We have started a race! Sign up for the Montana Meltdown, the premiere new fixed time race in Bozeman, Montana: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117574In this conversation, I interview Mika Thewes, an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races. We discuss Mika's journey into ultrarunning, her experiences in races like Bigfoot and Tahoe, and her recovery from the Cocodona 250. Mika shares her low-tech approach to race planning and her focus on time goals rather than competition. We Talk some volunteering and race scheduling. Follow Mika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcrashveganTakeawaysMika Thewes is an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races.She got into running to get in shape and gradually transitioned to trail running and longer distances.Mika's favorite races include Tahoe and Bigfoot, but each race has its own unique challenges and beauty.She takes a low-tech approach to race planning, using handwritten sheets of paper to track aid stations and estimated times.Mika focuses on time goals rather than competition, racing against herself and pushing her limits.We talk about the challenges faced during races and goals for future races.Mika Thewes explains how he manages to afford his racing through volunteering.The conversation ends with a discussion about Mika's upcoming race, Tor des Géants in Italy.Animal Encounters and VolunteeringSound Bites"That stupid powerline switchback climb out of like, what was it, Blackpool or something? That was the worst.""I just decided to double the distance. I think I had run like eight miles of trails before I did a 50 mile trail race, like in total in my life.""It was the craziest like I could talk about that all day. I mean, spot-trackers were optional so a bunch of people weren't wearing them. People got food poisoning at the aid stations.""It is what it is. It was disappointing.""I mean, I understand everyone's concerned, because like obviously I'd be concerned about that too.""Yeah, that's hilarious. I mean, you were flying down from Elden."ChaptersKeywordsultrarunning, 200-mile races, Bigfoot, Tahoe, Cocodona, race planning, time goals, determination, ultrarunning, races, challenges, goals, animal encounters, volunteering, Torre dei Giants