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Becoming Ultra

681 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 112 ratings

Becoming Ultra is following the journey's of runners who are being coached by some of the best coaches in the sport. The runners coaching calls and journey is documented on this podcast and social media. Along the way will be coaching tips, race directors perspective, and the stories of elite and everyday runners on their first Ultra run!

Health & Fitness Sports Wilderness trails ultrarunning running training
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Episodes

Season 14:22 We break down where Amanda runs in percentages, talk about Santa!

December 29, 2023 16:57 - 25 minutes - 17 MB

Coach Addie guides Amanda through early training and gives some great information on fueling needs that Amanda will have to consider for her long efforts.  We break down where she runs based on trail, road/path, and indoors.  Scott had to ask when they stopped believing in Santa, if ever!  Enjoy.

Season 14:21 Brittany gets to double digits, Ian coaches her on early fueling practice.

December 28, 2023 16:49 - 25 minutes - 16.9 MB

Coach Ian and his runner for Season 14 catch up on her training.  She hit her first double digit run at 10 miles and is feeling generally good, with some fatigue to be expected. Ian coaches her up on some concepts of fueling that she can put into practice!

Season 14:20 Travis recovers from hernia surgery, deals with liver enzyme issue.

December 27, 2023 16:42 - 17 minutes - 11.4 MB

Travis and his coach Scott navigate some recovery issues stemming from a couple different issues but he seems to be on the mend and ready to train well for his first 50 miler in Sedona.  He is coming back from a hernia surgery and learning how to deal with some  out of whack liver enzymes.  We hope you enjoy hearing the stories of everyday people training for big things!

Season 14:19 Sheila learns the importance of fixing feet early in a race in Moab!

December 26, 2023 16:22 - 22 minutes - 14.5 MB

On this episode coach Lindsay helps Sheila navigate some new experiences and gives some great coaching on dealing with the running in the winter issue we all have this time of year.  Sheila is a new runner from Grannd Junction, Colorado training for her first ultra in Sedona in April!

Season 14:18 Noel interviews her coach Lindsay!

December 20, 2023 15:55 - 25 minutes - 16.5 MB

On this episode Noel catches us up with her training and takes the second half to interview her coach to get to know her better!

Season 14:17 Brittany interviews her coach, Ian Sharman.

December 12, 2023 17:14 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

As Brittany tries to stay consistent through the changing weather and holiday season which it seems she is doing a pretty good job with she takes some time out to interview her coach on this episode to learn more about him.  She had some great questions and the conversation was awesome. We hope you enjoy!

My First Ultra: 115 Kris & Carly Updates!

December 12, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 10.9 MB

Kris & Carly do a quick update before heading to the holiday break!  We will be back January 16th with new episodes!

Season 14:16 Mari has 2 confessions and 1 question.

December 07, 2023 20:29 - 45 minutes - 30.3 MB

Mari is on a roll and has some more firsts to share with everyone including a consecutive days in a row running. She also sticks to the theme of the week and interviews her coach Scott for the second half of the show. Hope you enjoy!

My First Ultra: 114 Sierra Degroff

December 05, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 27.4 MB

Sierra started running ultras in 2015 and has excelled in the 100-mile distance. On this podcast we talk her recent win at the USATF 24-hour national championship, what that means to her and what she hopes to gain from that experience. We also discuss a recent 100-mile race, the Bear 100. This is one of the best stories of mental toughness and resiliency we have ever heard. Sierra is incredibly disciplined; she puts in high mileage and balances her time to train and race. You will be inspire...

Season 14:15 Imposter syndrome in new runners.

December 04, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 20.8 MB

Amanda flips the script and interviews her coach Addie Bracy on today's episode.  We talk about imposter syndrome in new runners and in general and it's a conversation most of us have had if even with ourselves.  Other topics that came up were what is the biggest lesson from endurance efforts from a mental standpoint?  How does running on trail verse road change the meditative benefits of running?    We hope you enjoy!

My First Ultra: 113 Steve Carter

November 28, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 25.2 MB

Kris first met Steve in Texas a couple years ago while crewing at Bandera 100k. Steve has done some amazing things. He is one of the most supportive people she has ever met she has never known anyone who steps in as much as he does to help others achieve their big goals. While recently crewing and pacing a friend, Beth, for the Bear 100 in Utah, Steve shared his why. Kris was so moved by it she told him he needed to come on the podcast and share more. We love a podcast guest that makes you...

