Most ultra runners aren’t winning races.

Most of us live somewhere in the middle of the pack.

We train hard, show up to races, push ourselves, and see what we’re capable of over long distances. But we also know we’re probably not standing on the podium, and we’re definitely not getting shoe deals or free race entries.

In this episode of the UltraNurse Podcast, we talk about the mindset of the mid-pack ultra runner — the advantages, the disadvantages, and why so many runners in this sport find themselves right there in the middle. We talk about the camaraderie on the trail, the reality of paying for an expensive hobby, and why runners keep coming back to ultras even when they know they’re not racing for the win.

Because when you look at ultra running as a whole, a big portion of the sport lives right there in the middle of the pack.

Thanks for listening.

Long miles. Long shifts. Real life.

At some point in ultra running, you're going to end up running in the dark.

Maybe it's an early morning run before work. Maybe it's late miles after a long shift. Or maybe it's the middle of the night during a race when your entire world shrinks down to a small beam of light bouncing in front of your feet.

In this episode of the UltraNurse Podcast, we talk about running in the dark — the gear that actually matters, the mistakes people make, and the lighting setup I use for overnight miles. I share some personal experience with headlamps and waist lamps, what happens when your light dies on the trail, and why I now run with both during ultras.

Because when you're running at night, the right lighting setup can make a huge difference — and sometimes all you can see is the next few steps.

Thanks for listening.

Long miles. Long shifts. Real life.

www.theUltraNurse.com

At some point in every ultra marathon, you’re going to end up somewhere runners call the pain cave.

It’s that moment when everything feels overwhelming. Your legs hurt, your stomach won’t cooperate, and your brain starts telling you it’s time to quit.

In this episode of The UltraNurse Podcast, we’re talking about what the pain cave really is and how ultra runners get through it. I share a couple personal stories from my last 100-miler when I went deep into the pain cave, including one moment where I was convinced I was done.

We also talk about strategies ultra runners use to get through those moments—mindset shifts, breaking things down into smaller goals, fixing the physiology, leaning on other people, and even learning to laugh at how ridiculous this sport really is.

Because if you run far enough, you’re going to find the pain cave. The key is learning how to get out of it.

Thanks for listening.

Long miles. Long shifts. Real life.

Rain happens.

And if you run long enough, you’re going to run in it.

In this episode of The UltraNurse Podcast, we’re talking about rain gear for runners and what actually matters when the weather turns bad.

I break down the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gear, why ventilation is more important than most runners think, and some of the mistakes I’ve made over the years running in bad rain gear.

We also talk about layering, wearing jackets over running packs, and when it’s better to just accept the fact that you’re going to get wet.

If you run trails, ultras, or long efforts, understanding rain gear can make a huge difference between a tough run and a miserable one.

Thanks for listening.

And if you know another runner who could use this episode, send it their way.

Long miles. Long shifts. Real life.

The podcast has been rebranded.

Holy Fit is now The Ultra Nurse.

Same mission. Sharper focus.

In this episode, I explain exactly why I made the change.

I’m not a preacher.
I’m not a motivational guru.
I’m not trying to be something I’m not.

I’m a flight nurse.
A paramedic.
A dad of three.
An ultra runner.
A recovering addict.
A business owner.
A follower of Christ.

Just a normal guy chasing big goals while juggling shift work, family, faith, and chaos.

The name “The Ultra Nurse” reflects my real life — and the direction this show is going.

We’ll be talking about:

• Ultra running
• Shift work performance
• Discipline & habit building
• Rebuilding your life
• Health & nutrition in healthcare
• Faith lived out practically
• And a little humor along the way

HolyFit apparel is still coming. That mission hasn’t changed.

But this platform needed to reflect who I actually am.

If you’re a healthcare worker chasing something bigger — this podcast is for you.

Follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming episodes.
Share it with a nurse, medic, or shift worker who needs it.

Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultrarunningnurse/

You can work hard and still be guessing.

