In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones speaks with Mary Martin, the race director of the Stand Hope Ultra Challenge. They discuss Mary's journey from the East Coast to Idaho, her involvement in the ultra running community, and the challenges of organizing ultra marathons. They talk about the unique aspects of the races, including elevation gains, course navigation, and the importance of community and volunteers. Mary shares insights on the growth of the race, safety measures, and the local culture surrounding Ketchum, Idaho including a crazy weekend Scott spent at Rebecca's Prvate Idaho mountain biking event. We hope you enjoy the new episode!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mary Martin and Stand Hope Ultra Challenge
03:30 Moving to Idaho: Embracing the Outdoors
06:25 Mary's Journey into Ultra Running
08:24 Understanding the Ultra Running Community
10:29 Experiences in Ketchum and the Ultra Culture
13:45 Race Details: Elevation and Course Challenges
16:24 The 100-Mile Race: Growth and Challenges
19:07 Community and Participation in Races
20:42 Transitioning Leadership: Mary Takes Over
23:22 Safety and Navigation in the Mountains
24:00 Accommodations and Local Culture
26:29 Post-Race Celebrations and Community Engagement
26:54 Registration and Volunteer Opportunities
29:43 Future Plans and Changes for the Race
32:32 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Becoming Ultra is back after a little 4 month hiatus! Scott hops on to share what's been going on and what to look forward to with BU. The lessons from running far transend to podcasting, business, and more and we hope to continue to inspire and educate more people to get out there and do hard, epic things!

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott discusses with Ken Krogsrud, the race director of the Lost Sierra ultra in Downeyville, California. Ken shares his journey into ultra running, the challenges and successes of organizing the race, and the unique terrain and community involvement that make this event special. They also discuss race strategies for first-timers, post-race activities, and the philosophy behind Ken's Bad Luck Run Club, which aims to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere for runners of all levels.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ken Krogsrud and His Journey
02:44 The Lost Sierra Race Experience
05:28 Trail and Elevation Insights
08:02 Feedback and Improvements from Last Year
10:49 Race Logistics and Community Support
13:44 Race Strategies for First Timers
16:16 Post-Race Activities and Local Attractions
19:06 Bad Luck Run Club and Its Vibe
22:09 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative power of breathwork.

He discusses the challenges of running a high-pressure business, the importance of self-awareness, and how he transitioned into creating fivepointfive, an app designed to make breathwork accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Adam emphasizes the physiological and psychological benefits of breathwork, its role in education, and the necessity of teaching healthy coping mechanisms to future generations.

They discuss the significance of breath work in enhancing performance, recovery, and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of different breathing techniques for various activities, including weight training and endurance sports. The discussion also covers the benefits of nose breathing, the role of breath work in recovery, and natural alternatives to pre-workout supplements.

We think you'll enjoy this unique perspective with something all athletes can implement in their lives!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey
02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies
05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery
09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business
12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision
15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History
17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork
20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance
23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques
28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery
30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training
32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing
34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing
36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements
39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes
42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques
43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing
46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App

On this episode Denise shares her transformative experience running the Mendocino Coast Ultra. From her initial impressions of the beautiful coastal town to the challenges faced during the race, Denise recounts her journey.

With insights from her coach Addie Bracey, the conversation highlights the importance of consistency, overcoming physical obstacles, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra running. Denise's story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering taking on such a challenge, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the finish line.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:00 Exploring the Mendocino Coast
04:50 Race Day Experience
10:12 Overcoming Challenges During the Race
13:58 Crossing the Finish Line
17:52 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Run with us!

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics.

They share personal anecdotes about their childhood adventures and parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for unstructured play in children's lives.

Abbott discusses his journey as a sports writer and his recent work on biomechanics and injury prevention, highlighting the joy of movement and the relationships built through sports.

They delve into various aspects of athletic performance, focusing on injury prevention, particularly ACL injuries, and the biomechanics of landing. They discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, the impact of footwear on performance, and practical coaching tips for athletes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for tailored training methods and the significance of addressing common issues like 'computer back' in today's athletes.

They discuss the evolution of running techniques, the significance of ballistic training, and practical drills that can be applied by anyone. The conversation also touches on the concept of Misogi, emphasizing the value of outdoor challenges and creative training methods to engage communities and promote physical fitness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures

06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood

08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities

11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition

15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics

18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy

21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights

27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries

33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics

39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues

41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics

49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training

50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques

51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance

53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone

57:28 Youth Sports and Development

01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges

01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement

Today Scot interviews Jennifer Conroyd, the founder of Fluid Running, about her journey into the world of aqua jogging and how it can help runners maintain their fitness while recovering from injuries.

Jennifer shares her personal story of training for a marathon while injured, the science behind deep water running, and the importance of engagement in workouts. They discuss common running injuries and how aqua jogging can be a beneficial alternative for maintaining fitness. Jennifer also shares success stories from users of Fluid Running, including an ultra runner who overcame a stress fracture. Enjoy the show!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fluid Running and Jennifer Conroyd
02:56 Jennifer's Journey to Fluid Running
05:50 The Science Behind Aqua Jogging
09:00 Engagement and Motivation in Aqua Jogging Workouts
12:07 Common Running Injuries and Aqua Jogging Benefits
14:52 Success Stories: Greg's Journey with Fluid Running
17:59 Conclusion and Special Offer

On this episode, Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and athlete performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's adaptability and how it can enhance training techniques for endurance athletes. The discussion also covers traditional sports psychology and how a proactive approach can lead to better performance outcomes.

They discuss strategies for managing mental load, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of endurance events. The role of technology in training is also examined, highlighting the potential distractions it can create.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science
16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology
23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes
32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance
39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training
45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events
48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance
56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing

The Becoming Ultra Project