

Scott started Becoming Ultra to bridge the gap between athletes doing amazing things and the rest of us. There are so many runners that have experienced the joy of training for big things and getting them done and he wanted to bring that to the masses.

The mission is to bring entertaining content and education to the world of running and to continue to coach runners with big goals as he has for the last 20 years! You can listen to him on the Becoming Ultra podcast as a host and coach, find him interviewing other types of athletes and adventurers on Athlete On Fire, or putting on retreats and training camps all over the world.

He has his M.S. in exercise science and has coached athletes from most major professional sports teams, Olympians, 1000's of young athletes, and hundreds of endurance athletes in his 20+ year career as a coach.