Chris Rice got his start as an adventure racer and has since racked up more than 90 events on UltraSignup.  We were lucky enough to shake hands with him recently at the Loopy Looper 100 miler where we witnessed his sub 24 hour finish , teaming up with prior guest Michael "Gagz" Gagliardi to tough out the last 3 hours of the race.  And to hint at the grit this guy has, the Loopy Looper was just 10 days after his 4th Badwater 135 finish. He is now preparing for the 153 mile Spartathlon on September 28, and then The Arizona Monster 300 in April 0f 2025.  So plug in to hear what makes him tick and how he is approaching a 300+ mile challenge. Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: The Final Countdown

After over a year of race spotlights, we must confess. This is the first race spotlight for a race in Iowa. And, we are so grateful that this one was recommended to us as it was flying under the radar, but no more. The Mines of Spain 100 takes place in Dubuque, Iowa in October and sells out each year, so if you want to run this one, you may have to wait until next year. But put it on your watch list so you can be alerted to register in time next year.

The Mines of Spain 100 takes runners on 5 - 20 mile loops covering trails that range from steep & technical to flat dirt single track to rolling & grassy and everything in between. Each 20 mile loop of the course is about 2800 feet of gain/loss which totals out to roughly 14,000 feet for the full 100 and runners have 33 hours to complete the distance.

Joining us on the show to talk about the Mines of Spain, is RD, Josh Sun.

Race spotlight recommended by Chad Fridley Photo: Mile 90 Photography @mile90photo Mines of Spain 100 Information Race website: https://minesofspain100.com/ IG: @minesofspain100

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Jeff Browning is currently ranked 2nd in the world for most 100 mile career wins, having competed in over 200 ultras and standing at the top of the Podium for races like Hardrock, Bighorn 100, HURT 100, and so many more. He has been named in the top 10 ultra runners of the year an astounding 8 times, and at age 52, is the oldest male to ever be ranked. And he just keeps getting better. He took the win at 5 of his 7 races in 2023, and then kicked off this year with a win at the Coldwater Rumble 100, a podium slot at the Mesquite Canyon 50 miler, and then came across the line at the Cocodona 250 with a heart wrenching 2nd place finish due to a bout with Reactive Airway Dysfunction after absolutely dominating the majority of the race. He is renowned for his coaching, his expansive knowledge around training, strength work and nutrition, and after getting to spend a little time with him, we can confirm that he is the nicest dude you could ever hope to come across. No matter where you are in your ultra journey, there is always so much to learn from this guy so be sure to plug in for our chat with the one and only Jeff Browning, aka "Bronco Billy." This episode was edited by Steve Saunders at Saunders Audio Check out more from The Ultra Running Guys Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Following a near fatal fall in 2017, Hillary Allen has literally written the book (Out And Back: A Runner's Story of Survival and Recovery Against All Odds) about overcoming the seemingly impossible. From being told she may never run again, to recently winning the grueling Madeira Island Ultra Trail, her story is one of tragedy, triumph, and simply never giving up. We were so lucky to sit with Hillary just before launching into 2022 and her words are exactly what we all need as we look forward this year. There is so much to learn in this episode about ultra running and life in general. Thank you, HillyGoat, for spending your time with us. Enjoy the episode! Be sure to follow Hillary on IG at www.instagram.com/hillygoat_climbs and you can pick up a copy of her book on her website www.hillaryallen.com It is a must read! Happy New Year! Also, be sure to check out our new Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguys

Anthony Lee began running to combat obesity as a child, and has since become one of the toughest mountain runners in the field. Recent 1st place finishes include Mace's Hideout 100 and the grueling Ouray 100, followed by an impressive 2nd place finish at the Spartan Trail Championship Golden Gate Trail Classic 100K. We were honored to chat with Anthony about his story, maintaining balance, and some gnarly mountain running. Be sure to follow him in Instagram at @anthonyclee94 and send him some love. Enjoy!

