Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Careth Arnold – a professional ultrarunner coming to us directly from her Hardrock 100 training camp in Silverton, Colorado.

In our conversation, Careth shares the story of her victory at the grueling UTMB TDS race—a 148-kilometer trek featuring nearly 10,000 meters of elevation change. She opens up about the immense physical toll of the race, how she managed a two-hour lead despite severe quad pain, and her ongoing battle with late-race nutrition and loss of appetite.

Looking ahead to July 10th, Careth outlines her strategy for Hardrock, detailing how she adapts to high altitudes above 9,000 feet and her goal to finish the highly technical course in under 27 hours. She also reflects on her unconventional entry into the sport, transitioning from intense manual labor in AmeriCorps forestry and botanical horticulture to becoming a top-tier endurance athlete. Along the way, she shares her mental strategies for pushing through pain, including her signature "naive hopefulness" mindset and her race-day mantra: "Little feet climb big mountains".

Beyond racing, Careth discusses balancing her professional career with motherhood, how her sponsor Altra supported her through pregnancy, and why she embraces a screen-free community in Paonia, Colorado.

Key Topics

• Hardrock 100 preparation, altitude adaptation, and course reconnaissance in the San Juan Mountains.

• Race strategies and mental toughness, featuring Careth's "naive hopefulness" approach to competition.

• UTMB TDS race recap, including managing massive leads, running self-supported, and overcoming extreme muscle fatigue.

• Nutrition and hydration challenges in ultra races, specifically combating nausea and late-race bonking.

• Balancing elite ultra running with motherhood and raising a screen-free family.

• How previous manual labor roles provided a solid physical and mental foundation for endurance sports.

Resources

• UTMB Official Site - https://www.utmbmontblanc.com/

• Hard Rock 100 Race - https://www.hardrock100.com/

• Smartwool Running Gear - https://sixminutemile.com/post/smartwool-merino-wool-running-gear-summer/

• Women’s Active Ultralite Short Sleeve - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/1GZ6qD

• Men’s Active Ultralite Short Sleeve - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/gRa9Zg

• Smartwool Run No Show Socks - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/k4J5ex

• Smartwoo Run Ankle Socks - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/xJzBW3

Guest Links

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caretharnold/
  

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Kate Aseltine – Creative Marketing Director at NativePath. 

In our conversation, Kate shares lessons from her fitness journey – from powerlifting at age 15 to ultra endurance running – emphasizing the importance of strength training, nutrition, and mental resilience for endurance performance. She outlines her preparation for a 100-mile Last Man Standing backyard ultra, detailing a training plan that incorporated 50-mile workout runs and upwards of 500 grams of carbs a day in preparation for the race. Jumping into such an extreme event right out the gate, Kate gave herself a crash course in endurance running that left her with some really valuable insights. She also shares her favorite fueling snacks, like white rice with honey for high carbohydrate intake on the go.

Drawing from her seven-year career at the NativePath, Kate analyzes the function of targeted supplementation. She clarifies the use cases for collagen to support joint integrity, turmeric to manage athletic inflammation, and krill oil to supply antioxidants. She outlines the value of weight training to maintain high bone density during long-distance running.

The conversation covers specific supplements, equipment, and mental conditioning resources.

First and foremost, SMM readers can get up to 45% off collagen and other NativePath supplements at: https://fb.nativepath.com/rd/r.php?sid=2015&pub=240861&c1=202606-PRA-0&c2=&c3=&utm_medium=mixed_media

Kate recommends Creepers socks (https://www.creeperssocks.com/) for maintaining dry feet and preventing blisters during 24-hour events.

She also calls out the book Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield (https://stevenpressfield.com/books/turning-pro/) as the framework for restructuring her athletic mindset.

We hope you enjoy!

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Eric Hinman – Hybrid Athlete & Entrepreneur.

Eric is a founder, wellness innovator, and Ironman athlete known for blending elite performance with community-driven recovery practices. His insights are shaped by years of competing at the highest levels and building systems that help others thrive.

In this conversion we discover how contrast therapy, strategic routines, and organic connections can unlock your potential beyond traditional wellness advice. Eric explains how to balance slow and steady endurance training with high-intensity efforts, and why pairing habits – like sauna sessions with meaningful conversations – can supercharge both your recovery and life opportunities. Eric’s insights challenge the way athletes and entrepreneurs approach health, emphasizing that doing what you love can create a positive ripple effect that stretches into every part of your life.
Just like the SMM Team, Eric is a big fan of the Ozlo Sleepbuds, and he spoke about how their low-profile design and soothing ambiance are a key component of his sleep routine. If you’re looking for another sleep hygiene tool to add to your arsenal, be sure to check out the buds on their site (https://ozlosleep.com/) and use code “SMM” to save $80 off the MSRP price.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Marc Sylvester – National Specialty Sales Manager for CEP.

