In this episode of the Ultra Crewed Podcast, hosts Becca and Jon delve into various themes surrounding ultra running, personal responsibility, and community engagement. They discuss the importance of acknowledging one's own actions and the impact of external factors on personal growth. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of dog ownership, tips for running with long hair, and strategies to avoid burnout in the sport. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the significance of community support and the need for balance in one's running journey. In this episode, Becca and Jon discuss the importance of recovery and self-reflection in the context of ultra running, particularly as they prepare for the Feral Mountain 100. They delve into training insights, gear and nutrition planning, and the logistics of crew coordination for race day. The conversation emphasizes the mental preparation required for long-distance running and the significance of having a well-organized support system. As they anticipate the race, they share their excitement and strategies for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ultra Crewed Podcast

01:45 Responsibility in Ultra Running and Life

09:16 The Dog Debate: Love and Responsibility

13:52 Running with Long Hair: Tips and Tricks

18:28 Avoiding Burnout in Ultra Running

30:16 The Importance of Recovery and Self-Reflection

32:07 Preparing for the Feral Mountain 100

34:31 Training Insights and Mental Preparation

37:14 Gear and Nutrition Planning for Ultra Running

52:17 Crew Coordination and Logistics for Race Day

56:58 Final Thoughts and Anticipation for the Race

• "It's your responsibility to know the course."
• "I love dogs. Truly, truly do."
• "You can't hoard all the energy."
• "No one cares more than you care."
• "It's cool to run ultras, but nobody's calling."
• "You have to prioritize rest and rejuvenation."
• "There's gotta be recovery for the work."
• "Maybe you need to step back, look inward."
• "You just ruined someone else's day."
• "I'm excited to get down there and run."
• "You should never be up as long as your runner."

Takeaways

• Responsibility for one's actions is crucial in both life and ultra running.
• People often deflect accountability onto others instead of self-reflecting.
• Dog ownership comes with responsibilities that affect the community.
• Running with long hair can be enjoyable but requires some care.
• Burnout in ultra running can stem from making the sport one's entire identity.
• Community engagement and volunteering can help prevent burnout.
• It's important to prioritize rest and rejuvenation in a busy lifestyle.
• Avoiding accountability is easier in today's social media-driven world.
• Self-evaluation is necessary for growth and improvement in running.
• No one cares more about your running achievements than you do. Recovery is essential for achieving goals.
• Self-reflection can help manage stress and burnout.
• Preparation for races includes both physical and mental aspects.
• Nutrition planning is crucial for endurance events.
• Having a reliable crew can significantly impact race performance.
• Organization of gear and supplies can save time during races.
• Communication with the crew is vital for smooth operations.

• Mental preparation is as important as physical training.

Becca and Jon discuss their recent experiences at various running events in Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of community and conservation efforts in preserving green spaces. They share insights on the challenges of running in busy parks, the etiquette of using Bluetooth speakers while running, and the necessity of keeping dogs on leashes in public spaces. The conversation highlights the joys and frustrations of the running community, as well as the beauty of nature and the need for responsible outdoor practices. In this conversation, Becca and Jon discuss the importance of respecting shared spaces and the consequences of one's actions. They reflect on personal experiences in outdoor settings, emphasizing accountability and the need for individuals to face the repercussions of their behavior. The dialogue also touches on societal norms, parenting, and the impact of social media on interpersonal interactions.

Takeaways

• The weather was perfect for running events.
• Community efforts are crucial for conservation in Tennessee.
• Races provide opportunities to explore unique trails.
• Quiet time in nature is essential for mental health.
• Bluetooth speakers can be disruptive on trails.
• Dog owners should always use leashes in public parks.
• Running events foster camaraderie among participants.
• Conservation trusts play a vital role in preserving land.
• Busy parks can detract from the joy of running.
• Respecting nature and fellow runners enhances the experience. Respecting shared spaces is crucial for community harmony.
• Accountability is a key aspect of personal growth.
• Facing consequences helps individuals mature and learn.
• Avoiding consequences can lead to a stunted sense of responsibility.
• Social media can distort real-life interactions and accountability.
• Understanding others' experiences fosters empathy in shared environments.
• Parents should model accountability for their children.
• Consequences of actions can be life-altering in outdoor activities.
• Everyone has a role in maintaining community standards.
• Learning from experiences is essential for personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Ultra Crewed Podcast

01:09 Community and Conservation in Tennessee

03:30 Racing and Running Events

06:50 Experiences at Rim Runner Race

09:50 The Importance of Quiet in Nature

11:45 Bluetooth Speakers on the Trail

18:13 Dog Leash Etiquette in Parks

28:09 Navigating Shared Spaces and Rules

33:12 Consequences of Actions and Accountability

37:15 The Importance of Facing Consequences

43:43 Learning from Experience and Growth

51:36 Understanding Others and Shared Spaces

Becca and Jon discuss various topics related to ultra marathons, including the impact of weather on race conditions, the importance of hydration and electrolytes, and how to differentiate between injury and discomfort during races. They also talk about Tennessee's first 200 miler Big Al's. They also emphasize the need for runners to listen to their bodies and make informed decisions about their health and performance. Becca discusses her experiences with phantom pain, the mental resilience required in endurance sports, and the importance of distinguishing between discomfort and injury. They emphasize the need for safety and crew support during races, introduces the Big Al's 200, and shares insights on managing weather challenges during races. The conversation highlights the spirit of perseverance in ultra running and the benefits of accessible ultra events for building confidence.

• Weather can significantly impact race conditions.
• Hydration is crucial; don't rely solely on electrolyte drinks.
• Understanding the difference between injury and discomfort is vital.
• Listening to your body can prevent long-term injuries.
• Salt tablets can be more effective than electrolyte drinks alone.
• Track your calorie and electrolyte intake during races.
• Crew members should help monitor runners' nutrition.
• Pain signals can be misleading; focus on overall body mechanics.
• It's important to be cautious and not push through injuries.
• Runners should prioritize long-term health over short-term gains. Phantom pain can feel real but is often a mental construct.
• Ignoring phantom pain can prevent it from becoming a reality.
• Understanding the difference between discomfort and injury is crucial.
• Safety should always be prioritized in endurance sports.
• Crew support is essential for a positive racing experience.
• Big Owls is designed to be a laid-back ultra event.
• Weather can significantly impact race management and safety.
• Perseverance is key in ultra running, regardless of conditions.
• Accessible ultra events can build confidence for future challenges.
• The motivation to keep going must come from within.