Becoming Ultra

Lootie's World Run: The fastest woman to run around the world!

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott sits down with Marie Leautey to talk about her epic run around the world, yes, the world!   Enjoy the show and read below for a solid AI descr...

How busy runners can use December to set up for success in 2026.

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode Scott shares 5 ideas to get the most out of your December to hit the ground running in January.  Some are great reminders and a coupl...

Race Spotlight: Standhope Ultra Challenge [Idaho Mountains]

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones speaks with Mary Martin, the race director of the Stand Hope Ultra Challenge. They discuss Mary's ...

Took a little long at the aid station!

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Race Director Ken Krogsrud of the Lost Sierra Endurance Race

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott discusses with Ken Krogsrud, the race director of the Lost Sierra ultra in Downeyville, California. Ken share...

Adam Ludwin on the power of breath for performance!

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative ...

Season 16:30 Denise becomes an ultra runner in Mendocino!

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode Denise shares her transformative experience running the Mendocino Coast Ultra. From her initial impressions of the beautiful coastal ...

Henry Abbott and the new science of injury free sport!

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics. ...

Jennifer Conroyd of Fluid Running: Staying fit through injury.

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Scot interviews Jennifer Conroyd, the founder of Fluid Running, about her journey into the world of aqua jogging and how it can help runners mai...

Dr. Scott Frey: The Brain's Role in Athletic Performance

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode,  Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuros...

Season 16:29. Deidra shares her story of becoming and ultra runner!!!

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Deidra shares her inspiring journey to becoming an ultrarunner, detailing her training, race experience, and the pe...

Introducing coach Jackson Brill!

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Scott Jones introduces Jackson Brill, a coach based in Bend, Oregon.   They discuss Jackson's background, his experiences in teac...

Season 16:28 Deidra's final call before taking on her first ultra in California!

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Scott Jones and Deidra discuss her journey leading up to her first 50K race. They explore her training experiences, the challenges s...

Season 16:27 Denise's hip scare and final call before Mendocino coast 50k.

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, Scott Jones, Denise, and Addie discuss the journey of preparing for an ultra marathon, focusing on the challenges o...

Season 16:26 Mendocino Coast 50k RD on all pre-race and race details you need to know!

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today Scott and race director Sid discuss the upcoming Mendocino Coast 50K, focusing on pre-race nerves, logistics, course strategy, aid stations, an...

Season 16:25 Denise runs the LA marathon and shares some takeaways as Addie lays out the final weeks of ultra training!

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Denise shares her experiences and insights from her recent marathon as she prepares for her first ultra marathon. The discussion...

Cassidy Randall on the inspiring story about the first all women's ascent of Denali!

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging conversation, Scott and Cassidy Randall explore the world of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the adventures t...

Season 16:24 Carrie's final call before moving on to longer terms goals after her big pivot!

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Scott Jones, Carrie, and her coach Ian Sharman discuss Carrie's journey as she pivots from training for her first ultra marathon to p...

Season 16:23 Denise's dental drama and upcoming L.A. Marathon!

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones, along with coach Addie and her client Denise, discuss Denise's journey as she prepares for her fi...

Season 16:22 Deidra deals with allergies, heat, and fueling in the run up to her first ultra!

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deidra's Journey to Ultra Running Continues: In this episode, Scott talks with Deidra about her training regimen leading up to a crucial race in April...

From Ultra Running to Kilimanjaro: Ultra skills in other adventures!

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this conversation, Scott Jones and Mari Lowe discuss Mari's journey from training for her first ultra marathon to summiting Kilimanjaro. Th...

Season 16:21 Learn to pivot, not quit on your goals!

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Adapting Goals and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Training. Pivoting is not quitting.  In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones ...

Season 16:20 Crewing friends and Marathon Musings

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming Ultra: Training Tales and Marathon Musings with Denise and Addie.  In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie catch up on Denise'...

Season 16:19 Keeping long term goals in mind in the midst of training for your big first ultra!

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra', Scott, Ian, and his coaching client, Carrie, discuss the emotional and physical hurdles faced during Carrie's p...

Season 16:18 Stomach issues and a bad shoe lacing issue on her way to ultra!

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Training for Your First Ultra: Overcoming Challenges with Deidre   In this epsode, Scott and Deidre discuss her journey of training for her first ult...

Creating Athletic Opportunities: The Kyle Pease Foundation Story

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Creating Inclusive Athletic Opportunities: The Kyle Pease Foundation Story   In this engaging conversation, two brothers from Atlanta, Brent and Kyle...

Season 16:17 Mid-Training Check-In: Skiing, Air Quality, and Ultra Marathon Preparations

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the first call of 2025, Denise catches up with her coach Addie about her training progress for her first ultra marathon, set for April 19th in Mend...

Season 16:16 Carrie's sleep study results and gait analysis!

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Becoming Ultra, host Scott Jones interviews Carrie and her coach Ian Sharman. Carrie is training for her first Ultra marathon on Ap...

Season 16:15 Building Base and Battling Cold: First Steps of 2025!

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overcoming Winter Challenges: Deidra's Journey to Her First Ultra Marathon In the first call of 2025, Scott and Deidra discuss how she is faring in th...

Season 16:14 Halfway to Ultra: Carrie's Training Updates and Challenges

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Midpoint Training Updates and Overcoming Challenges in Ultra Marathon Prep In this episode of Becoming Ultra Season 16, host Scott Jones catches up wi...

Running the Distance: Inside Hard Rock 100 with Dale Garland

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Deep Dive into the Hard Rock 100 with Race Director Dale In this episode, Scott chats with Dale, the race director of the Hard Rock 100 Endurance Ru...

Season 16:13. Coach Addie and Denise on Balancing Training, Holidays, and Cross-Training Adventures

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Balancing Training and Holiday Cheer: Denise, Addie, and the Importance of Cross-Training In this episode of 'Becoming Ultra,' Denise and Addie discus...

Season 16:12 Running under the weather, Dexa scans, and walk to run ratio in training

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie brings some great questions about her training to the call today including:   How to decide when running is too much when you aren't 100% wel...

Ben Tracy: Running across America for youth online safety!

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scott had a chance to sit down with Ben Tracy who is running across the country to highlight the importance on online safety for our youth.  Some of ...

Dreama Walton: Tough early days, military life, living overseas, and finding her community in Colorado!

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dreama Walton is an ultrarunner and parent with a great story of perseverance from life circumstances.  She took chances to get out of situations tha...

Season 16:11 Deidra ramps up with concern from a previous injury.

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many ultra runners start training perfectly healthy with no past injury or issues to slow them down and some of us have to start while we are dealing ...

Season 16:10 Carrie dials in footwear and strength training and a big announcement from HQ!

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As coach Ian Sharman guides Carrie throughout the holiday season ramping up for big goals in 2025 she asks some common but pertinnet questions about f...

Hauling your work friends across the country for an ultra!

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cale Pearson was a runner for Season 11 of the Becoming Ultra project.  One thing that has been so cool are the side projects and trickle down of the...

Season 16:09 Carrie goes to the Dominican Republic, Ian PR's his half marathon.

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the show today we talk about Ian's amazing PR in the half marathon recently as he had to adjust from a marathon effort to the half.  Carrie travel...

Season 16:08 Deidra goes to Big Bend, we troubleshoot plantar fasciitis.

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Deidra comes back from the amazing mountains of Big Bend and we talk about her adventure as well as come up with some best practices dealing with plan...

My First Ultra: We Will See You On The Otherside :)

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Change is here!  Kris & Carly discuss how much the past 151 episodes have meant to them and what the future holds!  They recap some of their favorit...

Season 16:07 Meet Denise. From roller derby to Spartan and now ultra running!

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Addie and Scott get to know Denise on her first epsiode of Season 16. Denise has an amazing coming to running story that I think many will be ab...

My First Ultra: 151 Kellie Thompson

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of Kellie's friends describe her as "an all-around incredible runner.  Her feet are basically wings as she climbs mountains like they are anthill...

Season 16:06 Meet Carrie the Speech Pathologist from Antioch training for her first ultra.

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we get to meet our second runner of Season 16, Carrie Balick who shares her story with Scott and her coach for the season, Ian Sharman.  She gr...

My First Ultra: 150 Anderson Dibble

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anderson Dibble does not shy away from hard races. In fact, she seems to gravitate towards challenges. Some of her racing adventures include the Sugg ...

Season 16:05 Meet Deidra. Mom coming off a recent back surgery to train and run her first ultra.

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Scott meets his runner for Season 16 of the Becoming Ultra project, Deidra.  Deidra resides in Round Rock, Texas, just outside of Austin. She i...

1 million in 50: Presenting a challenge to help a small North Carolina community.

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hurricane Helene ravaged many of the communities in the mountains of North Carolina. Scott brings Mariah from Season 10 of the Becoming Ultra project ...

My First Ultra: 149 Eric Davis Race Report

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Indiana Trail 100 took place at Chain O' Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana on October 12-13. The course consists of four 25-mile loops with abou...

Season 16: Selections for the Mendocino Coast 50k runners.

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Ian, Addie, and Scott come on to choose the runners of Season 16 who will run their first ultra at the Mendocino Coast 50k in April!  Enjoy the...

My First Ultra: 148 Missy Tirpak

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What a fun conversation this was with Missy! We know Missy through BU and she was one of our biggest supporters when we launched the podcast. Just a j...

My First Ultra: 147 Heather Daunis

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some of our most inspiring guests come from referrals. Our friend Rebecca messaged us about Heather. They met during Vol State and Rebecca knew we had...

Season 16:03 Addie Bracey on hallucinations at UTMB and coaching for Season 16!

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Addie Bracey joins the show again to share her recent adventures which include an epic race that took 30 hours and finishing a retreat center ne...

My First Ultra: 146 Lucja Takes on the Divide 200

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with Lucja after her latest adventure, and wow was it a big one!  The Divide 200 is Canada's only 200-mile ultra marathon. It takes place...

Season 16:02 Ian Sharman on rebuttals for the most common reasons people won't train for an ultra.

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Season 16 kicks off we are talking to the coaches of the project about all things ultra running. On this episode Ian Sharman and Scott talk about t...

Season 15:11 Erin's an ultra runner, now what! Post race interview.

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin trained for over 4 months for her first ultra with Coach Lindsay and nailed it on the Grindstone 50k course!  We talk about things she learned o...

Season 16 Launch: The Mendocino Coast 50k race director Sid Garza-Hillman

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scott talks to the race director and founder of the Mendocino Coast 50k, Sid Garza-Hillman about the history of the race, his running journey, and the...

My First Ultra: 145 Tracy Meyerson

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We had the most fun talking to Tracy Meyerson. She recently finished her goal of running a marathon/ultra distance in every state. We discuss what it ...

My First Ultra: 144 Kris & Carly Talk Major Marathons

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever wanted more information about the World Major Marathons, this episode is for you!  If you haven't, well, still listen for a educatio...

Season 15:10. A pre race quiz and last minute prep for Erin's first 50k!

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The time has come for Erin to go celebrate her training on the Grindstone 50k course!  Her calf woes are over and the training is in the bank.  We s...

My First Ultra: 143 Kris & Her Backpacking Adventure

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kris is back from an epic backpacking trip and is here to tell us all about it!  She gives listeners some great advice on how to get started in backp...

Season 15:09. A cool adventure Aqua Blaze race and calf woes.

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin is experiencing the ups and downs of training as we get ever so closer to her first ultra. On the show today she shares her advneture on the Aqua...

