Less than two years ago -- at a family Christmas gathering -- I was approached by my cousin's husband Paul.

"I want to train for a half marathon," he said.

Music to my ears. I responded with the usual questions ... What does your running look like now? Have you trained for races in the past?

He wasn't. He hadn't.

But I could tell he was serious about chasing this goal.

Since that conversation Paul hit the half marathon goal, ran a sub-four hour marathon, and is now just days away from attempting his first ultramarathon -- the Table Rock 50K.

In less than two years Paul has gone from barely being able to run a mile to training for his first ultramarathon.

Today's episode of Trail Talk is different. Instead of my standard quick tip, I've asked Paul to share his transformation to becoming a runner.

And the lessons, struggles, and achievements that came along the way.

Here's what we talk about in today's episode:

• Why health and longevity is an important motivator
• Becoming a runner ... when you never liked running
• Paul's accountability struggle
• Training for your first ultramarathon (and learning to love trails)
• Perfecting your mid-run fueling strategy