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...
5 days ago • 1 min read
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...
27 days ago • 2 min read
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...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
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...
4 months ago • 1 min read
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...
5 months ago • 2 min read
"Roll with the punches." As a former wrestler and Jiujitsu competitor, I've always been drawn to the tactical finesse of combat sports. It's fascinating how two opponents can strategically play to their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses, much like a chess match within the confines of a ring. One of the defensive techniques in boxing is to “roll with the punches,” where fighters pivot and move to reduce the impact of incoming hits. It’s about quick thinking and quick moving, absorbing...
6 months ago • 2 min read
Some days are rough! Sunday morning, I had a rough run. My legs were heavy, my knee hurt, and I was just plain tired! Halfway through the slog, I remembered a quote, "There are no shortcuts to endurance. You have to train yourself to make peace with the long route...every day...and do it...and love where it is taking you." I’m not sure where this quote came from, but when I heard it, I had to write it down. This powerful statement isn't just about running; it's a testament to the journey...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Don't Skip Leg Day! Now, I can almost hear some of you thinking, "Come on, David! Every day I hit the pavement, it's leg day!" And hey, I get it – but hear me out. I'm talking about those crucial lower-body strength workouts that can take your running game to the next level! If you're like me, prepping for mountain races while stuck on flat roads presents a challenge. That's where the leg work comes in! Currently, I'm gearing up for the High Lonesome 100 in Colorado, I've got altitude and...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Conquering the Mind: Train Your Brain Ultrarunning isn't just a physical test; it's a mental odyssey. While your body carries you mile after mile, it's your mind that pushes you through doubts, fatigue, and the whispers of "give up." So, if you're gearing up for an ultra, consider this your guide to building mental fortitude, the secret weapon in your arsenal. Facing the Mental Monsters: Ultras bring unique mental challenges. You can encounter self-doubt, exhaustion-induced hallucinations,...
8 months ago • 2 min read