Advertise on podcast: 515 : The Ultra Podcast

Send us Fan Mail She leaves high frequency trading, signs with Nike, and still decides the best way to grow is to suffer through 515 km over three days. He starts running at odd hours so nobody will see him at 135 kg, then turns that discipline into Ironman finishes, Ultraman finishes, and a memoir called The Silent Miles. This is a double athlete profile that lands on one big idea: endurance is less about talent than it is about identity, community, and the reasons you choose when results do not go your way. We talk with Calypso Sheridan about what it actually means to be a hybrid athlete in 2026, how she prioritizes HYROX-style racing and modern pentathlon while using UM New Zealand as a mental proving ground, and why process beats outcome when you want longevity. She breaks down modern pentathlon in plain English, including the obstacle course format and the laser run, plus the reality of chasing a 2028 Olympics goal through a tight Oceania qualification pathway. Then Vishesh Maden joins from India to share the constraints most Western athletes never have to consider: safer cycling routes, limited pool access for long swims, and the extra planning that comes with international racing. We dig into how he balances his United Airlines data analyst role with training consistency, how he uses data to pace Ultraman, and what “silent miles” really mean when you are alone with your thoughts at 3 a.m. Subscribe for more athlete stories, share this with a friend training for something big, and leave a review if this helped you stay focused. What is the hardest part of your training right now, the body or the mind? Contact information: Calypso Sheridan @calypsosheridan Vishesh Maden @vishesh_madan. The Silent Miles available through Amazon Resources mentioned in this episode: HYROX Asia Pacific ChampionshipUM New ZealandAustralian Alpine Ascent Xtreme TriathlonValencia 50 k Cairns 70.3 Western Sydney 70.3The Heart Is the Strongest Muscle - bookAustralian Institute for SportNinja Warrior Australia UM Canada WebsiteUM UK WebsiteMumbai Marathon70.3 GoaMelbourne MarathonIM Western AustraliaIM Estonia Shout outs and mentions in this episode: Ryan GeigerNorthwestern UniversityUSCTia ToomeyDavid LushChloe EspositoMax EspositoShane DuffyRahul ChaudharySupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a massive shakeup in the global ultra-endurance community! In this exclusive double-feature episode, host Larry breaks down the major multi-day triathlon announcements shaping the 2027 racing calendar across two continents. First, Larry sits down with veteran ultra-athlete and race organizer Bill Justus to announce the launch of UM Canada 515, taking place in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, from July 23–25, 2027. Bill pulls back the curtain on why he is launching this premium independent race on the exact same weekend as a legacy ultra-event, how he is designing a safer course that eliminates notorious highway hazard zones, and how he plans to modernize the athlete experience using next-gen technology. Then, we cross the Atlantic to Wales to catch up with the past, present, and future of the independent UK ultra circuit. Outgoing Race Director Ben Peresson introducing the new leadership team—Dan Thompson and Jon Fairhurst—who are officially acquiring the brand and resurrecting the historic UM UK 515 in Snowdonia, from September 3–5, 2027. Dan and Jon share their passion as 2023 finishers, breaking down the brutal beauty of a single-loop mountain course and explaining how shorter distances and relay options will open the sport to a whole new wave of athletes. Whether you are a seasoned Ultraman veteran, an Ironman finisher looking for your next epic milestone, or an endurance crew chief, this episode is your ultimate roadmap to the future of 515-distance racing. UM Canada 515 – Bill Justus  https://umc515.com/    [email protected] WhatsApp :  250-448-8332 UMUK -- Dan Thompson & Jon Fairhurst  www.ultramantriathlon.uk Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman CanadaUltra520K Parkrun CanadaIKONNorsemanUM AustraliaUM New ZealandRough Water SwimUB 515 Brazil Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)Shout outs and mentions in this episode: Steve BrownMike BrownBrad SawaShane DuffySimon CochraneJeff Morris Tony HortonGail LauxNick MallettSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail 87.317 miles (AG World Record) in 12 hours on a hard indoor loop at age 56 is the kind of result that makes you ask a better question than “how tough is he?”  