In this episode I talk through all my plans for the High Lonesome 100 that starts on Friday, July 19th. Resources: Outdoor Research Swift Bucket Cap - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/swift-bucket-hat-300965?variant=47342817476929 Outdoor Research Hooded Echo Sun Shirt - https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/sun-protection/products/mens-echo-printed-hoodie-300170 Rabbit Ice RAD-dana - Ice bandana - https://www.runinrabbit.com/products/ice-raddana-whiteblack-1 Rab Phantom Waterproof...
Jul 18, 2024•41 min•Ep. 232
My daughter and I discuss her outdoor track season and what happened at the Adidas Nationals Meet. Much of her performance was affected by factors outside her control which affected her self confidence. In this episode we discuss what she and you can do moving forward to improve self confidence and not let factors you cannot control hamper your racing. Resources: Books: Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff Once A Runner & Again to Carthage by John L Parker Jr Songs: She's a Rainbow by Rolling...
Jul 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 231
In this episode of the Running His Life podcast, Coach Aaron Saft shares the incredible journey of Tony McDermott, one of his athletes who recently completed the grueling Tahoe 200. Recorded from the scenic backdrop of Gunnison, Colorado, Aaron reflects on his own preparations for the High Lonesome 100 while celebrating Tony's monumental achievement. Tony McDermott opens up about his humble beginnings in running, starting from casual 5Ks to eventually tackling ultra distances. He dives deep into...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 230
Welcome to the Running Life podcast with Coach Aaron Saft! In today's episode, Coach Aaron delves into a mix of topics, sharing insights from his athletes' experiences and his own training journey. He addresses the common pitfall of over-focusing on specific race segments, using examples from races like Leadville and Western States. Aaron emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded training approach that includes aerobic fitness, mental preparation, and integrating specific race conditions at th...
Jun 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 229
I start this episode with a bit about rotating your running shoes as I had a listener question about the topic (thank you Ron). The main focus of the episode is my conversation with Zach Dean. He has done a lot of ultras in very little time. We'll hear about some of them, but mainly we discuss his finishing of the BRUTES Challenge & the Hellbender 100 very recently. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Resources: MORE Foundation (shoe collection) - https://www.morefoundationgroup.org/ Strava F...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 228
Before you sign up for an event, please take these things into consideration: Time to train Commitments Family obligations Level of guilt Vacation time Time off work Time for ancillary training (strength & mobility work) Healthy enough to do it Prior injury history & plan to stave off repeating injury Assessing your goals to be realistic with time constraints Prior Experience with distance? How far have you gone? Within your budget Entry fee Travel Gear/nutrition Physical Therapy Coach? ...
Jun 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 227
Chas Adams is came to me in Dec. of 2023 with the goal of completing the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of Ultras (Hyner 50k, World's End 100k, & Eastern States 100-miler). He is two-thirds of the way there having just completed World's End 100k. This episode is about his journey and frankly his struggle to complete World's End having run the race in 2019 and having an awful experience. As we saw at Running is Life Coaching, keep moving forward! Chas did just that! Enjoy! Resources: Book - Relent...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 226
There are so many variables to consider with in a race such as running surface, terrain, elevation change, distance, altitude, temperature, etc. Hydration and nutrition are huge concerns based on these variables. We have a lot to talk about, including the fact that Spring Awesome Sauce, one of my go to's, does not have anywhere near the amount of carbohydrates or calories it claims to on it's wrapper. Resources: Spring Reddit article on Spring Awesome Sauce (SAS) - https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultra...
May 30, 2024•34 min•Ep. 225
I had 2 athletes complete the 2024 Cocodona 250. This episode is my conversation with each of those runners. Ben Gans - @dr_bentendo on Instagram Mike Reardon - @get_some_trail on Instagram Resources: Books: Jason Koop's Training Essentials for Ultrarunning - Heat Training Protocols Fixing Your Feet: Injury Prevention and Treatment for Athletes by John Vonhof and Tonya Olson Crewing For An Ultrarun: Start to Finish Paperback by Sandra Bullock Smith Websites: ultrapacer.com - Setting up a pacing ...
May 23, 2024•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 224
Hellbender 100 didn't go as planned. This episode goes into why. I also discuss my essay for my application for Badwater 135 (actual letter is below). Here's my Post from Facebook after Hellbender: I’ve learned something over the 3 decades I’ve been running. When we line up for a race, no matter how much we’ve trained and prepared, the race and life in general owes us nothing. The reality is we owe running & life a tremendous amount for what it does for & to us! Running and many coaches,...
May 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 223
Hellbender 100 Miler is upon us! In this episode I take a deep dive into the course and some tips and strategies to employ if you're racing! Good luck to everyone toeing the line & thank you to all the volunteers & race staff! Volunteer for Hellbender Here - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115039 Flight of the Falcon 24 Hour Event - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115101 Aaron's information: If you'd like to learn more about Patreon or to donate, please visit https://...
May 04, 2024•29 min•Ep. 222
Tim Nooney runs for a couple of companies, but his main sponsor is La Sportiva. La Sportiva was my first contractual trail specific sponsor back in 2008. In this episode, we discuss what it means to be sponsored, and what are the responsibilities that come along with a sponsorship, and what the brands are doing to sport not only athletes, but our sport and our world in general! Tim's been on other podcasts as well: Adventure Jogger - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tim-nooney-from-climbing...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 221
In this episode, I identify two ways you can establish a predicted finish time for your next 100-mile event. I suggest watching the video on this one as I go through my TrainingPeaks upload of my race at Heartbreaker to walk you through how I estimated my finish time for the 2024 Hellbender 100-miler. That video can be found here - https://youtu.be/v-UfHItgW6o I appreciate Drew sending in the question that prompted this episode. If you have questions about this episode or anything else I may be ...
Apr 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 220
My job as a coach, as Ted Lasso would echo, is to not only make athletes perform to their potential, but to help them become their best self. How can one do that but to be present consistently. Show love and respect abundantly. And model how to present oneself through constant gestures of kindness & thoughtfulness. We’re becoming afraid to tell one another we love each other. That is a mistake that can do more detriment and harm to our society than we can afford at this point in history. So ...
Apr 18, 2024•5 min•Ep. 219
Hunt Brumby passed from this world on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was a friend, an ultra runner, an athlete I coached, some one who I respected, and inspired so many! He left us too soon! He battled cancer valiantly. He continued to smile and be present. I was amazed at his strength. That was Hunt; Strong willed and determined to fight on! I'll miss him. The following episode we recorded after Hunt finished the Vol State 500k in 2021. The original episode was released on July 29, 2021. I love you ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 218
Are you a Type A personality like me? If so, this episode will hit home! An open honest look into my training & life that necessitates change. Here's my road map for moving forward! Also, I'm pleased to introduce The Flight of The Falcon 24 Hour event on Aug. 3, 2024 at West Henderson High School. Registration will open on April 14th here - https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=115101 More details can be found here - https://www.facebook.com/events/439023358580550/ Please email me with q...
Apr 04, 2024•40 min•Ep. 217
Heartbreaker 50-mile was an awesome race. The following is my race recap! Congrats to all the finishers! Thanks to Tanawha Adventures for a great race, & to all the volunteers for your selfless acts of keeping us going! Results - https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=108336 Race website - https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreaker Facing Vert Podcast can be found on all major Podcast Platforms Thanks to my newest Patron Supporter Natalie Halapin! Aaron's information...
Mar 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 216
If you allow your body to absorb it's fitness, you'll be better able to express your fitness when it counts. This episode takes a look into these two terms so you can make the best of your training! 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/channel/UCQ6...
Mar 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 215
Some days are better than others! My last long put me to the test mentally & physically. My past experiences, my training (both physically & mentally), my mental fortitude, & my friends got me through it. This episode is how you can do the same! Resources: Morning Shakeout Newsletter - https://themorningshakeout.com/ NY Times Article - https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/how-asking-5-questions-allowed-me-to-eat-dinner-with-my-kids/ My Strava Activity from th...
Mar 14, 2024•49 min•Ep. 214
Safety is a concern for so many while we run. With recent events, I thought it time to bring this topic to the podcast and shed some light on some things we can do to feel safer and put ourselves in safer position to run. 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.y...
Mar 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 213
You can watch this episode at - https://youtu.be/fdMmCpCu514 I made a training blunder! I put too many days in a row without recovery. In this episode, I walk you through what I did, why I shouldn't have done it, and how to move forward and make sure I don't do it again by looking at metrics and listening to my body. Learn from my mistakes, and if you're making the same mistakes, fix them. I also answer a listener question about determining Max Heart Rate value on your own. Aaron's information: ...
