I DID IT! Your host, Brendon Boren finally ran his first 50k ultramarathon! Today’s episode is special. I get to share my journey to my first ultramarathon with you. What started as a way to get outside and lose weight, has transformed into a love for trail running and doing hard things like ultramarathons. In today’s episode, I share why I got into running, my progression through different running distances, the training I did for my first 50k in detail (hint, it wasn’t much different from my marathon prep), race day preparation (nutrition & gear), and ultimately the story of my first 50k ultramarathon, the Mid-Mountain 50k in Park City, Utah. Mistakes were made, walls were hit, and cramping happened, but I made it.  Thanks to all the amazing runners I’ve interviewed up to this point! You helped me cross the finish line and you’ve helped many others do the same.   Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast03:58 Brendon's Background and Motivation for Running06:18 Starting with Shorter Races and Building Confidence17:06 Discovering the Joy of Trail Running25:41 Inspiration to Challenge Himself and Sign Up for a 50K32:17 The Importance of Running a Marathon Before a 50K35:25 Finding Passion in Trail Running44:27 Dealing with Challenges: Heat and Family Responsibilities47:57 Supportive Spouse and Family59:03 Connecting with Fellow Runners01:06:49 Hitting a Wall and Mental Challenges01:12:28 The Importance of Aid Stations01:13:55 Food Options and Cramping01:17:47 Accomplishment and Satisfaction01:21:01 Future Plans: Rim-to-Rim Trail and 50-Mile Race01:38:50 Enjoying the Journey and Being Patient01:49:03 Outro

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Finding your passion isn't easy. Our whole lives, people and society are telling us what we should care about. Go to school. Get a good job. Buy a house. But do any of these give us passion or peace? Andrew had just finished college and his soccer career, and he felt lost. On a whim, a friend asked if he wanted to run a triathlon with him. He accepted. During training, he realized he performed exceptionally well at running and also thoroughly enjoyed it. He'd found both passion and peace in running. Listen to today's episode to hear all the details about how Andrew found running, the passion and peace it brought his life, AND... the magical story of Andrew's first 50-mile ultramarathon. And stick around to the end to hear about his progression from a 50-mile ultramarathon to a 100-mile ultramarathon.

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   It’s not often that both people in a relationship enjoy running. And even less often, both enjoy running more than 26.2 miles together! Today we get just that from Steve and Stephie Libben over in Iowa. Stephie and Steve have been running and strength training for some time, but they got pushed into the ultramarathon realm when Stephie’s brother Josh Law invited them to run an ultramarathon with him (interviewed Josh in episode 23). Listen to today’s episode to hear about Stephie and Steve’s first ultramarathon, a timed 8-hour race. Hear what they did to train and eventually finish their first ultramarathon as a couple, despite the tornado warning! Also check out episode 27 to listen to Stephie and Josh’s parents who got into ultramarathon running in their 60s/70s!

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Rachel Martinez started her running journey in 2009-2010 as a way to lose weight and stay fit. Although she wasn't an athlete in high school and didn't initially enjoy running, she decided to give it a try after years of sticking to other fitness routines. What started as a simple fitness activity soon grew into a passion. Rachel vividly recalls her first run, spurred by a desire to burn off calories after a big meal, and the surprising enjoyment she found in the process. From there, her running journey snowballed, progressing from 5Ks to half marathons and beyond. Rachel also unloads the challenges of balancing her passion for running with employment and her responsibilities as a mother. In today's episode, you'll hear the story of Rachel's first 50k ultramarathon. She shares the ups and downs of her journey, the support of her running community, and how she defied her initial reluctance to ever run long distances. Rachel's story is a testament to perseverance, the joy of setting new challenges, and the power of a supportive community.

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Colleen was always an active child, often running around the house and hiking with her family. Despite dabbling in sports like soccer and track, it wasn't until her 30s and after having 2 kids that Colleen truly embraced running. What began as a way to escape the stresses of being a stay-at-home mom evolved into a passion for distance running. Colleen shares her transition from jogging loops around her farmhouse to conquering her first 5K and beyond. Listen to today's episode to hear all about how Colleen got into running and the inspiring story of her first 50k ultramarathon. Colleen mentions that she is usually in the "back of the pack" when she runs in races. But the cool thing is, whether you finish first or last, anybody who runs longer than 26.2 miles is an ultramarathon runner.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background09:33 Early Running Experiences and Introduction to Trail Running17:04 Progressing in Distances: From 5Ks to Marathons23:35 Moving to North Dakota and Discovering the Maah Daah Hey Trail Series27:42 Enduring a Challenging Marathon and Setting Sights on a 50K34:06 Training Alone and Embracing Slower Pace39:46 Finding Running Partners43:44 Setting Realistic Goals49:02 Learning Through Experience59:56 The Challenge of Elevation Gain01:04:41 The Impact of External Factors01:10:07 Appreciating the Scenery01:14:47 Ticks and Trail Running: Protecting Against Insects01:17:30 The Finish Line: Relief and Reflection01:22:28 Future Plans: Revisiting Races and Exploring New Trails01:34:47 Outro

