In this Episode Coaches Faith Raymond, Gordon Collins, & I take a deep dive into things to consider when searching for a coach. We hope this helps provoke some thought and questions for you in your search! To connect with Coach Faith, please visit her website www.runlongrunstrong.com or follow her on Instagram @RunLongRunStrongEndurance To connect with Coach Gordon, follow him on Instagram @TrailLegsRunCoaching or Facebook as Gordon Collins. Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more a...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 202
In this episode I talk about some of the items that has made our sport what it is today. I provide resources that can help us be better runners and people. Resources: Books - Daniel's Training Formula by Dr. Jack Daniels Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop We Can't Run Away from This by Damian Hall Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy Mental Training for Ultrarunning by Addie Bracy Online Resources: https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/nick-tiller/ https://www.jasonkoop.com/researchessen...
Dec 14, 2023•52 min•Ep. 201
Here's my breakdown or outline of my training plan for the Hellbender 100. I talk about each block, what I'll be focusing on, how much volume, planned races, my why & goals, & the team of people I'm surrounding myself with to help me through race day. At the end I answer a great question submitted by Keith about just how much zone 2 running we should incorporate into our training. Thank you for the question Keith. Keep these questions coming everyone! Aaron's information: If you'd like t...
Dec 07, 2023•51 min•Ep. 200
Natalie Daniel did something amazing...AGAIN! Have a listen to her narrative about the GML 200 & setting the Gritchell FKT in the process! My apologies for being sick during the recording, but I wanted to share this adventure with you all! To connect with Natalie: Natalie Hensley Daniel on Facebook Natalie Daniel on Strava @natedoggultrarunner on Instagram Blog - https://natedogultrarunner.blogspot.com/ Previous Episodes with Natalie: https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/natalie-daniel...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 199
Allison Mercer had a huge 2023 finishing 2nd OVERALL at the Strolling Jim 40-miler in May earning her 2nd golden tee shirt (1st woman to do so). Then setting a PR at the Berlin Marathon of 2:49 in Sept. Then 6 weeks later taking 7th OVERALL & 2nd place female at the Tunnel Hill 50-miler. While in the process setting a new Master's American 50-mile record of 5:57:12! We talk about her training, recovery, strategy, & mindset for this amazing year. So much to unpack in this episode! Enjoy! ...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 198
Paul Terranova conmpleted the Grand Slam in 2012. In 2023, he completed the Rocky Mountain Slam finishing the Hardrock 100, Leadville 100, Wasatch 100, & The Bear 100. This episode dives deep into everything srrounding this gigantic effort! Enjoy! Resources: Rocky Mountain Slam Info - https://bear100.com/rocky-mountain-slam/ Rocky Mountain Slam Registration Page - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=109659 Rocky Mountain Slam Finishers - http://run100s.com/rocky_mt_slam.htm Paul's Rock...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 197
Coach Faith Raymond has a background in science. From her website, https://runlongrunstrong.com/ "A scientist by training, Coach Faith earned an A.S. in Liberal Arts and Science from Manchester Community College in 2010, her B.S. in Marine Science from UCONN at Avery Point in 2013, and her M.S. in Oceanography from UCONN in 2015. She followed that with her running coach certification from United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy in 2018. She then went on to get her PN1 nutrition coach certificat...
