Noah Shaw shares his running journey and his debut at the Umstead 100-mile race. He started as a wrestler and then got into gravel biking before transitioning to running. He quickly progressed in his running career, completing a marathon and several ultras within a year. Noah joined the Tuff Running Club and found a supportive community of runners. He mentally prepared for the Umstead 100 by trusting the process and focusing on his training. Noah's story highlights the importance of perseverance, mindset, and finding a supportive community in achieving running goals. Noah Shaw reflects on his experience running the Umstead 100-mile race and how it transformed his perspective on running and life. He discusses the support he received from the Tough Running Club and the motivation he found in the camaraderie of the race. Noah shares his race strategy, nutrition plan, and the mental challenges he faced during the race. He also talks about his future plans in trail running and the impact of his wrestling background on his approach to training.

Takeaways

Running a 100-mile race requires mental and physical preparation.

Training with a supportive community can enhance the running experience.

Progressing from shorter races to longer distances can be achieved with consistent training and dedication.

Running slower in training can lead to better race day performance.

Finding a focus and passion for running can drive motivation and commitment. The support and camaraderie of the Tough Running Club played a crucial role in Noah Shaw's success in the Umstead 100-mile race.

Having a race strategy and nutrition plan in place helped Noah stay focused and perform well throughout the race.

Noah's wrestling background helped shape his mental toughness and discipline in training and racing.

Completing the Umstead 100-mile race has inspired Noah to continue pursuing running and set new goals for himself.

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges of Running a 100-Mile Race

03:20 Noah Shaw's Journey to the Umstead 100

08:53 The Importance of Training and Mindset

27:26 The Unknowns and Comforts of the Umstead 100

29:59 Race Strategy and Nutrition: Keys to Noah Shaw's Success in the Umstead 100

38:09 From Wrestling to Running: How Noah Shaw's Background Shaped His Approach

44:23 Setting New Goals: How Completing the Umstead 100 Inspired Noah Shaw

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Sarah Wallace discusses her experience running the Southern States 200, a point-to-point 200-mile race in Alabama. She shares how she became interested in 200-mile races and why she enjoys the challenge of staying out in the woods for as long as possible. Sarah talks about the logistics and planning involved in a 200-mile race, including crewing and pacing. She also highlights the importance of doing research on race directors and the race itself. Sarah's mom joined her as part of her crew, and they both enjoyed the experience of interacting with other crews and volunteers. Sarah shares her training approach for a 200-mile race and the challenges of managing sleep during the race. Sarah Wallace discusses her experience running the Southern States 200-mile race and highlights the importance of adaptation and mental toughness in ultra-running. She emphasizes the changing preferences and needs during the race and the excitement of experiencing highs and lows. Sarah also praises the supportive running community and the beautiful course of the race. She shares her lowest point as struggling to stay awake and her favorite part as running with inspiring women. Sarah concludes by mentioning her upcoming races and the joy of being part of different running communities.

Takeaways

The Southern States 200 is a point-to-point 200-mile race in Alabama that offers a unique challenge for ultrarunners.

Doing research on race directors and the race itself is important when considering a first-year race.

Crewing and pacing are crucial for the success of a 200-mile race, and having a supportive and knowledgeable crew is essential.

Training for a 200-mile race involves building a strong base, running high mileage, and doing long back-to-back runs.

Managing sleep during a 200-mile race can be challenging, and listening to your body's cues is important. Adaptation and mental toughness are crucial in ultra-running, as preferences and needs change throughout the race.

Experiencing highs and lows during a race adds excitement and reminds runners that things can turn around.

The supportive running community and well-organized races contribute to a positive race experience.

Running with inspiring women can be a motivating and moving experience.

