Momma Runs an Ultra

Ultra Running Is Not Real

In this episode of Momma Runs an Ultra, I share my excitement, nerves, and overthinking about my training for my first ultramarathon. After finishing my biggest back-to-back long runs yet, I’m surprised to realize the second long run still somehow feels easier than the first. Hoping that's a sign that the training is actually working, even if I still have no clue how to predict a realistic 50K+ finish time. I talk through all the little race-day questions swirling in my head, from pacing and aid-station planning to figuring out how to explain to my family what I’ll need when my brain is fried halfway through the race. I also share the hilarious story (joke was on me!) of meeting an ultrarunner years ago and genuinely thinking he was lying about people running 60+ and 100+ mile races, only to eventually become the person training for an ultra, even if it's shorter than those. Somebody tell my husband he is definitely sleeping on the sofa bed the night before the race. How I Procrastinate * Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast [https://mommarunsanultra.com/sleepwithrockstars] * Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020 [https://mommarunsanultra.com/countryfriedrock] * Music Playlists [https://mommarunsanultra.com/runningmix] * Support [https://mommarunsanultra.com/support]This Podcast * Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds [https://mommarunsanultra.com/divebarmusicclub] Chapters * 00:03 - Introduction to Mama Runs and Ultra * 00:37 - Preparing for Race Day * 02:50 - Unexpected Connections * 03:59 - Discovering Ultra Running * 04:50 - Preparing for Race Day * 05:47 - Preparing for My First Ultramarathon Recommended If You Like running tips for beginners, ultramarathon training, race day preparation, pacing strategies for races, long distance running advice, half marathon training plans, ultra running for older adults, how to plan for an ultra marathon, marathon training for older runners, managing race anxiety, aid station strategies, running with family support, training for ultra marathons, tips for first time ultramarathoners, calculating race times, heat acclimation for runners, balancing family and running, overcoming race day nerves, practical tips for ultra runners, understanding ultra marathon distances, ultramarathon training, first ultramarathon, first 50K, ultra running podcast, women in ultra running, masters runner, running in your 50s, back to back long runs, endurance running, trail running training, ultramarathon race prep, race day anxiety, ultramarathon pacing, 50K pacing strategy, aid station planning, ultrarunner beginner tips, marathon to ultramarathon, half marathon to ultra, ultra race prediction, ultramarathon training block, heat acclimation training, family support in running, middle aged runner, running podcast for women, realistic running podcast, ultramarathon advice, first time ultrarunner, running over 50, trail race preparation, long distance running mindset, female endurance athlete, rural South Carolina runner, balancing family and training, ultra marathon community, running humor, relatable running podcast, podcast for runners, endurance athlete journey, ultramarathon race strategy, trail running life, beginner ultra runner mistakes, ultra race crew planning, ultramarathon aid stations, training for a summer ultra, running motivation, running and aging, women runners podcast, ultramarathon fears, ultra training stories, Momma Runs an Ultra

Cocodona 250 for Old People and Why Are Elevation Maps So Hard to Understand?

I'm a runner on the “downhill side” of my 50s training for my first ultra while juggling camping trips, broken air conditioning, exhaustion, self-doubt, and back-to-back long runs that didn’t quite go to plan. But what starts as a story about misreading elevation gains on a map turns into a powerful celebration of endurance at every age, because I was rapt by the legendary Cocodona 250, especially the women over 55 (as identified via Ultra Signup) who crossed that brutal finish line. From course record smashing performances to everyday grit, this episode celebrates older athletes proving that adventure endures. How I Procrastinate * Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast [https://mommarunsanultra.com/sleepwithrockstars] * Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020 [https://mommarunsanultra.com/countryfriedrock] * Music Playlists [https://mommarunsanultra.com/runningmix] * Support [https://mommarunsanultra.com/support]This Podcast * Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds [https://mommarunsanultra.com/divebarmusicclub] Chapters * 00:02 - Introduction to My Ultra Marathon Journey * 00:14 - Preparing for the Cocodona 250: Training Challenges and Learning Experiences * 01:46 - The Peak Week of Training * 02:37 - Celebrating Older Athletes in Endurance Events * 04:38 - Notable Ultra Runners Over 55 * 05:32 - Endurance Running Beyond 55 Cheers to These Women* Athletes 55+ Who (I'm Pretty Sure) Finished Cocodona 250 * Rachel Entrekin (smashed the course record and won the whole damn race) * Pam Reed * Peggy Shouse * Tracy Denbleyker * Mary Deane Davis * Fengling Liu * Arabelle Higgins * *Runners are cross-referenced via the Cocodona 250 Finisher Leaderboard, which is super confusing to read, and their Ultra Signup pages. Please correct any errors or omissions in the comments on YouTube. Recommended If You Like ultra marathon podcast, Momma Runs an Ultra, Cocodona 250, Cocodona 250 finishers, women ultrarunners over 55, masters ultrarunning, ultramarathon training, first ultra marathon, endurance running podcast, trail running podcast, Rachel Entrekin, Pam Reed, Peggy Shoeus, Tracy Denbleyker, Mary Deane Davis, Fengling Liu, Arabelle Higgins, older women runners, women in ultrarunning, ultrarunning inspiration, back to back long runs, trail running over 50, running after 50, ultramarathon mindset, peak training week, elevation training, trail race training, ultra signup, endurance athletes over 50, camping and running, beginner ultrarunner, women endurance athletes, Cocodona course record, ultramarathon community, aging athletes, ultrarunning motivation, long distance trail running, women runners podcast, endurance sports podcast, ultramarathon recovery, training fatigue, running through exhaustion, marathon to ultra transition, inspirational runners over 55, female ultramarathoners, trail running adventures, running podcast for women, masters athletes, endurance racing, ultra trail running, ultramarathon storytelling

