In this episode, ultra runner and coach Ryan Head shares his journey into the world of ultra running, discussing his recent accomplishments, the beauty of Utah, and the importance of community in the running world. He reflects on the challenges faced during his first 100-mile race and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the mental aspects of ultra running and the supportive nature of the ultra running community. They discuss the challenges faced during races, including weather conditions and personal struggles, and the significance of taking ownership of one's decisions, especially in the context of a DNF (Did Not Finish). The dialogue highlights the journey of rebuilding confidence through training and the realization that the process of preparation is what truly transforms an individual, rather than the finish line itself. In this conversation, Ryan shares his experiences and insights from ultra running, emphasizing the importance of training, self-belief, and learning from failures. He discusses how moments of joy and realization during races can transform one's mindset and approach to challenges. The discussion also touches on the parallels between ultra running and life, highlighting how failures can serve as valuable learning experiences. Ryan expresses his goals for the future and his desire to foster a supportive running community.

Find Ryan on Instagram:

@ry_head

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle engage with Sarah Strong, a licensed clinical social worker and ultra runner, to explore the mental and emotional challenges faced by ultra runners, particularly in the context of DNFs. They discuss the emotional landscape of racing, and the importance of self-compassion and values in running. Sarah shares insights on how to navigate the grief and disappointment that can accompany a DNF, as well as practical strategies for managing race anxiety and fostering mental resilience. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in the ultra running community.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @the_trail_therapist

and at her website:

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle engage with Sarah Strong, a licensed clinical social worker and ultra runner, to explore the mental and emotional challenges faced by ultra runners, particularly in the context of DNFs. They discuss the emotional landscape of racing, and the importance of self-compassion and values in running. Sarah shares insights on how to navigate the grief and disappointment that can accompany a DNF, as well as practical strategies for managing race anxiety and fostering mental resilience. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in the ultra running community.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @the_trail_therapist

and at her website: https://www.fireweedcounselingllc.com/

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle sit down with Amanda Rasmussen, an ultra runner and mother, to discuss her journey in the world of ultra running. Amanda shares her experiences, including her weight loss journey, the challenges she faced during races, and the emotional aspects of running. The conversation delves into the differences between 100-mile and 200-mile races, the importance of running with a partner, and the life lessons learned through ultra running. Amanda emphasizes the significance of community, acceptance, and personal growth in her running journey. In this conversation, Amanda Rasmussen, Michelle Goldberg, and Heidi discuss the profound experiences and lessons learned from ultra running, particularly focusing on Amanda's recent 200-mile race at Tahoe. The discussion also touches on overcoming fears, the significance of recovery practices, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst busy schedules.

Amanda is also running the Devil's Gulch 100 Mile ultra with Heidi- which you can register for with her discount code AMANDA25 for any of the distances!

Find Amanda on Instagram:

@runnermomamanda

In this episode, Michelle and Heidi reflect on the year 2024, what we've learned and taken away from what we are doing here in this podcast space, and our hopes for 2025. We also take a few questions from our followers, and look forward into the new year with some new intentions.

Andy Glaze is well known in the ultrarunnning world, especially on social media. Andy talks with us about mindset- and how his has evolved over the years of being in the sport, and how he mentally handles tough decisions and DNFs. Andy also talks with us about his work/life balance, and his own personal struggles with mental health and why he speaks up about it so often.

As we say in the episode, here are some mental health free resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Dial: 988

Website: 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line:

Text: HOME to 741741 (U.S. and Canada)

Website: crisistextline.org

NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Dial: 1-800-950-NAMI

Website: nami.org

Check out Andy on Instagram and TikTok

@amglaze

@glazeruns

Kenneth Pinckney is the founder of Live Run Boundless and the author of "The Hills We Climb".  Kenneth talks with us about his journey into running and ultrarunning and how his past experiences have brought him on this journey.  To him- it is all about the relationships in this running world, and creating a community of people who regardless of past experiences are out there challenging themselves and embracing the blessings they find along the way.

Aum Gandhi tells us his superpower would be to make everyone feel special- and that is exactly what he is doing with Run Tri Bike as a co-owner who is helping spread the word and sharing stories of everyday athletes and inspiring people.  He talks with us about his recent DNF at Moab 240, how he approaches DNFs and growth in the sport.  Aum gives insight into constantly learning through mistakes and failures, and gives us a peak into his future goals.

Find Aum on Instagram:

@theaumgandhi

@runtrimag

Richstone Family Center:

https://www.richstonefamily.org/

@richstonefamily

You may know her as Marathon Costume Chic, and even if you don't follow her you have likely seen Charlotte Corriher at a race- she has completed almost 300 marathon or greater distance races, and over 100 ultramarathons. The best part is she does each one in costume! While no one would look at her Ultrasignup profile and think she takes the easy route at ALL, Charlotte struggles with a fear of DNFs and tends to sign up for races she knows she can finish. We talk about this and about her goals to step out of her comfort zone in 2025.

Find Charlotte on Instagram:

@marathoncostumechic

Sign up for Devil's Gulch using code HeidiB:

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

Joe Hardin is an ultrarunner, podcast host, writer for RunTriBike, and he comes on to talk about his DNF at his recent 100 mile attempt. He went into the race with a lot stacked up against him and still gave an incredible effort. He gives us insight into how he processed it, and his plans moving forward! Listen in for a really relatable and great outlook on how DNFs do not define us but create lessons for us to take moving forward.

Find Joe on Instagram:

@trail_tortoise_running

@runtrimag

@everyday_athlete_podcast_ntwrk

In this incredible episode we have TWO guests to gives us two different perspectives and insights. Elizabeth Flores dives into her running journey and her recent DNF at Moab 240. We are also joined by one of her pacers and members of her crew, Kate Oliver, to here the different perspectives and memories from the race. This longer episode is worth the listen!

Find Elizabeth and Kate on Instagram:

@run.floresrun

@modlang3