Michael Davis is running 200-miles on the Palmetto Trail for a great cause. Hear the reasoning behind this run and what brought Michael to this point in his running. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

This is a very in depth conversation with Ben Gan's Crew Chief, Avery Tompkins, and their thoughts ans suggestions for crewing, not only a 200-mile event, but the Triple Crown of 200s. Thank you both for sharing so much!

Race/Crew Planning Templates - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p3tmFVMpZ9iPp2FOIGoSnLt2f_97ei9ErEcl6FHLChU/edit?usp=sharing

Avery mentioned the Black Diamond Moji R+ light. That can be found here - https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/moji-r-rechargeable-lantern 

To connect with Avery - @prodessoravery on Instagram

To connect with Ben - @dr_bentendo on Instagram

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

In this episode, I chat with another runner I coach named Teresa Bowser. This is a beautiful and inspiring story of melding passion with compassion. Teresa came up with a 100-mile route in Western North Carolina with over 20,000' of vertical gain to create an FKT and raise money for the Girls on the Run organization. She's almost reached her goal! If can donate, please do so here - https://www.gotrwnc.org/solemate/Project-Untamed

If you'd like to learn more about the Route and FKT, please visit https://fastestknowntime.com/route/project-untamed-100-nc 

If you'd like to connect with Teresa, you can find her on Instagram @TeresaBowser_

I also dive further into metrics and tracking improvements in your training, so stick around after my conversation with Teresa for that!

As always, thank you for listening!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Another big episode with lots of show notes! 

We start with my interview of Dr Ben Gans and his amazing journey through the Triple Crown of 200s (Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, & Moab 240). We go deep into the challenges he faced in this series of races. I loved this conversation!

Then I dive deeper in to the metrics of running and how they can affect your base training period. 

Lastly, I interview my daughter, Ambrin Saft, after she completed her Freshman season of Cross Country.

Enjoy! 

Resources:

Wes Plate YouTube Moab 240 Video - https://youtu.be/tD2Q6ZOksuk?si=aiA0m1AiZMafmF8_

Salomon S/Lab Adventure 20 Pack - https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/s-lab-adventure-20-lc13870/LC2710000?CMPID=ps|pm|google|pma_pm_Google_pmax_conv_b_lw_perf_ong_all_us_en_slm|||&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_content=aa-cc&utm_keyword=&utm_campaign=pma_pm_Google_pmax_conv_b_lw_perf_ong_all_us_en_slm&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16891227972&gbraid=0AAAAADMpyOhbSHR4YV3LLCOfgLsfrO870&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiKzIBhCOARIsAKpKLANrwxc8tyy3ownZNY5laJynw8kxe_raKoyPdmo0-5nP67ifuOMfL3QaAqwXEALw_wcB

Fixing Your Feet Book - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fixing-Your-Feet-Injury-Prevention-and-Treatment-for-Athletes-Paperback-9781643590639/804610914?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wmlspartner=wlpa&cn=FY25-ENTP-PMAX_cnv_dps_dsn_dis_ad_entp_e_n&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=22222222297804610914_0000000000_21407473164&wl0=&wl1=x&wl2=c&wl3=&wl4=&wl5=9010303&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=804610914&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21690411341&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoaumu5-yERaV9ZU_ICha5AG&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiKzIBhCOARIsAKpKLAOh2iY40HDbN2f6QVMZ0pL9L8PiwzjdOnh3-ycrku9r1Ek6oFDU0LcaAsLqEALw_wcB

Squirrel Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/

Outdoor Research Sun Gloves - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/sun-protection-gloves/products/activeice-chroma-sun-gloves-280133

Outdoor Research Sun Hoodie - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/sun-protection/products/mens-echo-hoodie-287625

Leki Trail Running Poles - https://lekiusa.com/collections/trail-running

Petzl Swift RL (the light we both recommend) - https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Headlamps/SWIFT-RL

Arc'Teryx Norvan Jacket - https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/norvan-insulated-hoody-8435

Dynafit Rain Jacket with Zipper on Back for Pack - https://www.dynafit.com/alpine-gore-tex-jacket-men-08-0000071468

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Puffy Line - https://www.mountainhardwear.com/c/ghost-whisperer/?srsltid=AfmBOorSe9uGyS2oDCXXv1xHqlh9uguAsFxNcBUyz955lfL0ybUhVxUJ

Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate Monitor - https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/heart-rate-monitors/trackr-heart-rate-buy

Doctor's of Running Podcast on Off Season - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/266-do-not-make-these-offseason-running-mistakes/id1518639507?i=1000735352115

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

My goodness what an episode! Ellis and I dive deep into his training, prep, equipment, and all things Moab 240 and his race. What a conversation! 

