In this conversation, Avery Matthews shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, discussing her training strategies, experiences with significant races like the Grindstone 100, and the challenges she faced, including a DNF and gallbladder surgery. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, nutrition, and the journey of ultra running, culminating in her participation in the Grand Slam of Ultra Running. In this conversation, Avery discusses the mental and physical challenges she faced during races, the importance of mindset, and how she balances her passion for running with family life. She emphasizes the power of acceptance and perspective on suffering, which has culminated through her entire life with her life experiences.

Check her out on Instagram:

@thelowcountryrunner

If you want to join Heidi or learn more about The Devil's Gulch by Evergreen Trails, check out the link below!

⁠https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/heidi/

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle reflect on their experiences at the Dark Anchor ultra race (where Heidi hit her first 100 miler and Michelle accomplished 119 miles!), discussing their personal achievements, recovery processes, unexpected challenges faced during the race, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with ultra running. They share insights on the physical and mental aspects of recovery, the importance of support from friends, and the lessons learned from their experiences. They share personal anecdotes about overcoming difficulties during the race and emphasize the significance of community support and personal growth in the running journey.

In this conversation, Craig Lewis shares his journey as an everyday athlete and podcaster, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the running community. He discusses the transition from casual running to ultra running, the challenges faced due to health issues, and the invaluable lessons learned from various races. The conversation highlights the power of community, collaboration, and the significance of nutrition in endurance sports. They discuss the profound impact of running on mental health, the sense of community within the running world, and the excitement of future running adventures.

Follow Craig on Instagram:

@running_tales_

@craig_on_the_run

And follow his Substack:

https://substack.com/@runningtales

Also be sure to check out his podcast: Running Tales with Craig Lewis on The Everyday Athlete Podcast Network

In this episode, ultra runner and coach Ryan Head shares his journey into the world of ultra running, discussing his recent accomplishments, the beauty of Utah, and the importance of community in the running world. He reflects on the challenges faced during his first 100-mile race and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the mental aspects of ultra running and the supportive nature of the ultra running community. They discuss the challenges faced during races, including weather conditions and personal struggles, and the significance of taking ownership of one's decisions, especially in the context of a DNF (Did Not Finish). The dialogue highlights the journey of rebuilding confidence through training and the realization that the process of preparation is what truly transforms an individual, rather than the finish line itself. In this conversation, Ryan shares his experiences and insights from ultra running, emphasizing the importance of training, self-belief, and learning from failures. He discusses how moments of joy and realization during races can transform one's mindset and approach to challenges. The discussion also touches on the parallels between ultra running and life, highlighting how failures can serve as valuable learning experiences. Ryan expresses his goals for the future and his desire to foster a supportive running community.

Find Ryan on Instagram:

@ry_head

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle engage with Sarah Strong, a licensed clinical social worker and ultra runner, to explore the mental and emotional challenges faced by ultra runners, particularly in the context of DNFs. They discuss the emotional landscape of racing, and the importance of self-compassion and values in running. Sarah shares insights on how to navigate the grief and disappointment that can accompany a DNF, as well as practical strategies for managing race anxiety and fostering mental resilience. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in the ultra running community.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @the_trail_therapist

and at her website:

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle engage with Sarah Strong, a licensed clinical social worker and ultra runner, to explore the mental and emotional challenges faced by ultra runners, particularly in the context of DNFs. They discuss the emotional landscape of racing, and the importance of self-compassion and values in running. Sarah shares insights on how to navigate the grief and disappointment that can accompany a DNF, as well as practical strategies for managing race anxiety and fostering mental resilience. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in the ultra running community.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @the_trail_therapist

and at her website: https://www.fireweedcounselingllc.com/

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle sit down with Amanda Rasmussen, an ultra runner and mother, to discuss her journey in the world of ultra running. Amanda shares her experiences, including her weight loss journey, the challenges she faced during races, and the emotional aspects of running. The conversation delves into the differences between 100-mile and 200-mile races, the importance of running with a partner, and the life lessons learned through ultra running. Amanda emphasizes the significance of community, acceptance, and personal growth in her running journey. In this conversation, Amanda Rasmussen, Michelle Goldberg, and Heidi discuss the profound experiences and lessons learned from ultra running, particularly focusing on Amanda's recent 200-mile race at Tahoe. The discussion also touches on overcoming fears, the significance of recovery practices, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst busy schedules.

Amanda is also running the Devil's Gulch 100 Mile ultra with Heidi- which you can register for with her discount code AMANDA25 for any of the distances!

Find Amanda on Instagram:

@runnermomamanda

In this episode, Michelle and Heidi reflect on the year 2024, what we've learned and taken away from what we are doing here in this podcast space, and our hopes for 2025. We also take a few questions from our followers, and look forward into the new year with some new intentions.

Andy Glaze is well known in the ultrarunnning world, especially on social media. Andy talks with us about mindset- and how his has evolved over the years of being in the sport, and how he mentally handles tough decisions and DNFs. Andy also talks with us about his work/life balance, and his own personal struggles with mental health and why he speaks up about it so often.

As we say in the episode, here are some mental health free resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Dial: 988

Website: 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line:

Text: HOME to 741741 (U.S. and Canada)

Website: crisistextline.org

NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Dial: 1-800-950-NAMI

Website: nami.org

Check out Andy on Instagram and TikTok

@amglaze

@glazeruns