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   SPECIAL EPISODE: Typically I interview folks about their first ultramarathon, and usually they’ve ran that ultramarathon recently. Not today. If you were to see Jorge at the grocery store, you’d have no idea that he’s run 240 miles 3 times. He works an ordinary job and he isn’t paid to run. He’s the ultimate example of an ordinary person who has become an elite ultra runner over the years. Listen to todays episode to learn how Jorge got into running ultramarathons and the inspiring and whacky story of Jorge running 240 miles in the desert of Moab, Utah.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:16 From Fitness to Ultra: Jorge's Journey Begins14:13 The 50K Challenge: Training and Race Experience22:20 Conquering the 50-Miler: Training and Race Experience30:27 Bryce Canyon 100-Miler: Training and Epic Achievement32:35 Introduction to Jorge's Ultra Running Journey35:54 The Difference Between 200-Mile and 100-Mile Races37:39 Training and Preparation for Ultra Marathons42:09 Aid Stations and Nutrition in Ultra Running44:33 Jorge's Experience in the Moab 24056:42 The Mental and Physical Toll of Ultra Marathons59:58 Jorge's Future Plans and Organizing His Own Race01:04:10 Advice for New Ultra Runners01:09:37 Outro

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Matthew wasn't expecting snow the morning of his first 50k ultramarathon. Matthew had gotten into long-distance running through adventure racing, which combines running with biking, canoeing, swimming, and other means of travel to orienteer to specific points on a map. He loved the running portion so much that he wanted to test his limits in an official ultramarathon. Listen to today's episode to hear the story of Matthew's first 50k, the difficult decision he had to make due to knee pain, and the story of Matthew's redemption.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:36 From Orienteering to Ultra Running12:40 Adventure Racing and Hunting16:27 Discovering Ultra Marathons19:32 Preparing for the First 50K27:35 Struggles and Difficult Decisions31:48 Prioritizing Long-Term Health34:45 Matthew's First 50K Race and the Decision to Sign Up for Another40:40 The Benefits of Training Plans and Group Running42:46 The Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Long-Distance Races52:50 Pushing Beyond Perceived Limits: Matthew's Advice for New Runners01:05:07 Outro

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website   Nate Brooks, a professor and counseling minister, found solace in running amid his busy life. His journey began with half marathons, but the lure of the trails drew him into the world of ultra running. Despite facing challenges like IT band issues and getting lost on trails, Nate's passion for pushing his limits led him to sign up for a 50K ultramarathon. Supported by his family and inspired by running documentaries, he trained hard, balancing speed sessions, long runs, and easy runs. On race day, Nate navigated physical and mental hurdles, learning invaluable lessons about endurance and mindset. His experience not only deepened his understanding of his wife's chronic pain but also fueled his desire to continue challenging himself. Listen to today's episode to hear the story of Nate's perseverance during his first 50k ultramarathon. Follow Nate on Strava to see his training: https://www.strava.com/athletes/96859660   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:35 Nate's Work and Family Life09:38 Finding Time for Running13:40 Nate's Running Journey Begins19:55 Transition to Trail Ultras30:45 Challenges and Motivation34:21 Training for an Ultra37:18 The Importance of Quality Running Gear39:53 Electrolyte Management42:07 Saving Money on Running Shoes49:56 Introduction and Tangent on Buying Shoes50:58 Training for the 50K Ultra Marathon51:56 The Week Before the Race: Ornamental Rocks and Hip Pain54:14 Race Day: Dealing with Hip Pain and Mental Challenges56:42 Managing Pain and Pushing Through01:03:47 The Finish Line and Reflections on Chronic Pain01:12:14 Upcoming Race and Final Advice01:23:09 Outro

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website Patrick Griggs is a speech-language pathologist and a passionate runner. He got into running at a young age and continued to participate in races throughout high school and college. After a brief hiatus, his brother's involvement in ultramarathons inspired him to train and pace his brother during a 100-mile race. This experience solidified Patrick's desire to pursue ultrarunning. Patrick talks about his experience running a marathon and an ultra, focusing on his training, nutrition, and mindset. He discusses his training plan, which included running 40-50 miles per week and incorporating strength training to combat IT band issues. Listen to today's episode to hear Patrick's experience running his first-ever ultramarathon and 50-miler. He talks about the elevation gain, the challenges he faced on the course, and the mindset he maintained to finish the race.

Cool and Effective Trail Running Gear at Territory Run Co Use this code for 20% off your first order: ordinarytoultra20   Get New Episode Announcements and Ultra Running Tips via Email: Sign Up Join Our Facebook & Strava Groups to Connect with Other Aspiring Ultra Runners Check out the Ordinary to Ultra Official Website Guess what. Many runners start out not liking running, just like Chase O’Connor. Chase grew up playing sports and running was used as a punishment, not something to be enjoyed! When he met his wife who was training for a marathon at the time, he thought she was crazy! Chase signed up for a 5k with his wife to test running out again, and he still hated it. But he did want to lose some weight somehow, so we decided to hit the gym. After a few months and losing 50lbs, he thought… maybe running wouldn’t be so bad now that I’m lighter. So he quickly went from 10k to half-marathon, to marathon. After doing enough road running though, he knew he wanted to stick to trail running and run his first ultramarathon. Tune in today to learn more about Chase’s background, how he grew to enjoy running, and hear the story of Chase’s first 50k ultramarathon where he earned the nickname “flatlander.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:26 Training and Transition to Trail Running12:35 From 5K to Marathon16:27 Discovering Ultra Running29:26 The 50K Challenge32:00 Race Preparation: Night Before and Morning of the 50K35:05 Starting the Race in the Dark and Early Morning39:42 Support and Surprises Along the Way43:25 Crossing the Finish Line and Post-Race Recovery48:54 Future Races and Training Plans54:29 Advice for First-Time Ultra Runners57:19 Outro