Ultrarunning legend Zach Bitter joins us for an inspiring conversation about his relationship with the 100 mile distance. Reflecting on Zach's incredible accomplishments, including his world and American records, we delve into how his perseverance motivated personal running goals. We talk about the nuances of adapting to new environments like heat and incline training as well as the mental power it takes to push yourself to the max.

Zach's transition from collegiate running to the grueling world of ultramarathons was unlikely but it has been a fruitful pursuit that's shown him he's capable of a lot more than he ever expected. Discover the delicate balance between training volume and speed workouts, and unpack the strategies necessary for conquering a 100-mile race. I ask him to break down for me in laymen's terms how to go about pacing, staying in the zone on track courses, and what to do when things don’t go as planned—(or like how a simple extension cord can save a treadmill record attempt).

The conversation also opens up about the crucial elements of nutrition and recovery, highlighting personal experiences from races and the adaptable nature of dietary strategies like a modified keto diet. We discuss how to manage hydration and nutrition effectively during grueling events, and the importance of strength training and injury prevention. From the potential of negative splitting to the thrill of setting personal records, this episode captures the essence of pushing boundaries in ultrarunning, with inspiration drawn from iconic figures like Alexander Sorokin and Camille Heron.

More Zach Bitter: Website

MUSEUM OF DISTANCE RUNNING: USE OFFER CODE LUCIE10 for 10% off your order at MODR 

What if you could transform your life through the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other? On today's show I am joined by Nolan John, an ultra runner who swapped the Midwest lanes of Chicago for the sunlit trails of Austin, Texas. From traversing through the wild landscapes of The Speed Project (an ultra marathon relay race), Nolan shares his exhilarating journey of personal growth through ultra-endurance running. Together, we unpack the chaos and creativity that comes with unsanctioned racing, where every step is a chance to run towards better versions of ourselves.

My story runs parallel to Nolan’s, as I recount a personal path to finding sobriety through running. Nolan shares with me his own path to getting sober with a heartbreaking loss of friends and the dark days he had following a near death motorcycle accident. 

Navigating sobriety's challenges in a world filled with temptations becomes a shared theme as we discuss the strength in replacing harmful habits with healthier ones. From facing societal pressures to embracing imperfections, we reflect on how running and sobriety intertwine, offering paths to self-discovery and growth. We also emphasize the courage it takes to redefine oneself and the ongoing commitment to a better, more authentic life. Join us on this journey as we uncover the transformative power of running.

This episode talks about how the bustling streets of New York City compare to the laid-back life of Texas. It's been a challenge of living a dual life between two very different worlds. With my brilliant producer, Jason Belsky, by my side, we share the evolution of our creative journey, from expanding our studio space to juggling diverse projects. This episode uncovers my love-hate relationship with the grind of city life, and the surprising personal growth that comes from balancing these contrasting environments.

Ever had a neighbor who seems to test the very limits of your sanity? Jason and I recount our separate ongoing sagas with noisy neighbors, those unwelcome symphonies of urban living, and the delicate art of managing one's peace in shared spaces. We tackle the generational shift in parenting styles and how it echoes through the thin walls of apartment life. Whether it's confronting the cacophony or adjusting to the quietude of Texas nights, this colorful narrative offers a slice of the complex tapestry that is city dwelling.

Exploring topics from motherhood at 35 to the peculiar world of marathons in Crocs, this episode doesn't shy away from the unique and unexpected. I share my reflections on future life choices, the modern landscape of dating in New York, and the curious allure of "rage listening" to provocative podcasts. With humor and introspection, we dive into the dynamics of personal and professional growth, revealing the quirks and inspirations that keep us moving forward.

Lucie Beatrix has a conversation with Sofia Camacho Ferral, the non-binary marathon runner who placed first (2:31:29) in the TCS NYC Marathon. We talk about their international upbringing, relationship with food, navigating gender dysphoria, and healing from past trauma, training for their marathon, and drag performance art. 

This episode is brought to you by MUSEUMOFDISTANCERUNNING.COM. Use offer code LUCIE10 for 10% off your order. 

Filmed at Floored Media.

Hey guys, it's been a minute. I decided to make a diary episode about how things have been for me this year with sobriety, getting surgery, how training looks now, and my excitement surrounding getting married. Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/luciebeatrix/

 Join me as I share my unexpected journey into the world of marathon running. From the restless nights and pain of growth to the mockery of classmates, it was an unlikely path for a skinny-legged, knock-kneed girl to become a marathoner. This episode is about my unlikely introduction to running, my struggles, and my triumphs.

Shift gears with me as we explore the weight of expectations and how they can mold us. Hear the story of my PE teacher, the first person to predict my athletic potential, and how this prediction ignited an unquenchable flame within me. I also lay bare the stark differences between my supportive father and my disapproving mother and how their reactions influenced my journey. This episode is a touching narrative of defying the odds, chasing greatness, and confronting societal biases about women in sports. So, let's rewind the clock and relive those moments together. Prepare to be moved and inspired.

Picture this: the 80s, two passionate artists, deeply in love and focused on their craft, suddenly find themselves as parents to five little girls in just three and a half years. Seems like a whirlwind, right? Welcome to the world of Jennie and Joe, my parents, who took a detour from their artistic paths to navigate the chaotic symphony of parenthood. This episode is a charming snippet from my memoir, a tale of my mom, a visionary animator, and my dad, an accomplished journalist, and their unexpected journey into a bustling household of little girls.

As your host, Lucie Beatrix, I'll be weaving the story of my parents—an enchanting tale of love, art, and the surprise of parenthood. If you've ever wondered what it's like to grow up in a house filled with artists transitioning into full-time parents, this episode is for you. We'll walk through my mom's groundbreaking work in animation, my dad's captivating storytelling, and their beautiful love story that unfolds amidst this creative chaos. So, brace yourself as we journey through this fascinating narrative, exploring how my parents transitioned from being artists to the full-time job of raising five girls, and how this adventure became their accidental masterpiece.

Experiencing the holiday season sober may seem like a daunting challenge, but rest assured, it's one that you can face successfully. Join me, a former fashion model and now a competitive athlete. I will provide pragmatic advice on tackling triggering situations that could potentially interfere with your path to sobriety.

These are my secret weapons to maintain sobriety: laying out a robust plan and having a non-alcoholic drink at your disposal, always. I also talk about "playing the tape", a mental exercise to visualize the possible outcomes before succumbing to temptation. I also open up about my personal experience of choosing sobriety during a particularly taxing holiday season, which led to healing old wounds and strengthening relationships. 

Finally, remember that choosing sobriety doesn't equate to missing out on holiday cheer; it's about celebrating the season in a healthier, more fulfilling way. So let's hold steadfast to our commitment to sobriety and make this holiday season worth remembering.

I, Lucie Beatrix, invite you to join me on an adventure that started with a spontaneous decision to leave the winter chill of New York City behind and start a fresh life in sunny Austin, Texas. This change wasn't just a shift in location, but a complete transformation of my life, my approach to physical fitness, and my perception of myself. From working behind the scenes at a photo shoot, to training with a competitive team, and eventually falling in love, this journey has been full of surprises. 

In this transformative phase of my life, I not only learnt how to be a girlfriend but also how to let go of the many identities I had accumulated over the years in the bustling city of New York. As I navigated the world of competitive running, my focus gradually shifted from qualifying for the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials to prioritizing my well-being over my physical appearance. I'll share how this new perspective led to breakthroughs in races and changed my relationship with food, sobriety, and my body. Reflect with me on the importance of flexibility, trust, and not setting too many expectations in life as we approach a new year filled with endless possibilities.