In this episode, Molly Hernandez shares her journey from road running to ultra running, detailing her experiences with her first 100 mile attempt at Rocky Raccoon. She discusses the challenges of training, the mental hurdles faced on race day, and the importance of community support. Molly reflects on her DNF experience, emphasizing the lessons learned and the value of perseverance. She also touches on fueling strategies and the emotional aspects of ultra running, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys in the sport.

Follow Molly on Instagram:

@yourrunningbff

In this conversation, Melissa Londry shares her journey from a new mother to an accomplished ultra runner and race director. She discusses the challenges she faced during her races, particularly the Mamba 100, and the mental load of balancing family responsibilities with her passion for running. Melissa emphasizes the importance of self-care for mothers and the need for inclusive spaces in the running community, particularly through organizations like Trail Sisters, which advocate for women's rights in sports. The discussion highlights the ongoing gender disparity in ultra running and the efforts being made to create a more supportive environment for female athletes. Melissa discusses the challenges faced by female runners in trail and ultra running, including the intimidation of technical trails and the fear of not being fast enough. The discussion shifts to the importance of addressing sexual harassment in the running community, emphasizing the need for policies and support systems to create a safe environment for all participants. The conversation also touches on the societal pressures women face regarding their appearance while running, the role of men in combating gender issues, and the importance of building a supportive community for all runners. Melissa shares her future plans and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and safety in the sport.

On Instagram, follow along with Melissa's races!

@newrivertrailraces

@crystalspringultras

⁠www.swvarunning.com⁠

⁠https://ustrailrunningconference.com/speakers/⁠

In this episode, we chat with Claire Bochenek, a passionate runner who shares her experiences with the Marathon des Sables (MDS), a grueling six-day race through the Moroccan desert. Claire discusses her journey into running, the allure of MDS, her training and preparation challenges, and the excitement of race day. She also delves into the logistical aspects of traveling to Morocco, the atmosphere of the race, and the importance of foot care and nutrition during such an intense event. We discuss the importance of nutrition, mental strategies for coping with physical challenges, and the unexpected realities of racing in extreme conditions. The conversation highlights the psychological impact of witnessing others struggle, the physical toll of the race, and the reflections that come after such a demanding experience. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for balance and acceptance in one's running journey.

Follow Claire on Instagram:

@clairebeaux

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle chat with Elliot Matson, the founder of Folklord, a trail running apparel brand. They discuss the unique designs inspired by mythology, the journey of building the brand, and the importance of storytelling in connecting with the running community. Elliot shares his personal running experiences and the challenges of creating a brand that stands out in the outdoor apparel market. In this conversation, they explore the intersection of folklore, design, and the running community. Elliot shares how he draws inspiration from various folklore elements while emphasizing joy, community, and storytelling in their designs. They discuss the importance of branding through unique photography and the playful spirit of running, moving away from the traditional focus on suffering in the sport. The conversation also touches on the significance of mindset, finding joy in the journey, and creating accessible products that resonate with the community. Follow along on Instagram:

@wearfolklord

⁠https://wearfolklord.com/⁠

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Julie Shobe, a registered dietitian specializing in ultra running nutrition. They discuss the critical role of nutrition in preventing DNFs (Did Not Finish) in races, the importance of protein for muscle repair, and common mistakes ultra runners make regarding fueling. Julie shares her journey into this niche of nutrition, emphasizing the need for variety and practical tips for runners to optimize their performance. The conversation highlights the interplay between nutrition and mindset, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced ultra runners. Julie shares her expertise on nutrition strategies for ultra runners, discussing the importance of variety in fueling, understanding race terrain, and managing hydration and mouth issues during long races. She emphasizes the need for strategic planning in nutrition, the common mistakes runners make, and how to respond to nutritional deficits effectively. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating nutrition marketing and the benefits of incorporating real food into an ultra running diet.

Check out all the great content Julie has on Instagram!

