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PODCAST

Becoming Ultra

Athlete On Fire

Becoming Ultra is following the journey"s of runners who are being coached by some of the best coaches in the sport. The runners coaching calls and journey is documented on this podcast and social media. Along the way will be coaching tips, race directors perspective, and the stories of elite and everyday runners on their first Ultra run!

sports running

All Episodes

43:26

Your Mind Is Part of the Training with Neal Palles

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/09/29

Neal Palles knows the mental side of endurance sport from a few different angles. He's an ultrarunning coach, licensed clinical social worker, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, longtime runner, and former Outward Bound instructor. neal-palles In this conversation, Scott and Neal dig into what mental performance actually looks like for ultrarunners especially when the race stops going according to plan. They talk about learning through failure, why outcome goals can sometimes get in the way of

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01:01:03

When the Finish Line Is Over - Tim Gorichanaz on...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/09/22

Tim Gorichanaz didn't grow up athletic. His path into running started with a family 5K, moved quickly into marathons, and eventually led to ultrarunning and a nearly decade-long pursuit of Western States. In this conversation, Scott and Tim talk about that journey - from Tim's first 50K in a Wisconsin blizzard to finally earning his spot at Western States, only to spend months injured during the build-up. Tim shares what it was like to fight cutoffs all day, finish Western States in the Golden Hour,

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48:03

From Hating Running to Ultrarunning with Blake Nations

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/09/15

Blake Nations used to joke that he'd only run if it was raining and he needed to get to his car. A couple of years later, he's finished his first ultra and is training for the Never Summer 100K. In this conversation, Scott and Blake explore the crossover between ultrarunning, backcountry hunting, and learning how to stay in the fight when things get uncomfortable. Blake shares how moving to Colorado and getting humbled in the mountains changed the way he thought about fitness, why running became a

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32:05

The 650 Volunteers Behind Hardrock 100 with Bill Schum

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/09/01

Hardrock 100 puts just 146 runners into one of the most remote and demanding mountain races in ultrarunning. Supporting them requires approximately 650 volunteers, specialized safety sweepers, hike-in aid stations, four-wheel-drive transportation and nearly a full year of planning. Bill Schum, Hardrock's volunteer coordinator and an aid-station captain, takes Scott behind the scenes of the legendary 100-mile race through Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Bill explains how volunteers support runners

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26:04

The Last Finisher Matters. Celebrating the Back of...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/08/25

Finishing last isn't the same as failing. Ultrarunner and race director Mandy Hansel shares what her DFL finishes have taught her about courage, cutoffs, and creating races where every participant feels welcome. At the back of the pack, the aid stations may be picked over, the course markers may be coming down, and long stretches of the race may be spent entirely alone. Mandy has experienced all of it, from having a sweeper push her out of an aid station to being cut halfway through a race she had

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35:25

Pacing Smarter for Your Next Ultra with UltraPacer...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/08/18

How fast should you actually be moving at mile 20, 50 or 80 of an ultra? Danny Murphy is an ultrarunner, engineer and the founder of UltraPacer, a race-planning tool designed to account for the things that make trail racing complicated including elevation, terrain, altitude, heat, fatigue and even darkness. Scott and Danny talk about how UltraPacer started as a spreadsheet Danny built while preparing for his first 100K, why evenly pacing an ultramarathon usually isn't realistic, and how runners can

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49:44

Run for the Long Haul: Dr. Mandy Riehl on Injuries,...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/08/11

Dr. Mandy Riehl is a chiropractor, former Division I runner, trail and ultrarunner, and high school cross-country coach who works extensively with endurance athletes. In this episode, Scott and Mandy talk about building runners for the long haul from how we develop young athletes to how adult runners can better handle injuries, strength training, and the inevitable aches and pains that come with the sport. They dig into common running injuries, why pain isn't always coming from where you think it

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38:51

"I Did It" - Matt Lamos and the Mission Behind Down...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/08/04

Ultrarunner and Down with Running founder Matt Lamos shares how his daughter Lilly inspired a mission to help individuals with special needs pursue meaningful physical goals one step, one challenge and one "I did it" at a time. In this episode, we talk about Matt's path from soccer and casual fitness to ultrarunning The surprisingly hilly side of trail running in Iowa Lilly's birth and the family's first 40 days in the hospital How Down syndrome can affect muscle tone, development and

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44:10

Better Fueling, Better Training with Alex Larson

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/07/28

Many endurance athletes spend plenty of time thinking about what to eat during a race but far less time considering whether they're eating enough to support their training every day. In this episode, Scott talks with Minnesota-based registered dietitian and endurance athlete Alex Larson about practical fueling strategies for better energy, recovery and performance. Alex explains why fueling is both a science and an art, how to recognize the less-obvious signs of underfueling and why the habits that

