Erin is training for her first ultra at the Grindstone 50k coming in September.  Today her coach talks about her longer efforts and early aid station strategy to start thinking about it while she fuels for her current efforts.  We talk about poles and how to implement in the training.  Enjoy the show

On this episode of Ultra Nutrition we get a great question that many runners and athletes can relate to.  As your training volume goes up how do you find ways to get the calories in a healthy way. Enjoy the show!

Jess Vanderbush has many interests, she is an ultra-runner, poet, and documentary filmmaker, she is also the founder, editor-in-chief, and creative director of Eat Clean Run Dirty magazine. She is seeking adventure and connection everywhere she goes.

This was a fun conversation full of wisdom and captivating stories. Jess has many interests, we spent time diving into several of them. She takes us back to how her journey into ultras started and how ultras have led her to all the adventures she pursues now. We also talk about the Orcas Island race and what inspires Jess to take on challenges. Jess lives her life driven by the motto, the only regrets you have are the chances you did not take. We think you will love this conversation as much as we did.

Nutrition coach Abby and coach Scott address listener questions in this ongoing series about nutrition and fueling for athletes.  The questions were regarding plant based athletes being low in iron and B12. We hope you enjoy!

Aneta Zeppettella (Nettie) is a 52-year-old ultra runner who grew up in Poland but has been living in the US since 1999. She has finished some of the most iconic ultras including Western States 100, Badwater 135, Hurt 100, and Fat Dog 120. She is the second female to complete the Potawatomi 200-mile race. She is a Mom, librarian, community organizer and RD. She is also the co-owner of Empower Ultras.

Nettie is a true champion for supporting others, she has formed a race company that embraces building people up. On this podcast, she talks about her journey to the United States and how she found her way to trail running. Nettie has a powerful reason why she runs. She explains how ultras are easier than things we can experience in life. She is passionate about supporting women and doing her part to help them achieve their goals. Be sure to check out the documentary "Nettie from Ohio".

Our friend, Cale is back to share his race experience at the Miwok 100K on May 4th. This race has 11,800 feet of gain – views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, the redwoods, and the seashore. Founded in 1996, it has grown from 70 people to 450. Cale shares why this race is special to him and how he prepared for it. He tells us what it is like to run the first 40 miles in the rain and the difference a good crew can make. Cale ran the last thirteen miles with his coach and friend, he shares how that experience changed his race. Cale shares how his recovery is going as well as how important it is to listen to your body as you prepare for the next goal. Every time we talk to Cale, we feel like we have learned something that helps us live our best life.

Erin and her coach Lindsay sit down with Scott to talk about the first few weeks of training for her first 50k at the Grindstone 50k.  Humid days, ticks, and other random things that come up in the heat of summer made the conversation. We hope you enjoy!

On this podcast our friend, Jenn shares her experience of five days taking on one of the most diverse 200+ mile races, the Cocodona 250. We had this conversation as Jenn is still working through all the emotions and healing physically. Jenn was very candid about the mental strength it took to get to the finish line and how she is processing things after. We are grateful to Jenn for being so vulnerable and sharing things about racing that we do not often hear. We hope you enjoy this honest conversation.

Rhonda Bompensa-Zimmerman is fairly new to ultra-running. She has been putting in the work and taking on some big challenges, most recently, Sedona Canyons 125. On this podcast we learn how Rhonda made her way to trail running and the impact it has had on her life, how running has been crucial for her healing. She reflects on the pivotal moment she stepped out of her comfort zone and said yes to a group run. Rhonda shares the many ways she has embraced the trail running community. We also talk about navigation struggles (we have all had them). This is a story of no matter where you are in life you can change the direction, set goals, work hard, and find yourself in the process.

We have the pleasure of introducing Erin to the world.  She is an educator that grew up on a family farm not too far from Washington D.C.  Today, we just get to know her as we will be talking lots of running in the coming months.  We hope you enjoy!