Becoming Ultra

Adapting Goals and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Training. Pivoting is not quitting.  In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones and coaches Ian and Carrie discuss Carrie's decision to shift her training focus from a 50k race to a half marathon. Due to recurring injuries and the demands of scaling her business, Carrie reflects on the emotional and physical challenges she faced in making this decision. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in ultra-running, emphasizing how setbacks can lead to new opportunities and healthier habits. The team also discusses ongoing physical therapy and the mental adjustments required to stay motivated and find joy in the process. 00:00 Introduction and Updates 00:28 Carrie's Shift in Focus 01:31 Emotional Decision and Business Challenges 04:55 New Goals and Adjustments 06:24 Physical Therapy and Running Mechanics 08:34 Adapting to Changes 10:46 Reflections and Moving Forward 19:06 Conclusion and Future Plans

Becoming Ultra: Training Tales and Marathon Musings with Denise and Addie.  In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie catch up on Denise's running journey, discussing her increasing mileage, recent crewing experience, and upcoming training race.  Denise shares her pain-free yet challenging training progress, including a memorable long run in Griffith Park and plans to run the LA Marathon as part of her training. Addie reflects on her own marathon experience and offers advice on pacing and race preparation. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and setups in ultra-running, the importance of self-care while crewing, and the contrasting dynamics of road and trail running. Tune in for insights, personal anecdotes, and tips for runners at all levels. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:31 Training Updates and Challenges 02:05 Griffith Park Memories 5:03 Crewing and Pacing Experiences 11:43 Upcoming LA Marathon 19:53 Concluding Thoughts and Announcements Come run with us in Colorado

 In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra', Scott, Ian, and his coaching client, Carrie, discuss the emotional and physical hurdles faced during Carrie's preparation for her first ultra marathon, the Mendocino 50k. The conversation delves into the common struggles of first-time ultra runners, the importance of learning from setbacks, and finding balance amidst a busy life. Carrie shares her personal journey, dealing with injuries, and managing a business, while receiving valuable insights and encouragement from Ian and Scott. They emphasize viewing the bigger picture and appreciating the progress made, despite not always meeting immediate goals. 00:00 Introduction to Becoming Ultra 00:25 The Challenges of Training for Your First Ultra 02:10 Carrie's Personal Struggles and Progress 05:23 Balancing Life and Training 09:12 Finding Motivation and Adjusting Goals 11:28 The Importance of Self-Care and Perspective 20:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Training for Your First Ultra: Overcoming Challenges with Deidre   In this epsode, Scott and Deidre discuss her journey of training for her first ultra-marathon scheduled in Mendocino, California. They explore challenges she has faced recently, including minor injuries, stomach issues, and strategies to overcome them. Some of the topics include the importance of communication with her coach, proper nutrition and hydration strategies during long runs, and how to manage the physical demands of increasing mileage. Deidre shares her progress, the support she has received, and how she is mentally and physically preparing for race day. 00:00 Introduction and Training Overview 01:03 Current Training Status and Challenges 03:20 Foot Pain and Shoe Tightness 05:13 Long Runs and Physical Condition 06:38 Stomach Issues and Fueling Strategies 09:44 Caloric Intake and Nutrition Tips 15:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Come run with us here, or here!

Creating Inclusive Athletic Opportunities: The Kyle Pease Foundation Story   In this engaging conversation, two brothers from Atlanta, Brent and Kyle Pease, share their inspiring story and the creation of the Kyle Pease Foundation aimed at promoting inclusion in sports for people with disabilities. The discussion highlights their journey from memorable childhood sports moments to completing multiple Ironman events and the significant impact of their foundation. They delve into training regimes, facing adversity, family support, and their hopes for the future. The conversation emphasizes the power of endurance sports in bringing people together and creating unique opportunities for those with disabilities.   00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:09 Atlanta Traffic Woes 00:56 Brent's Scary Breakdown Story 01:31 Introducing the Kyle Pease Foundation 01:47 Inspiration from Dick and Rick Hoyt 03:00 Kyle's Love for Sports 03:41 The Birth of the Kyle Pease Foundation 04:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Endurance Sports 0

