Blog

April 20, 2025

Beyond the Comfort Zone: When Ultramarathoners Come Alive

Ultra running isn’t about speed. It’s not even really about the distance. It’s about what you think is possible - physically, mentally, emotionally - and the decision to push beyond it. That is where the magic truly happens. Every…

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March 30, 2025

The Barkley Marathon

* (Photo credit: Geoffrey S. Baker for the New York Times) One of the most elusive and difficult races of the year took place in the middle of March, and as most people expected, there wasn’t a single finisher. If you are familiar with Lazaru…

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March 13, 2025

Training for Spring Races During the Winter Months

Spring is a very popular time for racing, especially up in the north, where races all but disappear during the cold and snowy winter months. After a long winter of very few formal running events, spring races are a great way to stay motivated over t…

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Jan. 31, 2025

Run Streaking: The Pros and Cons

For most runners, the thought of running every single day is not something that has ever crossed their minds. However, as someone who has been a run streaker for years, I can say that running every day has made me a much stronger runner and helped m…

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Jan. 12, 2025

Ultra Marathon Etiquette

Participating in an ultra marathon is an incredible journey that requires physical endurance, mental resilience, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow runners. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time ultra runner, understanding race eti…

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Oct. 19, 2024

DNF: What to Do When a Race Doesn’t Go as Planned

In the world of ultra running, the possibility of starting a race and not finishing it - referred to as a DNF (Did Not Finish) - is a real and often unavoidable part of the sport. While many runners fear the prospect of a DNF, it’s important t…

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Sept. 15, 2024

Why Back-of-the-Pack Runners Define the Spirit of Ultra Running

When most people think of ultra running, they most likely imagine elite athletes running through rugged, mountainous terrain at superhuman speeds. But ultra running is far more than a race against the other runners or a quest for a podium finish. It…

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Sept. 1, 2024

Destination Chamonix: UTMB and the History Behind It

On August 30, 2024, thousands of runners from all corners of the globe will descend on Chamonix, France for what is considered by most in the ultrarunning community to be the most renowned race of the entire year, Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB).&n…

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Aug. 26, 2024

How To Choose The Ultra Marathon That Fits You

When it comes to ultra marathons, there is no “one-size-fits-all” race that is best for every runner. Faster runners may excel at flatter, shorter races, such as 50K’s, while someone who is mentally stronger but a slower runner may…

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July 31, 2024

Finding Yourself Again After Injury

Injury – there’s a dirty word to any athlete!  And I personally think we ultra runners tend to push the envelope more than the average runner.  Our brain processes something doesn’t feel quite right, but if we do this str…

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July 25, 2024

Kissing Rocks: The History of the Hardrock 100

(Photo courtesy of Cody Bare - www.codybear.com)   If you’ve been in the ultrarunning world for a little while, there is a good chance that you’ve already heard of the Hardrock 100. It is, after all, considered by many to be one o…

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July 19, 2024

Western States 100: “Red Shorts Guy” Chris Culpepper and The Active Joe Sponsored Runner Karen Ellis Share Their Contrasting Race Experiences

In the latest episode of Choose to Endure, we delve deep into the grueling yet exhilarating world of ultra-running with Karen Ellis and Chris Culpepper. These seasoned runners take us through their unforgettable experiences at the 2024 Western State…

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July 19, 2024

Mastering Sleep for Ultra Performance w/Sleep Coach & Author Amanda Chocko

In the latest episode of Choose to Endure, we dive into the transformative power of sleep for endurance athletes with Amanda, a renowned sleep coach and author of "Relax Sleep Thrive: Your Five-Week Journey to Peaceful, Restorative Sleep." As ultra-…

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July 5, 2024

Caveman Challenge: Jeff Colgrove of Caveman Endurance shares a look at his BRAND NEW RACE in Denison, TX!

 What if you could push your physical and mental limits to achieve incredible feats? In our latest episode of Choose to Endure, we sit down with ultramarathon runner Jeff Colgrove, who shares his transformative journey from high school runner t…

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June 28, 2024

Team USA’s Megan Eckert: Reluctant Runner to Big’s Backyard - Logging Loops and Inspiring The Next Generation

In this compelling episode of the Choose to Endure we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Megan Eckert, an elite ultra runner who will represent Team USA at the 2024 Big’s Backyard. Megan's story is not just about running; it’s a…

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June 14, 2024

Talking 'Bout a Revolution: PATH Projects' Cutting-Edge Running & Lifestyle Apparel w/CEO Scott Bailey and Co-Founder Floris Gierman.

What happens when two passionate ultra-runners refuse to settle for mediocre gear? The latest episode of the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast dives deep into the fascinating journey of PATH Projects, an innovative ultra-running and lifestyle a…

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June 7, 2024

Feeling Burned Out? Finding Balance Between Athletic Performance and Living a Fulfilling Life

Balancing Ultra Running and Well-Being: Strategies for a Fulfilling Life Ultra running is an intense sport that pushes the limits of physical and mental endurance. While the thrill of achieving personal bests and conquering new distances is unparal…

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May 31, 2024

Into the Ultraverse: Chase & Casey Hammond Talk Ultraverse Supplements, Races and Their EPIC New Event - Summit 200!

Embarking on an ultra endurance race isn't just about physical strength and mental fortitude; it's also about community, nutrition, and the science that supports it all. In a recent episode of "Choose to Endure," hosts Richard Gleave, along with Cha…

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May 24, 2024

Hear me ROAR! Christy Krchnavy Conquers Cocodona 250 with an Umbrella, High-Fives and the Heart of a Lion.

The ultra running community is no stranger to incredible tales of perseverance and strength, but every so often, a story like Christy Krchnavy's emerges that truly encapsulates the spirit of endurance sports. Her 250-mile journey at the Cocodona Tra…

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May 3, 2024

Red Dirt Revelations: Scott & Kurt Share Their 100-Mile Louisiana Adventure

In the realm of endurance sports, the 100-mile ultra marathon stands as a formidable challenge that tests the limits of human potential. The tales of those who endure these distances are both captivating and inspiring. Recently, ultra runners Kurt L…

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April 26, 2024

Race Cancelled? How to Navigate the Emotions and Find a Positive Outcome

 As the global running community expands, so does the anticipation for race day—the culmination of relentless training and dedication. Yet, what happens when races, particularly those we've ardently prepared for, are unexpectedly canceled…

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April 19, 2024

The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide

The phenomenon of backyard ultras has captivated the hearts and soles of the ultra-running community. Richard Gleave, an ultra-marathoner since 2017, offers a profound insight into these races that test not only physical stamina but probe the depths…

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April 12, 2024

Mindset & Mental Wellbeing w/ Shannon Mick: Unlocking the Potential to Transform Your Ultra Running.

When it comes to ultra running, the battle is as much in the mind as it is in the body. Richard Gleave, an ultra marathoner since 2017, understands this intimately. Joined by Shannon Mick, a counselor and fellow ultra marathon enthusiast, they dive …

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April 5, 2024

Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use

When it comes to ultramarathons, every piece of gear and each element of strategy can make a significant difference in performance. Trekking poles, while commonly seen on the trails, have stirred a great debate among runners. Are they an essential t…

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