I used to think hiring a running coach was unnecessary. Just run more. Push harder. Lift when you can. Figure it out.

But after committing to something bigger than my experience, I had to admit something uncomfortable — I didn’t actually know how to prepare for it. I was consistent. I was disciplined. But I lacked structure, perspective, and accountability.

In this episode, we talk honestly about what changed when I hired a coach. Why structure beats motivation. Why durability matters more than hype. The real conversation about cost — and why investing in growth feels harder than spending on comfort.

Anchored in Proverbs 11:14, this episode expands beyond running. Because guidance isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. And isolation might feel strong, but it slows growth.

You can run alone.
But growth accelerates when you invite perspective in.

Finding the right shoe shouldn’t feel this complicated.

But when you’re trying to prepare for two days and two nights in the Colorado mountains — and you don’t live anywhere near mountains — it gets complicated fast.

In this episode, I talk through something every runner eventually has to face: if your feet fail, you’re done.

From 5Ks to 100-milers, footwear and foot care are foundational. We break down the differences between road, trail, and hybrid shoes. Neutral vs stability. Cushioning, stack height, heel-to-toe drop. Why fit matters more than hype. And how small details like lacing — including the runner’s loop — can make a real difference.

We also talk about the unglamorous parts:
Blisters.
Toenails.
Wet feet.
Gore-Tex.
When to tape.
When not to pop a blister.
And why prevention beats toughness every time.

Anchored in Proverbs 4:26 — “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet” — this conversation isn’t just about gear. It’s about stewardship. About foundation. About paying attention to what holds everything else up.

Strong endurance starts at the bottom.

If you’re frustrated trying to find the right shoe, dealing with recurring blisters, or just want to run longer without unnecessary pain, this episode is for you.

Running. Faith. Real Life.

There are runs I would not have done
if someone wasn’t expecting me.

Not because I don’t care.
Not because I lack discipline.
But because it’s easier to negotiate with yourself when no one else is involved.

In this episode, I talk about the power of accountability — especially between runners. Why saying your plans out loud changes your follow-through. Why isolation quietly weakens endurance. And why “work hard, tell no one” isn’t always the badge of honor we think it is.

We talk about what real accountability looks like.
Not ego.
Not flexing.
Not broadcasting for attention.

Just letting the right people know what you’re committing to — before it gets uncomfortable.

We also dig into the other side of it: holding people accountable. Following up. Showing up. Refusing to let accountability become a one-way street.

Anchored in Ecclesiastes 4:9, this conversation reminds us that endurance was never designed to be solo. Two are better than one — not because it’s easier, but because it lasts.

Running exposes something deeper about life and faith.
You can train alone for a season.
But you cannot endure alone long term.

If you’ve almost skipped the run…
If you’ve tried to carry everything quietly…
If you’ve believed you should just handle it yourself…

This episode is a reminder:

You don’t need more motivation.
You need people.

Running. Faith. Real Life.

Feeling behind is exhausting.

Behind in training.
Behind in life.
Behind financially, spiritually, professionally — like everyone else got a head start you somehow missed.

In this episode, I talk honestly about that feeling and how it’s showing up for me right now, especially as I train for a massive mountain race from flatland Iowa. We unpack what it means to feel unprepared, underqualified, and late — even while doing the work.

Anchored in Galatians 6:4–5, this conversation reframes progress away from comparison and toward faithfulness. Because feeling behind doesn’t mean you’re failing. Often, it means you’re finally in the part of the process that actually shapes you.

If you’ve been questioning your pace, your path, or your progress lately, this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t always obvious — and being “on time” isn’t the same as being faithful.

You’re not behind.
Even when it feels like you are.

A short daily devotional for runners. Scripture, reflection, and prayer to help you navigate sickness with wisdom, patience, and faith.

Follow the podcast to get a new Daily Mile Monday through Saturday, and learn more at www.HolyFitCo.com