n this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Katie Warren, an avalanche forecaster and race director for Evergreen Trails. They discuss Katie's unique career path, her passion for running, and the challenges of balancing her job with training for ultra marathons. Katie shares insights into her experiences as a race director, the importance of community in racing, and her upcoming participation in the Hood Hundred. She emphasizes the significance of connection—both with oneself and the community—through running, and reflects on the challenges faced by runners during races, particularly regarding DNF decisions.

Find Katie on Instagram:

@just_a_girl_and_a_husky

Also check out Evergreen Trails, especially Devil's Gulch which you can register for with discount code HEIDIB

https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/

Due to some technical issues we had to work through, there may be a few spots of pausing or overlapping voices in this episode, and for that we apologize!

In this episode we welcome guest Jason Bahamundi of RunTriBike and we explore the world of endurance sports, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and humor. We discuss how everyday athletes can find their place in the sport, the significance of having a strong 'why' to motivate training, and the life lessons that can be drawn from endurance challenges. While we laugh and joke a lot, Jason also helps us touch on some important pieces, like safety in running. You'll laugh a lot in this one- we are so thankful for our friends like Jason at RunTriBike!

Check out Jason on Instagram:

@cooktraineatrace

@runtrimag

@everyday_athlete_podcast_ntwrk

https://runtrimag.com/

*Due to some technical issues, there may be some minor sound overlap during the episode

In this conversation, ultra runner Manika Gamble shares her incredible journey through unique and challenging races around the world, including her experiences in the Namibia Desert and the Arrowhead 135. The discussion delves into the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, the allure of extreme conditions, and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits. Manika reflects on her motivations, the preparation for these races, and the emotional impact of her first DNF at Arrowhead 135, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-acceptance in the face of adversity. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the emotional and physical challenges of ultra running, particularly focusing on the Arrowhead 135 race. They discuss the importance of celebrating efforts beyond just finishing, the lessons learned from experiences of not finishing, and the significance of cultural immersion in races.

Follow Manika on Instagram @manikaruns

⁠

Manika's GoFundMe

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/