In this episode, Anastasia Rolek shares her incredible journey through ultra running, her Western States 100 experience, and the power of manifesting her race entry. Stefan and Anastasia discuss training strategies, race day insights, and the mental resilience needed for 100-mile races. Anastasia shares a very insightful story about her Western States experience, making sure to highlight the challenges, community, and personal growth experienced along the way.

Chapters

00:24 Introduction and podcast updates
01:39 Stefan introduces Anastasia Roleck and her ultra running background
04:26 Anastasia shares her journey from marathons to ultra distances
07:36 Her experiences at Prairie Spirit and her race times
09:24 The significance of Western States and her race history
14:29 Anastasia discusses her motivation and how her why has evolved
19:34 Her relationship with Katra Corbett and ultra racing friendships
22:29 Training for Western States and balancing life challenges
34:06 The training components needed for Western States
37:49 Injury management and mental resilience during training
42:08 Race day experience and reflections on Western States
47:50 Race recap and Anastasia’s detailed race story
52:48 Race environment and the unique atmosphere of Western States
01:03:05 The first 30 miles: challenges and experiences
01:05:27 Community support and meeting fellow runners
01:10:26 River crossing and technical terrain
01:15:32 Mental strategies and overcoming doubts
01:20:27 The importance of pacing and race plan
01:25:32 Encounters with inspiring runners and stories
01:30:30 The final miles and crossing the finish line
01:35:14 Reflections on the journey and lessons learned
01:40:24 Future goals and personal growth

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Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
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Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

In this episode, Stefan Schuster discusses his new book Beyond the Singletrack, sharing insights on ultrarunning, personal growth, and life lessons learned through endurance sports. He also details the writing process, inspirations, and how running shapes character and success.

Book Summary:

From middle school miles and marathons to some of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world – including the Moab 240, Sangre de Cristo 100, Bear 100, Bighorn 100, and more – Beyond the Singletrack follows a journey shaped by endurance, love, failure, and persistence.

But this isn’t just a collection of race stories. Each chapter reflects on mental health, identity, relationships, and even the meaning of life. Running has a way of challenging how we set goals, define success, and respond to adversity. It exposes who we are and what it means to pursue something that matters. This book asks the questions from the trail.

I hope these words stay with you beyond the singletrack. I hope they shape how you live, think, and show up in life. I hope they challenge you to refine your values, and ultimately, to become a better person through the pursuit of what you love.

This is more than a sport. This is how you learn to live.

Pre-order your signed copy here: https://www.journeyruncoaching.com/book

Send us Fan Mail

Journey Running Links

Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
Instagram: Journey_Running
Facebook: Journey_Running
Tiktok: JourneyRunning

Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, Stefan Schuster interviews Jill Wilkins, a remarkable ultrarunner who recently completed the Cocodona 250. They discuss her journey from beginner to 250-mile finisher, overcoming challenges like eating disorders, and life-changing lessons learned through ultrarunning.

Jill also walks listeners through her experience at this year's Cocodona 250, highlighting the highs and lows of her journey. Jill talks about how doing something she though was once impossible - running 250 miles - changed her life and how you can too.

Send us Fan Mail

Journey Running Links

Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
Instagram: Journey_Running
Facebook: Journey_Running
Tiktok: JourneyRunning

Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster