Keywords

Jess Walloff, Glacier Hills Ultra, ultra running, race director, South Dakota, community, race logistics, race experience, trail running, race swag

Summary

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, host Justin Andreas welcomes back Jess Walloff, a race director and ultra running enthusiast. They discuss Jess's journey in ultra running, her experiences with the Glacier Hills Ultra, and the evolution of the race since its inception. The conversation covers race logistics, course details, community involvement, and the unique atmosphere of the Glacier Hills Ultra. Jess shares insights on the race's grassroots vision, amenities, and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all participants. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider signing up for the race and experiencing the camaraderie of the ultra running community.

Takeaways

Jess Walloff has a rich background in ultra running and race directing. The Glacier Hills Ultra is the first ultra marathon in East River, South Dakota. The race has evolved over the years with new management and vision. Participants can expect a challenging course with significant elevation gain. The race emphasizes community and a friendly atmosphere. Aid stations offer unique amenities like pancakes and bacon. Jess and her team aim to keep the race grassroots and local-friendly. Swag options for participants have included jackets, flannels, and more. The race has a strong social media presence for updates and community engagement. Listeners are encouraged to sign up for the Glacier Hills Ultra.

Sound bites

"You can grab those as soon as they're fired." "It's very chill vibes, very friendly." "We have a fantastic aid station."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jess Walloff and Her Journey 02:59 Exploring the Glacier Hills Ultra 05:32 Race Logistics and Course Details 08:12 The Evolution of Glacier Hills Ultra 10:49 Community and Race Experience 13:34 Future Vision for Glacier Hills Ultra 16:20 Swag and Participant Incentives 18:59 Why Choose Glacier Hills Ultra? 25:55 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

Olivia started running during the pandemic out of boredom. She transitioned from marathons to ultra running quickly. Experiencing a DNF is common in ultra running and can be a learning experience. The mental aspect of running is as challenging as the physical. Nutrition plays a crucial role in race performance and recovery. Pacing strategies can significantly impact race outcomes. Social media can add pressure but also provide support. Post-race reflections help in planning future races. Running gear preferences can vary greatly among runners. Building a support system is essential for long races.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Olivia Joseph shares her journey from casual running to becoming an ultra marathoner. She discusses her experiences with DNF (Did Not Finish) races, the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and the importance of nutrition and pacing strategies. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on runners, the significance of support systems, and reflections on post-race experiences. Olivia's insights provide a candid look into the world of ultra running, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges faced by athletes in this demanding sport.

Sound bites

"Experiencing a DNF is common in ultra running." "Nutrition plays a crucial role in race performance." "Post-race reflections help in planning future races."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ultra Running and Podcasting 03:15 Olivia's Journey into Running 06:02 The Transition to Ultra Running 09:02 Experiences with Hallucinations in Ultra Running 11:35 The DNF Experience at Rim to River 100 23:42 The Unpredictability of Race Day Experiences 28:25 Setting Boundaries with Pacers and Family 31:56 The Emotional Rollercoaster of DNFing 37:38 Post-Race Reflections and What's Next 40:44 Choosing the Right Gear for Performance 44:00 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Running 46:25 The Importance of Flavor and Variety in Nutrition 48:35 Choosing the Right Gear for Running 50:30 Lessons from DNF Experiences 52:21 The Excitement of Race Watching and Community Engagement 57:18 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

🚀 Episode Highlights: Trail Running Recovery, Weather Challenges, Coldwater Rumble & Burrito League Dive into Golden Hour Adventures where hosts Justin Andreas and Robbie Pike share real-talk on trail running training amid windy, snowy chaos. Learn why recovery in running trumps grinding through illness—missing a long run won't tank your ultra running fitness! They cover buzzing trail running events like Coldwater Rumble and Burrito League, celebrate top female ultra runners, and geek out on running packs & gear. Perfect for beginner runners to elite athletes seeking running motivation and fitness tips.

📈 Top Running Takeaways for 2024 Training "You're not losing fitness; your body's probably thanking you for that down week." Rest during illness: "Take a day or two off; don't add stress." "Missing a long run doesn't equate to losing fitness—the work's done." Listen to your body: Ditch ego for smart running recovery. Business tip: "If you own a business, why not capitalize on the running community?" Running, Trail Running, Recovery, Ultra Running, Fitness, Training, Coldwater Rumble, Burrito League, Running Gear, Athlete Insights, Running Motivation, Female Ultra Runners "You're not losing fitness; your body's probably thanking you." "A lot of time it's their ego, right?" "If you own a business, why are you not capitalizing on this?"