I also dive into training metrics (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), & pace). 

It's another long episode! Enjoy! 

Ellis referred to his Fenix Headlamp. I believe this was the one - https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm62-t-headlamp?variant=42221693468726

Freetrail Podcast with Scott Johnston in which he discusses Tom Evans & Ruth Crofts training -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Vst_QXYVs

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

This is the 2nd time Mike has been on the podcast. Check out his 1st podcast with me here - https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-69qr9-161c0c4

I enjoyed talking to Mike about what makes him tick and how he got through the Mammoth 200 without crew or pacers. I always enjoy talking to Mike. He is humble and well spoken. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I do. 

After our conversation, I dive into noting strength discrepancies and mobility issues in your strength training and how that can help us stave off injury. 

Feel free to send in any questions or comments. I thank you in advance for these!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Rachel Blinn about her 2nd finish in 2 years at the Tor des Geants! We do a deep dive into the race and how she went about getting to the finish line! I also answer another cross country coach's question about doing anaerobic work in a long run. Enjoy!

Active warmup - https://youtu.be/hgBB9de1Hdk

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Continuing with #'s 14-21 from the article - https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/21-super-effective-habits-of-highly-successful-people/91101433

Ernest Hemingway once wrote: "The hardest lesson I have had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside.

This truth is raw, unfiltered, and painfully universal. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted, when our hearts are shattered, or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving—unyielding, indifferent—demanding that we keep pace. There is no pause button for grief, no intermission for healing, no moment where the world gently steps aside and allows us to mend. Life expects us to carry our burdens in silence, to push forward despite the weight of all we carry inside.

The cruelest part? No one really prepares us for this. As children, we are fed stories of resilience wrapped in neat, hopeful endings—tales where pain has purpose and every storm clears to reveal a bright horizon. But adulthood strips away those comforting illusions. It teaches us that survival is rarely poetic. More often than not, it’s about showing up when you’d rather disappear, smiling through pain no one sees, and carrying on despite feeling like you're unraveling from the inside out.

And yet, somehow, we persevere. That’s the quiet miracle of being human. Even when life is relentless, even when hope feels distant, we keep moving. We stumble, we break, we fall to our knees—but we get up. And in doing so, we uncover a strength we never knew we had. We learn to comfort ourselves in the ways we wish others would. We become the voice of reassurance we once searched for. Slowly, we realize that resilience isn’t always about grand acts of bravery; sometimes, it’s just a whisper—“Keep going.”

Yes, it’s exhausting. Yes, it’s unfair. And yes, there are days when the weight of it all feels unbearable. But every small step forward is proof that we haven’t given up. That we are still fighting, still holding on, still refusing to let the darkness consume us. That quiet defiance—choosing to exist, to try, to hope—is the bravest thing we can do."

Keep moving forward!

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

This episode is based off an article that can be found here - https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/21-super-effective-habits-of-highly-successful-people/91101433

Training for the Uphill Athlete is the book I referred to. Authors Steve House, Scott Johnston, & Kilian Jornet. https://uphillathlete.com/product/training-for-the-uphill-athlete-book/ 

Misogi - Michael Easter's article titled "What's Your Misogi" will give you some more on the concept - https://www.twopct.com/p/whats-your-misogi

I also reference Michael Easter's book, "The Comfort Crisis" - https://eastermichael.com/book/

Enjoy!

Part 2 will be released on Oct. 10th, 2025. 

Aaron's information:

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I always like to take a song and mix in my own lyrics. To summarize Tor I'd use the song "Where It's At" by Beck. Where it's at! I got 2 broke ribs and a scapula. 

In all seriousness, it was amazing, and here is my account...

Aaron's information:

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast