Momma Runs an Ultra

I'm a week out from my first ultra marathon and deep into taper. After months of training, I'm feeling prepared, confident, and surprisingly calm, with all of my gear, nutrition, and race-day plans ready to go by the front door. Instead of chasing a specific finish time, I'm focused on controlling my effort, staying on top of my fueling and hydration, and enjoying the experience. Thanks to everyone who has followed my training and offered encouragement and advice, and I can't wait to share how the race goes in the next episode.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:02 - Introduction to the Journey of an Ultra Marathon Runner00:14 - Final Preparations for the Race01:46 - Preparing for the Race: Goals and Mindset02:38 - Preparing for a New Challenge03:08 - Reflections on the Journey03:36 - Preparing for the Ultra: Insights and ReflectionsRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, first ultra marathon, taper week tips, marathon training for beginners, hydration strategies for runners, ultra running experience, race day planning, nutrition for ultra marathon, pacing strategies for beginners, running in your 50s, preparing for an ultra marathon, mental preparation for races, running goals for older adults, fueling strategies for endurance events, running community support, first time ultra runner advice, managing race day nerves, training for long distances, ultra marathon tips, running podcasts for women, first ultramarathon, ultramarathon training, ultra marathon podcast, first ultra race, race week preparation, taper week, ultramarathon taper, ultrarunning, trail running, endurance running, first-time ultra runner, running over 50, masters runner, women over 50 running, ultramarathon fueling, race nutrition, hydration strategy, race day planning, marathon training, trail race, endurance athlete, beginner ultramarathon, ultrarunning tips, running motivation, podcast for runners, Mama Runs and Ultra, ultramarathon mindset, healthy race preparation, running goals, endurance sports

The countdown to race day is officially on! With just a few weeks until my first ultra marathon, I'm overthinking the final challenges of training, including obsessive concern about my big toes. I have nailed down my race-day gear, with two pairs of chafe-free shorts and soft, comfy shirts and gratitude that I bought a different vest because not all hydration vests are created equal. I share my hopefully practical advice for fellow new ultramarathon runners, pat myself on the back for testing every piece of gear before race day, and celebrate the support and wisdom from the more experienced running community. With one last big training week ahead before tapering begins, excitement, nerves, and anticipation build toward my ultimate goal: showing up healthy, enjoying the day, and crossing the ultra finish line in one piece.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:15 - Training Challenges: The Struggles with My Toes01:47 - Training Gear and Outfit Selection02:46 - Preparing for the Race: Gear and Strategies04:04 - Choosing the Right Running Vest06:07 - Preparing for Race DayRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, running shoes for wide feet, high volume toe box shoes, toe pain while running, running gear for ultra marathons, chafing prevention tips, best running shorts for long distances, comfortable running vests, ultra marathon race day preparation, training for a first ultra marathon, running tips for older athletes, managing foot issues while running, best outfits for race day, hydration strategies for ultrarunners, footwear for trail running, running vest reviews, ultra marathon clothing choices, injury prevention for runners, running gear recommendations, running comfort tips, ultra marathon training, first ultra marathon, trail running, long distance running, running gear tips, toe pain running, toe box issues, running shoes for wide feet, high volume toe box shoes, running shorts for long runs, chafe-free running clothes, hydration vest tips, best running vests, running gear recommendations, race day prep, tapering for ultras, trail running tips, running outfit planning, comfortable running gear, long run essentials, ultramarathon advice, running community support, running mistakes to avoid, South Carolina running, uphill running challenges, downhill running issues, avoiding blisters, pre-taping for running, hands-free hydration, ultra marathon mindset, gear testing for runners, running vest fitting, first-time ultra runner, running shoe fit advice

