In this episode, Paul Gibbs shares his unique journey into the world of ultra running, discussing his experiences with DNFs, and the lessons learned along the way. From his initial motivation to run after a personal loss to his attempts at the Long Haul 100, Paul reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his running career. He emphasizes the importance of community support, proper training, and mental resilience in overcoming obstacles in ultra running. The conversation also touches on the significance of nutrition and hydration strategies during long races, as well as the emotional impact of social media on runners' self-perception. The conversation explores themes of comparison, personal growth, and the significance of nutrition in performance, culminating in reflections on recent race experiences and the evolution of his training approach.

Follow Paul's journey to 100 miles on Instagram:

@theblueeyedrunner24

In this conversation, ultra runner John Kelly discusses his experiences with the Barkley Marathons and other multi-day events. He shares insights into the allure of these challenging races, the mental strategies he employs when faced with obstacles, and his thoughts on the critics of such events. John emphasizes the importance of patience, adaptability, and finding meaning in arbitrary challenges, as well as the mental processes behind DNFing (Did Not Finish) during races. In this conversation, John shares his experiences with the Barkley Marathons, discussing the lessons learned from his DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences and how his mindset has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, the value of enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on the finish, and how reframing goals has changed his approach to racing. John also touches on the absurdity of pursuing challenging goals and the significance of nutrition and preparation in ultra running. He concludes with insights on pursuing big dreams, like his upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt, encouraging others to embrace challenges and learn from failures.

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Jack Pitcher, the fastest Briton to run across Australia. Jack shares his journey from a young, competitive runner to breaking records in ultra marathons. The conversation delves into the mental aspects of running, the importance of consistency, and the barriers that new runners face. They also discuss the influence of social media and the responsibility that comes with being a running influencer. Jack discusses the importance of authentic running influencers and how he aims to inspire others by demonstrating that anyone can achieve great things regardless of their background. Jack recounts the challenges he faced while attempting to run across Australia, including a severe car accident and the mental and physical toll of running 120K a day. He reflects on the lessons learned from pushing his limits and the impact of his experiences on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how he transformed his struggles into motivation for his future as a motivational speaker. The discussion also touches on the societal norms surrounding success and the pursuit of new records, highlighting the idea that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.

Check out Jack on Instagram:

@jack_pitcher_

And check out this promo video for his upcoming adventure:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DINxsjFNO-K/?igsh=a2w3MHZoY2RrMXpu

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle chat with Josh Rosenthal of Borderlands and delve into the world of ultra running, focusing on the topic of Did Not Finish (DNF) experiences. Josh shares his personal journey with DNFs, emphasizing the importance of mindset, community support, and the lessons learned from each attempt. They discuss the significance of language in shaping one's approach to races and the emotional and mental challenges faced by ultra runners.

Josh has his own podcast, and Borderlands is a huge and wonderful resource for anyone looking to learn more about ultrarunning and get involved.

Find him on Instagram, and the Borderlands podcast:

@runborderlands

Join me at the Devil's Gulch 100 mile race in Wenatchee, WA in July! For more information:

⁠https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/heidi/⁠

We are so incredibly grateful for your support, and listening and sharing is the BEST way to help us grow and share more stories! If you want to support financially, any small amount helps us keep this podcast going. We appreciate YOU!

⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/letsrunthag⁠

In this conversation, Maude Gorman shares her transformative journey through athletics, overcoming personal struggles with eating disorders, and the impact of relationships on her athletic pursuits. She discusses her recovery, the challenges she faced, and how she rebuilt her life and found purpose in running. Maude emphasizes the importance of community support, perspective in endurance sports, and the milestones she achieved, culminating in her first 100-mile race. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of second chances. Maude shares her journey through the world of ultra running, discussing the validation she sought through racing and the loneliness she felt. The discussion highlights the power of vulnerability, the joy of rediscovering one's passion, and the supportive nature of the ultra running community.

Find Maude on Instagram:

@maudernliving

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle interview Steph Cloutier, an ultra runner who shares her journey from casual running to participating in ultra marathons. Steph discusses her first experiences with ultra running, the challenges she faced during her first 100-mile race, and the mental strength required to overcome obstacles. She reflects on her return to the Javelina race, emphasizing the importance of preparation and support from the running community. The discussion also touches on the concept of redemption in racing and personal growth through experiences of DNF (Did Not Finish). In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences with running, particularly focusing on the challenges of DNF (Did Not Finish) races, the joy of running for its own sake, and the importance of having multiple motivations or 'whys' for participating in endurance sports. They also explore the balance between family life and personal running goals, addressing the common feelings of mom guilt that arise when pursuing athletic endeavors. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's support system and the expectations set for future generations in the context of running and endurance sports.

This is a special podcast crossover episode! Also airing on the podcast That's Runnable with Tommy Lewis, we dive in and chat with Tommy about all things running! We share our personal experiences with training, the challenges of specific races like Cocodona 250 and Devil's Gulch, and the philosophy of maintaining fitness for adventure beyond just running. We also delve into the nuances of ultra running, comparing local races to major events, and discussing the differences between European and American ultra races. The discussion culminates in preparations for the Devil's Gulch race, emphasizing the importance of mindset and gratitude in the face of challenges.

Please check out Tommy's podcast, That's Runnable:

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4Lr743lZe67cqlHSqHgcRC⁠

and check out Tommy on Instagram:

@tommyrunpt

@thatsrunnable

n this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Katie Warren, an avalanche forecaster and race director for Evergreen Trails. They discuss Katie's unique career path, her passion for running, and the challenges of balancing her job with training for ultra marathons. Katie shares insights into her experiences as a race director, the importance of community in racing, and her upcoming participation in the Hood Hundred. She emphasizes the significance of connection—both with oneself and the community—through running, and reflects on the challenges faced by runners during races, particularly regarding DNF decisions.

Find Katie on Instagram:

@just_a_girl_and_a_husky

Also check out Evergreen Trails, especially Devil's Gulch which you can register for with discount code HEIDIB

https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/