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Summary On this episode Scott and Ian Sharman discuss the evolving landscape of ultra running, coaching, and the impact of social media on sponsorships.  He reflects on the challenges of balancing social media presence with genuine engagement. They also touches on the journey of coaching clients, particularly Hans, who has transformed his life through running, highlighting the significance of setting realistic goals and the gradual process of building endurance. Ian talks about his upcoming book, "The Art of Ultra Running," which aims to provide practical advice for runners at all levels.  We hope you enjoy.  Also, come run with us in Colorado!    Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to Becoming Ultra 01:08 The Evolution of Coaching and Sponsorships 04:23 Coaching Success Stories: Hans's Journey 08:37 Approaches to Training: Methodical vs. Jumping In 12:15 The Importance of Pacing and Community 18:39 Introducing 'The Art of Ultra-Running' 25:37 The Power of Storytelling in Running 26:23 Navigating Social Media in the Running Community 28:48 The Saturation of Race Films 30:34 Exploring New Hobbies and Interests 32:25 Experiences Beyond Running 35:37 Environmental Challenges in the Running World 36:54 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations  

In this episode Scott chats with Chris Avery, a coach and ultra runner, about his journey from hating running to embracing ultra marathons. They discuss Chris's ambitious plan to run the perimeter of America, setting a world record for consecutive ultra marathons, and the challenges and logistics involved. Chris shares insights on personal growth, the importance of unique challenges, and the impact of running on his life and coaching career.

On this episode Scott and Hans Kaspersetz discuss Hans's transformative journey from being 305 pounds to becoming an ultra runner. They explore themes of family dynamics, the challenges of parenting, the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles, and the parallels between running and business. Hans shares his experiences with weight loss, health transformation, and the impact of his journey on his children. They talk about urban running and challenges to keep it fresh and fun!  We hope you enjoy the show! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:49 Journey into Ultra Running 14:51 Weight Loss Transformation and Its Impact 19:57 Comparing Past and Present Experiences 24:49 Parenting and Modeling Behavior 26:41 Transformative Journeys: Family and Fitness 28:03 The Enduring Why: Motivation and Identity 31:23 Navigating Age and Activity: Staying Active as We Age 34:09 Urban Running: Challenges and Creative Solutions 40:25 Pain and Performance: Lessons from Ultra Running and Business

Scott sits down with Marie Leautey to talk about her epic run around the world, yes, the world!   Enjoy the show and read below for a solid AI description of it all!! Title: Running the World: Marie Leautey's Incredible Journey of Self-Discovery Introduction:   In a world where adventure often feels out of reach, Marie Leautey's story is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative nature of running. From a life of smoking to becoming a world runner, Marie's journey is not just about the miles; it's about rediscovering oneself and embracing new challenges. Main Content: 1. **A Nomadic Background**   Marie Ludie, known affectionately as Lootie, hails from France but has lived in various countries, making her a true global citizen. Speaking four languages and having experience in multiple cultures, her nomadic lifestyle has shaped her perspective on life and fitness. It was during her time as a nomad that she discovered the joys of running, which allowed her to explore new places intimately. 2. **The Turning Point**   At the age of 26, Marie faced a pivotal moment when she realized her unhealthy lifestyle was holding her back. A friend invited her to run, and after merely 500 meters, she found herself out of breath, a shocking realization for someone so young. This moment ignited a fire within her, prompting her to quit smoking and commit to a healthier lifestyle. She vowed never to miss a day of running, turning her newfound passion into a daily habit that transformed her life. 3. **The Concept of the World Run**   The dream of running around the world emerged in 2017 while Marie was working as a CFO in Singapore. Bored and doodling during a conference call, she sketched a figure running around a globe. Upon researching, she discovered that only six people had accomplished such a feat before her. This validation fueled her desire to embark on her own world run, leading her to spend two years preparing mentally and physically for the challenge. 4. **The Journey Begins**   Marie began her world run in December 2019, just three months before the pandemic changed the world. Over the next three years, she would cover over 26,000 kilometers, experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes across multiple continents. Each day brought new challenges and new perspectives, making her journey not just a physical challenge but also a spiritual and emotional one. 5. **The Rules of Engagement**   Marie's journey was guided by the World Runners Association, which established the rules for world runs. This included a minimum distance requirement and a set path that navigated the planet's continents while accounting for the vast bodies of water. These regulations helped Marie shape her route, ensuring her journey was both authentic and recognized by the running community.    

