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Becoming Ultra

Becoming Ultra

Written by: Athlete On Fire
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Becoming Ultra is all about that first Ultra. We follow other runners training for their first Ultra, interview race directors of Ultra's, talk training tips, and just about anything for that next, very long, step. Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Managing The Heat: Training & Race-Day Strategies with Liza Howard

    Managing The Heat: Training & Race-Day Strategies with Liza Howard
    Jul 7 2026

    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 fighting against the body.

    Whether you're training through summer, preparing for a hot race, or learning how to adapt as your body changes, this conversation is packed with useful, real-world advice.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • How heat impacts running performance and recovery
    • Why fitness matters, but effort still has to change in hot conditions
    • Heat acclimation strategies runners can use in training
    • How to practice cooling strategies before race day
    • Fueling and hydration challenges during hot races
    • What heat exhaustion can feel like and how to respond
    • Clothing, gear, and race-day planning for extreme heat
    • How aging, hormones, and recovery needs can change training
    • Building confidence when your body doesn't respond the way it used to
    • Liza's work with Band of Runners and upcoming camp opportunities

    Key takeaways:

    • The fitter you are, the better prepared you may be for heat, but you still need to slow down and manage effort.
    • Heat strategies should be practiced during training, not saved for race day.
    • Cooling, hydration, pacing, and fueling all work together. There is no single magic fix.
    • Training through hot weather requires patience, flexibility, and respect for what your body is handling.
    • Aging does not mean you are done improving, but it may require smarter recovery and more intentional training choices.

    Notable quotes:
    "The fitter you are, the better you'll handle the heat."

    "Run slower, keep effort down in the heat."

    "Practice heat strategies during training, not just race day."

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and weather talk
    01:02 Liza's running journey and health challenges
    03:47 Aging and running: overcoming age-related doubts
    06:39 Navigating perimenopause as an athlete
    09:21 Training adjustments and recovery strategies
    12:05 Managing heat during training and racing
    19:22 Fueling strategies in hot conditions
    21:45 Fueling strategies for hot races
    23:29 Understanding heat exhaustion
    26:23 Navigating challenges during races
    29:58 Recap of heat management techniques
    31:12 Band of Runners initiative
    33:43 Exploring new locations for training
    36:35 Closing thoughts and future plans

    Resources mentioned:
    Band of Runners: https://www.bandofrunners.org/ners.org

    Connect with Liza:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizahoward1/
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    35 mins
  • Take a Bet on Yourself with Trail Sisters Founder Gina Lucrezi

    Take a Bet on Yourself with Trail Sisters Founder Gina Lucrezi
    Jul 16 2026
    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 a different way to move. Today, Gina is the founder of Trail Sisters, an organization dedicated to increasing women's participation and opportunities in trail running through inspiration, education, and empowerment. What began in 2016 as an online journal with contributions from seven of Gina's friends has grown into a community that includes local running groups, retreats, races, and educational resources. In this episode, Gina and Scott talk about the confidence gap that keeps many people from trying trail running and why building confidence is a daily practice. Gina explains how no-drop groups help runners feel welcome, why hiking is absolutely part of trail running, and what road runners need to understand before making the move to the trails. They also cover the practical side of getting started, including choosing the right gear, planning and downloading routes, staying aware of your surroundings, and preparing for changing weather. Gina shares advice from her experience as a trail runner and member of her local search and rescue team, including why hypothermia can be a concern even during warmer months and what to do when lightning or storms move in. In this episode: How Gina went from elite track runner to trail and ultrarunnerWhy she created Trail Sisters and how it has evolved over 10 years Confidence as one of the biggest barriers to trail runningWhy no-drop groups make the trails more accessible Letting go of road pace and learning to run by terrain and effortWhy walking and power hiking belong in trail runningThe gear beginners actually need Route planning, offline maps, and trail awareness Preparing for weather, hypothermia, and lightningThe Trail Sisters Half Marathon and 10K in Buena Vista Finding purpose through community involvement and service Whether you are curious about trail running, preparing for your first trail race, or looking for a more welcoming community, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be fast or experienced to belong on the trails. Sometimes you just have to take a bet on yourself. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and guest background (01:01) Gina's origins and move to Colorado (04:04) What inspired the creation of Trail Sisters (08:33) Trail Sisters' 10-year journey and growth (13:21) Evolution of Trail Sisters' programs (16:36) Community and inclusivity in trail groups (20:48) Key lessons from building a community (23:48) Overcoming fears and mindset for trail beginners (27:11) The beauty of trail variability and troubleshooting (32:36) Gear essentials for new trail runners (35:35) Safety tools and strategies for trail running (40:11) Weather considerations and safety (43:30) Upcoming Trail Sisters race event (45:25) Favorite trails and local adventures (47:38) Favorite races and post-race treats (48:35) Gina's hobbies and community involvement (57:24) Closing thoughts and future plans Learn more about Gina and Trail Sisters Trail Sisters website Find a Trail Sisters local group Run With Her trail running retreatsTrail Sisters Half Marathon & 10K on September 12, 2026, in Buena Vista, Colorado.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Injury, Recovery, and Running for Life with Dr. Kevin R. Stone

    Injury, Recovery, and Running for Life with Dr. Kevin R. Stone
    Jun 30 2026

    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 when something does not feel right.

    We also talk about the importance of staying strong as we age, how runners can think about longevity, and why the goal is not just getting back to one race but continuing to move well for years to come.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kevin Stone
    02:00 Why injury recovery matters for runners
    05:00 Understanding pain, discomfort, and warning signs
    08:00 Common mistakes runners make when injured
    12:00 Returning to running after time off
    16:00 The role of strength training in injury prevention
    20:00 How aging athletes can stay strong and resilient
    24:00 Building patience during the comeback process
    28:00 Thinking long-term instead of rushing back
    32:00 Advice for runners who want to keep moving for life

    Resources Mentioned:
    Complimentary Virtual Consultation with Dr. Stone: https://www.stoneclinic.com/consult
    Play Forever: How to Recover from Injury and Thrive: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Forever-Recover-Injury-Thrive/dp/1544526768

    Connect with Dr. Stone / The Stone Clinic:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoneclinic/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sjtmveZXQibCLMae6GkuA
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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