My First Ultra: 112 Alexa Hasman

November 21, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 28.2 MB

Alexa has had some big changes since we last talked. She is still leading by example and empowering women to do big things.  We had another great conversation with Alexa. She is still busy but has found a way to shift her priorities and conquer big goals. Alexa shares her journey to running Bigfoot 200 and gives a full race recap. She merged her passion for mountain running with the need to raise awareness for gun violence. Alexa continues her mission to raise funds and awareness while set...

A game plan for post race blues.

November 16, 2023 21:28 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MB

Most endurance athletes have heard about post race blues. In this short one I give 6 ways to plan for it should it happen so you are ready to move on mentally and physically from your epic adventures, races, and other efforts!

Season 14:14 Amanda's work life balance and a future beer mile?

November 16, 2023 20:16 - 29 minutes - 19.4 MB

Coach Addie Bracy and Scott chat with Amanda to see how her last couple weeks of training have gone.  She is dealing with work stress, don't we all, but Addie has some great tips for managing it all.  We bring up the beer mile and have a little fun planning one.  Amanda is training for her first ultra in Sedona next April!

Season 14:13 Brittany finds routine, adjusts with overnight shift work.

November 14, 2023 21:21 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Coach Ian Sharman and Scott talke with Brittany about early training and how she is handling it so far. We dive into how she recovers from multiple overnight shifts in a row and how her upcoming schedule can be managed.  She plans on more social runs to find more accountability and local community.  Enjoy the show!

My First Ultra: 111 Tara Boucher

November 14, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 19.8 MB

Tara has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she has found healing through trail running with her husky, Suki and hopes to show others that they can move their bodies even if they are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Tara is on a mission to show people a diagnosis does not mean you have to stop doing what you love. She has taken charge of her health and wants to encourage others to do the same. We discuss what it means to have a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and how to move t...

Season 14:12. Coach Lindsay is a balancing new life stuff (twins) and Noel does a time trial, kind of!

November 13, 2023 17:14 - 28 minutes - 18.8 MB

While we were catching up on the second call for Noel for Season 14 we learned how her first time trial went, why she makes her boyfriend ride his bike next to her, and what is coming up in training!  Coach Lindsay shares some of the life adjustments with her newly added twins.  Enjoy the show!

Season 14:11 Mari's has 4 firsts on her first week of training.

November 11, 2023 07:53 - 42 minutes - 27.6 MB

Mari is ini the thick of it now.  She got on the call and was excited to share her four first from the frist week of training.  Running 5 days in a week, running 2 days in a row, running trails, and intervals.  This project is meant to get athletes out of their comfort and pushing limits so hearing this on the second call was such a good reminder of how many people we could really inspire to try new things. We hope you enjoy!

Meet Travis: Idaho based father of 3 shares his running story, including his first ultra!

November 10, 2023 19:36 - 23 minutes - 15 MB

Scott sits down with Travis Zmak to talk about his running story and how he got into the sport.  We love to showcase everyday people training for big things.  Travis is a working husband and father of three out of Idaho Falls.  We talk about his first ultra, some challenges that have some up recently with his health and why he is ready to take on his first 50 miler!  Enjoy the show.

My First Ultra: 110 Sabrina Stanley is back!

November 07, 2023 11:00 - 54 minutes - 28.7 MB

We had Sabrina Stanley on the podcast two years ago. What stands out most is her confidence and drive. She has won some of the most difficult 100 milers including the Hurt 100 and Hardrock 100 twice. Ultrarunner magazine has named Sabrina one of the top ultra runner’s multiple times.  Another great conversation with one of our favorites. On this episode we talk about what the last two years have been like for Sabrina. The heartbreak of preparing for a big event and not being able to compet...

Meet Sheila: Mom of 4 decided it was time to take care of herself so she started running!

November 06, 2023 18:51 - 46 minutes - 30.8 MB

Becoming Ultra coach Linday LaForce and Scott introduce Sheila Munch. Sheila is a mom of 4, wife, and nurse out of Grand Junction, Colorado.  Not too long ago she decided it was time to take care of herself and see what was possible.  On today's introduction we talk about her life and her goals and the fact that she will be training for her first ultra in Sedona with the rest of the Season 14 crew.  It's another reminder that it's never too late to start with these crazy goals!