On this episode Scott shares 5 ideas to get the most out of your December to hit the ground running in January.  Some are great reminders and a couple may be new to you. In any case, we think you'll be able to take one or two things away from this episode to enjoy the start of the new year!  Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones speaks with Mary Martin, the race director of the Stand Hope Ultra Challenge. They discuss Mary's journey from the East Coast to Idaho, her involvement in the ultra running community, and the challenges of organizing ultra marathons. They talk about the unique aspects of the races, including elevation gains, course navigation, and the importance of community and volunteers. Mary shares insights on the growth of the race, safety measures, and the local culture surrounding Ketchum, Idaho including a crazy weekend Scott spent at Rebecca's Prvate Idaho mountain biking event.  We hope you enjoy the new episode!   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mary Martin and Stand Hope Ultra Challenge 03:30 Moving to Idaho: Embracing the Outdoors 06:25 Mary's Journey into Ultra Running 08:24 Understanding the Ultra Running Community 10:29 Experiences in Ketchum and the Ultra Culture 13:45 Race Details: Elevation and Course Challenges 16:24 The 100-Mile Race: Growth and Challenges 19:07 Community and Participation in Races 20:42 Transitioning Leadership: Mary Takes Over 23:22 Safety and Navigation in the Mountains 24:00 Accommodations and Local Culture 26:29 Post-Race Celebrations and Community Engagement 26:54 Registration and Volunteer Opportunities 29:43 Future Plans and Changes for the Race 32:32 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Becoming Ultra is back after a little 4 month hiatus! Scott hops on to share what's been going on and what to look forward to with BU.  The lessons from running far transend to podcasting, business, and more and we hope to continue to inspire and educate more people to get out there and do hard, epic things!

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott discusses with Ken Krogsrud, the race director of the Lost Sierra ultra in Downeyville, California. Ken shares his journey into ultra running, the challenges and successes of organizing the race, and the unique terrain and community involvement that make this event special. They also discuss race strategies for first-timers, post-race activities, and the philosophy behind Ken's Bad Luck Run Club, which aims to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere for runners of all levels. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ken Krogsrud and His Journey 02:44 The Lost Sierra Race Experience 05:28 Trail and Elevation Insights 08:02 Feedback and Improvements from Last Year 10:49 Race Logistics and Community Support 13:44 Race Strategies for First Timers 16:16 Post-Race Activities and Local Attractions 19:06 Bad Luck Run Club and Its Vibe 22:09 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative power of breathwork. He discusses the challenges of running a high-pressure business, the importance of self-awareness, and how he transitioned into creating fivepointfive, an app designed to make breathwork accessible and beneficial for everyone. Adam emphasizes the physiological and psychological benefits of breathwork, its role in education, and the necessity of teaching healthy coping mechanisms to future generations.  They discuss the significance of breath work in enhancing performance, recovery, and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of different breathing techniques for various activities, including weight training and endurance sports. The discussion also covers the benefits of nose breathing, the role of breath work in recovery, and natural alternatives to pre-workout supplements.  We think you'll enjoy this unique perspective with something all athletes can implement in their lives! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey 02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies 05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery 09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business 12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision 15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History 17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork 20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance 23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques 28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery 30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training 32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing 34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing 36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements 39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes 42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques 43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing 46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App  

On this episode Denise shares her transformative experience running the Mendocino Coast Ultra. From her initial impressions of the beautiful coastal town to the challenges faced during the race, Denise recounts her journey. With insights from her coach Addie Bracey, the conversation highlights the importance of consistency, overcoming physical obstacles, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra running. Denise's story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering taking on such a challenge, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the finish line. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:00 Exploring the Mendocino Coast 04:50 Race Day Experience 10:12 Overcoming Challenges During the Race 13:58 Crossing the Finish Line 17:52 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations Run with us!  