In the first call of 2025, Denise catches up with her coach Addie about her training progress for her first ultra marathon, set for April 19th in Mendocino. They discuss balancing holiday breaks, ski trips, and work commitments, and address ongoing air quality issues in Southern California. Denise talks about her company's efforts to support associates affected by the Pacific Palisades fire. The conversation also covers Denise's cross-training activities, including a high-altitude skiing trip and her experience with recovery and endurance. The episode concludes with advice on specific training inquiries and race day preparations. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:23 Holiday Recap and Balancing Life 00:59 Weather and Relocation Updates 01:31 Denise's Work and Community Efforts 03:34 Grocery Industry Insights 05:10 Ski Trip and Cross Training 08:14 Training Progress and Future Plans 12:25 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones interviews Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman. Carrie is training for her first Ultra marathon on April 19th in Mendocino. They discuss several key aspects of her training regimen, including a recent sleep study that diagnosed her with moderate sleep apnea, and the use of a CPAP machine to improve her sleep quality. Other topics covered include gait analysis, fueling strategies during training, and the importance of incremental improvements in training routines. Ian emphasizes the importance of consistency, incremental progress, and adapting training based on individual needs. There's also a focus on the balance between work, life, and training, highlighting the challenges and strategies for maintaining a healthy routine. Carrie shares her experience of joining a local running group for accountability and the benefits of social running. 00:00 Welcome to Becoming Ultra 00:06 Carrie's Training Journey 00:56 Entrepreneurial Insights 02:45 Nutrition and Fueling St

Overcoming Winter Challenges: Deidra's Journey to Her First Ultra Marathon In the first call of 2025, Scott and Deidra discuss how she is faring in the initial weeks of 2025 of her training for her first ultra marathon. Deidra shares her struggles with running in cold weather in Texas, her efforts to adapt to new training routines, and her recent achievements in strength training. They talk in detail about the importance of consistent strength training, proper running form, and strategies for dealing with cold weather runs. The conversation also covers the gradual ramp-up in training intensity and the mental fortitude required to stay motivated.    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:17 Running in Cold Weather 04:19 Training Progress and Challenges 07:30 Strength Training and Its Importance 12:56 Running Form and Technique 20:39 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

Midpoint Training Updates and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Marathon Prep In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones catches up with Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman as Carrie prepares for her first ultra marathon. They discuss their progress halfway through the training, overcoming challenges such as sickness and a busy schedule, and the importance of recovery, including insights from Carrie's recent sleep study. Coach Ian provides valuable advice for maintaining consistency and managing health during the training process, while Carrie shares updates on her personal journey and professional life. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:30 Holiday Recap and Listener Feedback 02:04 Carrie's Health and Training Updates 03:07 Training Tips for Cold and Flu Season 04:57 Balancing Work and Training 09:26 Adjusting Training for Injuries 20:14 Sleep Study Insights 24:45 Conclusion and Next Steps Sign up for the Powderhorn Mt Ultra and Vert Challenge

A Deep Dive into the Hard Rock 100 with Race Director Dale In this episode, Scott chats with Dale, the race director of the Hard Rock 100 Endurance Run. They discuss Dale's personal journey, the origins and evolution of the Hard Rock 100, and his experiences as both an educator and a race director. Dale shares insights on the importance of community in the race, the logistics involved with organizing the event, and how the race has positively affected the local economy. They also delve into the challenges of maintaining the course, managing the lottery system, and advice for new participants. The episode wraps up with tips on race directing, emphasizing the significance of relationships and effective communication.   00:00 Catch-Up and Family Life 00:49 Professional Background and Retirement 02:28 Exploring Local Trails 02:53 Teaching Career and Passion for Leadership 04:33 Introduction to Hard Rock 100 04:56 Founding and Early Days of Hard Rock 100 07:00 Course Mapping and Permitting Challenges 07:53 Managin

Balancing Training and Holiday Cheer: Denise, Addie, and the Importance of Cross-Training In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie discuss their recent training updates and balancing commitments during the holiday season. They cover the importance of maintaining a variety of workouts, incorporating cross-training, and staying motivated. Denise shares her insights on the benefit of hiking versus running and how cross-training like mountain biking can complement her running routine. They also delve into the pros and cons of different types of running shoes and the importance of finding the right fit according to personal needs. The conversation wraps up with holiday wishes and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the festive period.    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:03 Holiday Cheer and Traditions 02:32 Gift Giving and Personal Touches 03:57 Running and Training Updates 09:55 Mountain Biking Adventures 13:02 Balancing Training and Life 23:09 Shoe Talk and Race Preparation

