the UltraNurse podcast

My Job as a Flight RN & Has Ultra Running Lost Its Soul?

Ultra running has changed a lot over the past few decades. Carbon-plated trail shoes, AI training plans, super shoes, powerful headlamps, advanced nutrition, recovery technology, and more data than ever before have helped make runners faster, safer, and better prepared. But somewhere during a run, I found myself wondering... Have we lost a little bit of the dirtbag spirit that made this sport so unique? In this episode, I share a few thoughts on how ultra running has evolved, the incredible advancements that have made the sport more accessible and enjoyable, and whether all this optimization has changed the culture of trail and ultra running. I also talk about life as a flight nurse, how working in emergency medicine has shaped my perspective on running, and why I still believe the heart of this sport isn't found in the gear we wear or the data we collect—it's found in the people, the shared suffering, the volunteers, the adventure, and the stories we take home. I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. Has ultra running changed for the better? Have we lost anything along the way? Or is the soul of the sport still alive and well? Interested in one-on-one ultra running coaching? Visit The https://www.theultranurse.com/coaching Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultranurse/

How I'd Train for My First 100 Miler Today

If I could go back and train for my first hundred miler all over again, knowing what I know now, what would I do differently? In this episode, I break down the biggest lessons I've learned from training for and racing 100-mile ultras. We talk about why mileage isn't everything, the importance of time on feet, learning to hike efficiently, fueling and hydration, strength training, recovery, gear, pacing, and why your first hundred should be about finishing—not racing. I also share mistakes I've made along the way, what I'd change if I were starting over, and the advice I'd give to any runner preparing for their first 100 miler. Whether you're training for your first ultra or your tenth, I hope something in this episode helps you enjoy the process and avoid a few of the mistakes I made. Interested in one-on-one ultra running coaching? Visit The UltraNurse website: https://www.theultranurse.com/coaching Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultranurse/

The Real Cost of Chasing Big Goals

Big goals can change your life. They can make you stronger, more disciplined, more resilient, and give you a sense of purpose and direction. But every meaningful goal comes with a price tag attached to it. In this episode, I dive into the real cost of chasing big goals. We talk about the physical, mental, financial, and emotional trade-offs that often come with pursuing ambitious goals, whether that's running a hundred miler, building a business, paying off debt, or chasing a dream that's important to you. I also discuss opportunity cost, balancing family and relationships, how goals can quietly become part of our identity, and why it's important to understand the price we're paying along the way. This isn't an episode about avoiding big goals. It's about pursuing them with intention and making sure they improve your life rather than consume it. Thanks for listening. Interested in one-on-one ultra running coaching? Learn more at https://www.theultranurse.com/coaching Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultranurse/

When to Pull the Plug on a Race

In endurance sports, we spend a lot of time talking about grit, toughness, and pushing through hard things. But what happens when the smartest decision is not starting the race at all? In this episode, I talk about when ultra runners should seriously consider pulling the plug before race day. We discuss injuries, training setbacks, burnout, life stress, the sunk-cost trap, and why a smart DNS is sometimes far better than forcing your way into a DNF. I also share some of my own recent experiences navigating injury, chasing a big goal, and learning how difficult it can be to stay objective when a race means a lot to you. Because sometimes the strongest decision an athlete can make is protecting their future instead of forcing one race. Interested in one-on-one ultra running coaching? Learn more and apply at https://www.theultranurse.com/coaching. Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultranurse/ Thanks for listening.

Special Guest: Luke Guyton

Episode 16 of The UltraNurse Podcast is with special guest Luke Guyton. Luke is a former paramedic, firefighter, and police officer with over 10 years in emergency services who has since become a gym owner, trainer, professional gravel bike racer, and founder of the Do Hard Things Project — a nonprofit focused on men’s mental health. We talked about endurance sports, suffering, resilience, emergency services culture, health, nutrition, burnout, and the importance of community. We also got into gravel racing, altitude training, ultra running, and how hard things can shape people in really positive ways. I used to work with Luke years ago at Medic EMS, so it was great catching up and hearing more about what he’s building now. Really good conversation with a smart, driven guy who’s doing meaningful work. https://www.dohardthingsproject.org https://www.instagram.com/dohardthingsproject/ https://www.instagram.com/lukeguyton__/ https://www.instagram.com/bear_river_ultra/ Thanks for listening. Long miles. Long shifts. Real life.