I sat down with James Scanlan to learn how a masters endurance athlete actually builds that kind of durability, and why the secret is rarely a secret, it’s patient execution. We dig into Six Days In The Dome and the nitty gritty of timed ultrarunning: why even effort beats early adrenaline, how James uses lap-by-lap feedback instead of GPS, and what “high zone 2” really looks like when you’re trying to hold form deep into hour ten. He also shares a refreshingly simple ultrarunning nutrition approach built on steady calories, homemade sugar water with salt, and foods he can chew for hours without wrecking his stomach. From there, we zoom out to the bigger engine. James explains how he ladders races from short track efforts to marathons and 100Ks, stacks long bike rides to boost fatigue resistance, and trains the unglamorous metabolic side of endurance like fat oxidation and late-race energy production. We also talk UTMB CCC prep, Ultraman strategy, cold-water problem solving for UM New Zealand, and how wearables fit when you care about VO2 max, HRV, and recovery without becoming a slave to the data. If you want smarter pacing, better endurance training habits, and a clear-eyed look at masters athletics longevity, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman Florida Ultraman ArizonaUlM Australia Berlin MarathonSix Days in the DomeUTMB CCCBoston MarathonMad City 100 kmSan Francisco half dayRuth Anderson 100 mileThe Raven Ultra Jed Smith OpenCalifornia International MarathonThe Canyons 100kWestern States Kodiak70.3 World ChampionshipsUM New ZealandCarmel Valley DoublePowerman Brazos Bend 100Tunnel Hill 100Skyline 50 KNYC MarathonShout outs and mentions in this episode: Zach Bitter Billy Mertens Jim WalmsleyMax KniazevSteven Keller Jeremy HowardJeff FejfarUltra ChambaSteve KingBill JustusSimon CochraneJeff MorrisSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Pain is one thing. Earning the right to keep moving is another. Bill Justus has spent five decades building an endurance life that refuses to shrink, and at 63 he’s still lining up for brutal challenges for one simple reason: he still can. We talk through Bill’s mindset when the pain cave hits and how gratitude becomes a real performance tool, especially after facing cancer and CIDP. Then we get into the deep cuts from a legendary racing resume: old-school triathlon days before modern fueling, the thin-air grind of Pikes Peak, and the Canadian Death Race where a tiny coin and a cold river crossing become part of the myth. Along the way, Bill shares what it was like racing the Haney to Harrison 100 and meeting Steve King long before most people knew him as the voice of Ultraman. The heart of the conversation is Ultraman Canada and the hard reality of shoulder surgery recovery. Bill breaks down two major rotator cuff injuries, the fight to complete the 10K swim, the moment his body stopped cooperating on the bike, and why choosing an honorable DNF can be the smartest move for long-term health. We also highlight the power of a great crew, what it means to show up anyway, and how to keep your identity intact when the day doesn’t go to plan. Finally, Bill tells the story that changed thousands of Saturday mornings: bringing Parkrun to Canada in 2016 and helping grow a nationwide community of free weekly 5Ks built on accountability, volunteering, and friendship. If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with a training partner, and leave a five-star rating and review so more athletes can find it. What’s one goal you’re chasing simply because you still can? Contact Bill through : Epic 365 Coaching  Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman CanadaDouble BrownPikes PeakCanadian Death RaceParkrunIM New ZealandPeach City RunnersOsaga KT-26Nike waffle Terry Fox RunHaney to Harrison 100kmSauconyComrades MarathonUM AustraliaThe MonsterChicago MarathonLondon MarathonShout outs and mentions in this episode: Kyle FiguiredoMallory PullmanSarah Latonas Ramiro Gutierrez PiedraScott JamesJulie MossSteve Brown (S2E13)Tess Porter Al HowieTom BrownWally HermanTerry FoxShane Mascarin (S2E4)Steve King (S1E1) (S1E2) (S1E3)Gail LauxRob GibsonDeGarrett FultonRhonda GibsonBrad CochraneTherese Brabant Paul Sinton-HewittEuan Bowman Rory