My First Ultra: 109 John Calabrese

October 31, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 35.6 MB

John Calabrese is embracing life! We had a great time chatting with him about racing, the trail running community, parenting, and caregiving. John is racing almost every weekend. He is a proud dance Dad and puts parenting at the top of his priority list. John also tells us about his special relationship with Donald, who is confined to a wheelchair but has taught everyone he meets so much about living. John’s energy and joy are  contagious. You will be inspired by this one. IG- @breezytrail...

Season 14:10 Scott meets his runner Mari out of D.C.

October 30, 2023 18:33 - 37 minutes - 25.3 MB

Mari is ready to train for her first ultra.  With good work/life balance she is pumped to test her limits on trails and see what she is capable of doing!  We hope you enjoy the episode!

Season 14:09 Coach Lindsay meets runner Noel from Michigan.

October 30, 2023 15:09 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

Scott and Lindsay take some time to get to know one of the runner's of Season 14.  Noel has found purpose in her work and inspiration from her sister.  Now she gets to train for her first 50k!  We hope you enjoy!

Season 14:08 Coach Addie Bracy meet Amanda of Oregon!

October 28, 2023 15:03 - 38 minutes - 25.1 MB

Addie and Scott get to meet Amanda who is just now starting her journey to run her first ultra.  Amanda works at Trader Joe's and bartends and has some great reasons to take this challenge head on.  We hope you enjoy!

Season 14:07 Introducing Brittany from Oregon with coach Ian Sharman!

October 28, 2023 14:57 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

Ian and Scott sit down with Season 14 runner, Brittany, to learn her story and get her rolling to training for her first Ultra.  She resides in Oregon and works as a shift nurse in the Cardiac unit.  We hope you enjoy!

Marshall Ulrich on longevity, being kind to yourself, and the Route 66 event he directs!

October 26, 2023 19:15 - 48 minutes - 30.8 MB

Marshall Ulrich is 72 and isn't showing any signs of stopping.  After a couple surgeries and seeing close friends deal with things like Alzheimers, Marshall can't help but do what he has always done, keep it moving.   His endurance exploits are second to none from circumnagivating Death Valley to climbing the seven summits.  This is one to share with anyone who wants to do epic things late in life or someone who just needs a reason to start!  We hope you enjoy. 

My First Ultra: 108 Taylor Spike

October 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 37.2 MB

Taylor Spike (Tspike) is an ultra-endurance athlete, Husband, Father, and recovering addict. He is one of the few people to complete a 200-mile ultramarathon in less than 60 hours. He also holds the master’s course record for the Tahoe 200 clockwise and counterclockwise. Taylor has experienced extreme discomfort on the trails and in life. Taylor doesn’t make excuses; he is sober and accountable to himself. He embraces his family and the moments he shares with them. Kris met Taylor and his ...

Season 14 Selection Show

October 17, 2023 15:52 - 28 minutes - 19.2 MB

Scott, Ian, Addie, and Lindsay sit down to pick which runner they will work with to get to  their first ultra.  The Becoming Ultra Project brings new ultra runners along with training, podcasts, and community to the start line of their first ultra. This show is the first of Season 14 which will finish with runners in the Sedona desert in April 2024. Enjoy!

My First Ultra: 107 TRR Recap!

October 17, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 29.1 MB

Today we catch up with some old friends, and some new ones, to talk about the TransRockies Race! TRR is a 6 day stage race across the Rocky Mountains that covers 120 total miles and 20,000 feet of elevation gain.  Ina & Mike along with Jenn and Dave relive their experience during the week and talk about how as partners they successfully completed the event.  

My First Ultra: 106 Hisa Turner

October 10, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 24.6 MB

We are all familiar with the Leadville 100, Hisa has a great story about how she made her way to the iconic race. In 11 months, she went from running 2 miles to 100. We discuss her athletic background as well as training for a mountain race at altitude in the heat of Baton Rouge. We absolutely loved this conversation with Hisa. Her story is one that will make you feel inspired and happy. Taking a chance and not being afraid to fail can lead to some great things.  IG- @hisa.turner

Dylan Bowman: The importance of giving back, bringing back Montrail, and working with his wife at FreeTrail!.