Joel Cervantes is one of the toughest people we have ever talked to. He works nightshift as a nurse for special needs kids, cross trains like a madman, ran his first 100 miles in his neighborhood to "prepare" for a 100 miler, and just tackled the MOAB 240 in October. On top of it all, he is an amazing, positive guy. Hit him up on IG at @hownowbrownjoel and send him some love. Enjoy the episode!

It was amazing to sit down with Jack Brunecz, winner of our first race The Final Countdown, and talk running, his victory, his coaching tips and more. Jack is a total class act and we can't wait for you all to get to know him. You can follow Jack on IG @jackbrunecz . Enjoy the Episode!

Will Frantz is a nutrition coach trained by Precision Nutrition and The Nutrition Coaching Instititute and is also an NASM Certified Personal Trainer. In this episode we dive into the nuts and bolts of endurqnce nutrition for both training and race day, and also discuss the topic over training vs. under recovering. Be sure to plug into Will's FB Group "Trail And Ultra Nutrition" and visit his website www.willfrantz.com Enjoy the episode!

Michael "Gagz" Gagliardi is a friend, a monster runner, and the killer host of his own Podcast, "Running Times with Gagz." We can pretty much guarantee you will fall in love with Gagz (if you're not already) and the value he provides in this episode is epic. Give him a follow on IG at @bdg123, plug into his Podcast, and see more from him on his linktree at https://linktr.ee/bdg123 Let us know what you think! Enjoy the episode!

We had so much fun chatting with Run It Fast founder Joshua Holmes!  Be sure to plug in so you can hear how he got started running, details of his "Summer of Suffering," his mindset tips that got him through 274 ultras / marathons with 0 DNFs, and more.  Let us know what you think! You can follow Joshua at @joshuaholmes and @runitfast on IG and see more at www.runitfast.com . Enjoy!

To commemorate launching our first event as race directors, we thought it was only fitting to release an episode with one of the most iconic RD's in ultra running history! Chris Kostman is the legend behind The Badwater 135 and we had such a good time picking his brain about the race, ultra endurance, his personal experience as an athlete, and more. You don't want to miss this one. You can follow Chris and Badwater at @chriskostman and @badwaterhq and check out the Badwater website at www.badwater.com

Tim Wills (@gotheultramile ) is a Physical Therapist Assistant, coach, author, and owner of Go The Ultra Mile. Oh yeah...and he likes to run 100 mile races down in Florida! We sat down with him not long after he finished the Vero Beach 100 in July and picked his brain about training and racing in the FL heat and some other fun topics. Be sure to checkout www.gotheultramile.com and you can find his book, The Ultra Mile, on Amazon. Enjoy the episode!

Patrick Dunlap hit bottom in 2014, weighing in at 350 pounds. But following weight loss surgery in 2014, Patrick leaned into his disciplines, dropped 195 pounds, and soon found peace on his daily runs. Before long, he stumbled into the world of ultra running and used his "Do More" mentality to set his sights on conquering the 100 mile distance. We so enjoyed chatting with him about his successes and struggles, his journey with mindfulness, and even a big crash and burn during his first Pine Creek Challenge. Tune in and connect with Patrick as he prepares to take on the Pine Creek 50 miler on Sep 11, 2021. Enjoy the episode. And remember, you can always "Do More." #JustShowUp

It is not often that you stumble across the first of anything these days. But through the course of this episode, we learned a fun fact. This race was the first 100k race distance to be held in the state of Alabama. In the Heat of the Night 100k takes place in the Talladega Forest, in Anniston, Alabama.

Not only is the first 100k in Alabama, but, as the name implies, what sets this 100k apart from others is that it is run at night. The course is a looped course and runners will complete 4 - 15+ mile loops on a surface of maintained dirt and gravel forest roads. You have 18 hours to complete the 100k, and the elevation gain is a little over 7900 feet. Interested? Check out the episode with our new friend, Becki Jones, Race Director for In the Heat of the Night 100k.

Photo: Pete Schreiner

Thank you for the recommendation Jake @irunuphillsallday and Melissa @melisssalondry

In the Heat of the Night 100k Info: Registration: https://ultrasignup.com/groups.aspx?gid=367
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtysolestrailraces/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtysolestrailraces/

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Michelle Goldberg (@mrmribbit on IG) is a force. Not only has she been an instrumental part of The Ultra Running Guys Community, but she is one heck of a runner, as evidenced by her recent 1st place finish in the Midnight Squatchapalooza! Tune in to hear why her perspective on training is so refreshing and how she was able to decide LAST MINUTE to jump into her very first marathon AND ultra. Yeah... Whether you are just getting into ultra running or are a veteran preparing for an upcoming race, this is a must listen. Enjoy! And let us know what you think!

Nate Christy crashed and burned while trying to tackle the Hell Hole 212 mile run in 2020.  After recovering from the sting of that DNF, Nate returned this past June more determined than ever to conquer this Beast of a run. Hear first hand what he has learned, how he trained, and what it means to consistently Just Show Up. Be sure to follow Nate on Instagram at @train.n8.train. Enjoy the episode!

Mark Bottenhorn is an accomplished runner, seasoned coach, devoted family man, and pound for pound one of the strongest people you have ever met.  In this episode we walk through his inspiring personal story, listen as he floods us with invaluable training tips, and get a glimpse of the big races he is preparing for.  This is definitely one you don't want to miss! You can find Mark on Instagram at @bottenhornrunning or check out his website at www.markbottenhorn.com

Not only does Kent Mullins have a much cooler accent than either of us, he is also the founder of Run4YourLife , an organization that centers around running to battle mental health issues. In this episode we dive into Kent's personal struggles, explore Run4YourLife and the impact it's making, and hear the aftermath of his recent first ultra effort...where he thought he may have broken his feet. 😁 Enjoy! Follow Kent and Run4YourLIfe on IG below! Kent: www.instagram.com/the_imperfect_athlete/ Run4Your Life: www.instagram.com/run.4yourlife/

Dan and Rory McCaslin are race directors who go above and beyond to meet their runners wherever they are at. They are funny and passionate and above all else, they care deeply about building community with the runners they connect with. From the moment we connected with them, we knew we were kindred spirits. Enjoy the episode and be sure to check out www.vagabondendurance.com and follow them on IG at www.instagram.com/vagabondendurance

Ray Berlanga has quickly become one of our favorite people on the planet. As the self proclaimed slowest ultra runner on the course, his approach to training, racing, and just having a good old time is refreshing. But don't let him fool you...Ray as completed five 100+ mile efforts and has a distance PR of 144 miles. Catch the entire episode on Saturday, 5/22 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Enjoy! And be sure to follow Ray on IG at https://www.instagram.com/ray_ray_runner/

Jake Martinez is probably unlike any Ultra Running Race Director that you have ever met. At 20 years old, and still running collegiately, Jake has never even competed in an ultra of his own. But he is no stranger to the sport and is overflowing with passion for growing the ultra community. We sat down with Jake as he prepares to host The Keystone Backyard Ultra on May 22nd and we had a chance to hear first hand why Jake believes the Backyard is the purest form of ultra running. Be sure to check out the race website at https://keystonebackyardultra.weebly.com/ and follow Jake on IG at https://www.instagram.com/jakemartinez__

On April 28, Richard Sexton will begin his journey across the Carolinas running 25 miles a day for 30 days (750 miles total!)...all with a 25 lb slam ball on his back! Richard is on a mission to raise autism awareness and support Becky Large and the Champion Autism Network, and he's willing to suffer to do it. We had a blast talking with Richard and Becky and diving into the details of this awesome adventure. Be sure to check it out and follow Richard at https://www.carolinascanruckforautism.com/ Enjoy the episode!

Brian Zickefoose has both speed AND endurance! After securing the #2 performance in all of North America for 2020 for the 100K event, Brian is about to take on the C&O CANAL 100 Miler. And he is going for broke. We talk with Brian about his training, his sobriety, and his 2:28 marathon PR (yeah...you read that right). We know you'll love his story! Follow him on IG @americanmarathoner to keep up with this next exciting chapter!

Ron Maver is the man behind First Mile Sucks Running and has one incredible story! After suffering from crippling anxiety, Ron walked away from a successful career, overhauled his life, and found ultra running in the process. We are so glad we connected with Ron and look forward to sharing some trails with him in the future! Check out First Mile Sucks Running to learn more about Ron's awesome apparel and coaching: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fmsrunning FB: https://www.facebook.com/FMSRunning Website: https://www.fmsrunning.com

On May 18, we took on the grueling Cruel Jewel 50 miler, which is actually a 57.5 mile trek through the Georgia mountains with 17K feet of climbing! It was beautiful, it was awesome, and it was tough! And as it turned out for both of us, our race ended just past the 50K mark. Check out the full episode to hear how we prepared, what went well, and what ultimately led to the decision to pull the plug. Huge thanks to our good friend Michelle Goldberg for stepping in as guest host and keeping us in line. Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

You may recognize David Theriot as the awesome host behind the Run The Riot Podcast! But David is one heck of a runner and in this episode we focus on his preparation for the upcoming Triple Crown of 200 mile races (Big Foot 200, Tahoe 200, and the MOAB 240). We also touch on his recent 2nd place finish at the LOVit 100 and dive into the highs and lows he has experienced with previous 200 milers. We hope you enjoy! Do yourself a favor and checkout the Run the Riot Podcast. You will LOVE it! (Hint - We were recent guests): Website: https://www.theriot.run/podcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriotpodcast David on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ri0tdude/

Over the past 8 years, Charlotte Curtis has transformed herself from struggling addict to an absolute machine. After making a name for herself in Obstacle Course Racing (OCR), Charlotte turned her sights to running ultras in 2020 and was immediately a force to be reckoned with. And now she is facing down the Georgia Death Race on March 27! Check out the episode to see what makes Charlotte tick, and how she uses a painful past to fuel the fire for being her best self. We hope you enjoy! Follow Charlotte on Instagram at www.instagram.com/charlotte_c_ocr !

This week we sat down with our friend and ultra running legend, Charlie Engle! While Charlie is best known for RUNNING THE SAHARA, along with his incredible book RUNNING MAN, you still won't find him sitting still. After a quick recap of who Charlie is, we pick his brain about his BIG upcoming races and get some insight into his current passion project. Do yourself a favor and check it out! Be sure to visit www.charlieengle.com and follow along on IG at https://www.instagram.com/charlieengle/

We have been asked on multiple occasions to interview each other so that you all could hear our story. But as luck would have it, we were honored enough to be invited on the Run The Riot Podcast with our good buddy David Theriot...even better! David is one heck of a runner and a future guest of ours as well. We hope you enjoy the conversation and be sure to head over to theriot.run/podcast and checkout the rest of his episodes. Not only is he really good at what he does, but he is as solid as they come in terms of just being a great dude!

Chris Bartoli has been part of The Ultra Running Guys Family since we launched. We had a great time catching up with him about his run streak, taking on a Backyard Ultra, and his journey into ultra running. We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed making it! Give Chris a follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cbartetc/

This week we caught up with the one and only Jon Frey! Not only is Jon the RD behind the upcoming Mountains to the Sea Trail (MST) Endurance Run, but he is an accomplished ultra runner with an incredible personal story about overcoming addiction. We are so grateful for his time and hope you enjoy the episode! Follow Jon on social media @F3FreyDaddy and check out the MST100 Endurance Race at www.mountainstosea100.com. To learn more about Healing Transitions, the recovery program that was discussed in the Podcast, visit www.healing-transitions.org

If you caught our last episode, you know that Andy Glaze is the real deal! That's why it was so rewarding to sit down with him and hear about some of his successes, his failures, and some EPIC DNF's. Check it out to see why Andy says "I'm a failure, and I love that about myself." We had an absolute blast and hope you enjoy the episode! Follow Andy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/amglaze and check out his blog at https://amglaze.blogspot.com/?m=1

Not only did Andy Glaze log over 8,000 miles in 2020, but he has been ranked #1 in the WORLD on Strava for the last 2 months after running over 1,000 miles in December and January! We had a blast talking with Andy to better understand not only HOW he does it but WHY. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with Russ Leaptrot, who ran 100 miles in 24 hours to win the Southern Tour Ultra Last Man Standing event on Jan 15-16. We dive into the details of the race as well as his training philosophy, thoughts on nutrition, and even his solo 100 mile attempt on the trail at Uwharrie National Forest (Hint: It didn't go well.) Russ was an absolute pleasure and we know the Ultra Running Guys family will enjoy him as much as we did!

In Part 2 of The Southern Tour Ultra series, we talk all things strategy about the upcoming Last Man Standing event (Jan 15), a Backyard Ultra style race. Joined by experienced ultra runners Maleia Tumolo, Tim Hamilton and Drew Coombes, topics include tactics for nutrition, pacing, sleep, and of course Mindset. If you are thinking about taking on a Backyard Ultra of your own, this is a must watch! We hope you enjoy!

We all know that Ultras come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is only one common denominator, an ultra, by definition is any race over 26.2 miles. In our race spotlights over the past year, we have never covered a race like this one.

We first heard about this race from our good friend Michelle Goldberg who connected us with the race director and we are grateful to have runners in the community that continue to make recommendations to us about guests and races. Thank you all for that!

On to the race, the Warriors UltraRun is an overnight, underground running experience that carries runners over 28 miles as they recreate the escape route from the iconic 1979 cult film by Walter Hill. After attending a 1 AM Conclave, held at a secret location in the Bronx, runners dressed as gang members pass movie shooting sights as they race for Coney Island. The course passes key landmarks from the movie and will run through Times Square and over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Have we got your attention? It has gotten ours. The race is one of a kind. And there is so much more to learn about the race, so take some time to listen to our chat with the RD Todd Aydelotte. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and if you love the episode make sure to like and subscribe!

Photo by Armando “OUTthere” Diaz @outtherenj Warriors Ultra Run Info:
Race Website: https://thewarriorsultra.com/

Warriors UltraRun Info: Race Website: https://thewarriorsultra.com/⁠

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

We had so much fun talking with the one and only Tom Clifford about one of our favorite events, The Southern Tour Ultra! As well as being a heck of a runner and the lead coach at Without Limits, Tom is the Race Director for Southern Tour which boasts 50K and 50 mile individual events as well as an age graded 50 mile relay. Tom recently announced the addition of a Last Man Standing event kicking off on Jan 15, 2021 and our very own Jeremy Reynolds was the first to sign up. We hope you enjoy hearing why this event has a vibe like no other! And be sure to join us for the next episode when we sit down with Jeremy and 3 other runners that will also be participating in Last Man Standing. You won't want to miss it! Thanks so much, Tom! Check out www.iamwithoutlimits.com to to see everything that Tom and his team are up to!

Derrick Wess is the complete package. Adventurer, weight lifter, runner and deep thinker. We so enjoyed talking to Derrick about his "Movement is a Privilege" philosophy and how it has fueled his unique exploration of London. Along with taking on epic races and personal running challenges, Derrick is also active in the mental health space, to include involvement with Run Talk Run, an organization that uses running as a platform for providing mental health support. We really hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Derrick is a new friend, but he is a friend for life! You can follow Derrick on IG at @derrickgoesrunning: https://www.instagram.com/derrickgoesrunning/ For more information on Run Talk Run, visit www.runtalkrun.com

Running 100 miles is hard enough. Now imagine doing it BACKWARDS! That is what Tracy McCullen will be doing on Dec 17-20 (100 Hours) to raise $100,000 to begin building the Track of Optimism and the Field of Dreams for the Community Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington. We sat down with Tracy to talk about the project, what it's like to run backwards, and even some about his good friend and ultra running legend Charlie Engle! We think you are going to love this one! If you connect with Tracy's story, visit www.100ultra4kids.com to give and find out additional information about the project. And be sure to tag @100ultra4kids when you post for the backwards running challenge!

He did it! Steve Epifano completed his goal of running 100K in honor of his friend Robin Ames and in this episode we talk through all the details of the run to include pacing, crewing, and the emotional finish. It has been such an honor to walk through this journey with Steve over the past several weeks and we sincerely hope that you have enjoyed coming along for the ride. Join Jeff, Jeremy, Steve and Katie as we close out our first ever Podcast series. Thank you so much for listening!

Mindset! It's our main topic of discussion as Steve Epifano stares down the Robin Ames Memorial 100K this Saturday, November 21st. And in this Episode we are introduced to Katie Epifano, Steve's wife and Crew Captain, who shares her perspective on his inspiring journey. We also dig into the "Pain Cave" and walk through some techniques share you YOU, the URG family on how to work through it. Thanks so much for tuning in and we hope you ENJOY!

In week 3 of this 5 week series we dive deep into Steve's nutrition and hydration strategy for the upcoming Robin Ames Memorial 100K on November 21st. Hear about his personal encounter with David Goggins and the impact it had on his choice of preferred calorie source. We talk products, calorie needs, and his plan for carrying all of his nutrition. Enjoy and be sure to check in for Episode 4 where we will be talking one of our favorite topics: Mindset!

Last week Steve introduced us to his friend Robin Ames who is at the center of his upcoming 100K Memorial run on November 21, 2020. This week we learn more about Steve, why his doctors said he would never run long distance, and the specifics of his training plan. It's a good one! Thanks for listening and be sure to check out Episode 3 where we will be talking nutrition and hydration for his 100K!

To kick off this 5 week series, Steve introduces us to his good friend, Robin Ames, who was killed in Feb, 2020 by a distracted driver while riding his bicycle. Steve is training for his first 100K run on November 21, 2020 as a way to raise funds for Robin's wife and 2 young children. Join us over the next 5 weeks as we talk training, nutrition, mindset and everything in between as Steve takes on this monster challenge for an emotional cause. Thanks for listening!

Aaron Stacy is a certified badass. And while he is probably likely to get mistaken for a muscle and fitness model vs a trail and ultra runner, there is no question that this guy is a monster on the course. But it wasn’t always that way. As a lifelong law enforcement officer, running was not part of the picture until 2016, when, following the loss of 50 lbs so that he could train with his daughter, his wife dared him to run a last minute half marathon and a new love was born. He has since embraced a primal lifestyle, built a thriving coaching business, and uses his passion for helping others to help navigate the pain cave during tough races, 3 of which he has coming up over the next 3 months. So tune in while we chat with the Primal Run Coach about his inspiring story, how he is training for a huge summer, and why leadership and humility are at the foundation of everything he does. Connect with Aaron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalruncoach/ Primal Run Coaching: https://primalruncoaching.com/ 100 Miles for MADD: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1136843920891601/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

We LOVE episode recommendations for race spotlights or for guests on the show. And that is how we first heard of this race out of Nebraska. The Cowboy 200 was recommended by our friend Tyler (@crimsontyler88).

On to the race, the Cowboy 200 is a point-to-point 200-mile footrace along the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. This is a rails-to-trails course and is run on a non-technical, 100% runnable, crushed limestone path. NO MOTOR VEHICLES ARE ON THE TRAIL! There will be short paved sections when running through towns along the route. But that basically means, for 200 miles, you aren't dealing with cars along the way.

The 200 miler has a cutoff of 84 hours (25:12/mile average) and based on some of our research looks like an incredible option for those runners looking to try out a 200 mile race that may be a little less daunting than one with a large amount of elevation.

If you have been thinking about a 200 mile race, it may be time to add the Cowboy 200 to your list. We spoke with the race directors, Casey and Chase Hammond about the race and think you may be inspired to sign up! Enjoy the show and, if you like the content, leave us a comment or subscribe to let us know.

Photo by Brooke with Brooke Kaczor Photography.

Cowboy 200 Info: Race Website: ultraversesupplements.com/our-races

Registration: Ultrasignup for Cowboy 200

Facebook: Cowboy 200

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

Melissa Londry ran her first 50K back in 2015, but it was during COVID that she really got warmed up, knocking out her first 100 miler as a virtual race and then completing an astounding 45 UltraSignup events since Feb of 2020, which doesn’t even include other monster efforts such as the 240 mile Tridge to Bridge which is an unofficial and unsupported race in Michigan that she completed in 2023.  She is currently gearing up to take on the Massanutten 100, another round of the Tridge to Bridge 240 in July, and then our recently spotlighted Mamba 100 in November, which looks like an absolute blast.  So plug in to hear us chat about her experiences, her training, and what prompted her to take over Race Directing duties for the New River 50K, which just so happened to be her first ultra finish back in 2015. As always, we would love to hear what you think! Enjoy! Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024 Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

The DAYTONA 100 is a point to point race that starts from Jacksonville Beach and goes south to Ponce Inlet, which is about 10 miles south of Daytona. The course is flat and is a solid choice for a first ultra or to set a PR. The race is run on pavement, so this is not a 100 miles of running on the sand down the coast. 

If you hear Florida and think, oh man, that is going to be real hot and humid for a 100 miler, don’t lose heart, this race takes place in December, so that should help alleviate some of those concerns. Let us not also neglect the fact of who the race director is either.

Bob Becker proves that age is just a number, and embodies our ethos of Showing Up. Bob holds the age group world record for 48 hours with 167.5 miles that he set in June 2023 at the age of 78. And, is also the oldest finisher of Badwater 135 that he finished in 2022 at the age of 77. Bob shatters the myth that we have to hang up the shoes, just because we are getting a little bit older. 

Lighthouse photo by Scott Richards .

So take a few minutes to download the episode and listen in as we explore the Daytona 100 with RD, Bob Becker.

Daytona 100 Info:
Race Website: www.daytona100ultra.com
Registration: Daytona 100 Ultra Race
Instagram: @daytona100ultrarace

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

For today's race spotlight, we are heading to Memphis, Tennessee to take a look at the Mamba 100. The race is run mostly on single track with minimal elevation gain, which should make for a relatively faster course for the 100 mile distance. The course is a looped course with each loop being 14.3 miles. For everyone doing trail math right now, that would be 7 loops for the 100 miler.

To top it off, runners have 34 hours to complete the distance, which is a pretty healthy cutoff time for a flatter 100 and sets this up to be a good race for those looking to tackle their first 100 miler.

The Mamba 100 is only in its second year and is already on the verge of selling out. There are also cash awards for winners. BUT, not race winners necessarily. Instead they give this out as a raffle. So, all runners who register to run the race are eligible to win! 5 runners will be drawn at random to win cash in the amount of $1,000, $500, $300, $100, and $100.

Want to learn more? Join us as we catch up with James Boler, Race Director for the Mamba 100.

Mamba 100 Info: Race Website: https://www.mambatrailrunners.com/

Registration: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=103114

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9292557920758047/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mambatrailrunners

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 16, 2024

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/theultrarunningguy⁠s

John Maynard appears to be the perfect combination of ultra experience and positive mindset. On the running side, he figured out pretty early on that he was built for endurance, covering 18 miles in the 5th grade to win a season pass to Great America. And he has continued to develop that endurance to the point that he just toed the starting line of the Angeles Crest 100, which was his 3rd 100 mile event in the last 10 months. And we are just as excited to dive into mindset with this guy because he comes across as one of the most positive, encouraging individuals that we have connected with in the space. So stick around to hear how he got into ultra, the powerful rules that he lives by, and all the juicy, painful details of his recent ultra experiences. Enjoy the episode!

Checkout more from The Ultra Running Guys:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theultrarunningguys.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Race: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Final Countdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - September 14, 2024