Bass (S1E4)Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail He remembers chatting on the Hawaii bike course and then waking up in a hospital. That missing chapter is the start of an unforgettable story with Ultraman veteran, coach, and Scottyfit.com founder Scott McDermott, whose Kona crash left him with a severe traumatic brain injury, shattered bones, and a recovery that doctors said should not have been possible. We talk about what rebuild actually looks like: navigating the medical system, learning to train again without ego, and using tools like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and easy cardio to regain capacity. Scott also shares his coaching philosophy, why he always keeps coaches of his own, and a practical “green day, yellow day, red day” approach to training that helps endurance athletes stay consistent while respecting illness, stress, and recovery. The heart of the conversation goes deeper than triathlon. Scott connects childhood trauma, the need to feel “good enough,” and how ultra endurance can become a proving ground that never pays off emotionally. That realization reshaped his documentary “Living the World Code” into a film about identity, resilience, and choosing to race for joy instead of approval. We also get into the mental side of getting back on a bike at speed, racing at 57, and why he is returning to the Ultraman World Championship with unfinished business. If this hit home, subscribe to 515 The Ultra Podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a five-star rating and review so more people can find these stories. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman CanadaUltraman MexicoUltraman World ChampionshipsTerry Fox RunZombie RunInnisfail TriathlonBanff Mountain Film FestivalNew York Film Festival Warrior CampShout outs and mentions in this episode: Steve Brown (S2E13)Sheryl Cobb (S2E6)David CobbBrad Sawa (S1E10)Van Sanchez (S1E6)Tony RobbinsAndrew Barber-StarkyTobias YoungMichelle BarnesDr Stefanie BassoBrett SuttonCraig PercivalPeter Hudson (S8E6)Adam FoxLyle KatchurNick Mallett (S2E12)Drew KenworthyHilary McDermottAl Evans Lucy Ryan (S2E5)Inge Jarl ClausanInaki de la ParraCraig KellerChuck DownieGary Wang (S2E6)Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Nearly 24 hours in open water changes what you think you know about fear, focus, and what you are capable of. Ted Lomicka joins us from Franklin, Tennessee to tell the story of completing the Triple Maui Nui, a nonstop three channel swim from Lanai to Maui to Molokai and back again. Ted describes starting in a thunderstorm, navigating bioluminescent “stars” below when clouds hide the real ones, then facing cold brackish water near Molokai alongside the threat of a shark fin. At his lowest point, a captain’s short question reframes the choice and gets him moving again. On the final leg, sensory deprivation gives way to awe when a baby humpback whale swims beneath him and meets his eye, a moment that turns endurance into meaning and seals the lesson: dream big, live the dream, and share the dream. Ted is also a healthcare executive and an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University, so we zoom out from the ocean to the real world impact of innovation leadership. We dig into ambient AI scribes in healthcare, how AI drafted notes can improve physician patient communication, and why giving clinicians 30 to 90 minutes back each night can boost satisfaction, retention, and outcomes. Along the way, Ted shares how he evaluates new ideas: technologically feasible, clinically relevant, financially viable, and scalable, then pilot small and iterate fast. The heart of our conversation is mindset. Ted breaks down the framework behind his upcoming book, First Of Five: The Five Hammers Of A Do Anything Mindset, forged in ultra distance triathlon at the Anvil race series. We unpack the hammer of passion, humility, mindfulness, equanimity, and transcendence, plus the idea of overriding the “evolutionary governor” when your body insists it is done. If you care about endurance training, Ultraman, channel swimming in Hawaii, or performing under pressure at work, this one is built to stick with you. Subscribe for more stories like this, share the show with a friend who needs a bigger goal, and leave a review so more athletes and curious minds can find us. What would you attempt if you trusted your mindset as much as your fitness? Reach out to Ted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedlomicka/ Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman FloridaUltraman World ChampionshipsMammoth Endurance AnvilTriple Maui NuiSebring International RacewayVanderbilt University.Music City TriathlonMemphis in May triathlonIM World ChampionshipsIM ChattanoogaEcuador Eco-ChallengeAlenuihaha channelSnowdrop UltraShout outs and mentions in this episode: Natascha BadmannMichelle LomickaVance PossIvan PancicPlatoMarcus AureliusJosh Kiecker  Michelle CevicherriaJurand CzabanskiNeil DeGrasse TysonAlbert EinsteinLaToscia “LT” JamesTrixie SmithDr. Steven MinagliaAndy JocaKatie BlairTerri DietzTina NeillMichael SpaldingJill SpaldingMichelle SimmonsDr. Harry HuffakerSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Ray Zahab didn’t grow up as the unstoppable endurance athlete people imagine when they hear “ultramarathoner” and “explorer.” He describes starting over around age 30, quitting a pack-a-day smoking habit, and following his younger brother into the outdoors until movement turned into purpose. That path eventually leads to one of the most jaw-dropping feats in endurance sports: running the length of the Sahara Desert, roughly 7,500 kilometers, day after day for 111 days. We get into what actually makes extreme endurance possible when the novelty wears off. Ray explains why removing expectations can unlock performance, how preparation and process beat bravado, and why he’s careful about choosing expedition teammates who can leave ego at the door. He also shares how the “chosen hardship” of races and expeditions helped him face something he didn’t choose at all: a rare blood cancer diagnosis and months of chemotherapy, approached with the same step-by-step resilience he learned outdoors. The episode goes deep on logistics and safety, from cutting pack weight for a self-contained Atacama Desert crossing to building a polar bear perimeter alarm system on Arctic sea ice. You’ll hear what it means to respect the environment, when to turn around even after huge effort, and how Ray’s nonprofit impossible2Possible brings free, education-driven expeditions to youth ages 16 to 21 around the world. If you’re into ultrarunning, adventure racing, expedition planning, mental toughness, or simply changing your life through movement, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge toward something hard, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Ray’s contact points: Website: rayzahab.com  //  facebook.com/rayzahab. //. twitter.com/rayzahab instagram.com/rayzahab. //  www.youtube.com/@rayzahab1944 Resources mentioned in this episode: Running for My Life (book)Running to Extremes (book)impossible 2 PossibleVancouver International Outdoor Film FestivalIronman Canada Trans 333KapiK1 Expedition Company.Moab 240Shout outs and mentions in this episode: Ferg Hawke (S3E10)Jen SeggerKathy AdamsCharlie EngleKevin VallelyStefano GregorettiBob CoxSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Ultraman Australia’s 2026 champions, Mark Thomson and Nat Dodd, to unpack how they manage 515 kilometers across three days in Noosa with calm pacing, tight recovery routines, and crews that never miss a beat. Mark Thomson joins from New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula and breaks down how a first-time Ultraman athlete paces like a veteran: conservative swimming, steady biking by feel, and relentless fueling that protects day three. We talk crew roles, staying calm when the leaderboard is separated by seconds, and what it’s like to have a school community tracking you through a 515-kilometer endurance test. Then we get into the closer: his run plan and the mindset behind dropping a sub-7-hour double marathon after two days of racing. Nat Dodd, also from New Zealand, shares the other side of the podium and the same core truth: execution beats drama. She explains the nutrition shift that finally solved race-day GI issues, her swim feeding routine with a paddler, and how her crew’s energy kept her from going dark. We also talk pacing discipline on the double marathon, her “lungefluencer” moment on course, workplace support, and what she’s considering next, from Ultraman New Zealand to a return to the Ironman World Championship. Be sure to check out all the action from the YouTube Livestream. If you’re into Ultraman, Ironman, long-distance triathlon training, endurance nutrition, or