Overcoming the Post-Race Blues: Life After the Finish Line Hey Reader, Crossing the finish line for your big goal race is an incredible achievement, but what happens after the race? Many ultrarunners, including our recent podcast guest Lucja Leonard, talk about the unexpected slump that can follow an intense race – often called the “post-race blues.” In our latest Run the Riot episode, Lucja dives into her personal experience with this common feeling after completing massive races like the…
Hey there, my friends! Check this quote out: “Strength isn’t measured in how much you can take before you break, but in how much you can take after you’re broken.” I don’t remember where I found it, but it spoke to me so I saved it in my notes. This speaks to the very core of ultrarunning, where we find out what we’re truly made of, not just in the easy miles or even in the early struggles, but in the moments when we’ve hit our limit—when it feels like we’ve got nothing left to give. Have you…
The Power of Cross-Training for Ultra Success Dear Reader, In the world of ultrarunning, logging miles on the trails is essential—but what if we told you that lifting weights could be the missing piece to unlocking your full potential? In our latest episode of Run the Riot, we talked with Lucja Leonard, a seasoned ultrarunner who has tackled some of the world’s toughest races, including the Bigfoot 200 and the Divide 200. During the conversation, Lucja shared what I believe to be one of her…
Hey Reader, I hope this message finds you strong, both mentally and physically, as you tackle your latest challenges! Today, I wanted to share a powerful reminder I read recently from John Maxwell’s book No Limits that truly resonates with the ultrarunning journey: “Never forget: Everything worthwhile is uphill!” – John Maxwell As runners, we know this truth all too well. The path we choose is never the easy one, and it’s not supposed to be. Whether you’re climbing literal mountains or…
Hey Reader, As any ultrarunner will tell you, long-distance races aren’t just about physical endurance—they’re a test of mental strength. Whether you’re tackling a 5K, an ultramarathon, or a challenging project at work, there comes a point where fatigue sets in, doubts creep up, and the temptation to quit looms large. The question isn’t IF you’ll face these moments, but how you’ll handle them when they come. Breaking Through Mental Blocks Overcoming mental hurdles is often the key to success….
Hey Reader!, I hope you are having an amazing week and crushing the miles in preparation for whatever you’ve got planned! The Moab 240 is this week and it’s got me thinking about my journey through that amazing course last year. I remember not only the physical demand of all those miles but also the mental fortitude it took to will myself to keep moving forward. Ultrarunning is just as much(if not more) a mental challenge as it is physical. On those long, grueling runs, it’s easy to feel…
Hey there, my friends! Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be able to…”? Those thoughts may feel harmless, but they can become powerful obstacles—ones that keep us from achieving our full potential. Whether it’s in your running journey, personal life, or career, these limiting beliefs often become self-fulfilling prophecies. What Are Limiting Beliefs? Limiting beliefs are those nagging thoughts or false narratives we tell ourselves that keep us from…
Greetings Fellow Distance Junkies! When it comes to ultra-endurance races, having a solid support crew can be as crucial as your training plan. Whether you’re tackling a 50-mile race or pushing the limits with a 200-miler like the Summit 200, a dedicated crew can be the difference between reaching the finish line or calling it quits. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing crews in many of my races when I run with a crew. Jennifer and my parents have been amazing in keeping me moving and sane in…
As runners, we’ve all faced our fair share of challenges, both physical and mental. One of the most common obstacles to putting in all the miles we want to run? Knee pain. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and even debilitating. If you listen to the podcast, you know I recently had my knee scoped about 7 weeks ago. I’m getting my mileage back up for High Lonesome 100 in July! It’s coming quickly! In our recent conversation on the podcast, John Calabrese shared his experiences as an…
An Ultra Running Parent’s Anecdotal Guide to Sleep… or Lack of. By Coach Chad Hetrick I’m not a doctor. This is not medical or sleep advice. Talk to a doctor if you can’t sleep. It could be something serious…. Sunday 8:22 PM – Put 2 year old daughter to bed. Sunday 8:30 PM – 6 year old son goes to bed. Sunday 9:00 PMish – in bed and asleep to get ready for a big week of running and work. Sunday 11:42 PM – 2 year old wakes up screaming and I attempt to console her. Sunday 11:55 PM – All…