Ordinary to Ultra

Ultra running is NOT easy, and that's part of why it's so rewarding. Justin was chasing his first 50k ultramarathon to see how far he could go, but he wasn't quite prepared for the brutal conditions he encountered. Between lengthy climbs, 6+ inches of snow, and underprepared nutrition, he ended up pulling from his first 50k ultramarathon. But that's not the end of Justin's story. Listen to today's episode to hear about how Justin got into running, the story of his 50k DNF, but then ultimately his redemption when he runs his own self-supported 50k ultramarathon.
Other topics include running with a stroller, working in running with a traveling job, proper and improper nutrition for a 50k ultramarathon, training for a 50k, running a self-supported 50k, and the mental toughness needed to finish.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background01:20 Running while Traveling04:22 Getting into Running06:16 Running with Family07:24 Running Schedule and Work09:07 Inspiration from Other Runners10:39 50k Ultramarathon DNF20:00 Reflecting on the Experience21:01 Journey to the 50K22:16 Self-Supported 50K23:36 Mental Toughness in Ultras25:17 Training for the 50K29:09 Feeling Accomplished31:19 Real Conversations in the Trail Running Community34:17 Considering a 50-Miler39:25 Triathlon Considerations43:01 Lessons from a DNF44:08 Wrapping Up

More often than not, the journey to a person's first ultramarathon isn't linear. Jamie started running cross-country back in high school but didn't run his first ultramarathon until his mid-40s. It took a thought about reaching out to his old running friends, some inspiration from David Goggins, and an unanticipated race invitation to push Jamie into long-distance trail and ultramarathon running. Check out today's episode to hear the exciting story of Jamie's first 25k race, and ultimately the grueling but triumphant story of Jamie's first 50k ultramarathon. Other topics include running with family, training and nutrition strategy, transitioning from road to trail running, race day prep and nutrition, bathroom strategy, the benefits of pre-race warmup, dealing with mental anguish on race day, finding a race day buddy, feelings at the finish line, and advice for new ultra runners. Jamie is a 46-year-old male from Grafton, Ohio where he lives with his blended family of 7 kids. He also works as the chief of Clevnet, a consortium of 47 libraries.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Running Solo and Family Involvement06:10 Getting Into Running09:33 Training and Nutrition13:43 Transition to Trail Running22:49 Race Preparation and Nutrition28:12 Discovering Ultra Running32:34 Race Day Preparation33:32 Bathroom Breaks and Pre-Race Anxiety34:20 Race Preparation and Nutrition36:05 Race Strategy and Course37:06 Gear and Pre-Race Routine39:03 Race Day Experience44:13 Mental Challenges and Camaraderie48:09 Finish Line and Recovery55:15 Post-Race Reflection and Future Goals59:54 Planning for Future Races01:11:03 Advice for New Ultra Runners

Have you ever had a moment when you look at yourself and have a powerful realization that you need to change? Andy was in his late 30's when he had a powerful realization that he needed to change if he wanted to have a long and happy life with his wife and 3 daughters. He started out jogging around the neighborhood. After a while, he signed up for a 5k. Before Andy knew it he was losing weight, lost the desire to smoke, and became an ultramarathon runner! Tune in to hear Andy's transformation story and some triumphant tales of Andy finishing many (but not all) of his ultramarathons.
Andy Liakos is 49 years old and lives in Omaha, Nebraska with is wife and 3 daughters (some of which are also runners!). Andy is a Product Manager by trade, but is ultimately and entrepreneur and problem solver. When he isn't running, you'll find him meticulously maintaining his yard or in the woods doing other outdoorsy things.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Rabbit Ears Pass
05:00 Getting Started in Running
08:34 Progression from 5K to Marathon
09:32 Running Faster vs. Running Longer
27:28 Transition from Marathon to Ultra
36:01 Overcoming Obstacles in Ultra Races
45:36 The Why of Running
48:54 Advice for Getting into Ultra Running
52:13 Conclusion and Farewell

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run an ultramarathon with your partner?! Melody and Jacob Bateman’s relationship started off with a trail running date that eventually lead to a marathon date, and then a joint 50-mile ultramarathon. Tune in to this episode to hear how the Batemans learned about ultra running, training and nutrition tips for your first ultra, and how the Batemans ran their first 50-mile ultramarathon together (without killing each other).
Other topics include how running as a couple can be both tough and rewarding, preparing for and running a marathon, strength training and ultra running, mental toughness for ultras, nutrition and hydration for ultras, why we sometimes do or don’t feel elated at the finish line, and more.
Melody and Jacob Bateman are 28 and 30 years old respectively, are now married, have a 5-month-old baby boy, and they run a podcast and business called Trail to 100! They help people run their first 100-mile ultramarathon with their podcast, ultramarathon coaching, and more. Check them out at the links below.
Trail to 100 podcast and website
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Running as a Couple03:16 Individual Running Stories08:55 Meeting and Running a Marathon30:46 Pacing and Mindset in Ultra Running36:53 Lessons Learned from a 50-Miler37:49 Deciding to Run the Race Together38:16 Starting the Race and Setting the Pace39:14 Miscommunication and Anger42:17 Aid Station at Mile 1844:26 Running Ahead and Waiting45:18 Running Together and Making a Plan46:45 Bonking and Regaining Energy49:03 Struggling and Finding Support53:38 The Final Uphill Stretch56:37 The Emotional Finish Line58:21 Reflecting on the Experience01:08:43 Encouragement for Beginners