building a crew system that actually works, this one is packed with practical takeaways. Subscribe for more, share it with your training group, and leave a quick review if these champion-level lessons help you race smarter. Resources mentioned in this episode: Hukuai Primary SchoolNo Code EventsPāuanui Trail EpicBlue Lake 24 hour ChallengeUM New ZealandIM New ZealandCoast to CoastTaupo MarathonAPAC Ingredients Shout outs and mentions in this episode: Matt KerrCarl ReadSimon CochraneSara RyanDouglas ClarkAnthony ElderMarco UllrichNev ThomsonMatt IgguldenCraig ThomsonRay ZahabCraig JacksonChris DoddJeff Morris Tim FranklinAnna LondillBrittney LittonGreg FraineRoy SpareyHarriet SteeleDawn JacksonSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail 515 kilometers can sound like a number. In Noosa, it turns into three days of decisions: how you fuel a 10 km ocean swim, how you survive a 276 km bike loop through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and how you keep moving when the double marathon starts to ask harder questions than your training ever did. We’re joined by Ultraman Australia race director Jeff Morris and KOA endurance coach and event MC Tim Franklin to preview Ultraman Australia 2026 from the ground up. We lay out the full 515 triathlon format and cutoffs, explain why the calendar dates differ depending on where you live, and share exactly how to follow along on the YouTube livestream. This year’s coverage gets a major boost with live GPS tracking (even during the swim when signals allow), planned drone shots at sunrise, and crews calling in live so viewers at home can feel the real-time pressure and emotion on course. Jeff also gives a progress update on Ultraman New Zealand in Wanaka.  Then we get into the heart of race week: the 2026 field. From returning athletes chasing redemption to first-timers stepping up from Ironman to Ultraman, we spotlight what makes each competitor interesting, what crews need to know, and why Noosa’s swim conditions and paddler support can shape the entire weekend. The Athletes: Nicole Allen, Sadanand Amarapur, Prajakta Aswar, Boris Bakouline, Ashley Bates, Rahul Chaudhary, Douglas Clark, Jacob Crowe, Devraj Devraj, Nat Dodd, Tabatha Draper, Roscoe Dray, Shane Duffy, Noe Duran, Anthony Elder, Guilherme Escaleira da luz Oliveira, Mehdi Gerbeaux, Jomy Jacob, Timothy Jensen, Shubham Kajale, Claire Kunc, Brittney Litton, Anna Longdill, Keri Mandell, Nestor Ochoa Rivera, Chia Ling Pow, Mahesh Prajapati, Erica Riley, Nathan Schmid, Patrick Shanahan, Marcus Smith, Puneet Sudhir Sood, Giancarlos Taraborrelli, Chloe Thomas, Mark Thomson, Dr Bishwanath Tiwary, Marco Ullrich, Denise Wilson. Resources mentioned in this episode: KOA Sports UM New ZealandKenilworth BakeryPeak Energy GumHervey Bay 100 T100 TriathlonUltraman MexicoShout outs and mentions in this episode: Tiff DahlJen McVeayAlex LunaBeñat OliveiraSimon Cochrane Steven KellerKellie RidgesDave CarrollMax AllansenTeaghan Roatz Anthony VloedmansVishesh MadanAndrew WheatleyPeter HodgsonAnthony LucasCraig JacksonAngus aka Bango DraperElans Anton Jen MacMillanKate BevilaquaNatalie ElderAlana SharmaPaul GiddingsMatt O’BrienKathleen SwallingAri LittonHayley FryAndrew TroutNick MallettMel CockshuttTim BelsteadKirsty SheehanSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we travel to Ubatuba, Brazil, to catch up with Alex Luna, one of the driving forces behind the UB515 ultra triathlon. As the race enters its 13th year, Alex shares the origin story of how a small group of legends—including Alexandre Ribeiro and Corey Folk—brought the Ultraman distance to Brazil. We dive deep into the "Aloha" spirit that defines the event and discuss the logistical and emotional preparation for the 43 athletes set to take on the 515km challenge. What you will learn from this episode: The Power of "Just Letting it Happen": Alex recounts the advice from Corey Folk that finally launched the race in 2014.Course Logistics: A day-by-day walkthrough of the swimming, cycling, and running stages through some of Brazil’s most scenic coastal and mountain roads.Community & Legacy: How the race serves as a transformative process for both athletes and staff, fostering lifelong connections.Athlete Dynamics: A breakdown of the 2026 field, including a record number of female participants and the veterans returning to defend their numbers. Follow the race on Instagram       UB 515 Website  