Every week, I share deep and honest conversations with runners, just like you and me, and who we run with every day, to explore our experiences with training, racing, and any other crazy idea a runner might come up with.
Over the years, while completing many ultras, including the Vermont 100 mile races, Blair has been battling some pretty extreme stomach issues, which are now preventing him from running these longer ultra distances that he loves. In the beginning, he found himself avoiding ultra races because he could no longer participate the way that he used to. But now, he is focused on giving back and helping others which has grown his love for the sport even more.
Read MoreBefore we recorded this conversation, I polled on social media to see what injury you wanted to know more about, and IT band syndrome won. Aside from talking all things IT band syndrome. This is a conversation about creating a life around your passion. Laura truly has centered her life around running and being active.
Read MoreThis is a conversation that every runner who is or is thinking about having a Boston Qualifying marathon time as a goal should pay attention to. Marathon running is a cruel sport. It doesn't care how prepared you are, how fit you are, and how mentally ready you are. Sometimes when you line up to that start line, factors outside of your control mean that it is just not going to be your day. When you are chasing a time standard at the limit of what you are capable of, it will be hard. Someone will rarely get it on their first try, and if they do, then that time standard was that close to their limit of potential. What takes true courage, grit and determination are to keep showing up and trying again that 2nd, 3rd or more times because you've decided that it is truly important to you.
Read MoreThis is a conversation about filling your soul up outside of your "job". Like me Janna works as a Professional Engineer, but that is not all that defines her. We often get hung up on what we do for a living as our single source of what is most important in our lives and how most of society tries to judge us, and you've probably heard the buzz phrases like your job should be your passion. Even if you do like your job and enjoy what you do for a living, I'd say it is pretty rare to have a job that ticks all of those boxes for you, and that is normal. But it is also ok and normal to seek additional fulfillment outside of this job, which can be extremely rewarding. When you do this, you end up showing up in your life as a better, more whole human.
Read MoreWilco Cramer is an accomplished Ultra Runner who completed his first 100 mile at Antelope Canyon and later that year he was my pacer for my 100 mile race at the Capes 100. Yes, the conversation gets into all the details of both of those races, but shortly after pacing me Wilco was diagnosed with genetic heart condition and he immediately had to stop running and being active altogether as it might kill him. Wilco's attitude and determination since getting this diagnosis has been nothing short of inspiring and we can all stand to learn something from how he handled this life-changing event.
Read MoreAt the core of it, this is a deep conversation around mental health. Andrew started his relationship with alcohol at a very young age because he never felt comfortable in his own skin. It eventually almost cost him everything, his wife and ultimately almost his life. During his recovery, Andrew found running to keep his mind occupied and focused on something other than trying not to take another drink. Little did he know that running and a mindfulness practice would turn into a whole new passion where he has even gone on to run ultra marathons. Andrew is now working towards sharing his experience using movement and nature to foster wellness in his new business the Adventure Fitness Cooperative.
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