Athlete On Fire

This episode explores the journey of two friends, Scott and Chris, as they share their experiences in hunting, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. From early influences and personal stories to the cultural significance of hunting, they discuss the importance of perseverance, preparation, and the joy of sharing these experiences with the next generation. Scott and Chris started hunting in Colorado the same year and have been learning everything they can over the last 5-6 years! We hope you enjoy the storytelling and journey!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey01:17 Early Influences and Background03:29 The Return to Hunting05:40 First Harvest Experience10:17 Cultural Significance of Hunting12:09 Overcoming Barriers to Entry13:29 Learning Through Experience16:10 The Challenges of Elk Hunting19:21 Lessons from the First Year24:49 Scouting and Preparation28:42 The Thrill of the Hunt32:25 Reflections on the Experience34:09 The Importance of Companionship36:50 The Second Year of Hunting51:14 The Hardest Physical Challenge58:13 The Final Moments of the Hunt01:04:09 Celebrating Success01:10:55 Lessons Learned and Future Goals01:16:14 The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation01:22:15 Dream Hunts and Future Aspirations

On this episode Katie Wightman shares her journey from a background in national parks and being an avid hunter. She discusses her experiences with trail running and the Becoming Ultra project, solo adventures in the wilderness, and the importance of mentorship in hunting. She reflects on her first big game hunt, the techniques she employs, and the philosophical aspects of hunting, including its role in conservation and sustainable living. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where food comes from and the responsibilities that come with hunting!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Keity Whiteman00:55 Keity's Background in National Parks04:39 Trail Running and Its Connection to Hunting08:28 Solo Adventures and Safety in the Wilderness16:43 The Night Run Experience28:01 Keity's Journey into Hunting34:46 First Big Game Hunt Experience42:07 Hunting Styles and Techniques46:45 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting01:11:42 Philosophical Views on Hunting and Conservation

Charlie Pappas has one speed and one focus. All out and laser. Charlie mentored Scott by getting him his first bow, teaching him how to shoot, and taking him on his first hunt(an epic one at that). His passion for the outdoors, his family, his friends, his work, and everything else is completely contagious.  We hope you walk away from this episode inspired to do and be better. We did!

Zero To Harvest is a new series with Athlete On Fire. Exploring why and how everyday hunters do what they do! Hope you enjoy!Ben Welnak is the reason Athlete On Fire exists. His podcast was the first time I knew there was such a thing back 15 years ago. Life happens, and interests change and now we sit down to talk about our newest and biggest passion, hunting. We explore the journey of hunting and outdoor experiences, focusing on the evolution from childhood influences to adult hunting practices. We talk about fishing, hunting, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, patience, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. We delve into experiences and lessons learned from hunting, particularly elk hunting. They discuss the importance of calmness, confidence, and the need for practical experience over theoretical knowledge. The conversation highlights the progression of skills in hunting, the significance of being prepared, and the societal and conservation aspects of hunting. They emphasize the value of sharing experiences to educate others and foster a deeper connection with nature.Chapters00:00 The Origins of Podcasting and Hunting Journeys02:46 Childhood Influences and Early Outdoor Experiences05:30 The Transition to Hunting and Mentorship08:13 First Experiences with Fishing and Hunting11:02 Lessons Learned from Early Hunting Adventures14:14 The Importance of Patience in Hunting16:49 The Evolution of Hunting Skills and Techniques19:49 The First Harvest and Learning to Process Game22:40 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth in Hunting25:17 Access to Hunting Grounds and Overcoming Barriers28:31 The Journey of Learning and Sharing Experiences49:01 Learning Through Experience in Hunting52:08 The Importance of Confidence and Calmness54:40 Progression in Hunting Skills58:51 Lessons from Elk Hunting Adventures01:13:48 Efficiency in Hunting Gear and Techniques01:15:58 The Societal Importance of Hunting and Conservation

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!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App 

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone57:28 Youth Sports and Development01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement

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. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing

In this engaging conversation, Scott and Cassidy Randall explore the world of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the adventures that inspire Cassidy's work.  They discuss the challenges of the writing industry, the importance of vulnerability in creative pursuits, and share personal stories about their journeys in the outdoor and writing realms. They discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating social media as a writer, the value of platforms like Substack for building community and sharing stories, and her journey in writing her book '30 Below,' which highlights the first all-women's ascent of Denali.  She reflects on the impact of trailblazing women in mountaineering and shares personal adventures that inspire her work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community, and the legacies of those who break barriers in their fields. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties02:09 Getting to Know Cassidy Randall03:11 The State of Freelance Writing06:30 The Impact of AI on Writing07:39 Exploring Influential Writers10:09 Living in Missoula, Montana12:42 Cassidy's Journey to Writing21:06 The Vulnerability of Writing26:14 Navigating the Social Media Landscape28:42 The Value of Substack and Community Building30:10 Exploring the Journey of Writing and Publishing34:50 Unveiling the Story Behind '30 Below'46:32 Impact and Legacy of Trailblazing Women53:04 Personal Adventures and InspirationsCassidy's book is here!Check out her website. Find your own adventures!