Previous appearances by Alex (S4E6) (S5E9) Resources mentioned in this episode: BR145Fodaxman IM BrasilShout outs and mentions in this episode: Alexandre RibeiroPaulo CalilCory FoulkSergio CordeiroCurtis TylerLeslie TylerSteve King Andrius LunaSandro Tanaka75 – Bernardo Tillmann78 – Erick Duarte99 – Aline Luftmann135 – Fabiano Peres147 – Dejalmo Almeida149 – Evandro Dutra169 – Marcelo Noia187 – Juan Armenteros200 – Eduardo Filho208 – Pedro Walfir220 – Igor Maciel225 – Luciano Bressy233 – Rian Tavares236 – Rafael Aragon241 – Rubens Gonçalo244 – Cléber Santos245 – Rodrigo Gregório246 – Diogo Brumm248 – Ana Heide249 – Luiza Machado250 – Marcele Salaverry251 – Diego Vidal252 – Julius Bomfim253 – Kildare Cardoso254 – Juliana Ennes255 – Fabi Silva256 – Tatiana Debiasi257 – Dankar Maridor258 – Rodrigo Arraes259 – Rafael Ruhl260 – Julio Tiliaque261 – Kalleb Potenza262 – Mauro Lima263 – Flavio Santos264 – Gabriel Brás265 – Fernando Oliveira267 – Victor Latarulla269 – João Paulo Morisson270 – Wagner Nishizawa271 – Renan Delavald272 – Pamela Oliveira273 – Roger Barroquello274 – Adriano Bertanha.     Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail You can learn a lot about an endurance athlete by what they avoid, and Brittney Litton avoids swimming. Then she signs up for Ultraman anyway, including a 10K swim, back-to-back monster bike days, and a double-marathon finish. Brittney joins us from New Zealand to talk about life as a working mom of two, a self-described “average” athlete with an anything-but-average appetite for big goals -- including wanting to set a new women's record time. Racing lessons land hardest in the Kona Ironman recap. Brittany breaks down how over-concentrated carb bottles, post-swim thirst, and relying on Coke can spiral into vomiting, cramps, and survival mode in heat and humidity. That story becomes a blueprint for smarter fueling: drink water early, keep mixes tolerable, and respect the environment. She pairs it with the Tarawera ultra experience, where a hip flexor issue forces an awkward running pattern and a painful finish, proving that pacing and problem-solving matter as much as fitness. Finally, we zoom out to Ultraman preparation: crew planning, swim anxiety, long rides, Pilates for core strength, and the mindset shift from chasing splits to treating races as tests. It is a grounded look at how an “average” athlete builds toward an extraordinary start line. Resources mentioned in this episode: UM Australia UM New ZealandLord of the RIngsIM TaupoTaupo 70.3Harry PotterZwiftMyWhooshR.I.O.T.  Zwift Team5 Passes Race Lake Taupo Cycle ChallengeIM World ChampionshipsTarawera Ultra Taupo MarathonWellington MarathonChrist Church MarathonQueenstown MarathonChrist Church 100km road championshipsShout outs and mentions in this episode: Simon CochraneJeff MorrisMax LittonAri LittonAnna Russel Taylor SwiftGracie AbramsTilly LittonMichael PhelpsKate BevilaquaFiona Gallagher Kylie BrownFat Cat RonFergus and CharlieSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Start with a last-minute sprint tri in footy shorts and end with a finish line that feels like family—that’s the arc of Peter “Huddo” Hudson. We sit down with the four-time 515 finisher, personal trainer, and stalwart of the UM Australia Dream Team to unpack how a brutal first swim, a life-changing crash in Hawaii, and years of volunteering forged a deeper reason to race. What emerges is a raw, generous look at the culture that defines Ultraman: you arrive as strangers, you leave as family. Huddo walks us through the early days—being dragged into a race the night before, dog paddling next to a lifeguard, then getting hooked on the grind that builds real endurance. He shares how coaching and community carried his business through COVID, why day two on the bike still ties his stomach in knots, and how crews and race volunteers quietly stitch the event together with 20-hour days and calm heads. We revisit Hawaii 2015 and Scott McDermott’s horrific crash, the “Relentless” bracelet found at the scene, and the long road to Scott’s 2018 return. Along the way, you’ll hear why rival crews stop to help, how a blind athlete’s grit rewrites fear, and what it means to finish when the clock says you shouldn’t. We also dive into purpose: fundraising after losing his mum, staging a solo double iron to turn grief into action, and the moment Huddo received the inaugural HUDDO Award minutes before learning