035: Alyson Venti runs (and wins) the Keys 100 Ultramarathon

Alyson Venti is a runner. In fact, she's more than a runner she's an ultrarunner.

In this episode of the Mile after Mile podcast you'll hear the story of how she trained for and ran the Keys 100 ultramarathon. You can find the Keys 100 information at www.keys100.com .

When she isn't running she works on Coral Reef Restoration. She now lives in Bermuda half-way up a very steep hill and you'll hear a few trucks going up the hill on the recording.

Alyson and I actually both lived in Miami at one point so we have two running stores in common. Those are Footworks (www.footworksmiami.com) in Miami and iRun (www.iruncompany.com) also in Miami. iRun is a supporter of Alyson and a supporter of the Keys 100.

She has also run the Ghost Train 100 and The Long Haul 100. I didn't find a website for the Ghost Train 100. I think you can find it at ultrasignup.com but the Long Haul can be found at www.longhaul100.com

We talk about coaching and training plans and then we talk about the race. If you think you run a lot of miles you will most likely be stunned by how many miles Alyson clocks every week. At least I was really impressed.

Her crew this year was her husband Teddy and friend Simon.

We talk about goals, setting goals and adjusting goals when things go differently than expected.

We talk about running in the heat. There are two things that make the Keys 100 unique. First it's an ultra run on pavement. Second you run in May in South Florida so it's crazy hot.

We talk about the Keys 100 run in detail. It starts at Mile Marker 100 in Key Largo and runs to Higgs Beach in Key West.

We talk about how she manages her crew car and nutrition. She shares a very cool t-shirt strategy that I am totally going to steal.

Alyson's time this year was 18 and a half hours. She uses GuEnergy electrolytes, Tailwind and Coconut Water with Chia seeds.

We talk about the dreaded GI distress that can happen in long races.

We talk about the mental challenges of running a 100 mile race. We talk about not giving up.

Alyson quotes Traci Falbo as a source of inspiration for how to not quit. You can find Traci at www.tracifalbo.com

Her personal website which is more than just running can be found at www.alysonventi.net and she is also on Facebook.

Thank you Alyson for being a guest on the Mile after Mile Podcast.

Be sure to visit www.amysaysso.com to see what Amy has been up to as well.