I'm a runner in my 50s training for my first ultra marathon, and this week I'm deep into the final training block, and apparently full-on race nesting mode. From color-coded calendars and meticulously packed aid station supplies to convincing myself I definitely don't need brand-new gear, I'm sharing the funny, obsessive, and surprisingly relatable side of getting ready for a big endurance challenge. Along the way, I talk about training highs and lows, the support of an incredibly patient husband, and why I'm finally starting to believe I might actually be ready for this ultra.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:04 - Introduction to Ultra Marathon Training00:14 - Preparing for my first Ultra: The Art of Packing and Planning01:57 - Preparing for a Trip03:57 - Ultra Training03:58 - Preparing for TravelRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, podcast for runners, preparing for ultra marathon, running tips for beginners, packing for ultra marathon, mental preparation for running, running gear essentials, ultra marathon checklist, race day preparation, female runners in their 50s, overcoming running anxiety, adult ADHD and running, recovery runs for ultra marathon, first ultra marathon experience, tips for race day success, organizing running gear, balancing family and training, motivation for long distance running, training block for ultra marathon, running community support, ultra marathon training, first ultra marathon, ultramarathon preparation, marathon training over 50, runners over 50, masters runner, endurance running, trail running podcast, ultra running podcast, race day preparation, ultra marathon gear, race vest packing, aid station planning, long run recovery, marathon mindset, endurance athlete life, running motivation, race anxiety, taper season, ultra marathon checklist, running with ADHD, female runners over 50, beginner ultrarunner, trail race preparation, ultrarunning community, training block, endurance sports, running goals, race crew support, mountain ultra training, running lifestyle, marathon coaching, ultramarathon journey, distance running, running tips and advice

This week on Momma Runs an Ultra, I celebrate my biggest training weekend yet, survive a humbling low in recovery, and discover what 96% humidity feels like when your shoes are literally squishing with sweat. As my first 50K draws closer, I'm embracing race-prep obsession, packing weeks in advance, debating the proper role of cake in endurance sports, and sharing some strong opinions on chemical shortcuts in masters running. It's an honest, funny look at the excitement, nerves, exhaustion, and hard-earned confidence that come with chasing a goal that's just big enough to make you wonder if you can really pull it off.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:03 - Introduction to My Ultra Marathon Journey00:37 - The Challenges of Recovery Runs01:58 - Preparing for the Race: Embracing the Journey02:57 - The Ethics of Recovery in Running04:28 - Preparing for the Big Race04:54 - Starting a Journey: Embracing the Ultramarathon ExperienceRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, running in your 50s, recovery runs, humidity and running, long distance running, running motivation, age group runner, marathon preparation, mental aspects of running, nutrition for runners, running gear essentials, ultra marathon tips, race day preparation, dealing with exhaustion in training, running community support, mastering running techniques, overcoming challenges in running, recreational running, balancing work and training, embracing new challenges in running, ultramarathon training, first ultra marathon, women runners over 50, masters runner, ultra running podcast, beginner ultrarunner, back to back long runs, marathon recovery, ultra marathon recovery, humid weather running, summer running tips, recovery run struggles, endurance training, 50k training, older athlete training, Gen X runner, recreational runner, ultra running community, race week nerves, taper week, running motivation, distance running podcast, middle aged runner, women in endurance sports, first ultramarathon journey, running in humidity, fatigue after long runs, age group runner, running podcast for women, ultra marathon preparation, endurance mindset, running over 50, trail running podcast, ultra training diary, race day preparation, masters athletes, running and aging, ultra marathon newbie, long distance running experiences

In this episode of Momma Runs an Ultra, I share my excitement, nerves, and overthinking about my training for my first ultramarathon. After finishing my biggest back-to-back long runs yet, I’m surprised to realize the second long run still somehow feels easier than the first. Hoping that's a sign that the training is actually working, even if I still have no clue how to predict a realistic 50K+ finish time. I talk through all the little race-day questions swirling in my head, from pacing and aid-station planning to figuring out how to explain to my family what I’ll need when my brain is fried halfway through the race. I also share the hilarious story (joke was on me!) of meeting an ultrarunner years ago and genuinely thinking he was lying about people running 60+ and 100+ mile races, only to eventually become the person training for an ultra, even if it's shorter than those. Somebody tell my husband he is definitely sleeping on the sofa bed the night before the race.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:03 - Introduction to Mama Runs and Ultra00:37 - Preparing for Race Day02:50 - Unexpected Connections03:59 - Discovering Ultra Running04:50 - Preparing for Race Day05:47 - Preparing for My First UltramarathonRecommended If You Likerunning tips for beginners, ultramarathon training, race day preparation, pacing strategies for races, long distance running advice, half marathon training plans, ultra running for older adults, how to plan for an ultra marathon, marathon training for older runners, managing race anxiety, aid station strategies, running with family support, training for ultra marathons, tips for first time ultramarathoners, calculating race times, heat acclimation for runners, balancing family and running, overcoming race day nerves, practical tips for ultra runners, understanding ultra marathon distances, ultramarathon training, first ultramarathon, first 50K, ultra running podcast, women in ultra running, masters runner, running in your 50s, back to back long runs, endurance running, trail running training, ultramarathon race prep, race day anxiety, ultramarathon pacing, 50K pacing strategy, aid station planning, ultrarunner beginner tips, marathon to ultramarathon, half marathon to ultra, ultra race prediction, ultramarathon training block, heat acclimation training, family support in running, middle aged runner, running podcast for women, realistic running podcast, ultramarathon advice, first time ultrarunner, running over 50, trail race preparation, long distance running mindset, female endurance athlete, rural South Carolina runner, balancing family and training, ultra marathon community, running humor, relatable running podcast, podcast for runners, endurance athlete journey, ultramarathon race strategy, trail running life, beginner ultra runner mistakes, ultra race crew planning, ultramarathon aid stations, training for a summer ultra, running motivation, running and aging, women runners podcast, ultramarathon fears, ultra training stories, Momma Runs an Ultra

I'm a runner on the “downhill side” of my 50s training for my first ultra while juggling camping trips, broken air conditioning, exhaustion, self-doubt, and back-to-back long runs that didn’t quite go to plan. But what starts as a story about misreading elevation gains on a map turns into a powerful celebration of endurance at every age, because I was rapt by the legendary Cocodona 250, especially the women over 55 (as identified via Ultra Signup) who crossed that brutal finish line. From course record smashing performances to everyday grit, this episode celebrates older athletes proving that adventure endures.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:02 - Introduction to My Ultra Marathon Journey00:14 - Preparing for the Cocodona 250: Training Challenges and Learning Experiences01:46 - The Peak Week of Training02:37 - Celebrating Older Athletes in Endurance Events04:38 - Notable Ultra Runners Over 5505:32 - Endurance Running Beyond 55Cheers to These Women* Athletes 55+ Who (I'm Pretty Sure) Finished Cocodona 250Rachel Entrekin (smashed the course record and won the whole damn race)Pam Reed Peggy ShouseTracy DenbleykerMary Deane DavisFengling LiuArabelle Higgins*Runners are cross-referenced via the Cocodona 250 Finisher Leaderboard, which is super confusing to read, and their Ultra Signup pages. Please correct any errors or omissions in the comments on YouTube.Recommended If You Likeultra marathon podcast, Momma Runs an Ultra, Cocodona 250, Cocodona 250 finishers, women ultrarunners over 55, masters ultrarunning, ultramarathon training, first ultra marathon, endurance running podcast, trail running podcast, Rachel Entrekin, Pam Reed, Peggy Shoeus, Tracy Denbleyker, Mary Deane Davis, Fengling Liu, Arabelle Higgins, older women runners, women in ultrarunning, ultrarunning inspiration, back to back long runs, trail running over 50, running after 50, ultramarathon mindset, peak training week, elevation training, trail race training, ultra signup, endurance athletes over 50, camping and running, beginner ultrarunner, women endurance athletes, Cocodona course record, ultramarathon community, aging athletes, ultrarunning motivation, long distance trail running, women runners podcast, endurance sports podcast, ultramarathon recovery, training fatigue, running through exhaustion, marathon to ultra transition, inspirational runners over 55, female ultramarathoners, trail running adventures, running podcast for women, masters athletes, endurance racing, ultra trail running, ultramarathon storytelling

