Julie Jordan is already an amazing person! Then she goes and finishes the Vol State 500k, and what a story she has from the event! Buckle up! This is AWESOME!

Connect with Julie on Facebook @Julia Jordan & on Instagram @AndIMustGo55

Tsali Ultra (50k, 30k, & 8k) will take place Jan. 18, 2025 at Fontana Lake. No longer under my direction, but I'm glad it's still happening. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Almond/TsaliUltra

Get 10% off your entry fee by using the code SAFT at checkout.

I gain nothing through advertising this race, I just want to support it! The course and people are awesome! Sign up!

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Here it is, my emotional recap of the High Lonesome 100 finish! 

Resources -

Running is Life Podcast - High Lonesome 100 Plan (Episode 231) - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/high-lonesome-100-mile-plan-episode-231/

High Lonesome 100 Website - https://www.highlonesome100.com/

Weird Al "Foil" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urglg3WimHA

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

In this episode I talk through all my plans for the High Lonesome 100 that starts on Friday, July 19th. 

Resources:

Outdoor Research Swift Bucket Cap - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/swift-bucket-hat-300965?variant=47342817476929

Outdoor Research Hooded Echo Sun Shirt - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/sun-protection/products/mens-echo-printed-hoodie-300170

Rabbit Ice RAD-dana - Ice bandana - https://www.runinrabbit.com/products/ice-raddana-whiteblack-1

Rab Phantom Waterproof jacket - https://rab.equipment/us/phantom-pull-on

Mont Bell Rain Trecker Waterproof Jacket - https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2328241

Dirty Girl Gaiters -https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

My daughter and I discuss her outdoor track season and what happened at the Adidas Nationals Meet. Much of her performance was affected by factors outside her control which affected her self confidence. In this episode we discuss what she and you can do moving forward to improve self confidence and not let factors you cannot control hamper your racing. 

Resources:

Books:

Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff

Once A Runner & Again to Carthage by John L Parker Jr

Songs:

She's a Rainbow by Rolling Stones

TV Show:

Ted Lasso - Season 2 Episode 5 "Rainbow"

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

In this episode of the Running His Life podcast, Coach Aaron Saft shares the incredible journey of Tony McDermott, one of his athletes who recently completed the grueling Tahoe 200. Recorded from the scenic backdrop of Gunnison, Colorado, Aaron reflects on his own preparations for the High Lonesome 100 while celebrating Tony's monumental achievement.

Tony McDermott opens up about his humble beginnings in running, starting from casual 5Ks to eventually tackling ultra distances. He dives deep into his emotional and physical struggles during the Tahoe 200, from battling altitude sickness to overcoming severe stomach issues. Tony's journey is a testament to mental fortitude, adaptability, and the power of community support.

The episode also covers practical tips for those considering their first 200-miler, including training strategies, gear recommendations, and the importance of breaking the race into manageable segments. Tony's insights provide valuable lessons on how to navigate the highs and lows of ultra-endurance events.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the essence of perseverance and the beauty of running in the wild. Tune in and get motivated to chase your own running dreams!

Connect with Tony on Instagram @silverfoxinthesprings

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Welcome to the Running Life podcast with Coach Aaron Saft! In today's episode, Coach Aaron delves into a mix of topics, sharing insights from his athletes' experiences and his own training journey. He addresses the common pitfall of over-focusing on specific race segments, using examples from races like Leadville and Western States. Aaron emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded training approach that includes aerobic fitness, mental preparation, and integrating specific race conditions at the right time.

Coach Aaron also explores the mental aspect of racing, discussing how meditation and staying present can significantly improve performance and reduce anxiety. He shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to train the mind to stay focused and positive, even in the most challenging parts of a race.

Additionally, the episode covers crucial training elements such as nutrition, hydration, and the importance of balancing workout intensity to avoid overtraining. Aaron provides advice on how to adapt training plans to include vertical gain, heat training, and how to effectively use tools like heart rate monitoring and treadmill workouts.

Whether you're training for your first ultra or looking to refine your race strategy, this episode is packed with valuable tips and insights to help you achieve your running goals. Tune in and keep moving forward!

Resources:

Headspace Meditation App - https://www.headspace.com/

Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop - https://www.jasonkoop.com/book

Mental Training for Ultrarunning by Addie Bracy - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mental+training+for+ultrarunning&hvadid=598726248443&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010291&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=418709563311563269&hvtargid=kwd-1364307142448&hydadcr=15553_13558561&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_2cyixb740w_e

Dietitian Kendra Miller - https://fuelinglifenutrition.com/about/meet-our-team/

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

I start this episode with a bit about rotating your running shoes as I had a listener question about the topic (thank you Ron).

The main focus of the episode is my conversation with Zach Dean. He has done a lot of ultras in very little time. We'll hear about some of them, but mainly we discuss his finishing of the BRUTES Challenge & the Hellbender 100 very recently. I hope you enjoy our conversation! 

Resources:

MORE Foundation (shoe collection) - https://www.morefoundationgroup.org/

Strava Feed Challenge - https://thefeed.com/credit/strava-april-2024?utm_source=Strava&utm_campaign=April24

Trail workday information:

Sat., June 22 @ 8 AM @ Rugby Middle School - 3345 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791

Tools will be provided. Bring plenty of water & snacks. We'll be working until 1 PM.

Connect with Zach:

Instagram -@zdean_machine

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Before you sign up for an event, please take these things into consideration:

• Time to train

• Commitments

• Healthy enough to do it

• Prior injury history & plan to stave off repeating injury

• Entry fee

• Discuss with your family/significant other to make sure they are on board & know both expectations & what to expect

• Are you able to train safely to meet the demands of the race (heat, altitude, climbing)

• What questions do you have & who can answer them for you?

• Training partners

• Determine your intrinsic & extrinsic “Why”

Resources:

Books

1. Crewing For An Ultrarun: Start to Finish

2. Mental Training for Ultrarunning

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Chas Adams is came to me in Dec. of 2023 with the goal of completing the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of Ultras (Hyner 50k, World's End 100k, & Eastern States 100-miler). He is two-thirds of the way there having just completed World's End 100k. This episode is about his journey and frankly his struggle to complete World's End having run the race in 2019 and having an awful experience. As we saw at Running is Life Coaching, keep moving forward! Chas did just that! Enjoy!

Resources:

Book - Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Bryon Powell - https://www.irunfar.com/rfp

Webpage - www.ultrapacer.com - a great resource for creating your own pacing plans

Dietitian Kendra Miller - [email protected] 

Nutrition - Endurance Tap - https://endurancetap.com/

Naak - https://www.naak.com/

Tailwind - www.tailwindnutrition.com 

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

There are so many variables to consider with in a race such as running surface, terrain, elevation change, distance, altitude, temperature, etc. Hydration and nutrition are huge concerns based on these variables. We have a lot to talk about, including the fact that Spring Awesome Sauce, one of my go to's, does not have anywhere near the amount of carbohydrates or calories it claims to on it's wrapper. 

Resources:

• Spring Reddit article on Spring Awesome Sauce (SAS) - https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultramarathon/comments/1cl9bws/the_next_chapter_in_the_spring_energy_awesome/

Salomon S/Lab Ultra 10 Pack - https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/s-lab-ultra-10-lc12541.html#color=83866

Aaron's information:

• If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife

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!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!