Nov 09, 2023•58 min•Ep. 196
The Blue Ridge Ultra Trail Endurance Slam B.R.U.T.E.S. Challenge, is a tough series of five 100k+ mountain runs in the Southeast that one must complete within 365 days. This conversation is with three 2023 finishers; Cera Jones, Nick Schuster, & Josh Nunez. We could have gone on for hours as there is just so much to share about these 3 people and what it took to finish the challenge! Thanks to each of them for sharing their time & their stories! Enjoy! Resources: B.R.U.T.E.S. Challenge W...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 195
Meredith Terranova has a lot of experience with Ultramarathons & Nutrition. She is a Nutritionalist in her professional life and helps many athletes like myself to reach their nutrition and sports goals. In this episode, we explore the mistakes I was making this summer in the Grand Slam as well as in my daily diet. You can reach Meredith through her website https://eatingandlivinghealthy.com/ Meredith's episodes (118 & 136) with Jason Koop can be found here - https://www.jasonkoop.com/po...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 194
Jason Green is an awesome person doing awesome things in our community, so I wanted to have a conversation with him to hear what makes him tic and hear his thoughts on the current state of our sport. Here is that conversation. enjoy! To connect with Jason, please visit https://yetitrailrunners.com/ Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNI...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 193
Coach Will Frantz & I share a passion for making a difference in the lives of others & helping them achieve their goals. We have a very deep conversation which went places we both didn't expect. This includes being bullied and how that has affected each of us as well as where our passion stems from and how we use this in our daily lives & running. Thank you Will for being open and sharing so much with us! To help Ray, please donate at - https://gofund.me/d8661824 To learn more about ...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 192
Scott Kummer does a lot for our sport. Known for his Podcast & races, Ten Junk Miles, I really wanted to hear his thoughts on our sport, our community, and the current state of our races. Please enjoy our conversation! To connect with Scott, please visit his website - https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/ Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRU...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 191
Jeff Stafford has been running ultras since 2014. In that time, he's completed ultras with distances in excess of 350 miles. He brings a lot of experience to the conversation and a lot of sage advice. I hope you have a lot of takeaways and enjoy this episode! Resources: Becca Jones 1000k Run Fundraiser - https://www.gofundme.com/f/1000k-run-across-tn-for-families-in-appalachia?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&mibextid=Zxz2cZ Books: Mental Tra...
Sep 28, 2023•59 min•Ep. 190
HUGE Episode! 3 guests as we talk through the Podcast. Up first is my friend, crew chief, & main pacer Nathan Frantz. Secondly, I interviewed fellow Grand Slam finisher and one of my athletes I coach, Thomas Brown. Lastly, I interview my coach, Patrick Reagan. So much in here in my longest podcast to date. Enjoy! To connect with: Nathan - @nate_ocr_85 on Instagram Thomas - Thomas Brown on Facebook Patrick Reagan - @PatrickReaganRunning on Instagram & www.patrickreaganrunning.com/coaching...
Sep 21, 2023•4 hr 11 min•Ep. 189
The Grand Slam is COMPLETE! I finished Wasatch, & it took about everything I had to do so. Here's my recount of the race in this episode. Resources: Running The Wasatch 100 must watch videos - https://www.youtube.com/@Scottwesemann Grand Slam Website - https://grandslamofultrarunning.net/ Wasatch 100 Website - https://wasatch100.com/ USWE Packs - https://uswe.com/en-us/vests/running VESPA - https://vespapower.com/ - Use Code runningislife20 for 20% off Aaron's information: If you'd like to l...
Sep 14, 2023•37 min•Ep. 188
As Thomas Brown & I attempt to complete the Grand Slam at the Wasatch 100 in Slat Lake City, UT, we discuss the race & the websites Top 10 Reasons to DNF the race - found at the bottom of this page - https://wasatch100.com/about/ We'll be racing on Sept. 8th. Best of luck to all the Grand Slammers & runners! Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://ww...
Sep 07, 2023•43 min•Ep. 186
This recording was actually from Andrew Snow & his YouTube channel (links below). We had a great conversation and covered so many topics. I hope you enjoy! To connect with Andrew & his new book "Run Elite": Book - www.runelitebook.com available on Amazon & Audible YouTube Channel: Run Elite Facebook - Andrew Snow Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, I recap race #3 of my Grand Slam, The Leadville 100-mile race. A challenging high altitude mountain race 3 weeks after the Badger 100-mile race. Thank you for listening! Resources: Hella's YouTube video on Leadville 100 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIQH4nIMaM0 Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING h...
Aug 24, 2023•58 min•Ep. 185
Peter Defty is the owner of Vespa. He is a wealth of knowledge. Luckily he is very generous in sharing what he's learned and what he knows with people like me. Peter changed my world in the Badger 100-mile Race. I had no stomach issues and no need to cram lots of extra calories into my system thanks in part to the use of Vespa Ultra Concentrate ( https://vespapower.com/product/vespa-ultra-concentrate-12-pack/ ). It's not just the use of Vespa, as we discuss in this podcast, but the wholistic app...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 184
in this episode I discuss my current state of recovery and why calling an audible is so important to do in your own training. I also discuss Leadville 100 and the challenges of the Grand Slam. I hope you enjoy! Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://www.patreon.com/RunningIsLife My Socials, Channels, & Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/MRRUNNINGPAINSCOACHING https://www.instagram.com/runningislifecoaching/ https://www.youtube.com/...