Clearly a bounce back to my wannabe Valley Girl days in this episode. Let's transfer those "likes" to the podcast reviews, or something. Sheesh. I’m really just sharing where I’m at with training for an ultramarathon. Watching the Boston and London Marathons recently gave me a big boost of motivation and a fresh way to think about my own training, especially on the tougher days. I also think out loud about how important mindset is when you’re out there for hours at a time, and how much a few encouraging words of support can change everything. I’d love to hear from listeners about what actually helps them push through hard moments in endurance events, because that sense of community has been surprisingly needed.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:14 - Inspiration from Major Marathons00:46 - Training Insights from Recent Marathons02:15 - Preparing for the Race: Weather Challenges and Training Adjustments03:38 - Support and Encouragement in Running04:15 - Navigating Emotional Support in Ultra RunningTotally Tagging ThemSouth CarolinaESPN Spanish broadcast channelItalian foodAid stations Boston MarathonLondon MarathonUpcoming ultra marathon Back-to-back long run training daysCutback training weekFamily birthdays Friends visiting townRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, running tips for older adults, Boston Marathon highlights, London Marathon insights, long run strategies, overcoming training fears, humidity and running, summer running tips, emotional support for runners, aid station encouragement, running in extreme weather, preparing for ultra marathons, running motivation for beginners, ultra marathon mental strategies, training for long distances, community support in running, marathon race experiences, hydration strategies for runners, balancing training and life, running for fitness over 50, training for a first ultramarathon, midlife athletic journey, running in your 50s, self-doubt and mental dialogue, inspiration from elite marathon events, mental toughness and mindset during endurance training, long run structure and training adaptation, heat, humidity, and weather unpredictability in training, race preparation uncertainty (especially race duration expectations), community support and encouragement during endurance events, emotional support preferences during races, communication challenges with non-running friends/family, sharing running goals with others (coming out about the race), music/commentary/media consumption during major races (watching coverage, Marathon Handbook commentary), balance between training and personal life (social plans, family events), humor and self-awareness in endurance training journey

A 50-something newbie ultra-runner tries to follow the Canyons and Madeira races, roasts the sport for being a “sausage fest,” can’t find a livestream or correct leaderboard anywhere, learns race names make zero sense, and ends up confused but inspired anyway.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:02 - Exploring Gender Dynamics in Ultra and Trail Running AKA Sausage Fest02:15 - The Challenges of Following Ultra Marathons from Afar03:00 - Exploring the World of Ultramarathoning08:01 - Discovering Ultra Running10:32 - Exploring Gender Representation in Ultra and Trail Running, Again Sausage Fest11:17 - Introduction to Trail and Ultra RunningName Dropping Like Mick JaggerBoston MarathonLondon MarathonSebastian SaweKejelchaKiplimoMolly SeidelDes LindenMakena MorleyLauren GregorySub Hub PodcastAlice BacquieGrace EbersoleAudrey RobertsTyler GreenTommy SullivanRod FarvardKatherina HarmuthHelen Mino FaulknerJasmine LowtherRachel DrakeAna Paula RodriguesVinnie MauriAroa SioAlyssa ClarkAmanda BashamAdam PetermanZach MillerHayden HawkesRiley BradyCareth ArnoldRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, beginner ultra runner podcast, women in ultra running, trail running podcast, first ultra marathon journey, masters runner over 50, marathon world records, London Marathon vibes, Boston Marathon commentary, elite marathon results, sub 2 hour marathon, road running news, trail ultramarathon races, Canyons Endurance Runs, Madeira trail race, difficulty following trail races, lack of race coverage, ultra running community, female ultrarunners, Molly Seidel trail running, Des Linden ultra running, ultramarathon distances 50k 100k 100 mile, trail race results and leaderboard issues, running podcasts for beginners, endurance sports commentary, running motivation over 50, discovering trail running, trail running culture, ultra running fan experience, social media in endurance sports, race day coverage issues, women athletes in endurance sports, running podcast, ultra marathon, trail running, women in running, ultra running podcasts, marathon records, London Marathon, Boston Marathon, Molly Seidel, Canyons race, women's ultra running, ultra marathon training, ultra distance races, running community, women's sports coverage, ultra running news, trail running events, women's athletics, marathon runners, ultra running for beginners, ultra marathon experiences

