Ordinary to Ultra Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Rachel Martinez started her running journey in 2009-2010 as a way to lose weight and stay fit. Although she wasn't an athlete in high school and didn't initially enjoy running, she decided to give it a try after years of sticking to other fitness routines. What started as a simple fitness activity soon grew into a passion. Rachel vividly recalls her first run, spurred by a desire to burn off calories after a big meal, and the surprising enjoyment she found in the process. From there, her running journey snowballed, progressing from 5Ks to half marathons and beyond. Rachel also unloads the challenges of balancing her passion for running with employment and her responsibilities as a mother.

In today's episode, you'll hear the story of Rachel's first 50k ultramarathon. She shares the ups and downs of her journey, the support of her running community, and how she defied her initial reluctance to ever run long distances. Rachel's story is a testament to perseverance, the joy of setting new challenges, and the power of a supportive community.

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Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Colleen was always an active child, often running around the house and hiking with her family. Despite dabbling in sports like soccer and track, it wasn't until her 30s and after having 2 kids that Colleen truly embraced running. What began as a way to escape the stresses of being a stay-at-home mom evolved into a passion for distance running. Colleen shares her transition from jogging loops around her farmhouse to conquering her first 5K and beyond. Listen to today's episode to hear all about how Colleen got into running and the inspiring story of her first 50k ultramarathon.

Colleen mentions that she is usually in the "back of the pack" when she runs in races. But the cool thing is, whether you finish first or last, anybody who runs longer than 26.2 miles is an ultramarathon runner.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 09:33 Early Running Experiences and Introduction to Trail Running 17:04 Progressing in Distances: From 5Ks to Marathons 23:35 Moving to North Dakota and Discovering the Maah Daah Hey Trail Series 27:42 Enduring a Challenging Marathon and Setting Sights on a 50K 34:06 Training Alone and Embracing Slower Pace 39:46 Finding Running Partners 43:44 Setting Realistic Goals 49:02 Learning Through Experience 59:56 The Challenge of Elevation Gain 01:04:41 The Impact of External Factors 01:10:07 Appreciating the Scenery 01:14:47 Ticks and Trail Running: Protecting Against Insects 01:17:30 The Finish Line: Relief and Reflection 01:22:28 Future Plans: Revisiting Races and Exploring New Trails 01:34:47 Outro

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Dianna and Steve are a couple that runs ultramarathons… and they’re in their 70s!

Josh Law (from 5 episodes ago) started running and so did some of his siblings. Naturally, Dianna as their mom didn’t want to miss out on all the fun! She showed up as support to a few of her kids’ 5k races, and her daughter asked her if she wanted to run too. She agreed, and the next 5k Dianna, Steve, and all of her kids ran it together. What a special event! After that she was hooked, and even felt like God was pushing her to keep running. Steve, Dianna’s husband, was a bit slower to get hooked. But Steve was all about pushing himself and the adventure of running. After he did rim-to-rim for his 65th birthday with his son and daughter, he was also hooked on endurance running. Listen to today’s episode about how Josh invited Dianna and Steve to run their first ultra and the story of their first 50k ultramarathon.

Other topics include training in your 60s/70s, training on the road for an ultramarathon, running a marathon, running a 12 and 24 hour timed race, running brings mental and physical health, the personal growth and satisfaction that comes from running ultramarathons, running as a family, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:36 Consistent Training and Exercise

08:04 Starting Running and Finding Joy

23:32 Discovering Races and Locations

28:00 Night Running and Unique Experiences

30:54 Introduction and Background

32:07 The Story of the 50K Race

34:35 Challenges Faced During the Race

36:52 The Benefits of Pickle Juice Shots

39:10 The Mental and Emotional Triumph of Crossing the Finish Line

46:04 Training for the 50K Race

50:07 The Experience of a Timed Race

51:58 The 12-Hour Timed Race Experience

56:34 The Mental and Physical Challenges of a Timed Race

59:18 Advice for New Ultra Runners

01:02:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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How do you run a marathon and ultramarathon? How do you know when you’re ready to commit and sign up? Jake, MSc Physiology of Sport and Exercise Nutrition, knows exactly what it takes to train for long-distance races from his education and personal experience. Jake started running in 2020 while he was in Loughborough, England earning his master’s degree so that he could see more of the city. After returning home to the USA, he signed up for his first marathon and hasn’t been able to stop since. Listen to today's episode for loads of advice on how to prepare for and run marathons, 50ks, and 50-mile ultramarathons. And you’ll also hear Jake’s story of his first few marathons, 50k, and 50-mile ultramarathon.

Other topics include the differences between marathons and ultramarathons, Jake’s 3 pillars of training, rotating shoes to help prevent injury, nutrition strategy for marathons and ultras, mental resilience during a race, running races with friends, and running for charity.

Follow Jake on instagram for training and nutrition tips from an experienced runner and exercise physiologist!

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Have you ever wondered if you should quit your job and move to Europe? Or give in to the impulse to skydive? Well… Jamie sorta does! Jamie had been casually running for a few years and found an intriguing race nearby on a weekend that was wide open. AND, it just so happened to be a 60k ultramarathon. Jamie was both intrigued and a bit intimidated, but she entertained the thought. Later that day, Jamie reached out to a friend to ask if they’d be interested in running it with her. Her friend's response… “Yep, I just signed up!” Naturally, Jamie didn’t leave her friend to die alone, so she signed up as well ;) Listen to today’s episode to hear more about Jamie’s running history, how she trained for an ultra in only 2.5 months, and the exciting story of her first ultramarathon and 60k race. 

Other topics include running with kids, staying active with your family, fitting in training between family and work, ultramarathon training, proper gear and nutrition, dealing with injury during a race, mental strategies for overcoming self-doubt, support from friends and family, and what it’s like to cross the finish line.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 06:31 Signing Up for an Ultra Marathon on a Whim 11:41 Balancing Family and Training 20:09 Conquering Loops: Jamie Tosh's Ultra Marathon Experience 21:24 The Importance of Training and Preparation 22:02 Mental Strategies for Overcoming Challenges 22:56 Dealing with IT Band Issues 24:23 The Support of Family and Friends 27:29 The Physical and Emotional Toll of an Ultramarathon 36:34 Future Plans and Reflections

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Check out our official website Katrina was born into a running family. Ever since she was little, she has been running 5Ks with her family. And in her teenage years, she ran track and crosscountry. When she graduated high school, she got into longer distance running like half and full marathons. Running has consistently been an outlet for her to blow off steam and push herself to do hard things. A few years ago, Katrina’s brother started running ultramarathons. Katrina paced him in a few, including the Wasatch 100. She loved the people, the vibe, and the challenge, so she signed up for her first 50K ultramarathon. Listen to today’s episode to hear all about Katrina’s running history, the training (and injury) leading up to her race, and the story of her first 50K ultramarathon. Other topics include running with family, fitting training in as a mom, recovering from running injuries (stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, muscle strains), race-day pacing, running in crazy weather (rain, snow, hail), what it feels like at the finish line, and a final word of advice for new/aspiring ultra runners.

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Some people run ultramarathons to run towards something. Others… start ultra running to run away from something. Josh started picking up more miles while visiting his terminally ill brother. And if that wasn’t enough, he was also preparing for the heartbreaking end of his first marriage. Luckily, running was there to help Josh through this painful period of life. Tune in today to hear how Josh built up his mileage during these tough times and eventually ran his first 50k ultramarathon. And if you stick around to the end, you can also hear about how Josh’s 70-year-old parents got into ultrarunning and the story of Josh’s first 100-mile ultramarathon!

Other topics include road running vs trail running, difference in vibes between road and trail running, “Born to Run” book, running in the heat, overcoming negative thoughts during ultramarathons, the importance of family/friends at race events, how it feels to cross the finish line, enjoying the journey, and more. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:38 Getting into Running and Training Routine

10:09 Transitioning from Road Marathons to Trail Running

14:56 Discovering Ultra Running and Signing Up for Races

17:51 Gear and Preparation for Trail Running

21:45 Exploring Ultra Running and Signing Up for the First 50K

26:12 Dealing with Extreme Heat and Self-Doubt During Training and Races

33:58 The Fear of Disappointing Others as Motivation to Keep Going

39:05 The Life-Changing Experience of Crossing the Finish Line

44:33 The Power of Family Support

46:57 Finding Joy in the Ultra Running Journey

51:20 The Importance of Community

58:33 Appreciating and Celebrating Accomplishments

01:10:54 Outro

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Anthony has always been into fitness. He played sports growing up, he loves the gym, loves hiking, and he really likes Jiu-Jitsu! He did some running here and there, but nothing that ever stuck… until recently. All it took to push Anthony over the edge was his friend Jake who asked “Hey, wanna run a marathon with me?” After running that marathon and doing some intense hikes in the Andes, Anthony decided to do some trail running. He realized he could go pretty far and decided he could probably run an ultramarathon. The rest is history. Listen to today’s episode to hear about Anthony’s first marathon, his adventures in the Andes, his ultramarathon training, and the story of Anthony’s first 50k ultramarathon. Other topics include Anthony working as administrator of his PT office, running the Disney Marathon in Florida, adjusting training due to injury and illness, mental resiliance during marathons and ultramarathons, backpacking through the Cordillera Blanca and almost dying, what it feels like to cross the finish line, gear for a rainy ultramarathon, fueling during a 50k ultramarathon, the difference between marathon and ultramarathon community/vibes, Anthony’s upcoming ultra running goals (100-miler).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Anthony 02:53 Training for the Marathon and the Disney Marathon Experience 08:03 Injuries, Setbacks, and the Emotional Toll 12:57 Crossing the Finish Line and the Aftermath 22:59 Preparing for the Ultra Marathon 45:07 Race Preparation and Training 48:34 Race Day: Gloomy Weather and Determination 49:41 Gear and Fueling 50:05 Pushing Through and Finishing the Race 52:23 Pushing Through and Finding Motivation 55:06 Fueling and Hydration Strategies 01:03:07 Race Results and Future Goals

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Diarra is and has always been a sporty dude. Diarra grew up running short-distance track, basketball, volleyball… pretty much everything but soccer and wrestling! And as he progressed into his early adulthood he kept playing basketball with his buddies, until the fateful day he came down from a rebound and ruptured his achilles tendon. Devastated, Diarra wondered if he’d ever be able to compete athletically again. After Diarra had recovered from this injury, his boss invited him to participate in a triathlon rather than go back to basketball. Diarra agreed and did his first triathlon, which lead him to discover the addictive and joyous world of trail running. Tune in today to hear about Diarra’s first 50k and 50-mile ultramarathons in southern Utah and the lessons he’s learned on the way. 

Other topics include transitioning from team sports to individual endurance sports, progressing from half-marathons to ultramarathons, running in southern Utah, the Triple Crown of Moab, how to run in sand and slick-rock, dealing with cramping during a race, pushing through mental and physical exhaustion, training for ultramarathons, proper electrolyte and food balance during ultramarathons, taking things slowly to avoid burnout and injuries, and more. 

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 Moving to Colorado and Embracing the Trails

06:00 Triathlons and Trail Races

11:00 Overcoming Injuries and Challenges

22:10 Training for a 50K Race

28:05 Experiencing Cramping and Challenges

38:01 A Sense of Accomplishment and New Goals

41:07 Challenges of Different Terrains

43:30 Recovery and Training Between Races

44:45 Mental and Physical Struggles During Ultra Marathons

47:18 Achieving the Triple Crown of Moab

53:04 Post-Triple Crown Races and Lessons Learned

59:31 Avoiding Burnout and Finding Balance

01:03:14 Advice for Beginners

01:05:23 Promoting Diversity in Trail Running

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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.