Advertise on podcast: Blueprint to Ultra

This week we welcome April Bailey onto the show. At the age of 48, April had the best running year of her life, setting personal bests in the mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50K, 50M, 100K and even the 100M. That 100 mile personal best, also just happened to give her the overall win for the Yeti 100 with a time of 15:42:00. Join us as we talk about that incredible performance at Yeti, the importance of zone 2 training, nutrition and even her upcoming race at the Canebreak 200. Which, if you have been paying attention so far, will be her first 200 and we are looking forward to seeing how that race goes for her. Special shoutout to her TUFF run club in Raleigh! Join us and don't forget to hit subscribe and like. You know, you could subscribe before you even start watching, because if you have read this far, well, we are friends now. So yeah, give us a like and subscribe. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you. Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for a coach? Work with Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jwultrarunning.com/⁠⁠⁠ Work with Steve: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.socalrunnercoaching.com/

John started running ultras in 2017 and in the past 8 years has run in over 150 ultra races, including 20 100 mile races! We talk about how how he balances his race calendar, remains motivated, and manages to stay injury-free, particularly focusing on the importance of strength training and PT exercises. John also talks about his passion for inclusion in running through his involvement with Ainsley's Angels, an organization that allows runners to push athletes in racing chairs, promoting an inclusive running community. Join us and don't forget to hit subscribe and like. You know, you could subscribe before you even start watching, because if you have read this far, well, we are friends now. So yeah, give us a like and subscribe. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you. Connect with John on IG: @breezytrailhead Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for a coach? Work with Jeff: ⁠⁠https://www.jwultrarunning.com/⁠⁠ Work with Steve: ⁠⁠https://www.socalrunnercoaching.com/

We are excited to start 2026 with our guest Tim Tollefson to talk about a variety of topics ranging from training, nutrition, mental toughness and recovery strategies. And of course, we dive into the heart behind Mammoth trail fest as well as the first Mammoth 200. Tim has a heart for the ultra community that just rises to the top and his authenticity reminds us what this sport is really all about. Take some time to join our discussion either through YouTube or listening in through your favorite podcast platform. Links below for the audio versions.You know, you could subscribe before you even start watching, because if you have read this far, well, we are friends now. So yeah, give us a like and subscribe. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you.Mammoth InfoMammoth Trail Fest: https://www.mammothtrailfest.com/Mammoth 200: https://www.themammoth200.com/Guest SocialsTim TollefsonMammoth TrailfestMammoth 200Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for a coach? Work with Jeff: ⁠https://www.jwultrarunning.com/⁠ Work with Steve: ⁠https://www.socalrunnercoaching.com/

In this episode, we are joined by our guest Liz Myers, who is an ultra running coach with Everyday Ultra, host of the Tribe of Runners podcast, and just an all around great runner. She has done it all in a short time, but that short on ramp speaks volumes of her love for the sport and desire to be the best she can be. We talk about her first ultras and the challenges she had in them, along with giving some good advice on how to select the right crew for you. But, what sets this episode apart is the time we spend talking about injuries. We dive into her recent severe ankle injury, the recovery process, and what it takes to stay motivated during setbacks. If you have ever been injured and struggled to come back, this episode will help you see that it will be okay. Even though, in the middle of it all, it feels anything like that. Join us and don't forget to hit subscribe and like. You know, you could subscribe before you even start watching, because if you have read this far, well, we are friends now. So yeah, give us a like and subscribe. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you. Connect with Liz.Instagram for Liz: @itslizmyersYouTube:  @itslizmyers  Instagram for Tribe of Runners with all the links: @tribeofrunners Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for a coach?Work with Jeff: https://www.jwultrarunning.com/Work with Steve: https://www.socalrunnercoaching.com/