Like, I Kinda Want Your Support, But Like, It's Super Awkward to Like Ask For It

Clearly a bounce back to my wannabe Valley Girl days in this episode. Let's transfer those "likes" to the podcast reviews, or something. Sheesh. I’m really just sharing where I’m at with training for an ultramarathon. Watching the Boston and London Marathons recently gave me a big boost of motivation and a fresh way to think about my own training, especially on the tougher days. I also think out loud about how important mindset is when you’re out there for hours at a time, and how much a few encouraging words of support can change everything. I’d love to hear from listeners about what actually helps them push through hard moments in endurance events, because that sense of community has been surprisingly needed. How I Procrastinate * Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast [https://mommarunsanultra.com/sleepwithrockstars] * Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020 [https://mommarunsanultra.com/countryfriedrock] * Music Playlists [https://mommarunsanultra.com/runningmix] * Support [https://mommarunsanultra.com/support]This Podcast * Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds [https://mommarunsanultra.com/divebarmusicclub] Chapters * 00:14 - Inspiration from Major Marathons * 00:46 - Training Insights from Recent Marathons * 02:15 - Preparing for the Race: Weather Challenges and Training Adjustments * 03:38 - Support and Encouragement in Running * 04:15 - Navigating Emotional Support in Ultra Running Totally Tagging Them * South Carolina * ESPN Spanish broadcast channel * Italian food * Aid stations * Boston Marathon * London Marathon * Upcoming ultra marathon * Back-to-back long run training days * Cutback training week * Family birthdays * Friends visiting town Recommended If You Like ultra marathon training, running tips for older adults, Boston Marathon highlights, London Marathon insights, long run strategies, overcoming training fears, humidity and running, summer running tips, emotional support for runners, aid station encouragement, running in extreme weather, preparing for ultra marathons, running motivation for beginners, ultra marathon mental strategies, training for long distances, community support in running, marathon race experiences, hydration strategies for runners, balancing training and life, running for fitness over 50, training for a first ultramarathon, midlife athletic journey, running in your 50s, self-doubt and mental dialogue, inspiration from elite marathon events, mental toughness and mindset during endurance training, long run structure and training adaptation, heat, humidity, and weather unpredictability in training, race preparation uncertainty (especially race duration expectations), community support and encouragement during endurance events, emotional support preferences during races, communication challenges with non-running friends/family, sharing running goals with others (coming out about the race), music/commentary/media consumption during major races (watching coverage, Marathon Handbook commentary), balance between training and personal life (social plans, family events), humor and self-awareness in endurance training journey

Sausage Fest, No Livestream, Leaderboard Is Wrong: Does Ultra Running Even Want New Fans?

