I start this episode with a bit about rotating your running shoes as I had a listener question about the topic (thank you Ron). The main focus of the episode is my conversation with Zach Dean. He has done a lot of ultras in very little time. We'll hear about some of them, but mainly we discuss his finishing of the BRUTES Challenge & the Hellbender …

Before you sign up for an event, please take these things into consideration: Time to train Commitments Family obligations Level of guilt Vacation time Time off work Time for ancillary training (strength & mobility work) Healthy enough to do it Prior injury history & plan to stave off repeating injury Assessing your goals to be realistic with time …

Chas Adams is came to me in Dec. of 2023 with the goal of completing the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of Ultras (Hyner 50k, World's End 100k, & Eastern States 100-miler). He is two-thirds of the way there having just completed World's End 100k. This episode is about his journey and frankly his struggle to complete World's End having run the race in 20…

There are so many variables to consider with in a race such as running surface, terrain, elevation change, distance, altitude, temperature, etc. Hydration and nutrition are huge concerns based on these variables. We have a lot to talk about, including the fact that Spring Awesome Sauce, one of my go to's, does not have anywhere near the amount of c…

I had 2 athletes complete the 2024 Cocodona 250. This episode is my conversation with each of those runners. Ben Gans - @dr_bentendo on Instagram Mike Reardon - @get_some_trail on Instagram Resources: Books: Jason Koop's Training Essentials for Ultrarunning - Heat Training Protocols Fixing Your Feet: Injury Prevention and Treatment for Athletes by …

Hellbender 100 didn't go as planned. This episode goes into why. I also discuss my essay for my application for Badwater 135 (actual letter is below). Here's my Post from Facebook after Hellbender: I’ve learned something over the 3 decades I’ve been running. When we line up for a race, no matter how much we’ve trained and prepared, the race and lif…

Hellbender 100 Miler is upon us! In this episode I take a deep dive into the course and some tips and strategies to employ if you're racing! Good luck to everyone toeing the line & thank you to all the volunteers & race staff! Volunteer for Hellbender Here - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115039 Flight of the Falcon 24 Hour Event - https…

Tim Nooney runs for a couple of companies, but his main sponsor is La Sportiva. La Sportiva was my first contractual trail specific sponsor back in 2008. In this episode, we discuss what it means to be sponsored, and what are the responsibilities that come along with a sponsorship, and what the brands are doing to sport not only athletes, but our s…

In this episode, I identify two ways you can establish a predicted finish time for your next 100-mile event. I suggest watching the video on this one as I go through my TrainingPeaks upload of my race at Heartbreaker to walk you through how I estimated my finish time for the 2024 Hellbender 100-miler. That video can be found here - https://youtu.be…

My job as a coach, as Ted Lasso would echo, is to not only make athletes perform to their potential, but to help them become their best self. How can one do that but to be present consistently. Show love and respect abundantly. And model how to present oneself through constant gestures of kindness & thoughtfulness. We’re becoming afraid to tell one…

Hunt Brumby passed from this world on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was a friend, an ultra runner, an athlete I coached, some one who I respected, and inspired so many! He left us too soon! He battled cancer valiantly. He continued to smile and be present. I was amazed at his strength. That was Hunt; Strong willed and determined to fight on! I'll miss …

Are you a Type A personality like me? If so, this episode will hit home! An open honest look into my training & life that necessitates change. Here's my road map for moving forward! Also, I'm pleased to introduce The Flight of The Falcon 24 Hour event on Aug. 3, 2024 at West Henderson High School. Registration will open on April 14th here - https:/…

Heartbreaker 50-mile was an awesome race. The following is my race recap! Congrats to all the finishers! Thanks to Tanawha Adventures for a great race, & to all the volunteers for your selfless acts of keeping us going! Results - https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=108336 Race website - https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellhear…

If you allow your body to absorb it's fitness, you'll be better able to express your fitness when it counts. This episode takes a look into these two terms so you can make the best of your training! Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, &…

Some days are better than others! My last long put me to the test mentally & physically. My past experiences, my training (both physically & mentally), my mental fortitude, & my friends got me through it. This episode is how you can do the same! Resources: Morning Shakeout Newsletter - https://themorningshakeout.com/ NY Times Article - https://arch…

Safety is a concern for so many while we run. With recent events, I thought it time to bring this topic to the podcast and shed some light on some things we can do to feel safer and put ourselves in safer position to run. Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife …

You can watch this episode at - https://youtu.be/fdMmCpCu514 I made a training blunder! I put too many days in a row without recovery. In this episode, I walk you through what I did, why I shouldn't have done it, and how to move forward and make sure I don't do it again by looking at metrics and listening to my body. Learn from my mistakes, and if …

Tera Pruett is an Strength & Endurance Coach, an ultra runner, a mom, wife, & so much more. She also organizes the Trail Running Film Festival Asheville. In this conversation we talk all about Tera and the Film Festival. I hope you can come join us on Sunday April 21st at 4 PM EST. Here's the Facebook event where you can stay up to date with the go…