Carrie brings some great questions about her training to the call today including:   How to decide when running is too much when you aren't 100% well?  Pre and post training Dexa scans.  Is gait analysis worth it? How much of the training should be walking verse running?   Coach Ian Sharman gives some great insight as she navigates training for her first ultra. About the hosts: Ian Sharman Ian has been racing around the world in all formats of event since 2005 and coaching since 2010, having run over 250 marathons and ultras on five continents (marathon PR 2:21 at age 43, half marathon PR 1:03 at age 44). He's won over 50 marathon+ races with at least one win every year for 19 (and counting) consecutive years. He also holds the fastest time in a trail 100-mile race by a Brit (12h44m), the record for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (69h49m), has won the USATF 100-mile trail championship twice and is a four-time Leadville Trail 100 Champion. Ultra Running Magazine has voted him as high as 2nd in its annual Ultra

Scott had a chance to sit down with Ben Tracy who is running across the country to highlight the importance on online safety for our youth.  Some of the stories from the kids he gets to meet are pretty wild and it's a cause we can get behind with young kids being so vulnerable to the evils online. Ben Tracyis a leading keynote speaker on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsiblesocial media use. Drawing from personal experience, Ben shares his compelling story aboutthe impact of teenage social media usage at schools and organizations nationwide.Ben is currently running across America to advocate for youth online safety. He is running amarathon each day for 120 consecutive days while speaking at schools and organizationsalong the way. His mission is simple: Keep Kids Safe.As the founder of Safe Social Network, Ben provides essential online safety resources forstudents, parents, and educators. He speaks to more than 100,000 people each year andvolunteers his time to help families report online predato

Dreama Walton is an ultrarunner and parent with a great story of perseverance from life circumstances.  She took chances to get out of situations that weren't ideal and has settled into a community that supports her and her goals! Scott and Dreama talk about life and running, training, living in the mountains, parenting, and more. Enjoy the show!

Many ultra runners start training perfectly healthy with no past injury or issues to slow them down and some of us have to start while we are dealing with those issues.  Deidra is managing a back injury she had fixed with surgery as she ramps up.  It's almost always 2 steps forward and one step back with these types of issues so don't get discouraged if you are going through it. Thanks for listening.   Our first live race from Becoming Ultra is now taking registrations.  Check it out here!

As coach Ian Sharman guides Carrie throughout the holiday season ramping up for big goals in 2025 she asks some common but pertinnet questions about footwear and strength training.  Scott announces Becoming Ultra will be putting on their first ultra event in Western Colorado in July of 2025!  Enjoy the show and thanks for listening!

Cale Pearson was a runner for Season 11 of the Becoming Ultra project.  One thing that has been so cool are the side projects and trickle down of the project.  We have had books written about the project, podcasts started, friendships, and so much more.  On this episode Cale brought some of his peers from the Freight brokering industry on his channel to talk about an upcoming team ultra at Desert Rats (where Cale ran his first ultra).  We hope you enjoy.   Cale's biz You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@B2BTransportationServices

On the show today we talk about Ian's amazing PR in the half marathon recently as he had to adjust from a marathon effort to the half.  Carrie travels and gets some rest and come back ready to train as she focuses on body care early in the training cycle.  Enjoy the show!

Deidra comes back from the amazing mountains of Big Bend and we talk about her adventure as well as come up with some best practices dealing with plantar fasciitis, something that many runners deal with. We are early in the training cycle so taking time to get right early is the goal with slow ramp up in mileage, strength and mobility, and being present along the way. Enjoy!

Change is here!  Kris & Carly discuss how much the past 151 episodes have meant to them and what the future holds!  They recap some of their favorite moments and give info on where to find them in a few weeks!  Don't forget to follow us on IG so you can get the info on our new podcast! Kris - @birdielovestorun Carly - @sherunderlusts Pod - @myfirstultrapod