Ordinary to Ultra Brendon Boren

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Why do we sign up for ultramarathons? Well, the actually reason is rarely linear and involves several little knudges. Eric’s first knudge was when he heard the story of a guy at work that had run the Leadville 100. He was amazed that someone could do something so seemingly impossible. Then he watched a Netflix documentary of a lady eating cheeseburgers and a fanny pack full of bacon to fuel during an FKT (fastest known time). That got Eric running. Then the last straw. Eric was walking towards the end of his first marathon and a guy passing him said “If you like walking so much, you should do an ultramarathon.” Eric took the challenge, and signed up for is first ultramarathon. Listen to today’s episode to hear in Eric’s own words how he got into running, the story of his first 50k ultramarathon, AND the story of Eric’s first 100 mile ultramarathon that he accomplished in the same year!
Other topics include running to lose weight, training for an ultramarathon, strength training for ultramarathons, turning your commute into training, being prepared with the right gear, the power of coaches, the power of the mind during an ultramarathon, ultramarathons as a metaphor for life, and much more.

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You graduate school, get a job, get married, start a family, and then... then what? For the last 10 years Grant lived a largely cookie-cutter life: wake up, go to work, come home, grab a beer and watch TV. But this last year he and his wife decided they wanted something more, and being active was a part of that. Grant and his wife had been hitting the gym for a bit when a buddy of his reached out. He knew that Grant lived to earn belt buckles during his rodeo days. Well, this buddy was a new ultra runner and told Grant he could continue to ear belt buckles by running ultramarathons! Grant was hooked before he even ran a mile. Listen to today's episode to hear how Grant went from running 0 miles to running his first 50k, 50-miler, and attempted his first 100-mile ultramarathon; all within 1 year. 
Other topics include cross-training at the gym, creating your own community 50k ultramarathon, running your first 50k ultramarathon, running your first 50-mile ultramarathon, trail running in the Appalachian Mountains, ultramarathon nutrition and hydration, the mental and physical challenges of running a 100-mile ultramarathon, dealing with a DNF, finding joy in the journey of running, settings goals to provide purpose and motivation, and dealing with tendonitis.
Check out Grant's timed race in Enoree, SC called "Long Night in Lanford."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background07:50 Starting the Running Journey13:02 Progression and Training16:50 Organizing a 50K Race19:49 The Lookout Mountain 50 Experience29:56 Race Day: Breakfast, Aid Stations, and Unexpected Challenges40:03 The Sweet Taste of Accomplishment at the Finish Line42:48 The Importance of Proper Race Preparation and Nutrition53:26 Adapting to Discrepancies in Race Distance54:12 Prioritizing Long-Term Health: Withdrawing from a Race due to Injury54:26 Introduction to Grant Powers and his experience with ultra running55:40 The mental and physical challenges of ultra running58:28 The difference between road running and trail running01:01:04 The importance of nutrition and pacing in ultra races01:12:21 Upcoming races and future goals in ultra running01:24:50 Outro

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Gillian is a fantastic human being, and... an adrenaline junky. For years she enjoyed the thrill of skydiving and base jumping all over the United States and beyond. And then, she broke her legs. An unlucky and improbable space of "dead air" left Gillian plummeting towards the ground. She broke her legs and was told she wouldn't run again. Tune in today to hear the story in her words and how she ultimately overcame her injuries, got into running, and recently ran her first 50k ultramarathon. 
Other topics include running as crosstraining for extreme sports, setting exciting and ambitious goals, running shoes and taking care of your feet for ultramarathon running, listening to audiobooks for entertainment while running, running as meditation, balancing running with work and being a mom, challenges of dating as an ultra runner, nutrition and training for an ultramarathon, and taking strategic breaks during an ultramarathon.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background03:22 Getting into Running08:48 Overcoming Injury and Running Milestones21:36 Preparing for a 50-Miler29:36 Gear and Foot Care34:08 Shoe Selection and Ankle Stability35:28 The Benefits of Listening to Books on Tape While Running37:10 Running as an Escape and a Form of Meditation38:19 Finding Joy in Running and Overcoming Initial Dislike40:13 Running as a Moving Meditation43:28 Finding Time for Running as a Busy Parent45:09 Balancing Running and Work Responsibilities46:27 The Challenges of Dating as a Runner48:01 The Importance of Individual Running Styles and Preferences52:18 Training for Ultra Races and Pushing Physical Limits56:07 Planning Nutrition and Hydration for Long-Distance Races01:00:33 The Importance of Changing Socks and Dealing with Bathroom Breaks01:03:47 Dreaming of Running the Bear 100 and Personal Running Adventures
 

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.
Follow Justin Bartram on TikToc or Strava.
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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. 
Join our Facebook & Strava group of new and experienced ultra runners
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Check out the Ordinary to Ultra official website
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