Becoming Ultra

In this episode, we're talking all things ultra race crewing with Sandra Bullock Smith, author of Crewing for an Ultra Run: Start to Finish. Crewing can make a huge difference in a runner's race experience, but it is so much more than showing up with snacks and a chair. Sandra shares what crew members need to know before race day, how to build trust with your runner, what mistakes to avoid, and how to stay flexible when things inevitably do not go according to plan. Whether you are crewing for the first time, supporting a runner at their next ultra, or trying to better understand what your crew may experience during a race, this conversation is full of practical advice, perspective, and plenty of real-life ultrarunning wisdom. In This Episode, We Talk About: What crewing really means in ultra running How to define the role of a crew before race day Where first-time crew members should start Common crewing mistakes and how to avoid them Essential gear and supplies for crew members How to support a runner when things get hard Why communication and expectations matter How crew members can manage fatigue and sleep deprivation The importance of planning while staying flexible Why crewing can sometimes feel harder than running Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Crewing in Ultra Running 02:10 Sandra's Journey into Crewing 03:50 Understanding the Role of a Crew 06:07 Building a Strong Crew-Racer Relationship 08:43 Finding the Right Crew Members 11:13 Common Mistakes in Crewing 15:45 Planning and Preparing for the Race 17:13 Essential Crew Kit Items 20:23 Innovative Solutions for Ultra Running Challenges 21:48 Mental Strategies for Overcoming Race Frustrations 23:34 Crew Essentials for First-Time Ultra Races 27:22 Navigating Sleep Deprivation as a Crew Member 28:55 Understanding the Crew's Perspective 30:19 The Importance of Planning and Flexibility 30:53 The Journey of Writing a Book on Crewing 33:09 Humorous Moments in Crewing 37:49 Inspiration from Aging Runners 39:01 The Value of Strength Training for Runners Resources Mentioned: Crewing for an Ultra Run: Start to Finish

Becoming Ultra is back after a little 4 month hiatus! Scott hops on to share what's been going on and what to look forward to with BU. The lessons from running far transend to podcasting, business, and more and we hope to continue to inspire and educate more people to get out there and do hard, epic things!

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative power of breathwork. He discusses the challenges of running a high-pressure business, the importance of self-awareness, and how he transitioned into creating fivepointfive, an app designed to make breathwork accessible and beneficial for everyone. Adam emphasizes the physiological and psychological benefits of breathwork, its role in education, and the necessity of teaching healthy coping mechanisms to future generations. They discuss the significance of breath work in enhancing performance, recovery, and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of different breathing techniques for various activities, including weight training and endurance sports. The discussion also covers the benefits of nose breathing, the role of breath work in recovery, and natural alternatives to pre-workout supplements. We think you'll enjoy this unique perspective with something all athletes can implement in their lives! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey 02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies 05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery 09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business 12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision 15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History 17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork 20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance 23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques 28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery 30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training 32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing 34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing 36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements 39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes 42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques 43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing 46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics. They share personal anecdotes about their childhood adventures and parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for unstructured play in children's lives. Abbott discusses his journey as a sports writer and his recent work on biomechanics and injury prevention, highlighting the joy of movement and the relationships built through sports. They delve into various aspects of athletic performance, focusing on injury prevention, particularly ACL injuries, and the biomechanics of landing. They discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, the impact of footwear on performance, and practical coaching tips for athletes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for tailored training methods and the significance of addressing common issues like 'computer back' in today's athletes. They discuss the evolution of running techniques, the significance of ballistic training, and practical drills that can be applied by anyone. The conversation also touches on the concept of Misogi, emphasizing the value of outdoor challenges and creative training methods to engage communities and promote physical fitness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures 06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood 08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities 11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition 15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics 18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy 21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights 27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries 33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics 39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues 41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics 49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training 50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques 51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance 53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone 57:28 Youth Sports and Development 01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges 01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement

On this episode, Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and athlete performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's adaptability and how it can enhance training techniques for endurance athletes. The discussion also covers traditional sports psychology and how a proactive approach can lead to better performance outcomes. They discuss strategies for managing mental load, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of endurance events. The role of technology in training is also examined, highlighting the potential distractions it can create. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science 16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology 23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes 32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance 39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training 45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events 48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance 56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing The Becoming Ultra Project

In this episode, Scott Jones introduces Jackson Brill, a coach based in Bend, Oregon. They discuss Jackson's background, his experiences in teaching and coaching, and his love for outdoor sports and trail running. Jackson shares insights about growing up in Boise, Idaho, and his educational journey in integrative physiology. They discuss the balance between the art and science of coaching, and the differences between in-person and virtual coaching dynamics. Jackson shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and enjoyment in training, while also highlighting the importance of stable relationships with athletes. The conversation wraps up with memorable race experiences and the lessons learned from them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jackson Brill 02:08 Life in Bend, Oregon 06:52 Teaching Style and Experiences 11:04 Growing Up in Boise, Idaho 17:03 Education and Background in Physiology 22:24 The Challenge of Wingate Testing 25:15 The Art of Coaching vs. Science 27:45 In-Person vs. Virtual Coaching Dynamics 31:11 Coaching Philosophy and Simplicity 36:38 Building Harmonious Coach-Athlete Relationships 38:50 Memorable Race Experiences and Lessons Learned Apply to the project!

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott Jones, Denise, and Addie discuss the journey of preparing for an ultra marathon, focusing on the challenges of tapering, dealing with injuries, and the importance of mindset. Denise shares her recent experience with an injury and how she is managing her nerves leading up to the race. The conversation also covers race strategies, nutrition, and the significance of having a support system throughout the training process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 03:51 Tapering and Illness: A Common Challenge 06:47 Denise's Injury and Recovery 11:16 Mindset and Pre-Race Nerves 16:38 Race Strategy and Nutrition 22:19 Setting Goals and Expectations 27:23 Support System and Shout Outs The project for you!

In this conversation, Denise shares her experiences and insights from her recent marathon as she prepares for her first ultra marathon. The discussion covers her mental and physical state post-marathon, the challenges she faced during the race, and her recovery process. Addie provides guidance on navigating the next steps in training, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and adapting plans as needed. The conversation highlights the excitement of marathon running, the lessons learned, and the strategies for effective recovery and preparation for future races. Chapters 00:00 Preparing for the Ultra: Mental and Physical State 05:57 Marathon Experience: Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced 11:56 Recovery and Future Plans: Navigating the Next Steps Trail camp Our first ultra event.