Mark Dowdle has an ultra running resume that is two sides of the same coin. After a few attempts at last person standing races, Mark took a year off of racing them and put in an unconventional year of training to get his mind and body right. He returned in 2024 to backyards and is on a 4 race win streak. The hightlight of which was just a few weeks ago, he won the Summit Backyard completing 68 yards covering 283.55 miles to win one of the coveted spots for Team USA at the World Championships next October at Big's Backyard. In the episode, we talk about what it takes and what is actually going on in his tent each loop. Does he really sleep that much? And what in the heck is he eating. If you are interested in running a last person standing race, we invite you to take some time and listen to his story. You are guaranteed to learn a few tips and tricks of what it takes.We'd love to hear your story too. Let us know your thoughts on the episode and even if you have or are targeting a backyard in the future. Make sure to like and subscribe, because, yeah, why not? Keep up with Mark on IG: @mark.dowdle Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Luke has been only participating in ultras since 2023, heck his first marathon was in 2022. But despite being relatively new to the sport, Luke has achieved a ton of success, completing over 40 races since 2023, including five 100Ks, seven 100-milers, and even winning the Cowboy 200. In this episode, Luke shares his background, training regimen, and insights into what makes him so successful in ultra running. We also take a look at his upcoming A race in May of next year, the Cocodona 250. As someone who lives in Florida, we cover his plans for getting in some vert for that race and his goals for it. Let us know what you think of the episode! And, make sure to subscribe or follow before closing this down. Connect with Luke on IG: @soflo__runner Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have ever met Cal, then you are, by default, one of his friends. Cal goes out of his way to meet anyone and everyone, and as his granddad taught him. That could be your best friend walking by, so stop and say hi.On this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra podcast, we talk to Cal about his early experience at his first 50k and then what it takes to complete his first 100 miler, the Kodiak 100 in Big Bear. We don't shy away from the fact that training for an ultra is hard and there are mental and physical challenges that come from the pursuit of doing hard things. Cal talks about his personal motivation and the influence of his granddad, along with their mission to raise awareness for autoimmune diseases through Hills for HillCREST.We invite you to listen in and prepare to be inspired by Cal as we are. Connect with Cal on IG: @_caltitude_ Hills for HillCREST: @hillsforhillcrest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC14hee_evccl_0Gvc2W8LMA Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Despite only starting his ultra running journey in 2023, our guest on the show, Tim Vail, has put together an impressive resume in a short time. Getting into running as a way to combat the pull of addiction, Tim, fell in love with running. In addition to multiple 50ks and 50m races, Tim has run the Mogollon Monster 100 twice, Ouray 100, Across the Years 200 in 55 hours 44 minutes, Western States, yeah he got in with one ticket in 20 hours 55 minutes, the San Diego 100 and the Kodiak 100. He is a HS cross country coach and recently ran a sub 3 hour marathon. On the show we talk all about Mogollon, Quray, hallucinations and altitude. You will also hear about race prep, dealing with harsh conditions and the role of mindset to get you through the lows, and of course a few other topics that will definitely help you add to your own tool box for your next ultra. Connect with Tim on IG: @tvail150Connect with Ovondo running on IG: @ovondorunning Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Blueprint Ultra Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Baity to talk about his journey into ultra running and what it took to be one of only 20 finishers of the Barkley Fall Classic this year. We also look to his next race, the Beast of the East 100, which he DNFed after being in first place through 75 miles back in 2023 and his plans to redeem himself this year. Caleb also shares his unique nutrition approach to long runs and offers a great hack on how to save money on some of expensive hydration brands out there. Sot take a few minutes, and join as we learn from Caleb.Connect with Caleb on Instagram @caleb_baity_ or on Strava Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Tonya Olson who is the co-author of the book Fixing Your Feet. We talk how to prepare your feet before a race, caring for your feet during a race, and also some post race tips. The show is packed with content and we think that knowing how to take care of your feet is one of those important tools in the toolbox as you are putting together your own blueprint for running ultras.Connect with Tonya on IG: @tonyakolsondptWebsite: https://www.drtonyafootcare.com/Also, Tonya shared some post podcast video links for you that you can check out here.Here's my foot strengthening video: https://vimeo.com/993793434And, one to bulletproof your plantar fascia, ankle, calves.My heel raise protocolhttps://vimeo.com/999141770From Tonya: "The heel raises are best done on a slant board, or off a 2x4, or something that feels like a good stretch when your heel is at the bottom. It's essential that you're doing these so your heel lands on a solid surface, not off a step into the great abyss." Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If we told you that the guest on this episode has run the Scout Mountain 100 and then the Bighorn 100 two weeks later. And, at the time of this recording was preparing to run the Wasatch 100, just two months after Bighorn, AND three weeks after Wasatch will be running the Bear 100, what would you say? If you are like us, we are just blown away by that kind of endurance. How do you recover? How do you train for this? And good grief, just how? But, what if we also told you that this guest is only 18? Yeah, we felt that way too. Want to learn more from even those that are younger than you, then this is an inspiring episode of what is possible. Connect with Adam on IG: @adamwolf07⁠ And check him out on YouTube: @thewolfthatruns Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of the podcast, Liz Clarke joins us fresh off her 2nd place finish at the Angeles Crest 100. Liz shares her insights on trianing, overcoming challenges and the role of her faith and sobriety have played in her ultra running journey. Learn how to prepare for high-altitude races, manage nutrition and how she stays resilient even in her darkest moments. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or a beginner looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable tips and personal stories that will help you put together your own blueprint for running ultras. Connect with Liz on IG: @lizotf Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have read this far, do us a favor and hit that subscribe button. Leave us a rating and comment. We'd love to hear from you.

