Episode 11. Embrace the Suck

Episode 22. The S.O.S. Survival of the Shawangunk's

What if the most meaningful race of your life wasn't the biggest one — but the one closest to home? In this episode, host Erin Quinn celebrates the 40th anniversary of the SOS — Survival of the Shawangunk's — a one-of-a-kind grassroots triathlon in New Paltz, New York that goes bike, run, swim, run, swim, run, swim, run through some of the most stunning terrain in the Northeast. Erin shares the full story: the race's origins with founder Don Davis, her years of watching from the sidelines as a journalist and fan, her humbling first attempt at the Cape Cod offshoot (complete with a cop car sweeping her in dead last on the bike), a sprained ankle two weeks before race day, and the moment she finally crossed the finish line and heard the words — "You are a survivor." This one is for anyone who has ever stood on the outside of something intimidating and wondered, "Could I actually do that?" In this episode: * What makes the SOS unlike any other triathlon in the world * The history of a 40-year community institution * Training on borrowed bikes, clip-in shoe disasters, and humble pie * Why local, grassroots events deserve your support * How to work your weaknesses and do something scary 🔗 Learn more: [sostriathlon.com The GunksCast with Jeff Weiss & Glenn Lapolt, specifically they're deep dive into the race, its history and competitors in Episodes 1-9 [thegunkscast.com]📧 Coaching inquiries: erinmaryquinn@gmail.com [erinmaryquinn@gmail.com] | or on her website at erinmaryquinn.com

Episode 21. Something's Gotta Give: The Truth About Balancing Life and Ultramarathon Training

Episode 21. Something's Gotta Give: The Truth About Balancing Life and Ultramarathon TrainingLet's get real: the idea that we can perfectly balance every area of our lives is a myth — and if you're drawn to ultramarathons, you're probably not a "moderation" person anyway. In this episode, host and professional ultrarunning coach Erin Quinn gets honest about what it actually takes to train for an ultra while navigating the rest of your life. Drawing on her own journey — from a Division I ski team athlete, to a mom of three running on fumes, to a 15-time ultramarathon finisher in her "ultra era" — Erin breaks down why balance is an illusion, why women are so underrepresented in ultrarunning (hint: it's not a lack of drive), and what you can actually do to make training work in your real life. In this episode: * Why the "everything in moderation" myth is setting you up for failure * The real reason women are disproportionately underrepresented in ultramarathons * Practical tips for carving out training time — morning runs, lunch breaks, night runs, and more * Why hiring a coach can save you more time than you think * How to do an honest inventory of your time and decide what needs to go * Why your ultra training might actually make you a better parent, partner, and person Whether you're deep in the thick of raising kids, building a career, or heading into an empty nest, this episode will help you figure out if now is your ultra season — and if it is, how to make it happen. "Start where you are, but make sure that you start." Connect with Erin:📧 erinmaryquinn@gmail.com [erinmaryquinn@gmail.com]🌐 erinmaryquinn.com📱 @ErinQuinnUltraRunCoach on Instagram & Facebook Interested in one-on-one online coaching with Erin or her September Empty Nester Ultramarathon Program? Reach out through any of the links above. If you loved this episode, please leave a five-star review, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs a little push to start! And remember, Start Where You Are, But Start!

Eat, Sleep, Run: The DIY Training Camp Guide for Ultra Runners

Episode 20: DIY Ultra Training Camp Ever wish you could afford a fancy training camp to prep for your next ultramarathon? Coach Erin Quinn breaks down exactly how to build your own — no expensive retreat required. In this episode, Erin walks you through the architecture of a DIY ultra training camp: how to structure your three (or five) days, how much volume to target based on your race distance, and how to simulate race conditions as closely as possible. From fueling and hydration practice to headlamp logistics and pole management, Erin covers the tactical details that can make or break your race day. In this episode: * Why removing daily life stress is as important as the miles themselves * How to structure back-to-back long runs for 50Ks, 50-milers, 100-milers, and 200-milers * The calorie-counting wrapper trick every ultra runner should try * What to practice so race day feels like a rehearsal, not a surprise * How a DIY training camp sets you up for the perfect taper Whether you're chasing your first finish line or your next PR, this episode gives you a practical, coach-backed blueprint to show up to race day confident, prepared, and ready to start where you are

Episode 19. The Zone 2 Revolution: Why Easy Running Is the Real Work

Zone 2 is everywhere right now — but what does it actually mean for your running? In this episode, coach and ultramarathon finisher Erin Quinn breaks down the zone 2 "revolution" and explains why it's really just a rebranding of the most fundamental principle in endurance training. Erin covers the full five-zone model, why zone 2 looks completely different depending on your experience level, and how new runners, seasoned racers, and ultra runners each relate to it differently. She also dives into the science of lactate threshold, mitochondrial function, and fat burning — without the jargon overload. Plus: a heat training PSA for anyone running through a summer heat wave, a recap correction from her Manitou's Revenge 53-miler in the Catskills, and her honest take on why chasing speed work can plateau — or injure — runners who skip the foundation. In this episode: * What zone 2 actually feels like (and the talk test) * Why new runners don't have a zone 2 yet * How zone 2 builds your aerobic engine over time * Lactate, hydrogen ions, and why your muscles seize up * The two biggest zone 2 mistakes runners make * Why RPE may matter more than your heart rate monitor Start Where You Are is hosted by Erin Quinn, professional ultrarunning and USA swim coach, 15-time ultramarathon finisher, and award-winning journalist. To learn more about Erin's 1:1 Online Ultrarun Coaching email her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com or go to her website at www.erinmaryquinn.com

Episode 18: The Only Way Out Is Through: Manitou's Revenge Race Report

Episode 18: Manitou's Revenge Race Report Erin Quinn, ultrarunning coach, USA swim coach, award-winning journalist, and now 15-time ultramarathon finisher, takes you inside one of the most demanding 50-mile races in the Northeast — Manitou's Revenge. This 53-mile beast winds through the rugged Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, packing 15,000 feet of climbing into every mile. Erin breaks down the full race experience alongside her friends Shiloh and Jessie — from the gnarly trails and brutal climbs to the mud, the aid stations, the gear decisions, and the mental battles that only an ultra can produce. Along the way, she shares the story behind the race itself: how Charles Gadol and Run Wild built a nonprofit organization dedicated to land preservation and trail conservation — so runners can keep doing what they love in wild, beautiful places. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just trail-curious, this episode is part race report, part love letter to the Catskills. Topics covered: * Course breakdown and what makes Manitou's so uniquely brutal * Gear, nutrition, and race-day decisions * The history of the race and Run Wild's conservation mission * The highs, the lows, and everything in between To learn more about Erin's 1:1 online ultrarunning coaching, you can reach out to her at erinmaryquinn@gmail.com You can also fill out the apply to coach with Erin form on her website at www.erinmaryquinn.com Start Where You Are, But Start!