My First Ultra: 142 Ashley Haynes

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kris first met Ashley during a 50 mile race Ashley was running and then continued to see her at other local races. With Ashley's unassuming confidence...

My First Ultra: 141 Karmell Ohlrogge & Lee Conner

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Karmell Ohlrogge & Lee Conner are two bad ass women. Collectively they have conquered over eighty 100 milers. They are also champions of women who wan...

But have you ridden your bike from Canada to Mexico? Another type of ultra endurance!

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy another episode about ultra endurance. Our guest, Jenn Pattee, is an ultra runner and entrepreneur who took on the challenge of riding the Great...

Season 15:08 Erin's training ramps up and gets ready for a run and rowing challenge on the Shenandoah

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Training fatigue has definitely set in as Erin balances her demanding work and training schedule but it doesn't mean she isn't going to find adventure...

My First Ultra: 140 Eric Davis

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Davis is new to ultra running. He has tackled some technical ultras over the last year and has consistently finished in the top, including winnin...

My First Ultra: 139 Will Sprouse

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Sprouse is an interesting guy, I think everyone will feel inspired after hearing what he has to say. Will is an ultra-runner, restaurant owner, p...

My First Ultra: 138 Andrew Kelly

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Kelly is extreme, and we mean that in the best way. He rises at 4 am every day to run and is currently on a running streak that is over 1,500 d...

Susie Chan: Trails and tribulations of a record holding runner, mom, and Peleton coach.

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scott had a great chat with Susie Chan on all things adventure, life, and running.  We aim to make more content to inspire big efforts from regular, ...

Grief and running: Delorean comes back to share his journey since Season 13.

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Delorean Ostrom was a featured runner on Season 13 of the project.  His amazing wife lost her battle with a rare cancer in January and we wanted to c...

Season 15:07. Erin runs part of Grindstone for her long run, school's back!

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin had the chance to get out and run a part of the course for the Grindstone 50k to see how technical the trails were.  School is back in session s...

My First Ultra: 137 Becky WIlliamson & Sarah Wingate

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Becky & Sarah are two fun spirited, adventurous friends. They have shared many miles together on the trails including backpacking sections of the AT, ...

All In Stride author and Olympian Samantha Schultz on her journey and the cost of training.

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a change up from typical ultra conversations but an important one nonetheless. Whether you are training for the Olympics or your ow...

Season 15:06 A hot nighttime half marathon, snakes, bears, and post run creeks.

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin is getting to the higher volume of her training as she continues her journey towards her first ultra.  We talk about dealing with heat and seeki...

Season 15:05 Erin goes longer, early aid station and poles strategy talk.

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin is training for her first ultra at the Grindstone 50k coming in September.  Today her coach talks about her longer efforts and early aid station...

Ultra Nutrition: 08. Getting in the calories when training volume picks up!

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Ultra Nutrition we get a great question that many runners and athletes can relate to.  As your training volume goes up how do you ...

My First Ultra: 136 Jessica Vanderbush

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jess Vanderbush has many interests, she is an ultra-runner, poet, and documentary filmmaker, she is also the founder, editor-in-chief, and creative di...

Ultra Nutrition: 07 Ideas for plant based athletes low in iron and B12

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nutrition coach Abby and coach Scott address listener questions in this ongoing series about nutrition and fueling for athletes.  The questions were ...

My First Ultra: 135 Nettie Zeppettella

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aneta Zeppettella (Nettie) is a 52-year-old ultra runner who grew up in Poland but has been living in the US since 1999. She has finished some of the ...

My First Ultra: 134 Cale Recaps the Miwok 100k

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our friend, Cale is back to share his race experience at the Miwok 100K on May 4th. This race has 11,800 feet of gain – views of San Francisco and t...

Season 15:04 Erin gets rolling with her training in humid Virginia!

