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In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster provides an in-depth recap of his experience at the Western States 100, sharing insights on preparation, race day dynamics, nutrition strategies, and the challenges faced during the race. He emphasizes the importance of efficient aid stations, the role of crew support, and the mental aspects of tackling the canyons. Stefan also discusses his unique fueling plan and the significance of thermoregulation in hot conditions, offering valuable tips for future participants. In this conversation, Stefan Schuster shares his detailed experience of running the Western States 100, reflecting on his training, race strategy, and personal insights throughout the journey. He discusses the challenges faced during the race, including navigating the canyons, managing heat, and the importance of pacing and nutrition. The conversation culminates in his emotional finish, highlighting the significance of the event in his life and the journey leading up to it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey Running Podcast
02:40 Recap of the Western States 100 Race
05:41 Preparation and Crew Dynamics
08:40 Race Day Experience and Start Line Insights
11:14 The Escarpment and Grand Chief Wilderness
14:16 Nutrition Strategy and Fueling Techniques
16:54 Aid Station Efficiency and Support
19:22 Thermoregulation and Managing Heat
22:22 Transitioning Through Key Sections
24:55 Climbs and Technical Terrain
27:28 The Canyons and Final Thoughts
34:39 Race Day Preparations and Crew Coordination
39:01 Navigating the Course: Early Miles and Strategy
48:20 The Canyons: Challenges and Strategies
01:01:41 Final Stretch: Pacing and Mental Resilience
01:09:21 Race Reflections and Mistakes
01:12:25 Navigating the Challenges of the Race
01:15:07 The Pressure of Performance
01:19:12 Transitioning to Night Running
01:23:10 The River Crossing Experience
01:25:43 Meeting the Legends of Ultra Running
01:33:20 The Final Stretch to the Finish
01:41:14 The Journey to Western States

Journey Running Links

Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
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Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I recap my experience crewing and pacing the Badwater 135. In this episode, I do my best to provide invaluable insights for runners, crews and pacers through story telling about what my experience out there was like.

Notable talking points include: discussions about our runner's highs and lows and how to improve upon those in the future, discussing important points on the course, organization of the crew vehicle, making sure you plan a sleep strategy before the event, mental toughness, and so on.

If you'd like to hear more about the Badwater 135 through a runner's perspective, you can check out episode 19 of the Journey Running Podcast, where I had on our runner, Danny Manimbo.

As always, thank you for taking the time to listen!

Enjoy the episode!
-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I have on Danny Manimbo, who recaps his recent finish at the notorious Badwater 135. The Badwater 135 is the famous 135 mile ultramarathon that runs from Badwater (the lowest point in the Western hemisphere), through Death Valley and to Whitney Portal. Badwater is no doubt the hottest race on Earth and dubs itself "The World's Toughest Footrace." As both a crew member and pacer for Danny, I can attest that there is good reason for this.

On top of discussing his recent Badwater finish, Danny also talks about how he got into ultrarunning, his battle against infertility (and how that led to him running his first 100 miler), leadership, toughness, many of his philosophies on life and more!

For those interested in learning more and/or donating to Danny's Fight Against Infertility fundraiser, you can do so here: https://give.resolve.org/campaign/680377/donate.

As always, thank you for taking the time to listen!

Enjoy the episode!
-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hi everyone and welcome to episode 18 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I discuss training and preparing for the Western States 100. I walk listeners through each phase of my training plan (Base Building, Speed Work + Long Runs, Running a Tune-up Race, Fine Tuning things and then Tapering). I also intertwine subjects such as human physiology, nutrition for ultrarunning and heat training in this episode, among others. There are a variety of great tips and tricks in this episode you can take away, whether to help you run Western States or a different ultra!

Thanks for taking the time to listen!

-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hello all and welcome to episode 17 of the Journey Running Podcast!In this episode, I discuss the general topic of how to become a Registered Dietitian. I talk about why I decided to become an RD and the steps required to become one in specific detail. Generally speaking, those steps involve completing a Master's program, a dietetic internship (the nutrition equivalent to a residency program) and passing the RD Exam.

If you are considering becoming an RD, this is a great episode for you. You will learn the ins and outs about the process and what it takes to complete all the educational requirements. Though, if you are considering hiring a Dietitian as an athlete or nutrition coaching client, you may find the educational process your RDN went through to achieve their credentials interesting as well. Or you might just find the topic interesting for another reason. Either way, enjoy!

And thanks for listening!
-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hi everyone and welcome to episode 16 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I talk about planning for an upcoming race season. With 2025 approaching, this is a subject on many athletes' minds. Topics discussed in this episode include determining priorities, what races you want to run, budgeting for races and finding unique ways to run ultramarathons for cheap or discounted prices. I also discuss a process you can follow that may help you pick your races for the upcoming year. I hope this episode provides value for those of you tuning in.

As always, thanks for taking the time to listen!
Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I have on my good friend Lizzy Rouce. In this episode we discuss Lizzy's running career along with her first 100 miler, the Hood Hundred. Other events discussed include the Sangre de Cristo Ultras, Never Summer 100k, and hiking the Colorado 14'ers.

As always, thank you for taking the time to listen!

Enjoy the episode!
-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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

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Hi everyone, and welcome to the Journey Running Podcast. This episode is about my journey to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. My hope is that my atypical route to qualifying (running marathons then leaving road racing for 6 years to focus on ultrarunning before returning to a road marathon) can help create a unique roadmap for those out there who are looking to BQ and who may be in a similar situation. Whether you have never run a marathon, are a regular marathoner or an ultrarunner, I think this episode contains great training advice and will have something for you. Ultimately, I cover my personal running experience that led to a BQ, what I focused on in training and how I ran the race itself. I hope that this helps your training and if you have any further questions, thoughts or are looking for a running coach, don't hesitate to reach out!

-Stefan

Journey Running Links

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