October 09, 2023 19:42 - 56 minutes - 37.1 MB

Scott and Dylan have a great conversation that goes all over the place.  What's on his radar now that he is a dad (product) What are some over talked about topics in the world of ultra running What it's like working with his spouse on FreeTrail and why it works well A fun brainstorm on new ideas in running biz The importance of volunteering, especially for elite/pro's How he manages his "violent" schedule We hope you enjoyed the show!   Becoming Ultra Season 14 FreeTrail

Jason Fitzgerald: Group runs, mile races, and playing horse in a horse barn!

September 30, 2023 13:33 - 42 minutes - 27.9 MB

Scott and Jason Fitzgerald catch up on all things running from group run etiquette to losing his voice cheering for one mile racers.  We talk about why he has kept a running journal for decades and so much more in a fun conversation from the Strength Running founder.     

The 444 with Phil Parsons.

September 21, 2023 04:52 - 55 minutes - 36.5 MB

Scott had a chance to interview Phil Parsons the day before he embarks on the 444 mile Natchez Trace effort. The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile stretch of road that begins in Nashville and ends in Natchez, MS. To date, no one holds the record for the fastest known time (FKT), Natchez-trace-parkway-FKT completing the southbound journey on foot. This adventure is exactly what I am going to do this September — Suicide Awareness Month — to bring awareness to the issues of mental health and suicid...

Season 14:05 Scott gets interviewed by former Becoming Ultra runner about Season 14

September 15, 2023 17:42 - 32 minutes - 21.6 MB

On this episode of the Season 14 launch, Scott has the script flipped on him and is interviewed by client and friend, Cale Pearson. They talk about: What kind of coaching style Scott has Heavy lifting day or HIIT workout preference Morning or evening training sessions? Importance of being present  Who should apply for Season 14 Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   Be sure to share this episode and the other Season 14 show...

Season 14:04 Introducing Doctor of Physical Therapy and coach Lindsay LaForce to Season 14

September 15, 2023 17:37 - 29 minutes - 19 MB

Lindsay LaForce joins Scott to talk about her background as a PT and coach over the years.  She will be our newest coach on this Season 14.  Some of the things we covered: Why strength training is so important for injury prevention How she manages her time as a mom of 4 and athlete The types of runners she would love to see apply for the project Ideas on training through the winter   Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   B...

Season 14:03 Ian Sharman is back to coach another season!

September 15, 2023 16:58 - 31 minutes - 20.1 MB

Ian Sharman and his company Sharman Ultra have been partners with Becoming Ultra since the first season way back in 2015.  His insights to the sport and coaching are always interesting and today we took some time to talk about a bunch of stuff to get you pumped for the new season. Some of the things we covered: What is new, if anything, with the sport. How coaching is evolving The types of athletes he would love to see apply. Be sure to check out the episode with the RD of the Red Ro...

Season 14:02 Meet Addie Bracy, new coach for Season 14!

September 15, 2023 16:51 - 33 minutes - 24.4 MB

Addie Bracy has had an awesome running career and life that started at an early age wanting to run with her dad.  On today's show, we get to introduce the newest coach for Season 14 and learn a bunch along the way. Some of the things we covered: How she got into running Why her major was track and cross country at UNC How she got into ultra running and learned so much the hard way Why she delved so deep into the psychology of sport Why durability is important Some mental red fla...

Season 14:01 Meet the RD of our Season 14 race partner, The Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races.

September 15, 2023 16:43 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MB

On this show, the official launch of Season 14, Scott hangs out with the Race Director of the Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Races, Erica.   We talk about: Why she started the races after moving there from California. What the trails for the course are like and why it's tougher than the vertical suggests Best places to stay in town for travelers Why it's a great place for first time ultra runners Why she added so many distances for one day of running Why the after party is going to b...

My First Ultra: 105 Rachel Belmont

September 12, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 28.2 MB

Rachel Belmont is an adventure seeker; she has traveled the world conquering some of the most extreme foot races to raise money for running programs organized by Girls on the Run. Her career as an adolescent psychiatric nurse has inspired her to take action and to help young adults turn to a healthier outlet such as running. Rachel discusses the path that led her to ultra running and some of the most extreme stage races. We also talk about her life changing experience at Badwater 135. Rach...

My First Ultra: 104 Andrea Kooiman is back!

September 05, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 39.7 MB

We welcome back to the pod, our friend Andrea Casella Kooiman. Andrea is a person who asks herself why not me and has accomplished some amazing things. Over 150 marathon and ultra-marathons under her belt including Badwater 135 three times, and most recently the Barkley Marathons and Tahoe 200. Andrea has a passion to assist others in becoming their own superhero, she is one of the founders of WeRock, an after-school, intervention program for Middle and High School students focused on the en...