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics. They share personal anecdotes about their childhood adventures and parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for unstructured play in children's lives. Abbott discusses his journey as a sports writer and his recent work on biomechanics and injury prevention, highlighting the joy of movement and the relationships built through sports. They delve into various aspects of athletic performance, focusing on injury prevention, particularly ACL injuries, and the biomechanics of landing. They discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, the impact of footwear on performance, and practical coaching tips for athletes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for tailored training methods and the significance of addressing common issues like 'computer back' in today's athletes. They discuss the evolution of running techniques, the significance of ballistic training, and practical drills that can be applied by anyone. The conversation also touches on the concept of Misogi, emphasizing the value of outdoor challenges and creative training methods to engage communities and promote physical fitness.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures 06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood 08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities 11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition 15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics 18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy 21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights 27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries 33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics 39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues 41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics 49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training 50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques 51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance 53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone 57:28 Youth Sports and Development 01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges 01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement      

Today Scot interviews Jennifer Conroyd, the founder of Fluid Running, about her journey into the world of aqua jogging and how it can help runners maintain their fitness while recovering from injuries. Jennifer shares her personal story of training for a marathon while injured, the science behind deep water running, and the importance of engagement in workouts. They discuss common running injuries and how aqua jogging can be a beneficial alternative for maintaining fitness. Jennifer also shares success stories from users of Fluid Running, including an ultra runner who overcame a stress fracture. Enjoy the show!   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fluid Running and Jennifer Conroyd 02:56 Jennifer's Journey to Fluid Running 05:50 The Science Behind Aqua Jogging 09:00 Engagement and Motivation in Aqua Jogging Workouts 12:07 Common Running Injuries and Aqua Jogging Benefits 14:52 Success Stories: Greg's Journey with Fluid Running 17:59 Conclusion and Special Offer  

On this episode,  Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and athlete performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's adaptability and how it can enhance training techniques for endurance athletes. The discussion also covers traditional sports psychology and how a proactive approach can lead to better performance outcomes. They discuss strategies for managing mental load, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of endurance events. The role of technology in training is also examined, highlighting the potential distractions it can create.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science 16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology 23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes 32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance 39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training 45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events 48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance 56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing The Becoming Ultra Project

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Deidra shares her inspiring journey to becoming an ultrarunner, detailing her training, race experience, and the personal growth she achieved along the way. From overcoming physical challenges like back surgery to embracing the beauty of the of Mendocino, Deidra's story highlights the importance of mindset and perseverance. She reflects on her post-race recovery and the lessons learned, giving some words of encouragment to other new runners out there!   Chapters 00:00 Deidre's Journey to Becoming an Ultrarunner 02:52 The Race Experience: Challenges and Triumphs 06:00 Post-Race Reflections and Recovery 09:03 Mindset and Overcoming Life's Challenges 11:58 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Advice for Others Run with us!

In this episode, Scott Jones introduces Jackson Brill, a coach based in Bend, Oregon.   They discuss Jackson's background, his experiences in teaching and coaching, and his love for outdoor sports and trail running. Jackson shares insights about growing up in Boise, Idaho, and his educational journey in integrative physiology.  They discuss the balance between the art and science of coaching, and the differences between in-person and virtual coaching dynamics. Jackson shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and enjoyment in training, while also highlighting the importance of stable relationships with athletes. The conversation wraps up with memorable race experiences and the lessons learned from them.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jackson Brill 02:08 Life in Bend, Oregon 06:52 Teaching Style and Experiences 11:04 Growing Up in Boise, Idaho 17:03 Education and Background in Physiology 22:24 The Challenge of Wingate Testing 25:15 The Art of Coaching vs. Science 27:45 In-Person vs. Virtual Coaching Dynamics 31:11 Coaching Philosophy and Simplicity 36:38 Building Harmonious Coach-Athlete Relationships 38:50 Memorable Race Experiences and Lessons Learned   Apply to the project!