Feb. 26th marks the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. With that in mind, this conversation with registered dietician Kendra Miller on eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability brings to the forefront these topics that could be affecting someone you know or even yourself. If you suspect you yourself or someone you k…

In this episode, I take a look at strength equipment and resources I have found and collected over the past 18 years. Which items I consider prioritizing purchasing before others and why. Again, I have no affiliation with any of these products, and I do not endorse their use without consulting a strength training coach like Will Frantz or your Phys…

Here are my gear choices & why I have them for the Hellbender 100. I hope it sparks thoughts to your gear choices. Topo Mountain Racer 3 - https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-mtn-racer-3?quantity=1&color=218 Topo Atmos - https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-atmos?quantity=1&color=223 Altra Olympus 5 – https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/men/mens-olympus-5…

When we align our values with our running, we clear a path for ourselves to be free to run with less inhibitions and anxieties. This episode dives into finding our own core values and aligning them with our races, the brands we support, and finding a coach with similar values. Resources: Addie Bracy's book "Mental Training for Ultrarunning" Damian …

We've all made training mistakes. Myself included! But we should recognize these mistakes and try not to make them again. In this episode, I hope to bring to light some of these common pitfalls and how we can avoid them. I hope this makes you consider what you're doing and what changes you can make to improve your training! Here are my notes: 1. No…

Flame Bearers (according to their website - www.flamebearers.com) is a global storytelling platform, that shares stories of female Olympic and Paralympic athletes so that other females can know what is possible and that change is possible. Change not only of the individual, but for the community of which they are a part. Jamie Mittelman is the host…

In this Episode I take a deep dive into creating a pacing plan using ultrapacer.com to assist you in making a plan for nutrition & hydration for race day. Here's the YouTube video to accompany this - https://youtu.be/xp3mnTdDBgw Resources: www.ultrapacer.com Podcast w/ Danny of ultrapacer.com - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/learning-to…

Rob Simmelkjaer is doing amazing things with the New York Road Runners (NYRR)! The Non-Profit Organization puts on the largest marathon in the world, the New York City Marathon. They have amazing programs to get everyone running, from young kids to elderly adults. This conversation goes through so many of these incredible things. Enjoy our conversa…

In this Episode Coaches Faith Raymond, Gordon Collins, & I take a deep dive into things to consider when searching for a coach. We hope this helps provoke some thought and questions for you in your search! To connect with Coach Faith, please visit her website www.runlongrunstrong.com or follow her on Instagram @RunLongRunStrongEndurance To connect …

In this episode I talk about some of the items that has made our sport what it is today. I provide resources that can help us be better runners and people. Resources: Books - Daniel's Training Formula by Dr. Jack Daniels Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop We Can't Run Away from This by Damian Hall Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy Mental…

Here's my breakdown or outline of my training plan for the Hellbender 100. I talk about each block, what I'll be focusing on, how much volume, planned races, my why & goals, & the team of people I'm surrounding myself with to help me through race day. At the end I answer a great question submitted by Keith about just how much zone 2 running we shou…

Natalie Daniel did something amazing...AGAIN! Have a listen to her narrative about the GML 200 & setting the Gritchell FKT in the process! My apologies for being sick during the recording, but I wanted to share this adventure with you all! To connect with Natalie: Natalie Hensley Daniel on Facebook Natalie Daniel on Strava @natedoggultrarunner on I…

Allison Mercer had a huge 2023 finishing 2nd OVERALL at the Strolling Jim 40-miler in May earning her 2nd golden tee shirt (1st woman to do so). Then setting a PR at the Berlin Marathon of 2:49 in Sept. Then 6 weeks later taking 7th OVERALL & 2nd place female at the Tunnel Hill 50-miler. While in the process setting a new Master's American 50-mile …

Paul Terranova conmpleted the Grand Slam in 2012. In 2023, he completed the Rocky Mountain Slam finishing the Hardrock 100, Leadville 100, Wasatch 100, & The Bear 100. This episode dives deep into everything srrounding this gigantic effort! Enjoy! Resources: Rocky Mountain Slam Info - https://bear100.com/rocky-mountain-slam/ Rocky Mountain Slam Reg…

Coach Faith Raymond has a background in science. From her website, https://runlongrunstrong.com/ "A scientist by training, Coach Faith earned an A.S. in Liberal Arts and Science from Manchester Community College in 2010, her B.S. in Marine Science from UCONN at Avery Point in 2013, and her M.S. in Oceanography from UCONN in 2015. She followed that …

The Blue Ridge Ultra Trail Endurance Slam B.R.U.T.E.S. Challenge, is a tough series of five 100k+ mountain runs in the Southeast that one must complete within 365 days. This conversation is with three 2023 finishers; Cera Jones, Nick Schuster, & Josh Nunez. We could have gone on for hours as there is just so much to share about these 3 people and w…

Meredith Terranova has a lot of experience with Ultramarathons & Nutrition. She is a Nutritionalist in her professional life and helps many athletes like myself to reach their nutrition and sports goals. In this episode, we explore the mistakes I was making this summer in the Grand Slam as well as in my daily diet. You can reach Meredith through he…

Jason Green is an awesome person doing awesome things in our community, so I wanted to have a conversation with him to hear what makes him tic and hear his thoughts on the current state of our sport. Here is that conversation. enjoy! To connect with Jason, please visit https://yetitrailrunners.com/ Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more a…

Coach Will Frantz & I share a passion for making a difference in the lives of others & helping them achieve their goals. We have a very deep conversation which went places we both didn't expect. This includes being bullied and how that has affected each of us as well as where our passion stems from and how we use this in our daily lives & running. …

Scott Kummer does a lot for our sport. Known for his Podcast & races, Ten Junk Miles, I really wanted to hear his thoughts on our sport, our community, and the current state of our races. Please enjoy our conversation! To connect with Scott, please visit his website - https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/ Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more ab…

Jeff Stafford has been running ultras since 2014. In that time, he's completed ultras with distances in excess of 350 miles. He brings a lot of experience to the conversation and a lot of sage advice. I hope you have a lot of takeaways and enjoy this episode! Resources: Becca Jones 1000k Run Fundraiser - https://www.gofundme.com/f/1000k-run-across-…

HUGE Episode! 3 guests as we talk through the Podcast. Up first is my friend, crew chief, & main pacer Nathan Frantz. Secondly, I interviewed fellow Grand Slam finisher and one of my athletes I coach, Thomas Brown. Lastly, I interview my coach, Patrick Reagan. So much in here in my longest podcast to date. Enjoy! To connect with: Nathan - @nate_ocr…

The Grand Slam is COMPLETE! I finished Wasatch, & it took about everything I had to do so. Here's my recount of the race in this episode. Resources: Running The Wasatch 100 must watch videos - https://www.youtube.com/@Scottwesemann Grand Slam Website - https://grandslamofultrarunning.net/ Wasatch 100 Website - https://wasatch100.com/ USWE Packs - h…

As Thomas Brown & I attempt to complete the Grand Slam at the Wasatch 100 in Slat Lake City, UT, we discuss the race & the websites Top 10 Reasons to DNF the race - found at the bottom of this page - https://wasatch100.com/about/ We'll be racing on Sept. 8th. Best of luck to all the Grand Slammers & runners! Aaron's information: If you'd like to le…

This recording was actually from Andrew Snow & his YouTube channel (links below). We had a great conversation and covered so many topics. I hope you enjoy! To connect with Andrew & his new book "Run Elite": Book - www.runelitebook.com available on Amazon & Audible YouTube Channel: Run Elite Facebook - Andrew Snow Aaron's information: If you'd like …

In this episode, I recap race #3 of my Grand Slam, The Leadville 100-mile race. A challenging high altitude mountain race 3 weeks after the Badger 100-mile race. Thank you for listening! Resources: Hella's YouTube video on Leadville 100 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIQH4nIMaM0 Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or t…

Peter Defty is the owner of Vespa. He is a wealth of knowledge. Luckily he is very generous in sharing what he's learned and what he knows with people like me. Peter changed my world in the Badger 100-mile Race. I had no stomach issues and no need to cram lots of extra calories into my system thanks in part to the use of Vespa Ultra Concentrate (ht…

in this episode I discuss my current state of recovery and why calling an audible is so important to do in your own training. I also discuss Leadville 100 and the challenges of the Grand Slam. I hope you enjoy! Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials,…

Thomas Brown & I finished the Badger 100-mile run. This was Thomas' 3rd race in the Grand Slam, and my 2nd. Here our recap of the event. Resources: Badger 100 Website - https://www.tenjunkmilesracing.com/badgertrailrace Ten Junk Miles Podcast - https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/ Run 100s Website - http://www.run100s.com/ultra.htm Vespa - https://vespapo…

Continuing from last week's episode, I talk about packing for Badger 100 and avoiding some of the same mistakes I've made in the past. Also, a nod at some of the recent female performances that deserve recognition. To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQvcTU9wXywYE…

In this episode I review my packing list for a race. I also go over some tips for crew, pacer, drop bags, & general logistics. Enjoy! Here is the checklist: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DH-i9XQCUtcfDVdb4DBT-i_dGrGVpD5jaGpMwCyzV18/edit?usp=sharing Previous episode resources: Crewing - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/crewing-spe…

Thomas Brown has completed two races of the Grand Slam (Old Dominion & Western States). I have completed one (Western States). We both continue the Grand Slam at the Vermont 100. This is our recap of Thomas' Western States experience & our preview of the Vermont 100. Connect with Thomas under his name on Facebook. Resources: Podcast we mention on V…