Let’s Run That Again

In this episode, Anna Epifano shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, highlighting the influence of her son Steve and the importance of family support. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of training for the Blackbeard's Revenge race, the mental aspects of running, and the beauty of nature experienced during runs. Anna reflects on the deeper meaning of ultra running, the community it fosters, and the personal growth that comes from embracing challenges. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of mindfulness and finding joy in the journey of running.   Enjoying the podcast? Support us by liking, reviewing, sharing and subscribing! If you would like to support us financially, you can do so here: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/letsrunthag⁠

Rachel Bambrick, founder of Women in Ultrarunning, joins to chat about her recent DNF at the High Lonesome 100. The discussion dives into ways races can throw unexpected and new challenges, how fueling and mental strength play into our decision making. The discussion also touches on the duality of emotions that accompany a DNF. How disappointment and pride can co-exist and there is no right way to feel. Rachel also gives a background on Women and Ultrarunning and how they are impacting ultrarunning for women currently!   Follow Rachel on Instagram: @rachel_lynn07 @womeninultrarunning ⁠https://www.womeninultrarunning.com/about-us ⁠

In this episode, Miles Victors shares his incredible journey from being 450 pounds to becoming an ultra runner. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, the challenges he faced during ultra marathons, and the lessons learned from his experiences, including the importance of managing pain, heat, and hydration. Miles also emphasizes the value of self-worth and the concept of 'failing forward' in the face of setbacks. His unique approach to running in sandals and the strategies he employs to navigate the trails provide valuable insights for both new and experienced runners. In this conversation, Miles Victors shares his experiences with trail running, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during the Devil's Gulch race. He discusses the importance of footwear choices, mental resilience, and the supportive community within the ultra running world. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of celebrating small victories, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and maintaining a positive outlook amidst challenges. Miles reflects on his personal growth through running and the connections formed with fellow runners, highlighting the shared empathy and camaraderie in the sport.   Follow Miles on Instagram: @milesvictors

Summary In this episode, Michelle and Heidi chat with Jill Albrecht about her journey in ultra running, particularly her experiences with the Cocodona race. Jill shares her background, including her sobriety journey and how it led her to discover ultra running. The conversation delves into the community spirit of Cocodona, her fundraising efforts for mental health resources, and the challenges she faced during the 2024 race, including severe weather conditions and injuries. Jill reflects on her decision to DNF and the lessons learned from the experience, emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of adversity. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the multifaceted challenges of ultra running, including the physical and mental hurdles faced during races, the emotional aftermath of completing such intense events, and the importance of community support. They discuss the psychological impact of post-race blues, the necessity of taking breaks, and the significance of maintaining a balanced identity outside of running. The conversation highlights the shared experiences of ultra runners and the deep connections formed within the community, emphasizing the need for self-care and understanding the emotional toll of racing.  

In this episode, the hosts celebrate one year of podcasting and welcome Carrie, who shares her unique journey into running, particularly ultra running. Carrie discusses her motivations, the impact of the organization Wear Blue, Run to Remember, and her transition from road running to trail running. She emphasizes the importance of community support, learning to ask for help, and the mental challenges faced during ultra races. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from running and the adventures that await beyond racing.   Follow Carrie on Instagram: @wanderlust_trailguide   For more information on Wear ⁠Blue:https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/⁠

In this episode of Let's Run That, hosts Michelle and Heidi are joined by ultra runners Tom Polen and Stephen Park to discuss their experiences at the Cocodona 250 race. The conversation delves into the challenges faced during the race, the importance of community and support, and the mental and physical strategies required to complete such a grueling event. Tom shares his journey leading up to Cocodona, including his previous attempts and the lessons learned along the way. Stephen provides insight into his own race experience, highlighting the camaraderie among runners and the vital role of nutrition and pacing. The episode culminates in an emotional recounting of the finish line experience, emphasizing the strength of the ultra running community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers reflect on their experiences in ultra running, particularly focusing on the challenges and triumphs faced during races. They discuss the importance of community, support, and mental resilience, as well as the lessons learned from both successes and DNFs. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of setting clear goals, adapting to challenges, and cultivating kindness within the running community. Ultimately, they highlight the journey of self-discovery and the connections formed through shared experiences in the sport.   Follow Tom & Stephen on Instagram: @raymond_now @irunfarslowly

In this episode, ultra runners Stacy and Kyle share their unique journeys into the world of ultra running, discussing their experiences with races, the challenges of DNFs, and the dynamics of racing together as a couple. They reflect on the mental and physical aspects of endurance sports, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from their various race experiences. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits and the camaraderie found within the ultra running community. Stacy shares her journey through ultra running, discussing the challenges she faced, the mental strength required, and the joy she found in the process. She reflects on the importance of community support, and her preparation for winter ultras. The discussion emphasizes the significance of persistence, learning from failures, and the fun aspects of endurance racing.   Follow Stacy and Kyle on Instagram: @endurance_unicorn_ @kyle.kalbus