@ultra.running.nutrition

In this episode, Paul Gibbs shares his unique journey into the world of ultra running, discussing his experiences with DNFs, and the lessons learned along the way. From his initial motivation to run after a personal loss to his attempts at the Long Haul 100, Paul reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his running career. He emphasizes the importance of community support, proper training, and mental resilience in overcoming obstacles in ultra running. The conversation also touches on the significance of nutrition and hydration strategies during long races, as well as the emotional impact of social media on runners' self-perception. The conversation explores themes of comparison, personal growth, and the significance of nutrition in performance, culminating in reflections on recent race experiences and the evolution of his training approach.

Follow Paul's journey to 100 miles on Instagram:

@theblueeyedrunner24

In this conversation, ultra runner John Kelly discusses his experiences with the Barkley Marathons and other multi-day events. He shares insights into the allure of these challenging races, the mental strategies he employs when faced with obstacles, and his thoughts on the critics of such events. John emphasizes the importance of patience, adaptability, and finding meaning in arbitrary challenges, as well as the mental processes behind DNFing (Did Not Finish) during races. In this conversation, John shares his experiences with the Barkley Marathons, discussing the lessons learned from his DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences and how his mindset has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, the value of enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on the finish, and how reframing goals has changed his approach to racing. John also touches on the absurdity of pursuing challenging goals and the significance of nutrition and preparation in ultra running. He concludes with insights on pursuing big dreams, like his upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt, encouraging others to embrace challenges and learn from failures.

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Jack Pitcher, the fastest Briton to run across Australia. Jack shares his journey from a young, competitive runner to breaking records in ultra marathons. The conversation delves into the mental aspects of running, the importance of consistency, and the barriers that new runners face. They also discuss the influence of social media and the responsibility that comes with being a running influencer. Jack discusses the importance of authentic running influencers and how he aims to inspire others by demonstrating that anyone can achieve great things regardless of their background. Jack recounts the challenges he faced while attempting to run across Australia, including a severe car accident and the mental and physical toll of running 120K a day. He reflects on the lessons learned from pushing his limits and the impact of his experiences on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how he transformed his struggles into motivation for his future as a motivational speaker. The discussion also touches on the societal norms surrounding success and the pursuit of new records, highlighting the idea that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.

Check out Jack on Instagram:

@jack_pitcher_

And check out this promo video for his upcoming adventure:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DINxsjFNO-K/?igsh=a2w3MHZoY2RrMXpu

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle chat with Josh Rosenthal of Borderlands and delve into the world of ultra running, focusing on the topic of Did Not Finish (DNF) experiences. Josh shares his personal journey with DNFs, emphasizing the importance of mindset, community support, and the lessons learned from each attempt. They discuss the significance of language in shaping one's approach to races and the emotional and mental challenges faced by ultra runners.

Josh has his own podcast, and Borderlands is a huge and wonderful resource for anyone looking to learn more about ultrarunning and get involved.

Find him on Instagram, and the Borderlands podcast:

@runborderlands

Join me at the Devil's Gulch 100 mile race in Wenatchee, WA in July! For more information:

⁠https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/heidi/⁠

We are so incredibly grateful for your support, and listening and sharing is the BEST way to help us grow and share more stories! If you want to support financially, any small amount helps us keep this podcast going. We appreciate YOU!

⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/letsrunthag⁠

In this conversation, Maude Gorman shares her transformative journey through athletics, overcoming personal struggles with eating disorders, and the impact of relationships on her athletic pursuits. She discusses her recovery, the challenges she faced, and how she rebuilt her life and found purpose in running. Maude emphasizes the importance of community support, perspective in endurance sports, and the milestones she achieved, culminating in her first 100-mile race. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of second chances. Maude shares her journey through the world of ultra running, discussing the validation she sought through racing and the loneliness she felt. The discussion highlights the power of vulnerability, the joy of rediscovering one's passion, and the supportive nature of the ultra running community.

Find Maude on Instagram:

@maudernliving