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01:05:37

254 100-Milers Later: Why Mike Smith Keeps Coming Back

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/07/21

Mike Smith has completed 254 hundred-mile races, but his running journey began with a simple promise to run the Disney Marathon with a coworker. Fresh off becoming the final official finisher at Western States, Mike joins Scott to talk about more than 25 years of ultrarunning. He shares what keeps him coming back, why the community matters more than another buckle, and the lessons he has learned from both his finishes and his many memorable DNFs. Mike also offers practical advice about fueling,

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54:48

Take a Bet on Yourself with Trail Sisters Founder...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/07/16

Trail running can be intimidating, even if you are already an experienced runner. When Gina Lucrezi first moved from track to trail, she approached a steep Colorado climb with the same stride and expectations she had as a 10-time NCAA Division III All-American. It didn't take long before she was forced to walk while a more experienced trail runner pitter-pattered past her. It was a humbling introduction to one of trail running's most important lessons: you have to let go of pace and learn

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35:19

Managing The Heat: Training & Race-Day Strategies...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/07/07

In this episode, Scott talks with ultrarunner and coach, Liza Howard about how endurance athletes can train, race, and stay safe in hot conditions. Liza shares practical strategies for heat acclimation, managing effort when temperatures rise, fueling when your body doesn't want to cooperate, and recognizing the warning signs of heat exhaustion. She also talks about aging as an endurance athlete, navigating perimenopause, and adjusting training in a way that supports long-term performance instead of

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41:29

Injury, Recovery, and Running for Life with Dr. Kevin...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/06/30

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kevin Stone for a conversation about injury, recovery, and what runners can do to stay active for the long haul. Whether you are coming back from an injury, trying to avoid one, or learning how to listen to your body with more confidence, this conversation offers helpful insight into the physical and mental side of returning to movement. Dr. Stone shares perspective on what runners should understand about healing, strength, patience, and making smart decisions

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37:39

The Ultimate Guide to Crewing an Ultra with Sandra...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/06/23

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

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52:44

The Ultimate Foot Care Guide for Ultra Runners with...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/06/16

In this episode, Dr. Tonya Olson shares expert insights on foot care for ultra runners, covering common issues, prevention strategies, and effective products to keep your feet healthy during long-distance races. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foot Care and Ultra Running 02:37 The Journey into Ultra Running 05:31 Understanding Foot Care Basics 08:23 Common Foot Issues for Runners 11:19 Race Day Preparation and Strategies 14:00 Building a Foot Care Kit for Runners 16:38 Personal Experiences and

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38:14

Exploring Colorado's Hidden Gem: The West Elk...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/06/09

Join us as we explore the scenic West Elk Wilderness with race director Ben Graves. Discover the race details, the stunning landscape of Paonia, Colorado, and how this event supports local community programs and outdoor education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Graves and Paonia 02:53 Ben's Journey: From Teacher to Race Director 09:39 The West Elk Challenge: A Community Fundraiser 14:16 Exploring Mount Lamborn and the West Elk Wilderness 16:47 The Allure of Fall in Colorado's High Country 18:15

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12:50

The Last Episode with Scott!

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/05/05

After years of connecting with you through podcasting, it's time for a change. Here's what's next for Becoming Ultra: I've loved sharing stories and insights since I started this journey in 2014. But as life evolves, so must we. I'm stepping back from the podcast to focus on other things. I've coached over 150 athletes and celebrated countless finish lines together. It's been a wild ride with 1.5 million downloads, placing us in the top 5% of podcasts globally! But I want to leave this chapter

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26:18

"The Art Of Ultrarunning" with Ian Sharman

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/04/30

Ian Sharman discusses his journey of writing 'The Art of Ultra Running,' sharing insights on pacing, mental strategies, and lessons from elite runners like Zach Bitter and Courtney Dauwalter. Learn practical tips for runners of all levels to improve performance and enjoy the sport. The book is out everywhere for preorder now!

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07:08

Short solo with Scott: Trail camp, Ian Sharman's new...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/04/08

Scott does a short solo episode today to talk about a few of the things going on on the western slope of Colorado! Have a great day!

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40:12

Lauren Callahan: Peptides, gut health, and her ultra...

Becoming Ultra ·

2026/03/24

In this conversation Scott speaks with Lauren Callahan, a nutrition coach and doctoral student, as she shares her insights on nutrition, gut health, and endurance sports. She discusses her journey into ultra running, the importance of gut health in athletic performance, and the concept of integrative wellness. Lauren also explores the emerging field of peptides, their benefits for recovery and performance, and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to nutrition and health. Chapters 00:00

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