In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:20 DMV Experience

02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal

03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins

05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing

08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running

14:20 Facing a Major Setback

18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment

20:00 The Journey of Recovery

23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running

23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race

27:29 The Ultra Running Community

32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running

35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts