Dive into the Thrilling World of Ultra Running with Historian Davy Crockett! Join hosts us in an exhilarating journey through the untold history and fascinating evolution of ultra marathons. Discover the legendary races that shaped the sport: from the historic Comrades Marathon to the enigmatic Barkley Marathons. Learn about the earliest ultra runners, their unique mindset, and how their challenges differ from those faced by today's athletes. 

Explore the global impact of ultra running, featuring stories from the Redwood Indian Marathon that showcased Native American excellence, and the JFK 50's evolution from a boys club event to America's oldest ultra race. 

This episode isn't just about endurance – it's a journey into the heart of ultra running, revealing the allure, history, and soul of this incredible sport. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual listener, there's something for everyone in this captivating conversation. Don't miss out on these extraordinary tales that bring the world of ultra marathons to life! 

About Davy

• David "Davy" R. Crockett, a veteran ultrarunner since 2004
• has completed over a hundred 100-mile races. 
• He combined his running passion with history by organizing the "Pony Express Trail 50 and 100" in Utah 
• launched ultrarunninghistory.com and the Ultrarunning History Podcast in 2018. 
• As the Director of the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame since 2020, Crockett has authored several books on ultrarunning history and 19th-century American westward migration. 
UltraRunninghistory.com
Crockettclan.org/blog

Other Ultrarunning History Series books:

1. Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star
2. Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History
3. Strange Running Tales: When Ultrarunning was a Reality Show
4. Running 100 Miles: Part One - A History (1729-1960)
5. Running 100 Miles: Part Two - A History (1761-1976)
6. Running 100 Miles: Part Three - A History (1977-1979)
7. Classic Ultramarathon Beginnings: The Barkley Marathons, Comrades Marathon, London to Brighton, JFK 50, Spartathlon, and others

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• AG1
• LMNT

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this bonus episode, we are talking about metabolism.  We have learned a lot of great information, strategies, and tactics while we have been partnered with MetPro, an innovative program offering personalized health and fitness strategies and coaching. The episode features insights from Mike, who shares his successful journey with MetPro in achieving weight loss and enhanced training. Amber Velasquez, a MetPro coach, and Angelo Poli, the founder, both emphasize the program's unique approach to nutrition and fitness. They discuss how MetPro uses metabolic profiling to tailor meal plans and exercise routines to individual needs, focusing on understanding metabolic thresholds and adaptation. The conversation underscores the significance of adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, trusting the process, and the impact of MetPro beyond just weight loss, including improved overall health, energy levels, and body composition. The episode concludes with an invitation for a free metabolic consultation with a MetPro expert, highlighting its benefits for both general fitness enthusiasts and performance-focused athletes, especially those in endurance sports. To take advantage of this metabolic assessment, click HERE

If you would like, Coach Amber can answer any questions directly:
Amber Velasquez, MHS, RD, LD, CPT
amber@metpro.co
530-720-0930
https://metpro.co/coach-amber

This episode is focused on the fuel that drives endurance athletes. It's a world where what you eat isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's about strategy, precision, and sometimes, survival.

Joining us from Australia are two experts of sports dietetics, Steph Gaskell and Alan Mccubbin, co-hosts of "The Fueling Endurance" podcast. Steph, a trail runner herself, is an expert of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. She's on a mission to unravel the mysteries of how our guts betray us during a run and how to keep the digestive peace. Then there's Alan, a man who can talk about sodium and hydration. With a background in mountain biking and sailing, he knows the fine line between staying hydrated and hitting a wall.

Takeaways

• Dehydration can increase the risk of gut symptoms and impact digestion, absorption, and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Vomiting may provide temporary relief from gastrointestinal stress, but it does not eliminate the underlying issue.
• Cramping can be caused by a combination of factors, including hydration, electrolyte balance, neuromuscular responses, muscle fatigue, and psychological stress.
• Sweat rate and electrolyte loss are not always correlated, and individual variations exist in sweat sodium concentration.

Find out more about Steph and Alan at Fueling Endurance and check out their book!

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• UCAN
• PATH Projects
• HVMN

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this episode, we talk about the strategic aspects of building a race calendar, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and having backup plans. Coaches Ian Sharman and Stefanie Flippin join us to help us understand some ways to approach building a race calendar.  The conversation goes beyond just focusing on popular races or qualifiers, highlighting the enjoyment of trail running as a sport and the enriching experience it offers beyond mere competition. Special attention is given to alternative ways of experiencing races, like pacing or participating in training camps. The episode also explores the attraction to the iconic 100-mile race belt buckle and discusses the transition from ultra-distances to marathons. Concluding with thoughts on the longevity of a running career, the speakers share their perspectives on how runners can continue to improve with age. They stress the need for balance in life, considering factors like work, family, and hobbies, and the importance of taking a long-term view when setting running goals. The episode underscores the significance of flexibility in race planning, intentional rest, and the surprising benefits that can emerge from taking time off, both for preventing injuries and enhancing overall performance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Goal Setting: The importance of having clear goals and backup plans when planning your race year.
2. Race Selection: Looking beyond popular lotteries and qualifiers to choose races that offer personal enjoyment and significance.
3. Beyond Competition: Finding joy in trail running outside the competitive arena, including alternative experiences like pacing or training camps.
4. Personal Enjoyment in Racing: Choosing races based on what brings personal satisfaction rather than solely for achieving specific goals.
5. Longevity in Running: Understanding the potential for improvement with age and prioritizing well-being.
6. Balancing Life and Running: Maintaining a healthy balance with work, family, and other interests while pursuing running goals.
7. Long-term Perspective: Adopting a broader view when setting goals and planning for the future.
8. Flexibility in Planning: Being adaptable in race planning to accommodate changing circumstances.
9. The Role of Rest: Emphasizing the importance of intentional rest and recovery to prevent injury and sustain performance.
10. Surprising Benefits of Time Off: Recognizing how taking breaks can lead to improved outcomes and performances.

Check Stefanie's article we referenced in Trail Runner Magazine, "Building a Race Calendar for the Year Ahead"

Find out more about Stafanie and her coaching at Stefanieflippin.com and her podcast, "Making Strides"

Find out more about Ian and his other coaches at SharmanUltra.com

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• PATH Projects
• AG1

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.