Start Where You Are Running and Ultrarunning

Erin Quinn
  • 5.0 (7)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This show helps new ultrarunners get to their first or their next ultramarathon start line. Erin loves everything ultra and will get you inspired to get out and start training for your first 50K or 50 miler or even 200+ mile distance with her tales from the trail.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 10. The 5 C's of Ultrarunning

    Episode 10: The 5 C's of Ultrarunning What does it really take to become an ultrarunner? In this finale of the Beginning Ultrarunning series, host and professional ultrarunning coach Erin Quinn breaks down the five big dial movers she calls "The 5 C's" — Consistency, Comparison, Curiosity, Coaching, and Commitment. Erin gets real about what ultrarunning actually looks like: the blisters, the chafing, the cow dung, and the moments your body screams at you to stop — and why it's still one of the most beautiful, raw, and rewarding experiences you can have. She shares her own journey from barely crawling across a 50K finish line to completing the grueling Moab 240, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible. Whether you're lacing up for your first ultra or looking to level up your training, this episode will remind you that the trail doesn't care about your pace — it just asks you to show up. In this episode: Why consistency beats perfection every timeHow comparison steals your potential before you even beginThe questions that will keep you curious and in love with the sportWhy hiring a coach was Erin's single biggest game-changerWhat real commitment looks like, day in and day outStart where you are — but make sure that you start. You can learn more about Erin's 1:1 online run coaching at www.erinmaryquinn.com If you want to contact her directly she'd love to hear from you erinmaryquinn@gmail.com Follow her on Instagram or Facebook @erinquinnultraruncoach

    13 min

  2. APR 30

    Cocodona 250 Race Preview & Report Special Episode

    Podcast Host, Erin Quinn, also an ultrarunner and ultrarun coach takes you through her Cocodona 250 race experience in 2024 while also previewing the 2026 course for runners, pacers, crew members and everyone who is interested in learning more about his 250-mile foot race from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff Arizona. This is a fun, unfiltered race preview and report that will get listeners edified and excited about the race. To learn more about Erin's 1:1 online ultrarunning coaching go to www.erinmaryquinn.com You can always reach out to her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com or follow her on social media @erinquinnultraruncoach

    44 min

  3. APR 28

    Episode 9. Start Where You Are: Your First (Or Next) Steps into Trail Running

    In Episode 9 of Start Where You Are Running & Ultrarunning coach Ultra Run Coach Erin Quinn delivers a complete beginner's guide to trail running. Topics include: how to find trails using apps like AllTrails, understanding trail types (rail trails, carriage roads, single track.) Managing pace expectations off-road, measuring progress on trails, gear (and why you probably don't need new shoes), and embracing the mindset shift from road to trail. Perfect for beginner runners, road runners, and anyone looking to explore the outdoors on foot. Erin would welcome any comments that you have and if you would like to apply for her 1:1 online run coaching you can go to her website www.erinmaryquinn.com or reach out to her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com or DM her @erinquinnultraruncoach

    22 min

  4. APR 21

    Episode 8. The Case for Running & Racing Local

    Episode 8: The Case for Running & Racing Local — a ~24-minute episode of Start Where You Are, hosted by Erin Quinn, an ultra running coach and 14-time ultra marathon finisher. Erin makes a case for putting local races on your calendar for 4 specific reasons. Dollars & Cents (Sense)) — Race fees stay in the community, supporting local race directors, trail maintenance, land conservation, and scholarships (he highlights the RunWild organization, Sassquad Running, and the Shawangunk Runners). Exploring Your Own Backyard — Local races introduce you to trails you've never been on, and the more people who fall in love with local trails, the more support there is for land conservation. He highlights the richness of New York's Shawangunk's, Catskills and Adirondacks. Performance — Local races serve as low-cost, low-stakes check-ins on your training — great for practicing race-day execution, fueling strategy, and mental preparation before your "A" race. Community — The shared experience of racing alongside strangers and friends creates bonds that can't be replicated virtually. He closes with a vivid story of getting caught in an April snowstorm at mile 9 with a group of runners, high-fiving through the snow. The episode opens with a story from a recent local half marathon at Minnewaska State Park — a rainy, hail-filled, mud-fest that Erin loved— and closes with shoutouts to local Hudson Valley race organizations and a preview of upcoming Cocodona 250 coverage. For inquires on Erin's 1:1 online ultrarunning coaching reach out to her at www.erinmaryquinn.com or email at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com You can also DM her on Instagram @erinquinnultraruncoach Leave a comment here or reach out to Erin with any thoughts, questions or things you'd like her to discuss on upcoming episodes.

