Ultra running 20 years ago is not the same sport it is today.

In this episode, we break down how much the sport has changed from the mid-2000s to now—looking at top athletes like Scott Jurek, Karl Meltzer, and Nikki Kimball, and comparing them to modern runners like Jim Walmsley, Kilian Jornet, and Courtney Dauwalter.

We dive into how race times have improved across 100K and 100-mile distances, including Western States, and what’s really driving those changes. Is it better athletes… or better systems? We also get into the evolution of gear and fueling:

• Shoes (from basic trainers to super shoes)
• Watches and data tracking
• Fueling strategies and how modern runners are approaching carbs and sodium

And the big question: Has ultra running gotten harder… or just smarter?

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Six years ago, I couldn’t run more than 1.7 miles. I remember that first run—feeling like I was dying, wondering how I would ever make it to a 5k.

At the time, I was early into sobriety, dealing with a loud mind, and trying to rebuild my life one step at a time. I didn’t feel like a runner. I felt like someone who had never finished anything he started.

Running gave me something simple: a finish line. In this solo episode, I share the journey from that first 1.7-mile run to now chasing a podium at a 50k. The failures along the way, the moments where things started to shift, and how consistency changed everything.

This isn’t just about running—it’s about identity, growth, and what happens when you commit to something long enough to see who you become.

I don’t know if I’ll podium. But I do know I’m going to find out what I’m capable of.

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Ultra running is stupid… or is it?
In this episode, Nick and Jarett go head-to-head on the question most people are already thinking: why would anyone run 100 miles?
Jarett takes the position that ultra running makes absolutely no sense—voluntarily suffering for hours with no real payoff. Nick pushes back, breaking down what actually happens when you’re deep into a run and why people keep coming back despite how hard it gets.
This conversation dives into the psychology of endurance, the reality of mile 70, and whether pushing yourself this far is growth… or just unnecessary suffering.
It’s honest, it’s uncomfortable, and it doesn’t try to pretend ultra running makes sense.

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Don Tyler Knotts (@chefdonknotts) is not just an ultra runner—he’s a father, Army veteran, wildland firefighter, chef, and sober life coach who has lived multiple lives and come out stronger on the other side. In this episode, we dive deep into Don’s journey through sobriety, faith, and endurance. From completing the Swammie Shuffle 200 to rebuilding after injury, Don shares how the trails became his church and how running helped him confront his biggest enemy—himself. We talk about hallucinations deep into ultras, fueling with sandwiches and soup, the power of prayer on the trail, and the mission behind Swammie Shuffle and Awareness N Action. This one goes beyond running—it’s about purpose, redemption, and becoming better every single day.

Awareness n Action (Veteran Suicide Prevention)
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This week’s episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast is a short one — a bite-size episode designed to give you something practical you can carry into your next run or race.
Nick shares five mental tools that have helped him get through difficult miles during ultras and long training days.
These are simple mindset strategies that can help when fatigue sets in, doubt creeps in, and the race becomes more mental than physical.
If you’re heading out for a run and need a little motivation or perspective, this episode is for you.

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Be sure to visit the site and try Ostrich Salt today! Use Code SALTY6 for your $6 sampler pack
Also visit Alethia and use code RUNSCARED10 for your discount on the running sensor!

In this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with ultrarunner and coach Steve Epifano to talk about the story behind his new documentary and what it means to chase big goals as a regular runner. Steve has raced everything from short distances to 200-mile ultras, but instead of focusing on podium finishes or elite performances, his film highlights the reality of endurance running — the long hours, the uncertainty, and the personal growth that happens when you keep moving forward. The conversation dives into:

• Why Steve chose to tell the story of mid-pack runners
• The lessons learned from filming his own journey
• Being told his limits early on — and pushing beyond them
• The mindset required to keep going when things get hard
• What ultrarunning reveals about who we really are

This episode is about more than racing — it’s about finding out what you’re capable of when you commit to something difficult.
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the flock for more real conversations about running, mindset, and the stories behind the miles.
Oh No!: A Cocodona Story Documentary
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In this solo episode, Nick explores what it means to keep improving as a runner at 39 years old.
Is slowing down inevitable, or can hard work and smarter training still lead to growth? This conversation dives into aging, performance, mindset, and the idea that running times equal credibility — especially when building a running brand. An honest look at pushing limits, chasing progress, and redefining what’s possible with age.
Run scared. Keep flocking moving.

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Training for races isn’t just about miles. In this solo episode, Nick shares lessons learned from years of racing and training — including fueling strategies, gut training, why time on feet matters more than mileage, and how strength and stability work help runners stay strong late in races.
If you’re preparing for your next race, this episode will help you train smarter and show up ready.
Run scared. Keep flocking moving.

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This week on the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick takes Jarett to the heart of running culture — Eugene, Oregon: TrackTown USA. From learning about the legacy of Steve Prefontaine and how he challenged the system for American runners, to diving into modern running science at Aletheia Run Lab, this episode explores how running has evolved — and what still hasn’t changed. The guys unpack:
• Why so many elite athletes used to be broke
• Whether companies still profit more than the athletes themselves
• Lessons from analyzing running form and efficiency
• And what everyday runners can learn from TrackTown culture
Plus, Jarett gets a crash course in running history, and Nick shares insights he’s bringing into his own training heading into upcoming races. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to survive your next long run, this episode connects running’s past, present, and future. 🎧 Lace up and join the conversation.

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Joy isn’t something that magically shows up when life gets easier. It’s something you practice — just like running.
In this solo episode, Nick explores the idea that joy is a skill that can be trained through repetition, perspective, and showing up even on hard days. Drawing from lessons learned through running, training blocks, business building, and everyday life, this episode is about learning how to carry light even when things feel heavy.
Because the goal isn’t just to run farther — it’s to enjoy the miles along the way. If life has felt heavy lately, this one’s for you.

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