Many runners overlook the power of science-backed compression gear – and they pay the price in recovery, performance, and longevity. Marc Sylvester, a seasoned athletics industry insider and former competitive runner, reveals how medical-grade compression technology can optimize your training and recovery routines, whether you're chasing personal bests or simply trying to stay active into your 50s.

In this episode, we cover the surprisingly intricate manufacturing process of CEP compression socks – each one containing over 6 miles of yarn. Marc also breaks down the critical difference between performance-enhancing compression and recovery gear, including specific recommendations for both. He shares insights from working with elite athletes like Justin Gatlin, emphasizing the mental and physical mastery needed to excel at top levels – and how that mindset can be applied in your own training.

Whether you're a masters athlete, a weekend warrior, or a coach trying to stay sharp, this episode offers practical tactics rooted in real-world experience – technologies that are proven to support your longevity and success.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Gervais – Performance Psychologist and Founder of Finding Mastery. 

David and Michael discuss psychological techniques and frameworks used by elite athletes to cultivate a calm, confident mindset, even under pressure. He says that “confidence comes from one place and one place only: what you say to yourself. But it has to be honest.” Analyzing Alyssa Liu’s recent performance at the winter Olympics, Dr. Gervais breaks down the difference between performance-based and purpose-based mindsets – revealing why the latter can lead to freedom, joy, and peak performance. He also shares his experiences working with top athletes and explorers like Felix Baumgartner, whom he worked with to face fear and dissolve pressure in the leadup to his monumental Red Bull Stratos jump. (BTW, check out this incredible GoPro footage of the event if you need a reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYw4meRWGd4, and search for Felix’s 30 for 30 short film on ESPN to learn more about his psychological journey).

In addition to performance coaching, Michael shares tips on sleep hygiene, and explains the importance of sleep quality on your mental state and athletic performance. He’s an avid user of the Ozlo Sleepbuds (as we all are on the SMM staff), and if you’re looking for another sleep hygiene tool to add to your arsenal, be sure to check out the buds on their site (https://ozlosleep.com/) and use code “SMM” to save $80 off the MSRP price.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Scheiman - CEO of FitBiomics. In this conversation, David and Jonathan discuss the fascinating world of gut health and the microbiome, focusing on its implications for endurance athletes. They discuss the unique microbiomes of elite athletes, the role of the microbe Veillonella in enhancing performance and recovery, and the broader impacts of gut health on overall well-being and longevity. The discussion also touches on the challenges of microbiome research, the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining gut health, and the innovative approaches FitBiomics is taking to translate scientific discoveries into practical health solutions.

SMM listeners can pick up FitBiomics’ microbiome supplements for 30% off. Just use code 6MINMILE at checkout.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by Grayson Murphy - Pro Runner & Entrepreneur. Grayson shares her journey through pregnancy while navigating her athletic career as a professional runner. She discusses the emotional complexities of being pregnant, the challenges of maintaining her athletic performance after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and the importance of mental health support. Grayson emphasizes the significance of listening to her body, the role of sleep in recovery, and the benefits of journaling for athletes. She also talks about her coaching philosophy for athletes and the importance of cross-training.

In addition to her illustrious running career, Grayson is the founder and co-owner of Wild Strides Paper Co. - maker of stationery and paper products for athletes. Be sure to check out their store at https://wildstridespaper.com/

You can also check out her Instagram (@racin__grayson) and leave her a question or comment about the episode!

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Marc Bubbs – a sports nutritionist and the Co-Founder of ProBio Nutrition. For over 20 years, Dr. Bubbs has worked with pro athletes and executives to deliver the highest standard in coaching and nutrition. In our conversation, he shared tons of valuable insights on a wide range of topics—everything from the role of protein in our diet, the importance of resistance training as we age, the role of supplements like ProBlend, and more. This is a must listen for runners and endurance athletes who’ve got questions about nutrition and supplements. We hope you enjoy and be sure to follow @drbubbs on Instagram to see more of Marc’s content.

P.S: New purchasers of ProBlend can lock in 26% off all orders in 2026 with code smm26 - Click here to shop!

2025 was a big year for the SMM Podcast, so we compiled some of the best moments into a single episode. Check it out to hear advice on running, nutrition, and wellness from all 13 of this year's guests.

Today on the Podcast, David and Ashley are joined by Lauren Puretz - Ultrarunner and Gynecologist. Together, they explore the intersection of a high-pressure medical career, motherhood, and endurance training. Lauren shares how she balances these roles, offering a refreshing perspective on why maintaining personal goals makes her a better parent and recounting the emotional experience of crossing the UTMB finish line with her children.

Drawing from her medical expertise, Lauren provides candid advice specifically for female runners. She breaks down essential topics often left undiscussed, including bladder management during races, the importance of strength training as hormones shift, and practical tips for preventing chafing. Plus, she reveals her surprising strategy for quieting negative self-talk during long ultras: zoning out with entertaining audiobooks.