Feb 29, 2024•49 min•Ep. 212
Tera Pruett is an Strength & Endurance Coach, an ultra runner, a mom, wife, & so much more. She also organizes the Trail Running Film Festival Asheville. In this conversation we talk all about Tera and the Film Festival. I hope you can come join us on Sunday April 21st at 4 PM EST. Here's the Facebook event where you can stay up to date with the goings on - https://www.facebook.com/events/3357374074560708 Here is the Trail Running Film Festival Homepage to find other events closer to you...
Feb 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 211
Feb. 26th marks the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. With that in mind, this conversation with registered dietician Kendra Miller on eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability brings to the forefront these topics that could be affecting someone you know or even yourself. If you suspect you yourself or someone you know has an eating disorder, take to heart what Kendra speaks on during this episode and seek or suggest help. Resources: www.nationaleatingdisorders.o...
Feb 15, 2024•52 min•Ep. 210
In this episode, I take a look at strength equipment and resources I have found and collected over the past 18 years. Which items I consider prioritizing purchasing before others and why. Again, I have no affiliation with any of these products, and I do not endorse their use without consulting a strength training coach like Will Frantz or your Physical Therapist. My hope is to get you thinking about your strength training and if you can do it at home, the starting point to make that happen! Plea...
Feb 08, 2024•38 min•Ep. 209
Here are my gear choices & why I have them for the Hellbender 100. I hope it sparks thoughts to your gear choices. Topo Mountain Racer 3 - https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-mtn-racer-3?quantity=1&color=218 Topo Atmos - https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-atmos?quantity=1&color=223 Altra Olympus 5 – https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/men/mens-olympus-5-al0a7r6p?variationId=280 Altra AltraFWD Experience - https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/men/mens-altrafwd-experience-al0a82c8?variationId=...
Feb 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 208
When we align our values with our running, we clear a path for ourselves to be free to run with less inhibitions and anxieties. This episode dives into finding our own core values and aligning them with our races, the brands we support, and finding a coach with similar values. Resources: Addie Bracy's book "Mental Training for Ultrarunning" Damian Hall's book "We Can't Run Away from This" Jason Koop's Research Essentials for Ultrarunning - https://www.jasonkoop.com/research-essentials-for-ultrar...
Jan 25, 2024•41 min•Ep. 207
We've all made training mistakes. Myself included! But we should recognize these mistakes and try not to make them again. In this episode, I hope to bring to light some of these common pitfalls and how we can avoid them. I hope this makes you consider what you're doing and what changes you can make to improve your training! Here are my notes: 1. Not enough variation in training. No intention to the training. 2. Too much specificity too soon 3. Not enough planned recovery in training & after ...
Jan 18, 2024•42 min•Ep. 206
Flame Bearers (according to their website - www.flamebearers.com ) is a global storytelling platform, that shares stories of female Olympic and Paralympic athletes so that other females can know what is possible and that change is possible. Change not only of the individual, but for the community of which they are a part. Jamie Mittelman is the host of the Flame Bearers Podcast https://flamebearers.com/the-podcast/ and Founder of Flame Bearers. Our conversation dives into some of these stories a...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 205
In this Episode I take a deep dive into creating a pacing plan using ultrapacer.com to assist you in making a plan for nutrition & hydration for race day. Here's the YouTube video to accompany this - https://youtu.be/xp3mnTdDBgw Resources: www.ultrapacer.com Podcast w/ Danny of ultrapacer.com - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/learning-to-use-ultrapacercom-w-creator-danny-murphy-episode-152-see-youtube-for-video-httpsyoutubeihbtj82zv4g/ Video of Podcast w/ Danny of ultrapacer.com -...
Jan 04, 2024•36 min•Ep. 204
Rob Simmelkjaer is doing amazing things with the New York Road Runners (NYRR)! The Non-Profit Organization puts on the largest marathon in the world, the New York City Marathon. They have amazing programs to get everyone running, from young kids to elderly adults. This conversation goes through so many of these incredible things. Enjoy our conversation! Resources: NYRR website - https://www.nyrr.org/ Set The Pace Podcast - https://www.nyrr.org/getinvolved/set-the-pace-podcast Gary Corbitt's Podc...
Dec 28, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 203