Our guest, Jenn Pattee, is an ultra runner and entrepreneur who took on the challenge of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico.  Seeing how much the sport of running can open up opportunities for adventure is always inspiring.  She shares stories from the trip like the rough start, some sketchy characters, and some lucky rides! Enjoy!   Check out here adventure on IG and Follow Jenn

Scott had a great chat with Susie Chan on all things adventure, life, and running From her book blurb: Susie Chan is an icon of endurance running. Since taking up running at the age of 35, she has completed the legendary Marathon des Sables more times than any other British woman, set the 12-hour treadmill World Record and was one of the first women to finish all the World Marathon Majors.Susie's story is an inspirational fight against the odds. From leaving a dysfunctional marriage, managing as a single mum and tackling cancer treatment, Susie has had her fair share of adversity. Throughout it all, running has kept her going. She always finds a reason to lace up her shoes and hit the road – or the track, trail or tread. Her mantra: You never regret a run.From the Moroccan desert, the Peruvian jungle and the sweltering Death Valley, to Susie's local South Downs and a running track in Tooting, her adventures take her across the globe. With Susie's down-to-earth personality, refreshing attitude and wicked sense of humour, we learn the countless reasons she finds to push herself further and the life-changing opportunities running has given her.

Whether you are training for the Olympics or your own big goals, having coaches and people in your corner that want the best for you on the field or trail is important.  One of Scott's former athletes shares her journey with the author of All In Stride to hopefully help other athletes navigate training, disordered eating, and more. Hope you enjoy! In All in Stride, Johanna Garton tells the gripping and inspiring stories of Elvin and Shadrack. Beginning with their upbringing in Kenya, Garton follows the runners through their journeys to the United States, running for Division One universities, their blossoming romance as college students, and ultimately their service as U.S. soldiers and professional runners. Woven through the narrative is the story of Samantha Schultz, who also competed for the U.S. Army. Like Elvin and Shadrack, she struggled with several obstacles throughout her journey, including poor coaching, over training, the intense pressure to make the Olympic team, and disordered eating, a condition that plagues so many young female athletes.

Four women are coming together to train for, plan, and fundraise so they can compete in an epic row from Monterey, California to Hawai. That's thousands of miles on a high tech row boat, rowing in teams of two for 2 hours at a time. On this episode, two of the four women come on to talk about the epic training camp your host, Scott Jones put them through in July. Find the stress and you'll find the growth. That certainly happened on three days across the state of Colorado. Enjoy and be sure to follow: Hericane Rowing Athlete On Fire

I had a chance to interview Phil Parsons the day before he embarks on the 444 mile Natchez Trace effort. The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile stretch of road that begins in Nashville and ends in Natchez, MS. To date, no one holds the record for the fastest known time (FKT), Natchez-trace-parkway-FKT completing the southbound journey on foot. This adventure is exactly what I am going to do this September — Suicide Awareness Month — to bring awareness to the issues of mental health and suicide among Veterans.  His story is one that is too commonly ended with a less positive outcome.  We have to love on our veterans and share what is bringing them together!  Running is often the answer, or a piece of it.  Check out his site and support the cause here. Support Band Of Runners!

After spending time doing hards things and getting others to do and succeed at hard things, we wanted to bring an event that combined the skills we learn doing these things with leadership skills that can help in work, sport, and life.  The inaugural leadership retreat is coming in February of 2024 in beautiful Costa Rica.  Learn more here. 

We had the chance to talk to Luke Tuttle of Ultra Running Destinations.  He uses the site to review trails and events all over the world. On this episode we got to talk about some of the amazing locales and adventures Luke has been on and we get to learn more about his story. If you like running and travel, you'll love this episode.. Thanks for listening! He just published his book about running in Europe too. You can check it out here!

Joe Uhan is an athlete, coach, medical professional and writer based in California after bouncing around and learning as much as he could in the physical therapy and performance worlds. We had a great talk about injury preventions and performance. He give some simple fixes for common injuries and dispels some myths. We talk about the business of sport and why going to cash based treatment is a good thing for the industry and individuals. Take a listen and let us know what else you would like to learn from Joe and guests like him! Enjoy. Uhan Performance Western States Killing Machine Becoming Ultra Band Of Runners

Join Scott and Ian Sharman as they talk about all things running, coaching, training, and more.  Ian owns Sharman Ultra, a long time partner of Becoming Ultra.  They get to talking about the business of online coaching and where they see it going in the near future.  They talk about some races that don't get enough love and bounce around the running world to share some of their experiences. Enjoy the show!

Kelsey Pfendler and Jennifer Hofer are one half of Team Hericane.  A crew of four rowers setting off to row across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii in May of 2024.  It was a great conversation and we will definitely be following their journey over the next year and change.  How much do they have to raise to make this happen?  Sidenote, you can donate here.  How do they eat, sleep, hydrate for so long? What is the record?  How are they training? How did they meet?  So. Many. Questions.  We think you all will like this episode as much as we did!   Follow their IG here. 

 Bailey and Katie met on Season 10 of the Becoming Ultra project and became fast friends.  Today's show is a dive into why they both live a certain lifestyle when it comes to food and where we get our food.  More than the light debate, the lesson is that we can all get along with the biggest personal differences.  A good lesson for the world right now!  It's a great conversation and hope you all enjoy!

Early success in race directing led to 9 of the craziest work year of Scott and his wife, Lauren's lives.  The lessons learned are seared from the stress but they wouldn't trade it for anything.  On the show today Scott shares the story about how a race with less than 60 people secured a big sponsorship.  A shout out to a runner giving back to the community and to herself as she keeps losing bets with her coach..ha!  Enjoy the show!