his uncle had passed. It’s a portrait of resilience anchored by service, friendship, and a shared promise to bring everyone home safe. Plus, a peek behind the curtain at UM Australia’s evolving live stream and the launch of UM New Zealand—new routes, bigger climbs, and the same heartbeat. If stories of grit, community, ultra endurance, and human kindness move you, hit play. Then follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review so more people find these voices. Resources mentioned in this episode: UM Australia Ultraman World ChampionshipsLiving the Warrior Code (Documentary)  LinkIM Coeur d’AleneUM New ZealandShout outs and mentions in this episode: Jeff Morris (S7E11)Shane Duffy (S4E5)Matt O’Brien (S8E5)David KalinowskiMike Coughlin (S2E7)Erica RIley (S8E2)Beñat Oliveira (S7E6)Brittney Litton (S8E7)Scott McDermott (S1E9)Adam Fox   Gary Wang (S2E6)Staci StuderChristian Isakson (S3E5)John Domandl (S7E7)Daniel Merange Dayle JordanMel KempJason ClarkShae HamiltonKim JenkinsGillian WinterfordTiffany DahlSteve King (S1E1)Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail A flipped boat, a blinking EPIRB, and a helicopter descent into a sunset—Matt O’Brien’s life pivot starts there. From mining shifts and weekend benders to air rescue work, and a growing list of endurance adventures; Matt’s story is a blueprint for rebuilding a life around endurance and purpose. We unpack how he cracked into rescue aviation by cold-messaging mentors on LinkedIn, tackled a fitness test he once thought impossible, and learned to swim from scratch as an adult. Matt shares the nuts and bolts of training through a harsh roster—day shifts as recovery, nights for volume, and two weeks off to stack big sessions—plus the mental habits that made those choices stick. If you’re navigating shift work training, adult swim relearning, or prepping for Ultraman distances, his playbook is practical and honest. Matt also takes us 4,200 kms across Australia from Fremantle to Sydney on an unsupported bikepacking journey defined by mechanical chaos and grit.  He rode through the Nullarbor with breaking spokes, limped into Ceduna to swap a rim, and woke to find his bike stolen—only to track it with an AirTag on his keys and get it back.  Along the way, we break down roadhouse food realities, water carry strategies, and the small logistics that make or break an ultra-distance plan. And we revisit his first Ultraman finish, where pacers and crew helped him slip under the run cutoff by minutes, setting clear goals for a calmer, faster return to UM Australia in 2026. If you’re a beginner eyeing your first triathlon, a FIFO worker balancing training with fatigue, or an endurance fan who loves a hard-earned comeback, this one’s for you. Follow Matt’s coaching at Lantern Endurance on socials, and keep an eye out for the website launch soon. Enjoy the conversation, then subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who needs a push to start their own first.  Resources mentioned in this episode: UM Australia Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)Ultra 355 AustraliaCupcake  CartelIndipacShout outs and mentions in this episode: Casey NeistatJeff Morris (S7E11)Andrew TroutJohn Domandl (S7E7)Tony HortonNikki FoxMichael Wakeman   Belinda SansomKim JenkinsJanita RayTroy RidgleyMichelle Barratt Nick Mallett (S2E12)Carl GilliesKate Bevilaqua (S6E2)Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail A world record in 225 hours. Stitches on a gym floor. A typhoon, a temple, and a white bucket that might save your race. I sat down with IUTA Hall of Famer, Shanda Hill, to unpack the mindset, methods, and meaning behind one of the most audacious ultra tri careers ever—and the moment she chose health over history. Shanda breaks down the true shape of a DECA continuous: 10x Iron distance where the clock never stops and every decision is magnified. She shares the practical systems that carried her—soup-based fueling that works in cold pools, a hydration check using a white bowl to protect kidney function, and a sleep strategy tied to safety and weather rather than ego. We talk oxygen therapy, cold-water immersion, and why time management can beat raw speed across 38 km of swimming, 1,800 km of cycling, and 422 km of running. The stories are wild and human: riding through a South African deluge, resetting in Brazil to chase a record, crashing in France and getting field-stitched by a fellow racer, and learning the hard way in Poland how one pedal choice can sabotage your stabilizers. Along the way, Shanda spotlights the ultra community—race directors who make impossible events happen, rivals who lift the bar, and athletes finishing doubles and decas with broken bones and unbroken resolve. If you’re training for Ultraman, DECA, or your own endurance goal, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights on fueling, electrolytes, recovery, and the mental game that keeps you moving loop after loop. Contact Shanda at : https://www.shandahillultra.