⏱️ Timestamped Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Running Updates

02:54 Training Challenges and Recovery Insights

06:28 Rest, Mental Health & Running Grace

09:27 Gear Talk: Best Running Packs and Belts

17:55 Trail Running Events Trends

21:01 Burrito League Phenomenon Explained

23:02 Epic Ultra Running Performances

25:44 Upcoming Races & Training Plans

29:18 Ultra Running Humor & Challenges

📱 Listen Now – SEO-Boosted Links Subscribe for weekly trail running tips, ultra event updates, and recovery hacks! Spotify: Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3aNTustuFyOEiKCoum5B4T?si=6e02c540d3fa43dd

Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golden-hour-adventures-podcast/id1645963475 Why

This Episode? Boost your running training with proven fitness recovery strategies from pros. Ideal for trail runners, ultra marathon prep, and anyone battling weather woes. Hit play and level up! 🏃‍♂️🌄 #TrailRunning #UltraRunning #RunningRecovery

Ultra runner Jen Novobilski joins the show to share what it really takes to prepare for extreme races like the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) and Cocodona. She dives into the specific challenges of winter racing, from brutal conditions to managing gear and safety, and explains how a strong mindset can make or break an athlete in the later miles. Jen also discusses her approach to nutrition over long distances, what it’s like to experience hallucinations during multi‑day efforts, and how to stay focused when sleep-deprived. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the power of a positive attitude and the crucial role that pacers play in keeping runners moving forward, offering practical and encouraging advice for both new and experienced ultra runners.

For more from Jen, follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.novobilski/

Learn more about the ITI 150 here: https://www.alaskaultrasport.com/iti-150.html

Jen Novobilski is an experienced ultra runner preparing for the ITI race.

Winter racing presents unique challenges, including gear and nutrition.

Mindset is crucial for success in ultra running.

Nutrition strategies vary for different races, with Uncrustables being a favorite.

Hallucinations can occur during long races, adding to the experience.

Pacers play a vital role in providing support during ultra races.

It's important to maintain a positive mindset to avoid dropping out. Training for ultra races involves both physical and mental preparation.

The Cocodona race was a life-changing experience for Jen. Learning to adapt to conditions is key for ultra runners.

Hosts: Justin and Robbie Episode Focus:

Dive into the gritty world of ultra running with personal stories and practical insights.

In this inspiring episode, Justin and Robbie tackle the real hurdles of ultra running, from the headache of race lotteries and registration woes to how unpredictable weather can derail even the best training plans. Robbie opens up about his milestone achievement—crossing the finish line of his first ultra of 2026—sharing raw reflections on the personal growth it sparked and the heartfelt emotional rollercoaster of grieving the loss of his beloved dog, Vailey, who was a constant companion on his runs.

The duo also draws motivation from an ultra running legend, exploring how their feats inspire everyday athletes to push boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just curious about the sport, this conversation highlights the mental and physical resilience required, blending humor, honesty, and heart. Perfect for anyone chasing big goals or navigating life's tough trails!

Key Takeaways:

Ultra running isn't just about miles—it's about overcoming logistical and environmental obstacles. Personal stories of loss and achievement make the journey relatable and profound. Inspiration from legends reminds us that endurance is as much mental as it is physical

Planning Your Ultra Year: Realistic Goals, Big Dreams & Life Balance What does a sustainable, exciting ultra running season look like when you're juggling family, training realities, and the brutal beauty of long-distance trail running? In this candid, no-BS episode of Golden Hour Adventures, co-hosts Justin Andreas and Robbie Pike lay out their personal 2026 running goals — the races that light them up, the fears that keep them honest, and the hard lessons they've learned about setting targets that actually stick. They dive deep into why most ultra goals fail (hint: it's rarely about mileage), how to build realistic training blocks that don't burn you out, the massive role of smart nutrition and whether coaching is worth it for everyday ultra runners. Plus, they get real about the emotional rollercoaster of big races — the thrill of signing up, the middle-of-the-night doubts, and the constant dance of chasing personal dreams while staying present for family. Whether you're eyeing your first 50K, dreaming of a 100-miler, or just trying to stay consistent in 2026, this conversation delivers grounded, relatable advice from two ultra runners who keep it real. You'll come away with:

Practical strategies for setting attainable yet ambitious ultra goals Honest talk about nutrition pitfalls and what actually moves the needle Tips for balancing training with family life without guilt A fresh perspective on the mental side of racing — excitement, fear, and everything in between

Press play and get inspired (and prepared) for the year ahead. Your best ultra season starts with a plan that fits your real life. Subscribe to Golden Hour Adventures for more trail wisdom, race stories, and ultra running real talk!