A 50-something newbie ultra-runner tries to follow the Canyons and Madeira races, roasts the sport for being a “sausage fest,” can’t find a livestream or correct leaderboard anywhere, learns race names make zero sense, and ends up confused but inspired anyway. How I Procrastinate * Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast [https://mommarunsanultra.com/sleepwithrockstars] * Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020 [https://mommarunsanultra.com/countryfriedrock] * Music Playlists [https://mommarunsanultra.com/runningmix] * Support [https://mommarunsanultra.com/support]This Podcast * Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds [https://mommarunsanultra.com/divebarmusicclub] Chapters * 00:02 - Exploring Gender Dynamics in Ultra and Trail Running AKA Sausage Fest * 02:15 - The Challenges of Following Ultra Marathons from Afar * 03:00 - Exploring the World of Ultramarathoning * 08:01 - Discovering Ultra Running * 10:32 - Exploring Gender Representation in Ultra and Trail Running, Again Sausage Fest * 11:17 - Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running Name Dropping Like Mick Jagger * Boston Marathon * London Marathon * Sebastian Sawe * Kejelcha * Kiplimo * Molly Seidel * Des Linden * Makena Morley * Lauren Gregory * Sub Hub Podcast * Alice Bacquie * Grace Ebersole * Audrey Roberts * Tyler Green * Tommy Sullivan * Rod Farvard * Katherina Harmuth * Helen Mino Faulkner * Jasmine Lowther * Rachel Drake * Ana Paula Rodrigues * Vinnie Mauri * Aroa Sio * Alyssa Clark * Amanda Basham * Adam Peterman * Zach Miller * Hayden Hawkes * Riley Brady * Careth Arnold Recommended If You Like ultra marathon training, beginner ultra runner podcast, women in ultra running, trail running podcast, first ultra marathon journey, masters runner over 50, marathon world records, London Marathon vibes, Boston Marathon commentary, elite marathon results, sub 2 hour marathon, road running news, trail ultramarathon races, Canyons Endurance Runs, Madeira trail race, difficulty following trail races, lack of race coverage, ultra running community, female ultrarunners, Molly Seidel trail running, Des Linden ultra running, ultramarathon distances 50k 100k 100 mile, trail race results and leaderboard issues, running podcasts for beginners, endurance sports commentary, running motivation over 50, discovering trail running, trail running culture, ultra running fan experience, social media in endurance sports, race day coverage issues, women athletes in endurance sports, running podcast, ultra marathon, trail running, women in running, ultra running podcasts, marathon records, London Marathon, Boston Marathon, Molly Seidel, Canyons race, women's ultra running, ultra marathon training, ultra distance races, running community, women's sports coverage, ultra running news, trail running events, women's athletics, marathon runners, ultra running for beginners, ultra marathon experiences

Waffle House Stage Runs, Talking to Yourself on the Trails, and Running Gatekeepers

A candid, funny, and thoughtful look at a late-50s runner training for her first ultramarathon, questioning everything from influencer culture to race gatekeeping, all while navigating hunger, back-to-back long runs, and the occasional Waffle House-fueled epiphany. How I Procrastinate * Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast [https://mommarunsanultra.com/sleepwithrockstars] * Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020 [https://mommarunsanultra.com/countryfriedrock] * Music Playlists [https://mommarunsanultra.com/runningmix] * Support [https://mommarunsanultra.com/support]This Podcast * Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds [https://mommarunsanultra.com/divebarmusicclub] Chapters * 00:12 - Encountering Influencers on the Trail * 01:40 - The Rise of Running Influencers * 03:38 - The Evolution of Running Culture * 05:01 - Exploring the World of Ultra Marathons and Unique Race Experiences * 06:16 - The Struggles of Training and Nutrition Recommended If You Like ultra marathon training, running influencers, trail running, marathon experiences, running lifestyle, women's running community, fitness over 50, recreational running, running safety tips, ultra running logistics, back to back long runs, running motivation, running fashion trends, race participation, Boston Marathon attitudes, running and food, running events, personal running stories, running challenges, fitness podcasts, ultramarathon training over 50, first ultra marathon tips for beginners, running in your 50s female athlete, back to back long run training strategy, ultra marathon beginner mistakes, trail running vs road running differences, running influencer culture critique, fitness influencer impact on runners, marathon gatekeeping and inclusivity, Boston Marathon qualifying debate, women in endurance sports over 50, how to train for your first ultra, ultra running for beginners over 50, long distance running nutrition hunger, why am I so hungry after long runs, endurance training appetite increase, running podcast for beginners, funny running podcast stories, relatable running struggles midlife, trail running etiquette and safety, drone filming runners pros and cons, social media in running culture, 100 mile race training basics, ultra ultra marathon curiosity, Western States endurance run overview, stage race running concept, Waffle House running challenge, unique running events Southeast US, fun running club ideas, recovery after long runs nutrition, endurance athlete fueling tips, managing weight during marathon training