Choosing races that align with personal preferences and being part of supportive running communities can enhance the overall running experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Southern States 200

09:27 The Role of Crewing and Pacing in a 200-Mile Race

25:32 Adapting and Staying Mentally Tough

42:00 Running with Inspiring Women: The Best Part

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Jen Shetler discusses her experience running the Umstead 100 and her journey into ultra running. She shares her excitement about earning her first hundred mile buckle and the joy of wearing it everywhere. Jen also talks about the running community and the support and inspiration she finds among fellow runners. She opens up about her exercise-induced anaphylaxis and how she manages it during races. Jen also discusses the creation of the Tuff Run Club and how it has grown into a supportive and fun community for runners of all levels. Jen Shetler shares the story of how her DNF at Umstead 100 led to the creation of the Tuff Run Club, a supportive and inclusive community of runners. The club has grown to over 600 members in less than a year and has become a source of joy and inspiration for Jen and others. She emphasizes the importance of being a no-drop group and creating a welcoming environment for runners of all abilities. Jen also discusses the transformative power of running and the positive impact it has had on her life.

Takeaways

Earning a hundred mile buckle is a significant accomplishment and a source of pride for ultra runners.

The running community is filled with supportive and inspiring individuals, from elite athletes to everyday runners.

Everyone faces challenges in running, whether it's physical or mental, and finding ways to overcome them is part of the journey.

The Tuff Run Club is a community that welcomes runners of all levels and provides support, encouragement, and fun.

Planning and preparation are key in managing health conditions during races, and having a support system can make a big difference. A DNF can lead to something positive and transformative, as it did for Jen Shetler when she started the Tuff Run Club.

Creating a no-drop group and fostering a welcoming environment for runners of all abilities is essential for building a supportive community.

Running can have a profound impact on one's life, providing a sense of belonging, support, and personal growth.

The TuffRun Club has grown rapidly and become a source of joy and inspiration for its members.

Finishing a challenging race like Umstead 100 can be a powerful affirmation of one's ability to overcome obstacles and do hard things.

Chapters

00:00 Earning the Umstead 100 Buckle

09:15 The Tough Run Club

31:05 The Birth of the Tough Run Club

38:23 The Life-Changing Impact of Running Clubs

52:30 Taking on UltraSignUp

01:02:58 The Lows Don't Last: Overcoming Challenges

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In this conversation, Haley Shapley discusses her book 'Strong Like Her' and her own fitness journey. She talks about the process of creating the book, including the collaboration with a celebrity photographer for the stunning pictures. Haley also shares her personal experience with fitness, from playing sports in her youth to discovering the benefits of strength training as an adult. She discusses the relationship between strength training and running, and how it can improve performance and prevent injuries. Haley also talks about her experience competing in a bodybuilding competition and the challenges she faced. Finally, she addresses the issue of the gym environment and the importance of creating a welcoming space for everyone. In this conversation, Haley Shapley discusses the historical and cultural perspectives on women's strength and athleticism. She highlights the challenges women faced in the bodybuilding and fitness world, including the propagation of myths and stereotypes. The conversation also explores the societal expectations of femininity and the binary thinking that categorizes strength as masculine and weakness as feminine. Shapley emphasizes the importance of strength training for all athletes, including runners, to prevent muscle loss and improve overall health. She encourages women to challenge societal norms and pursue their fitness goals without fear of judgment.

Takeaways

The book 'Strong Like Her' celebrates rule breakers, history makers, and unstoppable athletes, with stunning pictures of 23 amazing athletes.

Strength training can change your perception of your body and improve performance in various sports, including running.

Setting goals and challenging yourself is an important part of the fitness journey.

The gym environment has become more welcoming for women, but there is still work to be done to create an inclusive space for everyone. Women in the bodybuilding world have faced challenges and stereotypes, including myths about fertility and femininity.

Societal expectations have categorized strength as masculine and weakness as feminine, leading to binary thinking.

Strength training is important for all athletes, including runners, to prevent muscle loss and improve overall health.

