Buckle Up with Simon and Brian: An Ultrarunning Conversation

In this conversation, Kristopher shares his journey from a challenging personal life to discovering a passion for ultra running. He discusses the inception of Group Run Finder, an app designed to connect runners with group runs, and the challenges faced during its development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristopher also reflects on his future plans in the running community and the significance of events like Trans Rockies.

In this episode, Cody Beratlis shares his inspiring journey from a football player to an ultra runner, detailing his experiences with recovery, coaching, and the challenges he faced while training for and completing his first 100-mile race. The conversation highlights the importance of mental resilience, nutrition, and the role of support systems in achieving personal goals. Cody emphasizes that anyone can pursue their dreams with dedication and the right mindset, making this episode a motivational listen for aspiring athletes and those facing their own challenges.

In this conversation, Kyle Coon shares his inspiring journey from being diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer at a young age to becoming a two-time Paralympian. He discusses the challenges he faced with blindness, the importance of mentorship, and how he transitioned into endurance sports, particularly triathlon. Kyle emphasizes the significance of resilience, adaptability, and the role of guides in his athletic journey. He reflects on his experiences at the Paralympic Games and shares his future aspirations in sports and life.

In this episode, Chase Hammond shares his journey through ultra running, detailing his experiences with the Triple Crown of 200s, including the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240. He discusses the challenges he faced, both physically and mentally, and how he navigated through them with the help of his pacers and crew. Chase also talks about the inception of his supplement company, Ultraverse, and the races he directs, emphasizing the community aspect of ultra running. The conversation highlights the importance of mental toughness, recovery, and the joy of being part of the ultra running community.

In this episode of Buckle Up, Simon and Brian dive deep into their recent ultra running experiences, including Simon's adventure at the Diagonal des Fous on Reunion Island and Brian's challenging attempt at the Moab 240. They discuss the physical and mental challenges of ultra running, the importance of community support, and the tough decisions that come with endurance racing, such as the decision to DNF. The conversation also touches on the cultural aspects of running events and the unique experiences that come with racing in different parts of the world. In this conversation, Simon Guerard shares his experiences and challenges faced during the 100-mile race at Diagon de Fou. He discusses cultural nuances in communication, the technical difficulties of the course, and the impact of race size on the overall experience. Simon reflects on personal challenges, including pain and recovery, and emphasizes the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on race etiquette, accommodations, and future plans, providing a comprehensive overview of the race experience.

In this conversation, Brian Passenti, Adam, and Kathy Duryea discuss Kathy's adventurous journey as she attempts the challenging Nolans 14 route in Colorado. Kathy shares her background as an athlete, her decision to undertake epic challenges every month for her 60th year, and the preparation that went into her Nolans attempt. The discussion covers the physical and mental challenges she faced, her experiences with scouting the route, and the importance of support from her crew. Kathy reflects on her journey, the lessons learned, and her plans for future attempts at Nolans. In this conversation, Kathy Duryea shares her exhilarating and challenging experiences in mountaineering, particularly her attempt at the Nolan's 14 peaks. She discusses the physical and mental struggles she faced, the importance of preparation, and the lessons learned from her adventures. Kathy emphasizes the significance of self-talk, nutrition, and the joy of pushing personal limits while navigating the wilderness alone. The conversation also touches on future plans and the motivation behind taking on such epic challenges.

In this episode, Tara Dower shares her incredible journey as an ultra runner, discussing her recent FKT attempt on the Appalachian Trail, her involvement with Girls on the Run, and the importance of role models in sports. The conversation delves into the challenges of long-distance running, the support system behind such feats, and the mental recovery process after completing a significant endurance challenge. Tara emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and not fearing failure, inspiring young runners to pursue their dreams.

Tara's Girls on the Run Fundraiser page: https://support.girlsontherun.org/fundraiser/5607331

In this conversation, Simon Guerard shares his experiences from the 2024 Tour de Geants and the Tour du Mont Blanc, discussing the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned from these grueling ultra races. He reflects on the differences between European and American ultra running, the importance of preparation and recovery, and the unique aspects of racing in the Alps. Simon emphasizes the camaraderie among runners and the beauty of the landscapes, while also addressing the physical and mental demands of such endurance events.

In this conversation, ultra runners Brian Passenti, Simon Guerard, and DeShawna Joe discuss the challenges and triumphs of ultra running, particularly focusing on DeShawna's journey through grief after the loss of her daughter. They explore how running serves as a healing outlet, the importance of community support, and the need for greater diversity in the ultra running scene. DeShawna shares her aspirations to raise awareness about distracted driving and to inspire others in her community, particularly Native Americans, to participate in ultra running. The discussion highlights the emotional and physical aspects of ultra running, the significance of personal stories, and the collective responsibility to foster inclusivity in the sport.