In this episode of the Ultra Crew podcast, hosts Becca and Jon discuss their experiences at the Feral Mountain 100, including the challenges faced during the race, the emotional toll of quitting, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the struggles and triumphs of ultra running, emphasizing the personal journey and the impact of mental health on performance. Exploring the complexities of mental health in sports and the commitment to personal growth, emphasizing that the journey is as important as the destination.

Takeaways

• The Feral Mountain 100 was a challenging yet beautiful race.

• Mental health plays a significant role in performance and decision-making.
• Quitting can be a complex emotional process with many contributing factors.

• Pacing can provide a fresh perspective and energy during a race.
• The fight or flight response can significantly impact racing performance.
• Personal struggles can overshadow the joy of running for some individuals.
• Support from friends and community can help navigate tough emotional moments. The emotional journey of ultra running can be intense and draining.
• Growth is a key motivation for participating in endurance sports.
• Mental battles are inevitable during long races, and preparation is crucial.
• Trusting oneself is essential, especially in challenging situations.

• Acknowledging mental health challenges is important for athletes.
• It's okay to feel grumpy or overwhelmed during tough moments.
• The desire to push through is often accompanied by self-doubt.
• Experiencing failure can lead to valuable lessons and growth.
• Commitment to personal growth is a lifelong journey.

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  Chapters

  00:00 Introduction to the Ultra Crew Podcast

• 00:59 Feral Mountain 100 Overview

  03:48 Race Experience and Challenges

  06:54 Crew Perspective and Logistics

  09:47 Training Insights and Preparation

  13:00 The Decision to Quit

  15:59 Understanding Quitting and Mental Health

  18:59 The Emotional Toll of Racing

  22:08 The Fight or Flight Response

  24:53 Reflections on Personal Struggles

  28:15 The Role of Support and Community

  30:58 Pacing and Crew Dynamics

  35:28 The Emotional Journey of Ultra Running

  38:01 Growth Through Challenges

  40:02 Mental Battles in Endurance Sports

  44:05 Trusting Yourself in Tough Times

  49:02 The Role of Support Systems

  53:01 Facing Mental Health Challenges

  59:53 Commitment to Growth and Future Goals