The Adventure Jogger

Running Through Life: Valan Kornhaus on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Ultra Resilience

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In this episode of The Adventure Jogger Podcast, Valan Kornhaus shares her journey from a reluctant high school runner to an ultra runner, navigating the challenges of military life, motherhood, and mental health. She opens up about returning to running after childbirth, battling postpartum depression, and finding solace on the trails. Valan’s story highlights the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the mental strength required to overcome injuries, DNFs, and self-doubt. The conversation also explores her passion for coaching, the impact of relocation on mental well-being, and her future aspirations in both running and mental health counseling.


Follow Valan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valanrunslife/


Takeaways

  • Valan’s love-hate relationship with running began in high school.
  • The military gave her structure.
  • FOMO from missing a relay race pulled her back into the sport.
  • Pregnancy and postpartum depression challenged her physically and mentally.
  • Her first trail run was both terrifying and transformative.
  • She battled injuries and setbacks during her first 50K.
  • COVID pushed her to build a virtual running community.
  • Moving to Colorado opened new doors in her running journey.
  • GI issues and race-day anxiety tested her resilience.
  • Running became more about connection than competition.
  • She ran 54 miles on a torn labrum, proving her grit.
  • Mental health struggles shaped her approach to training.
  • DNFs became lessons in perseverance rather than failures.
  • She aspires to become a certified coach and mentor others.
  • The mental game is just as crucial as physical endurance.
  • Strength training is key to longevity in the sport.


    • Chapters

    00:00 – Introduction to Valen's Journey

    03:12 – From High School to Ultra Running

    06:07 – The Military Influence on Running

    08:47 – The Return to Running After Parenthood

    12:09 – Challenges of Pregnancy and Running

    14:57 – The Impact of Postpartum on Running

    17:53 – Trail Running Adventures Begin

    21:12 – The Bell Ringer 50K Experience

    23:58 – Navigating COVID and Virtual Races

    26:52 – Building a Running Community

    30:09 – Mental Health and Running

    32:55 – Moving to Colorado and New Beginnings

    34:59 – Navigating Mental Health and Running Challenges

    38:04 – The Journey to 100 Miles: Trials and Tribulations

    43:46 – Rehabilitation and Recovery: Overcoming Injuries

    46:39 – Relocation and New Beginnings: Running in Colorado

    52:24 – Facing Setbacks: The DNF Experience

    01:00:15 – Mental Resilience in Ultra Running

    01:06:50 – Future Aspirations: Balancing Life and Running


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    The Adventure JoggerBy Steven Kornhaus
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