    22 min

  5. APR 14

    Episode 7. The Non-Geek Gear Guide for Ultrarunning

    Episode 7: TheNon-Geek Gear Guide for Ultrarunning In this episode, Ultrarunning Coach and Journalist, Erin Quinn, breaks down the 10 key pieces of gear she recommends for ultrarunners who are attempting to tackle 50K distance up to a 100-miler. Erin delivers these recommendations from the perspective of a "non-gear geek" who prefers buying used and keeping things simple. The 10 gear items she covers: Shoes – wear what's comfortable; trail shoes help on technical terrainSocks – she swears by Darn Tough wool socksGaiters – essential for preventing debris in shoes (loves Kahtoola)Hydration vest – her top recommendation; uses UltrAspire Alpha 5/6Headlamps & waist lights – critical for night running; keep a backup flashlightPoles – helpful for mountainous races; check race rules firstBody Glide – Vaseline or Squirrel's Nutbutter to prevent chafingApparel – personal preference; highlights Run Rabbit and the "No Fry Sun Hoodie"Watch – recommends COROS or Garmin for GPS and Training Peaks integrationHeadlamp (revisited as a safety essential)Poles: LekiWaist Belts UltrAspireThe tone is casual, funny, and relatable — Erin openly admits she ran many of her early races without the "proper" gear and still finished. Her core message: gear doesn't make the runner, but these 10 items give you a solid, safe starting point. To get on Erin's newsletter that provides great running & ultrarunning tips and strategies every 1-2 weeks just put your name and email here: https://erinmaryquinn.aweb.page/trail-running-ultrarunning-insights If you're interested in 1:1 online coaching with Erin contact her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com or www.erinmaryquinn.com follow her in Instagram @erinquinnultraruncoach Drop a comment if you enjoyed the show! She'd love to hear from you. Here are the links to gear that Erin recommends: Darn Tough Socks: https://darntough.com/collections/womens-running-socks/products/womens-merino-wool-run-quarter-no-cushion-ultra-lightweight-running-socks?variant=42348136136890 UltrAspire Alpha Vest 5/6 www.ultraspire.com Kahtoola Gaitors: https://kahtoola.com/gaiters/instagaiter-sl/ No Fry Sun Hoodie Ketl Mtn https://ketlmtn.com/collections/long-sleeve-tops

    25 min

  6. APR 6

    Episode 6. Cracking the Ultrarunning Jargon Code

    Erin goes into the terminology that is specific to the ultrarunning niche and gives listeners some funny insights into what these words or acronyms actually mean and how they can be applied to your training and your race. Follow Erin on social media @erinquinnultraruncoach Email her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com To learn more and apply for her 1:1 online ultrarunning coaching services go to www.erinmaryquinn.com Just drop a comment, she would love to hear from you! In this show Erin mentions the Podcast by Jay Friedman and Phil Vondra called The Pain Cave which you can find here https://www.gunksrunner.com/paincave

    29 min

  7. MAR 31

    Episode 5. To Strava or Not to Strava? That is the Question!

    On this episode Erin dives into the pros and cons of utilizing the Strava app as both a fitness app and a social media platform. She also references some recent controversies the company has gotten embroiled in. Whether you Strava or not, Erin is, as always, supportive of people getting out and moving and hitting the trails and wanting them to Start Where They Are, but to Start! If you'd like to reach Erin just send her an email at erinmaryquinn.com or go to her website at www.erinmaryquinn.com or DM her on Instagram @erinquinnultraruncoach

    39 min

  8. MAR 24

    Episode 4. Running as Art

    In this episode Erin discusses the intersection between running and art. She goes into simple ways in which runners can use art to enhance not only their runs, but their lives as well. It's compelling, fun and inspirational. Erin discusses three mediums: 1. Photography 2. Writing 3. Drawing/Painting/Sketching That any runner can introduce into their life. This is a passionate episode that is joyful and entertaining. You can reach out to Erin on social media @erinquinnultraruncoach You can learn more about her 1:1 Online Ultrarunning Coaching at www.erinmaryquinn.com or just email her at erinmaryquinn.com She would love to hear from you!

    19 min

  9. MAR 16

    Episode 3. Mental Skills for Ultrarunners

    In this episode, Erin breaks down mental skills training for runners and ultrarunners into 5 categories. She provides a simple, but effective exercise athletes can do to help improve their mental fortitude in each one of these categories including, identity, self-talk, writing, directing attention and gratitude. Don't miss this one. It will have you strengthening the biggest muscle in your body--- your brain!

    28 min

  10. MAR 9

    Episode 2 . 5 Pillars of Training for Your First or Next Ultra

    In this episode, Erin goes over the START Methodology that she in her 1:1 online run coaching that can help prepare a runner for their first or next ultramarathon. The methodology includes 5 Pillars including: 1. Base Building 2. Speed 3. Hill Workouts 4. Back-to-Back Long Runs 5. Running Logs Erin provides a sample workout for all 5 that listeners can put into practice immediately. If you want to get in touch with Erin about her 1:1 Online Run Coaching go to www.erinmaryquinn.com or just email her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com with any questions or comments. She'd love to hear from you. You can find her on social media @erinquinnultraruncoach and on Facebook.

    20 min
  11. Episode 1. 7 Basic Steps to Get You to the Start Line of Your First Ultramarathon

    MAR 4

    Episode 1. 7 Basic Steps to Get You to the Start Line of Your First Ultramarathon

    Ultrarunning Coach, Erin Quinn takes listeners through what exactly an ultramarathon is, where and how to choose and sign up for one and what they will need to get started. To learn more about Erin Quinn's 1:1 Coaching go to www.erinmaryquinn.com To read her published articles on the world of ultrarunning to to www.erinmaryquinn.com To follow her on Instagram go to @erinquinnultraruncoach

    28 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This show helps new ultrarunners get to their first or their next ultramarathon start line. Erin loves everything ultra and will get you inspired to get out and start training for your first 50K or 50 miler or even 200+ mile distance with her tales from the trail.

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