Challenging societal norms and pursuing fitness goals can lead to empowerment and a stronger relationship with one's body.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Collaboration

08:51 The Power of Strength Training in Sports

29:10 Challenging Fitness Myths and Stereotypes

39:08 The Impact of Binary Thinking

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Tim Nooney discusses his transition from rock climbing to trail and ultra running, and his experience in the Asheville running community. He shares how he was drawn to the friendly and welcoming nature of the East Coast running community, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina. Tim also talks about his love for adventure and pushing his limits, both in climbing and ultra running. He reflects on the dangers and risks involved in climbing and how he found a safer outlet for exploration and boundary-pushing in ultra running. Tim also discusses his two-year hiatus from running and his decision to focus on climbing during that time. Tim Nooney shares his experience of running a challenging race and realizing that his motivation and passion for running had diminished. He made the decision to step away from running and became a wilderness therapy guide, helping adults with drug and alcohol rehabilitation in the wilderness. Tim discusses the transformative experiences he witnessed in his clients and the challenges he faced in his role. Eventually, Tim felt the urge to return to running and found a renewed passion for the sport. He now represents La Sportiva as an athlete and discusses their latest shoe, the Prodigio, which features an infused nitrogen midsole for added springiness.

Takeaways

The East Coast running community, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its friendliness and welcoming nature.

Tim Nooney transitioned from rock climbing to trail and ultra running as a safer outlet for adventure and boundary-pushing.

He found fulfillment in ultra running by exploring vast distances in the wilderness and pushing his limits.

Tim reflects on the dangers and risks involved in climbing and how he decided to focus on climbing during a two-year hiatus from running. Tim Nooney made the difficult decision to step away from running after realizing that his motivation and passion had diminished.

He became a wilderness therapy guide, helping adults with drug and alcohol rehabilitation in the wilderness.

Tim witnessed transformative experiences in his clients and learned valuable lessons about communication and relationships.

After some time, Tim felt the urge to return to running and found a renewed passion for the sport.

He now represents La Sportiva as an athlete and discusses their latest shoe, the Prodigio, which features an infused nitrogen midsole for added springiness.

Chapters

00:00 The Friendly and Welcoming East Coast Running Community

09:38 Exploring Vast Distances and Pushing Limits in Ultra Running

33:58 Stepping Away from Running

43:08 Transformative Experiences in Therapy

51:46 Rediscovering a Passion for Running

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Joshua Ilnicki shares his experience of completing the Canebrake 200 race, shaving 15 hours off his previous finish time. He discusses the beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park in Atlanta where the race takes place and the hallucinations he experienced during the run. Joshua explains his motivation for tackling the 200-mile distance and his affinity for Yeti trail races. He also talks about his training for the race and the challenges of the 10-mile loop in the Canebrake 200 course. Joshua expresses his gratitude for his friend and pacer, Patrick, who supported him throughout the race. Joshua Ilnicki reflects on his experience at the Cane Break 200-mile race and discusses his motivation, mental toughness, and unexpected win. He shares how he pushed through physical and mental challenges, used mantras and training montages to stay focused, and practiced mindfulness during his runs. Joshua also talks about the friendly competition with other runners and the support he received from his crew and the race community. Despite considering himself a recreational runner, Joshua's determination and perseverance led him to victory.

Takeaways

Completing the Canebrake 200 race and shaving 15 hours off his previous finish time was a significant achievement for Joshua Ilnicki.

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Atlanta, where the race takes place, is a beautiful location with a historic cotton mill and connections to the Hunger Games movies.

Joshua's motivation for tackling the 200-mile distance was to push himself to the next level and explore new challenges.

The Yeti trail races, organized by Jason Green, have created a supportive and inclusive community of runners.

The 10-mile loop in the Canebrake 200 course is mentally challenging, but Joshua found ways to stay focused and motivated.

Joshua is grateful for his friend and pacer, Patrick, who provided support and encouragement throughout the race. Mental toughness is crucial in ultramarathons, and it can be developed through practice and focusing on the body's physical sensations rather than emotions.

External motivation, such as friendly competition with other runners, can drive performance and push individuals to achieve their goals.

Imposter syndrome can arise even in unexpected victories, but it's important to embrace and celebrate success.

The support and camaraderie of the race community can greatly impact a runner's experience and motivation.

Recreational runners can achieve remarkable feats with determination, perseverance, and a love for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Shaving 15 Hours Off My Finish Time

06:41 The Yeti Trail Races

30:33 Pre-Race Shakeout and Motivation

38:02 Training Challenges and Mindset

49:45 Internal Motivation and Chasing the Carrot

01:00:28 Gratitude and Compliments

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Simon Guérard, a trail runner and content creator, discusses his journey into trail running and the importance of community support. He shares his experience of finding balance between work and running, the impact of the trail running community, and the need for realistic and relatable content in the influencer space. Simon also highlights the importance of quality training over excessive mileage and the dangers of overtraining. In this conversation, Ryan and Simon discuss the importance of finding a personalized approach to running and training. They emphasize the need to listen to your body and find the balance between pushing yourself and avoiding injury. They also discuss the importance of understanding your why and not getting caught up in external pressures or expectations. Simon shares his experience of finding a healthy and balanced approach to running, where he prioritizes enjoyment, adventure, and meeting new people. They also touch on the challenges of creating content and staying true to yourself in a world driven by views and popularity.

Takeaways

Trail running is not just about running, but also about the adventure and pushing personal limits.

The trail running community is welcoming and supportive, providing guidance and encouragement to new runners.

Content creators in the trail running space should strive for a balance between polished, inspiring content and realistic, relatable content.

Quality training and injury prevention should be prioritized over excessive mileage and overtraining. Finding a personalized approach to running and training is crucial for success and injury prevention.

Listening to your body and understanding its signals is key to finding the right balance in your training.

It's important to understand your why and not get caught up in external pressures or expectations.

Running should be enjoyable and fulfilling, focusing on adventure and meeting new people.

Creating content should be driven by passion and staying true to yourself, rather than chasing views and popularity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting

07:22 Becoming a Content Creator

27:48 Dangers of Overtraining

39:24 Understanding Your Why and Avoiding External Pressures

48:19 Staying True to Yourself in Content Creation

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In this conversation, Tera Pruett shares her journey of living in a camper and the challenges and joys that come with it. Tera discusses the role of stress in her hair loss and how running helps her cope with stress. She shares her excitement about building a house near the Appalachian Trail and the opportunities it will provide for exploring new trails. Lastly, she mentions the fees associated with state parks in different states. In this conversation, Tera discusses the new parking permit system in the Smoky Mountains and the inconvenience of cash-only payments. She also talks about her coaching business and the importance of making strength training accessible and comfortable for runners, especially women. Tera emphasizes the need for proper guidance and form when starting a strength training routine. She also highlights the benefits of strength training for longevity and the importance of timing and phasing in training. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville.

Takeaways

Living in a camper can be challenging but also offers the opportunity for adventure and exploration.

Building a house near trails provides easy access to outdoor activities and new running routes.

Strength training should be accessible and comfortable for all runners, especially women.

Working with a trainer can provide guidance, accountability, and help prevent injuries.

Strength training is important for longevity and should be phased and timed appropriately.

The Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville offers a weekend of community events and inspiring films.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Wild Hair

00:38 Hair Loss Journey

07:14 Stress and Hair Loss

09:06 Coping with Stress through Running

13:00 Building a House

15:11 Living the Trail Runner's Dream

18:47 Building a House and Power Issues

21:02 Exploring New Trails

23:43 State Park Fees

25:33 Parking Permits in the Smoky Mountains

26:27 The Inconvenience of Cash-Only Payments

27:11 Unstoppable Strength, Endurance, and Adventure Coaching

28:41 The Intimidation of Strength Training

29:24 Making Strength Training Accessible

30:23 The Importance of Working with a Trainer

32:19 Strength Training as a Complement to Running

33:11 Timing and Phasing of Strength Training

36:01 The Benefits of Strength Training for Longevity

37:53 Changing the Mindset of Exercise

40:22 The Importance of Having a Coach

42:33 The Dangers of Following Online Training Advice

46:38 Nutrition Strategies and Training Frequency

52:48 The Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville

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Amy Mower is working on a book called 'DNF Rising from the Ashes,' which is a compilation of stories by endurance athletes about the lessons learned through races they didn't finish. The book aims to shed light on the often overlooked aspect of failure in the world of endurance sports. Amy discusses the challenges of selling a book about failure in a society that values success. She also shares her own experiences with DNFs and how they have shaped her perspective on growth and pushing one's limits. The conversation explores the fear of failure and the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Overall, the book aims to provide a platform for athletes to share their DNF stories and inspire others to embrace failure as a part of the journey. This conversation explores the topic of dealing with a Did Not Finish (DNF) in endurance races. Amy Mower shares her personal experiences and insights on how to use a DNF as a learning opportunity and motivation for future races. The conversation also touches on the challenges of multi-day races, the pressure on elite runners, and the impact of social media on athletes' mental well-being. Amy's book, 'DNF: Rising from the Ashes,' is discussed as a resource for further exploration of the topic.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Project Overview

01:02 The Importance of DNF Stories

04:30 The Difficulty of Selling a Book about Failure

06:48 Collecting Stories for the Book

07:53 The Response to the Call for Stories

09:19 The Lengthy Stories in the Book

11:27 The Taboo of DNFs and Fear of Failure

13:35 The Safety of Races You Think You Can Finish

19:17 The Influence of Others in Making Race Decisions

22:01 Different Mindsets: Completing vs Competing

23:07 Participating and Celebrating the Community

23:51 Should Everyone Experience a DNF?

24:41 Coming to Terms with a DNF

24:43 Dealing with a DNF

26:00 Learning from a DNF

27:17 Using a DNF as Motivation

28:48 Reflecting on a DNF

29:34 The Challenges of Multi-Day Races

31:36 Living in a Bubble during Multi-Day Races

33:35 DNF vs. Low Mileage in a Multi-Day Race

34:38 Different Meanings of Numbers in Multi-Day Events

35:18 Internal and External Motivations for the Fear of DNF

36:14 Analyzing the Fear of DNF

37:08 Pressure on Elite Runners

38:31 The Impact of Social Media on Elite Runners

40:38 The Pressure of Public Expectations

42:07 The Pressure on Elite Athletes

43:04 The Pressure of Social Media on Elite Athletes

44:14 Lower Threshold for Dropping Out for Elite Runners

45:36 The Drive to Finish Despite Potential Risks

46:48 Lessons Learned from Enduring Physical Challenges

47:17 Release of the Book 'DNF: Rising from the Ashes'

Amy's book is available now on Amazon

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Matt Silver, CEO of Alpha Project Physio and Performance, shares his running journey and the challenges he faced with injuries. He pursued a career in physical therapy to learn how to treat himself and other runners. Matt emphasizes the importance of running form and mobility in preventing injuries. He highlights the need for specialized knowledge in treating runners and the limitations of traditional physical therapy education. Matt's eureka moment came when he realized the impact of mobility on his own running. He explains the role of hip mobility and offers insights into building mobility for runners. In this conversation, Matt Silver discusses the importance of hip mobility and the benefits of the couch stretch. He also addresses the controversy surrounding running form and explains the importance of proper form to prevent injuries. Matt delves into the role of shoes in running and provides insights into finding the right shoe for individual needs. He also offers tips for transitioning to shoes with less foam. Overall, this conversation provides valuable information for runners looking to improve their performance and prevent injuries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:04 The Running Journey

06:28 The Pursuit of Knowledge

09:05 The Challenges of Physical Therapy

11:01 The Passion for Running

13:09 The Evolution of Physical Therapy

14:52 The Doctorate in Physical Therapy

21:32 The Role of Form in Injury Prevention

23:12 The Eureka Moment

25:48 Understanding Mobility for Runners

28:01 The Impact of Hip Mobility

31:17 Building Hip Mobility

34:28 The Couch Stretch and Hip Mobility

35:18 The Importance of Running Form

36:15 The Reality of Running Form

41:17 Improving Running Form at Slower Paces

47:45 The Role of Shoes in Running

56:13 The Controversy of Shoe Design

01:01:44 Transitioning to Shoes with Less Foam

01:07:45 Where to Get 'Built to Run'

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Our very own Jeff Stafford was a last minute entry into Barkley this year. Hear all about how he got into the race with 13 hours to spare, why he has wanted to run the race for years and his adventure finding pages in Frozen Head State Park. We do reveal some book locations ;) and have quite a few laughs. Jeff may not have finished a loop this year, but he was able to find some pages and have an epic adventure.

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