Starting with his first ultra, the Marathon des Sables at the age of 60, Bob Becker has become a running legend as the oldest runner to finish the Badwater 135. With stories of overcoming challenges like battling extreme heat in Death Valley and dealing with a severe forward lean due to a back issue, Bob’s experiences serve as a treasure trove of inspiration. He discusses his strategies for run/walk, the significance of core strength, the impact of a good crew, and the supportive ultra running community. If that isn't enough, Bob is also the Race Director for the Keys 100 and the Daytona 100. We spend a few minutes highlighting the unique aspects of each event. If you have ever thought that you couldn't run an ultra or that your age was a factor preventing you from accomplishing your goals, then this episode is for you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn from a seasoned ultra runner and gain motivation to pursue their ultra running goals.Connect with Bob: https://www.instagram.com/bobruns150Daytona 100https://www.instagram.com/daytona100ultrarace/website: https://daytona100ultra.com/Keys 100https://www.instagram.com/keys100ultra/website: https://keys100.com/ Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have read this far, do us a favor and hit that subscribe button. Leave us a rating and comment. We'd love to hear from you.

Joining Steve and Jeff on the show this week is Anne Tisdell, a CTS Ultra running coach with an impressive resume including multiple 100+ mile races. This episode touches on a variety of topics as Anne brings her experiences at Ouray 100, Moab 240, Arizona 300 and other races along with her knowledge as a running coach. We discuss races at altitude and what you can do if you have a race above 5000 feet on your calendar, as well as, the importance of learning how to train / run by RPE. Whether you are new to ultra running or have a list of races on your ultrasignup, this episode will provide you with some insights to help you as you prepare for your next ultra.Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have read this far, do us a favor and hit that subscribe button. Leave us a rating and comment. We'd love to hear from you.

In this episode, Steve and Jeff swap their roles to be on the receiving end of the questions, with Brooklyn taking the helm as host. Steve and Jeff open up about their journeys into ultra running, discussing personal challenges and achievements that have defined their paths. From the mental strategies needed to tackle long distances to the logistics of race planning, their stories serve as both motivation and guidance. And perhaps even a little bit of what not to do! Grab a coffee or beverage of your choice and enjoy the episode. Connect with us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have read this far, do us a favor and hit that subscribe button. Leave us a rating and comment. We'd love to hear from you.