Becoming Ultra

We had Sabrina Stanley on the podcast two years ago. What stands out most is her confidence and drive. She has won some of the most difficult 100 milers including the Hurt 100 and Hardrock 100 twice. Ultrarunner magazine has named Sabrina one of the top ultra runner’s multiple times.  Another great conversation with one of our favorites. On this episode we talk about what the last two years have been like for Sabrina. The heartbreak of preparing for a big event and not being able to compete due to Covid followed by a tough DNF. We discuss the physical and mental work it takes to overcome setbacks; Sabrina is very open and honest about mental health. We appreciate this conversation and hope it helps others. Sabrina is a strong woman with a positive message for all of us trying to do hard things. IG - @sabrinaleannstanley

Becoming Ultra coach Linday LaForce and Scott introduce Sheila Munch. Sheila is a mom of 4, wife, and nurse out of Grand Junction, Colorado.  Not too long ago she decided it was time to take care of herself and see what was possible.  On today's introduction we talk about her life and her goals and the fact that she will be training for her first ultra in Sedona with the rest of the Season 14 crew.  It's another reminder that it's never too late to start with these crazy goals!

John Calabrese is embracing life! We had a great time chatting with him about racing, the trail running community, parenting, and caregiving. John is racing almost every weekend. He is a proud dance Dad and puts parenting at the top of his priority list. John also tells us about his special relationship with Donald, who is confined to a wheelchair but has taught everyone he meets so much about living. John’s energy and joy are  contagious. You will be inspired by this one. IG- @breezytrailhead

Mari is ready to train for her first ultra.  With good work/life balance she is pumped to test her limits on trails and see what she is capable of doing!  We hope you enjoy the episode!

Scott and Lindsay take some time to get to know one of the runner's of Season 14.  Noel has found purpose in her work and inspiration from her sister.  Now she gets to train for her first 50k!  We hope you enjoy!

Addie and Scott get to meet Amanda who is just now starting her journey to run her first ultra.  Amanda works at Trader Joe's and bartends and has some great reasons to take this challenge head on.  We hope you enjoy!

Ian and Scott sit down with Season 14 runner, Brittany, to learn her story and get her rolling to training for her first Ultra.  She resides in Oregon and works as a shift nurse in the Cardiac unit.  We hope you enjoy!

Marshall Ulrich is 72 and isn't showing any signs of stopping.  After a couple surgeries and seeing close friends deal with things like Alzheimers, Marshall can't help but do what he has always done, keep it moving.   His endurance exploits are second to none from circumnagivating Death Valley to climbing the seven summits.  This is one to share with anyone who wants to do epic things late in life or someone who just needs a reason to start!  We hope you enjoy. 

Taylor Spike (Tspike) is an ultra-endurance athlete, Husband, Father, and recovering addict. He is one of the few people to complete a 200-mile ultramarathon in less than 60 hours. He also holds the master’s course record for the Tahoe 200 clockwise and counterclockwise. Taylor has experienced extreme discomfort on the trails and in life. Taylor doesn’t make excuses; he is sober and accountable to himself. He embraces his family and the moments he shares with them. Kris met Taylor and his dad, Greg at the Wy’east Wonder Ultra in June. She knew immediately she wanted to talk more. It was a short meeting but made an impact. On this episode Taylor talks openly about addiction and loss. We discuss what shapes us, inspires us, and drives us as trail runners and how we persevere through pain. It was a privilege to have this conversation. We hope it resonates with people who have similar struggles. IG- @tspike2 IG- @live_recovery_strong  

Scott, Ian, Addie, and Lindsay sit down to pick which runner they will work with to get to  their first ultra.  The Becoming Ultra Project brings new ultra runners along with training, podcasts, and community to the start line of their first ultra. This show is the first of Season 14 which will finish with runners in the Sedona desert in April 2024. Enjoy!

Today we catch up with some old friends, and some new ones, to talk about the TransRockies Race! TRR is a 6 day stage race across the Rocky Mountains that covers 120 total miles and 20,000 feet of elevation gain.  Ina & Mike along with Jenn and Dave relive their experience during the week and talk about how as partners they successfully completed the event.  

We are all familiar with the Leadville 100, Hisa has a great story about how she made her way to the iconic race. In 11 months, she went from running 2 miles to 100. We discuss her athletic background as well as training for a mountain race at altitude in the heat of Baton Rouge. We absolutely loved this conversation with Hisa. Her story is one that will make you feel inspired and happy. Taking a chance and not being afraid to fail can lead to some great things.  IG- @hisa.turner

Scott and Dylan have a great conversation that goes all over the place.  What's on his radar now that he is a dad (product) What are some over talked about topics in the world of ultra running What it's like working with his spouse on FreeTrail and why it works well A fun brainstorm on new ideas in running biz The importance of volunteering, especially for elite/pro's How he manages his "violent" schedule We hope you enjoyed the show!   Becoming Ultra Season 14 FreeTrail

Scott and Jason Fitzgerald catch up on all things running from group run etiquette to losing his voice cheering for one mile racers.  We talk about why he has kept a running journal for decades and so much more in a fun conversation from the Strength Running founder.     

Scott had a chance to interview Phil Parsons the day before he embarks on the 444 mile Natchez Trace effort. The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile stretch of road that begins in Nashville and ends in Natchez, MS. To date, no one holds the record for the fastest known time (FKT), Natchez-trace-parkway-FKT completing the southbound journey on foot. This adventure is exactly what I am going to do this September — Suicide Awareness Month — to bring awareness to the issues of mental health and suicide among Veterans.  His story is one that is too commonly ended with a less positive outcome.  We have to love on our veterans and share what is bringing them together!  Running is often the answer, or a piece of it.  Hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode of the Season 14 launch, Scott has the script flipped on him and is interviewed by client and friend, Cale Pearson. They talk about: What kind of coaching style Scott has Heavy lifting day or HIIT workout preference Morning or evening training sessions? Importance of being present  Who should apply for Season 14 Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 shows with someone who needs to run their first ultra! Apply NOW!

Lindsay LaForce joins Scott to talk about her background as a PT and coach over the years.  She will be our newest coach on this Season 14.  Some of the things we covered: Why strength training is so important for injury prevention How she manages her time as a mom of 4 and athlete The types of runners she would love to see apply for the project Ideas on training through the winter   Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 shows with someone who needs to run their first ultra! Apply NOW!

Ian Sharman and his company Sharman Ultra have been partners with Becoming Ultra since the first season way back in 2015.  His insights to the sport and coaching are always interesting and today we took some time to talk about a bunch of stuff to get you pumped for the new season. Some of the things we covered: What is new, if anything, with the sport. How coaching is evolving The types of athletes he would love to see apply. Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 shows with someone who needs to run their first ultra! Apply NOW!

Addie Bracy has had an awesome running career and life that started at an early age wanting to run with her dad.  On today's show, we get to introduce the newest coach for Season 14 and learn a bunch along the way. Some of the things we covered: How she got into running Why her major was track and cross country at UNC How she got into ultra running and learned so much the hard way Why she delved so deep into the psychology of sport Why durability is important Some mental red flags for runners to be aware of and who she is excited to see apply for Season 14!   Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 shows with someone who needs to run their first ultra! Apply NOW!

On this show, the official launch of Season 14, Scott hangs out with the Race Director of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   We talk about: Why she started the races after moving there from California. What the trails for the course are like and why it's tougher than the vertical suggests Best places to stay in town for travelers Why it's a great place for first time ultra runners Why she added so many distances for one day of running Why the after party is going to be so fun! Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 shows with someone who needs to run their first ultra! Apply NOW!