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle discuss Michelle's experience at Cocodona 250 in May. Michelle reflects on the challenges faced during Cocodona, including weather conditions, mental resilience, and the importance of sleep. The conversation also touches on the role of pacers, the emotional journey of ultra running, and strategies for upcoming races. They emphasize the significance of visualization and staying present during the race, as well as the support from their crews, and touch on some thoughts as Heidi approaches the Devil's Gulch 100 this upcoming weekend.

In this episode, Chrissy Blankenship shares her inspiring journey from hating running in the Army to becoming an ultra runner. She discusses the importance of community, mental challenges, and the balance between family life and training. Chrissy reflects on her experiences with 100K and 100-mile races, emphasizing the mental and physical preparation required for ultra running. She also shares insights on overcoming obstacles, the solitary nature of long-distance running, and her plans for the upcoming Devil Dog 100-Miler.

In this episode, Molly Hernandez shares her journey from road running to ultra running, detailing her experiences with her first 100 mile attempt at Rocky Raccoon. She discusses the challenges of training, the mental hurdles faced on race day, and the importance of community support. Molly reflects on her DNF experience, emphasizing the lessons learned and the value of perseverance. She also touches on fueling strategies and the emotional aspects of ultra running, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys in the sport. Follow Molly on Instagram: @yourrunningbff

In this episode, we chat with Claire Bochenek, a passionate runner who shares her experiences with the Marathon des Sables (MDS), a grueling six-day race through the Moroccan desert. Claire discusses her journey into running, the allure of MDS, her training and preparation challenges, and the excitement of race day. She also delves into the logistical aspects of traveling to Morocco, the atmosphere of the race, and the importance of foot care and nutrition during such an intense event. We discuss the importance of nutrition, mental strategies for coping with physical challenges, and the unexpected realities of racing in extreme conditions. The conversation highlights the psychological impact of witnessing others struggle, the physical toll of the race, and the reflections that come after such a demanding experience. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for balance and acceptance in one's running journey.   Follow Claire on Instagram: @clairebeaux

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle chat with Elliot Matson, the founder of Folklord, a trail running apparel brand. They discuss the unique designs inspired by mythology, the journey of building the brand, and the importance of storytelling in connecting with the running community. Elliot shares his personal running experiences and the challenges of creating a brand that stands out in the outdoor apparel market. In this conversation, they explore the intersection of folklore, design, and the running community. Elliot shares how he draws inspiration from various folklore elements while emphasizing joy, community, and storytelling in their designs. They discuss the importance of branding through unique photography and the playful spirit of running, moving away from the traditional focus on suffering in the sport. The conversation also touches on the significance of mindset, finding joy in the journey, and creating accessible products that resonate with the community. Follow along on Instagram: @wearfolklord ⁠https://wearfolklord.com/⁠

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Julie Shobe, a registered dietitian specializing in ultra running nutrition. They discuss the critical role of nutrition in preventing DNFs (Did Not Finish) in races, the importance of protein for muscle repair, and common mistakes ultra runners make regarding fueling. Julie shares her journey into this niche of nutrition, emphasizing the need for variety and practical tips for runners to optimize their performance. The conversation highlights the interplay between nutrition and mindset, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced ultra runners. Julie shares her expertise on nutrition strategies for ultra runners, discussing the importance of variety in fueling, understanding race terrain, and managing hydration and mouth issues during long races. She emphasizes the need for strategic planning in nutrition, the common mistakes runners make, and how to respond to nutritional deficits effectively. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating nutrition marketing and the benefits of incorporating real food into an ultra running diet.   Check out all the great content Julie has on Instagram! @ultra.running.nutrition

In this episode, Paul Gibbs shares his unique journey into the world of ultra running, discussing his experiences with DNFs, and the lessons learned along the way. From his initial motivation to run after a personal loss to his attempts at the Long Haul 100, Paul reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his running career. He emphasizes the importance of community support, proper training, and mental resilience in overcoming obstacles in ultra running. The conversation also touches on the significance of nutrition and hydration strategies during long races, as well as the emotional impact of social media on runners' self-perception. The conversation explores themes of comparison, personal growth, and the significance of nutrition in performance, culminating in reflections on recent race experiences and the evolution of his training approach.   Follow Paul's journey to 100 miles on Instagram: @theblueeyedrunner24