Aug 10, 2023•32 min•Ep. 183
Thomas Brown & I finished the Badger 100-mile run. This was Thomas' 3rd race in the Grand Slam, and my 2nd. Here our recap of the event. Resources: Badger 100 Website - https://www.tenjunkmilesracing.com/badgertrailrace Ten Junk Miles Podcast - https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/ Run 100s Website - http://www.run100s.com/ultra.htm Vespa - https://vespapower.com/ To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQvcTU9wXywYE5J...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 182
Continuing from last week's episode, I talk about packing for Badger 100 and avoiding some of the same mistakes I've made in the past. Also, a nod at some of the recent female performances that deserve recognition. To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQvcTU9wXywYE5JlBTJHjTaqswcPMO3IDz5h9nkCXe7n3t06o The Challenged Athlete Foundation - http://support.challengedathletes.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1355904&p...
Jul 27, 2023•29 min•Ep. 181
In this episode I review my packing list for a race. I also go over some tips for crew, pacer, drop bags, & general logistics. Enjoy! Here is the checklist: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DH-i9XQCUtcfDVdb4DBT-i_dGrGVpD5jaGpMwCyzV18/edit?usp=sharing Previous episode resources: Crewing - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/crewing-special-episode-31/ Pacers - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/pacers-if-youre-going-to-have-oneheres-some-things-to-think-about-episode-32/...
Jul 20, 2023•55 min•Ep. 180
Thomas Brown has completed two races of the Grand Slam (Old Dominion & Western States). I have completed one (Western States). We both continue the Grand Slam at the Vermont 100. This is our recap of Thomas' Western States experience & our preview of the Vermont 100. Connect with Thomas under his name on Facebook. Resources: Podcast we mention on Vermont 100 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chase-the-summit-trail-talk/id1538757081?i=1000570985955 The accompanying YouTube video - h...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 179
Lauren Jones had a rough start to the 2023 Western States Endurance run, but persevered and had an amazing finish! Here's her story... To connect with Lauren: Instagram - @lauren.runs.for.grilled.cheese Facebook & Strava - Lauren Jones Connect with Ash Ringo Walsh - info@wolfpeakoutdoors.com To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQvcTU9wXywYE5JlBTJHjTaqswcPMO3IDz5h9nkCXe7n3t06o The Challenged Athlete Foundati...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 178
Western States was an amazing experience and probably one that will go down as one of my most proudest moments as I struggled mightily in this event! This episode is pretty raw. I'm still emotional from the finish and all the joys it brought, and you'll hear me speak my truths about this event. Thank you for being a part of my journey! Sincerely, -Aaron Saft To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQvcTU9wXywYE5JlB...
Jun 29, 2023•47 min•Ep. 177
Thomas Brown has already completed his 1st race of the Grand Slam when he finished Old Dominion 100-mile Run for the fourth time just 2 weeks ago. He'll be lining up next weekend at Western States. We discuss OD100 & WSER as well as the logistics of the Grand Slam. Best of luck to Thomas! You can connect with Thomas & follow his journey on Facebook under his name. To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-dUaRLRnQv...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 176
This Episode takes a deep dive into finding the best running version of yourself. Coach Andrew Snow and I talk about how to work on some of the mental aspects of running that will help you do your best at nearly any distance! To connect with Andrew, subscribe to his YouTube Channel Run Elite or on his website www.andrewsnowcoaching.com Resources: Billy Mills movie - Running Brave To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=IwAR0-d...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 175
Jeremy Peyton has a goal of running around Mont Blanc in the Alps in 9 days in 2024. He's well on his way as we discuss his latest adventure in tackling the Art Loeb trail! Here's how he prepared & ran this epic trail! Resources - Run The Alps - https://runthealps.com/ Sunday Runday Funday Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/587578996742708 Garmin inReach Mini 2 - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/765374 Goal Zero Battery Packs - Flip 36 - https://www.goalzero.com/collections/power...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 174
Join me for a conversation with Tara Jordan. Tara is a wonderful wife, mother, runner, and so much more as we'll learn from this conversation in which we discuss her progression in running which lead her to finishing her 1st 100-mile race at Hellbender in 2022! I hope you enjoy our conversation! To connect with Tara: @facingvert on Instagram Tara Jordan on Strava Her Podcast Facing Vert To donate to my fundraising efforts, please visit: Vermont Adaptive - https://www.pledgereg.com/357957?fbclid=...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 173