In this episode, Justin and Robbie lace up and dive into all things running—from shoes to race sign-ups to recovery. They swap first impressions of the T1s and Norda, explore how running shoe brands have evolved, and unpack what new technology really means for everyday runners. The conversation then shifts to UltraSignUp, where they candidly discuss the frustrations and growing pains of one of the most popular ultra marathon registration platforms—and what a better race registration experience could look like. Rounding things out, they share practical post-race recovery strategies, emphasizing the role of rest, smart training, and community support in staying healthy and excited to keep running. Takeaways The T1s require a break-in period for optimal comfort. Norda shoes lack padding in the heel, leading to discomfort. UltraSignUp faces significant challenges during high-demand race registrations. The running community is evolving with new brands like Mounticoast and Norda. Post-race recovery is crucial; taking time off is recommended. Runners should focus on replenishing calories after long races. The experience of race directors with UltraSignUp is often negative. Aerovipa may create their own race registration platform in the future. The importance of community support in running is emphasized. Runners should treat their sport as a hobby, not a job. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Gear and Experiences 02:42 Shoe Reviews: T1s and Norda Experiences 05:39 Challenges with Sizing and Customer Service 08:18 The Evolution of Shoe Brands and Market Trends 11:03 UltraSignUp: Issues and Community Feedback 13:57 Race Registration Challenges and Solutions 24:06 The Race Director's Perspective 28:33 The Future of Race Registration Platforms 36:28 Recovery After Ultra Races Keywords running shoes, T1s, Norda, UltraSignUp, recovery, trail running, shoe reviews, running gear, ultra marathons, running community

IG: Instagram

In this episode of The Golden Hour Adventures Podcast, the hosts welcome ultra runner TJ Harms-Synkiew for an inspiring conversation about the challenges and triumphs of long-distance running. From the intriguing history of the Old Efron Bear to unforgettable wildlife encounters in the mountains, the discussion dives deep into the heart of the ultra running experience.

TJ shares his journey from completing his first 100-mile race to participating in backyard ultras, trail work in Colorado, and adventures on the state’s fourteeners. Along the way, he opens up about his approach to nutrition, gear, and conservation — and what motivates him to keep pushing his limits. This episode captures the camaraderie, determination, and love for the outdoors that define the ultra running community.

Takeaways

The Old Efron bear has a rich history in the area. Wildlife encounters can be both thrilling and dangerous. Race registration systems can be frustrating and unreliable. Community support is crucial during ultra races. The experience of running a 100-mile race can be daunting yet rewarding. Backyard ultras offer a unique and intriguing race format. Older runners can be incredibly inspiring in endurance sports. Preparation and mindset are key to tackling long-distance races. Food and nutrition play a significant role in race performance. Facing fears in running can lead to personal growth and achievement. TJ's first backyard ultra was the last cowboy in Nebraska. He enjoyed the flat course of the backyard ultra in Texas. Trail work with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps involved conservation efforts. Working on Mount Chavneau was a challenging but rewarding experience. TJ is eager to participate in more trail hundreds after his first 200-miler. He is considering various races for the upcoming year, including Big Horn and Leadville. TJ emphasizes the importance of balancing race participation with recovery. He prefers using high-carb drink mixes for nutrition during races. The Solomon vest has become his go-to for hydration during runs. Toe socks have helped him avoid blisters during long runs.

Chapters

00:00 Podcasting from a Hotel Room 02:48 The Legend of Old Efron 05:31 Wildlife Encounters: Bears and Moose 08:16 Registration Woes: The Crazy Mountain 100 11:10 Introducing TJ Harms: An Ultra Runner's Journey 13:47 From Casual Runner to Ultra Runner 16:41 The First 100-Mile Experience 19:45 The Road to Redemption: Training and Community 22:29 Facing Fears: The 200-Mile Challenge 26:16 The Joy of Ultra Racing 30:45 Exploring Backyard Ultras 34:33 Trail Work and Community Engagement 38:08 Future Racing Plans and Aspirations 45:43 The Challenge of Race Entry 48:48 Race Dynamics and Personal Strategies 50:40 Quickfire Questions: Gear and Nutrition 56:46 Final Thoughts and Social Media Shoutouts