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin and her coach Lindsay sit down with Scott to talk about the first few weeks of training for her first 50k at the Grindstone 50k.  Humid days, ti...

My First Ultra: 133 Jenn Recaps Cocodona 250!

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this podcast our friend, Jenn shares her experience of five days taking on one of the most diverse 200+ mile races, the Cocodona 250. We had this c...

My First Ultra: 132 Rhonda Bompensa-Zimmerman

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rhonda Bompensa-Zimmerman is fairly new to ultra-running. She has been putting in the work and taking on some big challenges, most recently, Sedona Ca...

Season 15:03 Introducing Erin, a runner from Virginia running the Grindstone 50k!

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have the pleasure of introducing Erin to the world.  She is an educator that grew up on a family farm not too far from Washington D.C.  Today, we...

My First Ultra: 131 Scott Hagerty Recaps Earth Day Buckle Mania

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We welcome back Scott Hagerty to the podcast to give us a recap of the Earth Day Buckle Mania, his 8th 100 mile race. Scott's knack for finding the co...

Ultra Nutrition: 06 Fueling and nutrition post race best practices.

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nutrition coach Abby and Scott answer the question, "What is the best way to fuel and eat in general after races and big efforts?"  We talk about fue...

My First Ultra: 130 Kris & Carly Recap Sedona & London!

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we recap our latest adventures!  Sometimes we get to do fun things too! :)

Ultra Nutrition: 05 Tara calls in to ask the best way to drop some weight for big running goals.

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tara is a Becoming Ultra coaching client from the west coast.  She calls in today to ask Coach Abby and Scott the best way to drop some weight to be ...

My First Ultra: 129 Joe Hardin

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Hardin is a husband, father of two, ultrarunner, aspiring writer, and an artist. He is also an advocate for addiction recovery and a plant-based l...

Season 14:53 Amanda's race recap. "I believe running is for everyone!"

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda and her coach Addie Bracy talk about the day Amanda became an ultra runner.  The highs and lows and everything in between.  We hope you enjoy...

Season 14:51 Mari's takeaways from her first ultra.

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

She did it!  Mari diligentely trained for her first ultra over the last 6 months and got to test herself on the amazing trails in Sedona.  On the sh...

My First Ultra: 128 Sarah Snyder

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Snyder is the RD for the Crewel Jewel 100; ultra runner; cyclist and loving dog mom. Sarah is also an advocate for woman in the sport. She is pa...

Season 14:50 Brittany recaps her amazing experience with her first ultra!

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After 7 months of training and planning Brittany finally got to test herself on the beautiful trails of Sedona to run her first ultra.  Some heat and...

Ultra Nutrition: 04 4000-5000 caloried without fats and carbs?

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the newest episode with Abby McQueeny Penamonte we answer a listener's question about how to get lots of calories without fat and carbs.  We are h...

Season 14:49 Amanda has her pre race call with coach Addie Bracy!

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The work is done and Amanda is ready to get to Arizona to run her first ultra. She has had an amazing training cycle and is looking forward to celebra...

Season 14:48 Brittany does her pre race call with coach Ian Sharman!

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The training is done and Brittany has a few pre race questions for her coach before she gets to Sedona to run her first ultra.  What are her expectat...

Season 14:47. Mari's last call before her first 50k!

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some last minute questions and a little conversation about specifics for Arizona on this last call with Mari before she becomes an ultra runner! Enjoy...

Season 15 Coaches for the Grindstone 50k

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coaches Ian Sharman, Scott Jones, Lindsay LaForce, and Addie Bracy get together to talk about the upcoming Season 15 for Becoming Ultra.  Season 15 w...

Season 14:46 "Your best is always accessible."

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda is cruising through some long efforts on the trails and getting more comfortable in her new running surroundings.  Addie brings some wisdom to...

Season 14:45 Stream crossings and heat training.

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brittany is only a few weeks away from running her first ultra and she had some specific course questions for her coach Ian Sharman.  How do I deal w...