A candid, funny, and thoughtful look at a late-50s runner training for her first ultramarathon, questioning everything from influencer culture to race gatekeeping, all while navigating hunger, back-to-back long runs, and the occasional Waffle House-fueled epiphany.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:12 - Encountering Influencers on the Trail01:40 - The Rise of Running Influencers03:38 - The Evolution of Running Culture05:01 - Exploring the World of Ultra Marathons and Unique Race Experiences06:16 - The Struggles of Training and NutritionRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, running influencers, trail running, marathon experiences, running lifestyle, women's running community, fitness over 50, recreational running, running safety tips, ultra running logistics, back to back long runs, running motivation, running fashion trends, race participation, Boston Marathon attitudes, running and food, running events, personal running stories, running challenges, fitness podcasts, ultramarathon training over 50, first ultra marathon tips for beginners, running in your 50s female athlete, back to back long run training strategy, ultra marathon beginner mistakes, trail running vs road running differences, running influencer culture critique, fitness influencer impact on runners, marathon gatekeeping and inclusivity, Boston Marathon qualifying debate, women in endurance sports over 50, how to train for your first ultra, ultra running for beginners over 50, long distance running nutrition hunger, why am I so hungry after long runs, endurance training appetite increase, running podcast for beginners, funny running podcast stories, relatable running struggles midlife, trail running etiquette and safety, drone filming runners pros and cons, social media in running culture, 100 mile race training basics, ultra ultra marathon curiosity, Western States endurance run overview, stage race running concept, Waffle House running challenge, unique running events Southeast US, fun running club ideas, recovery after long runs nutrition, endurance athlete fueling tips, managing weight during marathon training

My running friend from where I used to live described this podcast as "delightfully self-aware." She also said I was adorkable, so not sure I should quote her here. I had told her that I avoided my recent habit of "show up and blow up," so that might have something to do with it. It's hot here, my dog kept me up all night, and I have solved the fashion dilemma. Priorities.How I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsChapters00:14 - Planning for a New Challenge01:38 - Race Reflections and Training Insights03:30 - A Night of Disrupted Sleep04:43 - Core Stability and Race Preparation06:40 - Discovering Treasures: A Nostalgic Find07:58 - Preparing for New ChallengesRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, first ultra marathon, running podcast, masters runner over 50, half marathon training run, endurance training plan, effort-based running, pacing strategy running, negative split running, avoid race burnout, long run training, hill training for runners, elevation training, trail running preparation, Carolina weather running, hot weather running tips, heat acclimation running, race day preparation, running performance improvement, beginner ultra runner journey, running consistency tips, sleep and running performance, fatigue in runners, easy run recovery, strength training for runners, single leg exercises runners, pistol squats progression, Bulgarian split squats, runner stability training, core strength for runners, posture while running, running form tips, injury prevention running, foot pain running hills, running shoe fit issues, lace lock technique running shoes, best shoes for hill running, toe box running shoes, ultramarathon gear checklist, race outfit testing, drop bag strategy ultra, hydration and heat running, running safety tips, rural running safety, running motivation podcast, running progress tracking, endurance mindset training, beginner ultramarathon tips, ultra marathon training, first ultra marathon, training run tips, half marathon training, running pacing strategy, running hill workouts, core stability for runners, recovery after races, running in hot weather, maintaining good running posture, single leg exercises for runners, race day preparation, overcoming running challenges, running gear for ultra marathons, race photos for runners, mental strategies for endurance running, nutrition for long runs, managing race day expectations, improving running endurance, running safety tips