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: IUTA Hall of FameTaiwan Ultra DecaBretzel Ultra Triathlon (Colmar, France)Desenzano del Garda (Triple Deca)IUTA World Cup Ultra Tri South Africa (Deca)Ultra 520K Canada Brazil Ultra Tri (Deca)Double Ultra Triathlon EmsdettenPoland Ultra Triathlon (Deca)Triathlon Triple LensahnDouble Deca MexicoSwitzerland Double DecaVirginia Triple Anvil UB515 Shout outs and mentions in this episode: Jacs SpenceStarting BlockRancho VignolaEve-volve WellnessReatha RousseauSteve BrownBlaine Ponte  Leah GoldsteinSergio CordeiroWorld record holder decaDeca Dave Clamp  Jorge Rodriguez Mark hohe dorstBrad KelleyGustavo Vieira Lia SterciucHarriet ClampMarius Butuc (S8E1)Anelia ButucMing Ye Ronny Rossler Norbert LuffenbergerTyrese HillMicheal WardBeto Villa Wayne Kurtz Laurent QuignetteHeidi Lindemann Jade MeddersPaul BedardDaniel Oliveira Tomasz Lus If this conversation fired you up, follow the show and share it with a friend who loves big goals. Support the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail A champion’s story doesn’t start at the finish line. Fresh off winning Ultraman Hawaii, Max Kniazev opens up about rebuilding from a collarbone ligament rupture, balancing newborn-dad life, and crafting a pragmatic plan to race smarter in heat and wind. We get into the mechanics of durability: how a naturally low heart rate at high power shapes his ultra identity, why shorter cranks opened his hip and cut drag, and how a custom 3D-printed cockpit with rear-aligned bottles shaved the little costs that add up over 515 kilometers. Max explains how he trained the gut to handle 120–135 grams of carbohydrates per hour using a starch-based mix (Vitargo), and why he practices fueling even in short swim sessions. He shares the exact salt and magnesium rhythm he used to skirt cramps, plus ice tactics that kept core temp in check when the island turned harsh. Day by day, he walks us through winning choices: holding back in the swim after lost shoulder strength, stacking steady watts on day one, solving a mid-ride electronic derailleur scare on day two en route to a stage record, and using simple marathon math on day three to let rivals come back without ever redlining. Max also lays out what’s next. He wants a fair-play shot at the 515 world record on the same Ultraman Australia course, not just a fast loop, with an audacious long-term vision for sub-19 under ideal conditions. Between now and then, he’s sharpening the sword in XTRI events and aiming for Norseman while keeping the “ultra mindset” front and center: choose long goals, stack stable steps, and let the mind lead the body.  If you care about endurance strategy, bike aerodynamics, heat management, or the art of pacing 84 kilometers, this conversation is a masterclass built on lived miles and honest numbers. Max previously appeared on the podcast in (S1E4) and the Season 4 UMAZ race wrap up. Youtube movie “1 minute less” mentioned. This Instagram post has Max describing his bike. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultraman HawaiiUltraCzech 515 (S5E5)Ultraman ArizonaSiberman 515UM Australia Double Ultra Triathlon EmsdettenVitargo NutritionFinding Ultra  by Rich RollNorseman Xtreme ChampionshipShout outs and mentions in this episode: Mia KniazevOlesia Kniazev Petr Vabrousek   (S2E2)Richard Thompson Shane Duffy (S4E5)Simon Cochrane  (S4E8)Javier Sola​​Tadej PogačarDave Matheson (S3E6)Bob Babbit S6E12Cameron WurfMike Coughlin (S2E7)Billy Rickards (S7E1)Steve King (S1E1)Sheryl Cobb (S2E6)Dave CobbTerumasu MatsudaUltra Chamba (S6E11)Jeff Parrett Nikolay TregubovSupport the show Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music  :  Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: @515TheUltraPodcast Insta : @515theultrapodcast Youtube : @515TheUltraPodcast Email : [email protected]