Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback cover art

Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback

Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback

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 What does it take to return to the top of the ultra running world after major life changes and a "career-ending" surgery? Kaytlyn Gerbin knows. In this episode, Kaytlyn shares her journey from a scientist with a love for the outdoors to a world-class trail and ultra runner. Growing up active but without formal running experience, she discovered her talent in her mid-twenties and quickly fell in love with the 100-mile distance. Since then, she's set course records, tackled some of the most technical alpine trails in the Pacific Northwest, and stood on podiums at legendary races like UTMB, Western States 100, and Transgrancanaria. But Kaytlyn's story isn't just about running. It's about resilience, reinvention, and balance. After the birth of her daughter Era in 2024 and undergoing surgery to correct hip dysplasia—a procedure many thought would end her running career—Kaytlyn came back stronger than ever, winning the Cascade Crest 100 and taking on the epic 330km Tor des Geants race in Italy. In this episode, you'll hear about: How she discovered her running talent and found her passion for ultra distancesOvercoming setbacks, starting over, and learning to meet herself where she isThe mental strategies that help her tackle 100-mile races and multi-day alpine challengesBalancing motherhood with elite-level runningHer plans and goals for 2026, including Hardrock 100 and UTMB Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner, a parent chasing big goals, or someone who loves stories of grit, perseverance, and adventure, Kaytlyn's story will inspire you to push your limits—on the trails and in life. Tune in to hear how Kaytlyn combines mountains, motherhood, and science-backed training to redefine what's possible, one long run at a time. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is KaytlnUltra runner and trail runner for the North FaceLiving in the foothills outside of Seattle, USHaving a degree in Bioengineering and previously working as a scientist Having her first daughter, 14 months agoReflecting back on her childhood and early yearsGrowing up in rural USBeing the oldest of four and being very active as a kidHow her running journey progressedPlaying soccer in high schoolBeing good at running on the field, but not enjoying the running for trainingMaking friends with other students at college who ranDiscovering her running talent in her mid-twentiesEntering her first small, local race and finishing 2nd femaleHaving fun and feeling strong while running Finding her distance Loving the 100 mile distance Figuring out training for racesThe longer she ran, the stronger she felt Feeling overwhelmed by the running distances Having to start over with her runningRemembering how hard it is to start running again after set backsHaving a hard time with running Never having a running coach and getting to make all the rulesTracking her training Meeting yourself where your at ie being ok with walking Bringing in science to her running?Lessons on failure and how it applies to runningStaying humble with her runningWhy the hardest part of the race, is just before it startsThe anxiety before a race, struggling to sleep and eat beforeStaying relaxed while running and settling into the run after 50kRunning through the nightTaking some time before doing the hard thing, and thinking about the mental challenges which may come up and how to handle itRunning a 220 mile race over 4 daysDealing with the guilt of being away from her baby while running Anticipate what some of the mental challenges might be during a race and how best to approach itTaking a step back from the running during pregnancy Not feeling the pressure to go back to runningHer 'A' race in 2025Tor des Geants 330km race in Italy Winning the Cascade Crest 100 mile race Seeing the 2nd placed woman - starting to raceWanting to run hand and push herselfPlans for 2026Applying for Hardrock 100 mile raceWanting to go back and race at UTMB Having a pregnancy deferral for UTMB How to connect with KaytlynAdvice for women wanting to take on a 100 mile race Social Media Instagram @kaytlyn_g
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