In this conversation, ultra runner John Kelly discusses his experiences with the Barkley Marathons and other multi-day events. He shares insights into the allure of these challenging races, the mental strategies he employs when faced with obstacles, and his thoughts on the critics of such events. John emphasizes the importance of patience, adaptability, and finding meaning in arbitrary challenges, as well as the mental processes behind DNFing (Did Not Finish) during races. In this conversation, John shares his experiences with the Barkley Marathons, discussing the lessons learned from his DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences and how his mindset has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, the value of enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on the finish, and how reframing goals has changed his approach to racing. John also touches on the absurdity of pursuing challenging goals and the significance of nutrition and preparation in ultra running. He concludes with insights on pursuing big dreams, like his upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt, encouraging others to embrace challenges and learn from failures.

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Jack Pitcher, the fastest Briton to run across Australia. Jack shares his journey from a young, competitive runner to breaking records in ultra marathons. The conversation delves into the mental aspects of running, the importance of consistency, and the barriers that new runners face. They also discuss the influence of social media and the responsibility that comes with being a running influencer. Jack discusses the importance of authentic running influencers and how he aims to inspire others by demonstrating that anyone can achieve great things regardless of their background. Jack recounts the challenges he faced while attempting to run across Australia, including a severe car accident and the mental and physical toll of running 120K a day. He reflects on the lessons learned from pushing his limits and the impact of his experiences on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how he transformed his struggles into motivation for his future as a motivational speaker. The discussion also touches on the societal norms surrounding success and the pursuit of new records, highlighting the idea that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.   Check out Jack on Instagram: @jack_pitcher_   And check out this promo video for his upcoming adventure: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DINxsjFNO-K/?igsh=a2w3MHZoY2RrMXpu

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle chat with Josh Rosenthal of Borderlands and delve into the world of ultra running, focusing on the topic of Did Not Finish (DNF) experiences. Josh shares his personal journey with DNFs, emphasizing the importance of mindset, community support, and the lessons learned from each attempt. They discuss the significance of language in shaping one's approach to races and the emotional and mental challenges faced by ultra runners.   Josh has his own podcast, and Borderlands is a huge and wonderful resource for anyone looking to learn more about ultrarunning and get involved. Find him on Instagram, and the Borderlands podcast: @runborderlands   Join me at the Devil's Gulch 100 mile race in Wenatchee, WA in July! For more information: ⁠https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/heidi/⁠   We are so incredibly grateful for your support, and listening and sharing is the BEST way to help us grow and share more stories! If you want to support financially, any small amount helps us keep this podcast going. We appreciate YOU! ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/letsrunthag⁠

In this conversation, Maude Gorman shares her transformative journey through athletics, overcoming personal struggles with eating disorders, and the impact of relationships on her athletic pursuits. She discusses her recovery, the challenges she faced, and how she rebuilt her life and found purpose in running. Maude emphasizes the importance of community support, perspective in endurance sports, and the milestones she achieved, culminating in her first 100-mile race. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of second chances. Maude shares her journey through the world of ultra running, discussing the validation she sought through racing and the loneliness she felt. The discussion highlights the power of vulnerability, the joy of rediscovering one's passion, and the supportive nature of the ultra running community.   Find Maude on Instagram: @maudernliving

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle interview Steph Cloutier, an ultra runner who shares her journey from casual running to participating in ultra marathons. Steph discusses her first experiences with ultra running, the challenges she faced during her first 100-mile race, and the mental strength required to overcome obstacles. She reflects on her return to the Javelina race, emphasizing the importance of preparation and support from the running community. The discussion also touches on the concept of redemption in racing and personal growth through experiences of DNF (Did Not Finish). In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences with running, particularly focusing on the challenges of DNF (Did Not Finish) races, the joy of running for its own sake, and the importance of having multiple motivations or 'whys' for participating in endurance sports. They also explore the balance between family life and personal running goals, addressing the common feelings of mom guilt that arise when pursuing athletic endeavors. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's support system and the expectations set for future generations in the context of running and endurance sports.

This is a special podcast crossover episode! Also airing on the podcast That's Runnable with Tommy Lewis, we dive in and chat with Tommy about all things running! We share our personal experiences with training, the challenges of specific races like Cocodona 250 and Devil's Gulch, and the philosophy of maintaining fitness for adventure beyond just running. We also delve into the nuances of ultra running, comparing local races to major events, and discussing the differences between European and American ultra races. The discussion culminates in preparations for the Devil's Gulch race, emphasizing the importance of mindset and gratitude in the face of challenges.   Please check out Tommy's podcast, That's Runnable: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4Lr743lZe67cqlHSqHgcRC⁠   and check out Tommy on Instagram: @tommyrunpt @thatsrunnable