Everyone starts running for a different reason, but Laura's is pretty unique. Laura has experienced debilitating chronic pain since her youth, but she's found that running helps her reduce inflammation in her body. So ultramarathons are quite literally "medicine" for her condition. Tune in to hear how Laura used running to overcome her chronic pain, how she ran her first 50k ultramarathon, and about the incredibly personal connections she's made during ultramarathons (especially her 41-hour one, that's a fun story).
Also hear about the difference between running marathons and ultramarathons, using a run-walk strategy, the differences between timed and distance-based ultras, and advice for maintaining a positive attitude while racing.
Laura is 41 years old and lives near Cleavland, Ohio with her husband and SEVEN (7) dogs. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Indianapolis, and when she's not training she loves to spend time with her family.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Go-to Running Route03:11 How Laura Got Into Running09:06 Running as Medication for Chronic Pain16:07 Laura's First 50k27:46 The Intensity of Ultras vs. Marathons29:00 Strategies and Challenges in Ultras31:18 A Special Ultra: Race for the Ages37:58 The Impact of the Ultra Community39:07 The Power of Human Connection43:40 The Supportive Role of Volunteers and Pacers45:23 The Variety of Ultra Races52:48 Final Ultra Running Advice

It never ceases to amaze me how normal people become ultramarathon runners, and David Dillon of Chase the Summit is no exception. David was leading a regular sedentary life as a Lead Mechanical Engineer until he met his soon-to-be wife. Listen to today’s episode to learn how he whipped himself into shape for himself and his girlfriend, got into trail running, and then got the ultra running bug after his first 50k. Oh, and he tells a story about how he almost died in a 100-mile ultramarathon. Fun stuff!
Other topics include changing friend groups when getting into trail/ultra running, choosing between self-made ultras and formal races, progressing through ultra distances, developing rhabdo during a 100-mile ultramarathon, dealing with DNFs, the different 100-milers David has run, balancing training with family and work, and simply getting to know David better (he’s a cool guy FYI).
David is 39 years old and lives near Boston, MA. He is married and has 4 kids, and some of them also like to run! David was formerly a Mechanical Engineer, but now is a full-time YouTuber/Content Creator on his channel Chase the Summit, where he shares his adventures and also reviews running technology.
Chase the Summit YouTube channel, podcast, and Instagram
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You know what’s harder than running a 100-mile ultramarathon? The sweepers catching up to you at mile 95 and getting pulled from the race. Michael Todd had set his eyes on the Wasatch 100 ultramarathon for years and his time finally came! But, as we do when we are new to a sport, he made some mistakes that cost him his finisher's buckle. Tune in to hear how Todd went from high school track, to a marathon, to running ultramarathons, and hear Michael’s heartbreaking and triumphant story of conquering the Wasatch 100 ultramarathon.
Other topics include Michael’s running backstory, his first ultramarathon (Speedgoat 50k), balancing running with work, making your own gels and other running nutrition, finding your forever pace, and finding your love for running.
Michael Todd is 39 years old and lives in Salt Lake City, UT. He works as a manufacturing coordinator for medical supplies and also teaches yoga online (see links below).

Follow Michael Todd / Yoga Mikehttps://www.facebook.com/michael.s.todd.90
https://www.instagram.com/runyogamikerun/

Join our Facebook & Strava group of new and experienced ultra runners: ⁠https://bit.ly/otu-facebook-community⁠
https://www.strava.com/clubs/ordinarytoultra
Get new episode announcements: https://landing.ordinarytoultra.com/newsletter
Check out our official website: https://www.ordinarytoultra.com/

Have you ever considered creating your own ultramarathon? I’m not talking about creating a 100+ person event, but rather planning a personal ultramarathon for yourself and maybe some friends. Craig Lloyd is a lifelong lover of the mountains and is well acquainted with participating in ultramarathon events, but also planning his own ultramarathon distance adventures. The fun part? He can do it just about anywhere he wants! Join today to hear how Craig got into adventure/ultra running by tracking down and befriending the man who beat his FKT (fastest-known time) on the Triple Crown of Utah.
Other topics include LOT’S of running advice like how long it takes to start enjoying running, running posture, if footstrike position matters, and what goals to set for your ultramarathons. You’ll also hear many adventure running stories (like conquering Mt. Rainier, Adams, and Hood in 4 days) and other FKT related stuff.
Craig Lloyd is 51 years young. He’s from So Cal, but he has lived in Draper, UT since 2001. He is married and has 4 boys, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. He works as a Talent Management Consultant and Executive Coach, and when he’s not working, you’ll find him in the mountains.

Follow Craig:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultracraig32
Facebook (he created this group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/TrailAndUltraRunning
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrailAndUltraRunning

Join our Facebook & Strava group of new and experienced ultra runners: ⁠https://bit.ly/otu-facebook-community⁠
https://www.strava.com/clubs/ordinarytoultra
Get new episode announcements: https://landing.ordinarytoultra.com/newsletter
Check out our official website: https://www.ordinarytoultra.com/