My First Ultra: 103 Katie Hernke

August 29, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 34.4 MB

Katie Hernke is a mom, nurse, and writer who creates content for trail lovers. She is on a mission to get all her hiking friends to try backpacking and help educate those of us who want to do more backpacking. Katie is passionate about all things trails, especially backpacking. We loved this conversation with Katie, it was like chatting with a good friend. She talks about how her running journey has evolved over the years and what led her to backpacking. She is full of knowledge and enthus...

Introducing Adventure Leadership Retreats: Costa Rica

August 28, 2023 15:20 - 40 minutes - 28.3 MB

Join Scott and his partner with Adventure Leadership Retreats, Cale Pearson.  After spending time doing hards things and getting others to do and succeed at hard things, we wanted to bring an event that combined the skills we learn doing these things with leadership skills that can help in work, sport, and life.  The inaugural leadership retreat is coming in Februaury of 2024 in beautiful Costa Rica.  Learn more here. 

The progression of an every day runner from 5k's to the Tahoe 200.

August 25, 2023 21:45 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

On this episode Scott interviews his friend and client about the recently completed Tahoe 200.  From running to manage weight to full on catching the ultra bug, Brent shares his story of the first thought to do a 200 to the training and ultimately the effort itself.  We think most every day runners will enjoy this show!  Thanks for listening!

Best practices in wound care from a specialist for your running trips and falls!

August 23, 2023 19:25 - 1 hour - 38.7 MB

Scott got to talk with his Aunt on the show today.  And while she could probably spend a whole episode sharing travel adventures and recipes (she's an amazing cook) we decided that debunking myths around wound care in 2023 would be a much more helpful and practical subject.  We talk about the differences in care over the last couple decades and give some tactics that can help you and your family take care of cuts, abrasions, and more.   While this inofrmation is great for us runners who catc...

My First Ultra: 102 Brittany's Peterson is back!

August 22, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 30.5 MB

Brittany Peterson  is an amazing ultra-runner and even better human being. We first met her last year on the podcast. If you want to learn more about her running journey, check out that episode.  On this podcast we are going to talk about other big changes in her life. Brittany has been dealing with hip issues and recently had surgery on both hips. She has experienced some major life changes while on a journey to self-discovery. Brittany is handling everything with a wonderful attitude and h...

Scott does a short recap of every season, shares where season 14 will be!

August 18, 2023 23:19 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

Becoming Ultra is to share the stories of everyday people doing amazing things.  Check out the new intro and voice talent to kick things off.  Scott goes all the way back to 2015 to do a quick recap of every season since the projects inception.  He shares where Season 14 is going to be and shares the new vision for Team BU 2.0. Enjoy the show! Join the team, we'd love to have you and need the help! Check out retreats. We have coaching spots open now too.

Season 13:45 Delorean brings his family to Oregon, experiences it all on race day!

August 15, 2023 16:13 - 28 minutes - 13.9 MB

Delorean brought the family to Oregon to experience the state and the beauty together.  Unfortunately, the kiddos and Mandy(wife) would have to "rescue" Delorean when things went south after mile 21.   He put it all out there and learned a bunch in the process.  We hope you enjoyed the talk.  Also, we put together a fundraiser for the family, hope you can help! 

Season 13:44 Isabel's crazy start and Stacey's tough finish.

August 15, 2023 15:31 - 41 minutes - 20 MB

Stacey ran her first ultra and like most of us, learned a lot about herself and what it takes to run these long distances.  Isabel had a rough start but persevered with a great attitude and had a great day on the trails.  They both hang out with their coach Hillary Allen to talk about the day on the trails near the epic Mt. Hood. We are trying to help one of the runners of the community. If you have any way to help out, it would be amazing!  Here is the fundraiser. Thanks!

My First Ultra: 101 Benny Braden

August 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MB

Benny Braden is a retired EMT and rescue diver, Electrician, long distance hiker, founder and CEO of responsible stewardship, photographer, YouTuber, and PTS survivor. Benny is living his best life thanks to long distance back packing and God (quote from the Highline documentary). Benny Braden is all about making a positive impact. We had a great conversation about trauma, mental health, and long-distance backpacking. Benny shares his insights on the importance of nature and healing. He is...

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