Blueprint to Ultra

Starting with his first ultra, the Marathon des Sables at the age of 60, Bob Becker has become a running legend as the oldest runner to finish the Badwater 135. With stories of overcoming challenges like battling extreme heat in Death Valley and dealing with a severe forward lean due to a back issue, Bob’s experiences serve as a treasure trove of inspiration. He discusses his strategies for run/walk, the significance of core strength, the impact of a good crew, and the supportive ultra running community. If that isn't enough, Bob is also the Race Director for the Keys 100 an...

Joining Steve and Jeff on the show this week is Anne Tisdell, a CTS Ultra running coach with an impressive resume including multiple 100+ mile races. This episode touches on a variety of topics as Anne brings her experiences at Ouray 100, Moab 240, Arizona 300 and other races along with her knowledge as a running coach. We discuss races at altitude and what you can do if you have a race above 5000 feet on your calendar, as well as, the importance of learning how to train / run by RPE. Whether you are new to ultra running or have a list of races...

In this episode, Steve and Jeff swap their roles to be on the receiving end of the questions, with Brooklyn taking the helm as host. Steve and Jeff open up about their journeys into ultra running, discussing personal challenges and achievements that have defined their paths. From the mental strategies needed to tackle long distances to the logistics of race planning, their stories serve as both motivation and guidance. And perhaps even a little bit of what not to do! Grab a coffee or beverage of your choice and enjoy the episode.

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Katti Jackson has only been running ultras since September 2022. In her debut 100 miler, she ran, and won the Grindstone 100 in 2024 and gained automatic entry into UTMB. Join us as we talk through her early days, her experiences at Grindstone, the Georgia Death Race, and how she is preparing for UTMB this August. We believe that she won't be under the radar much longer.

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Kelly Thrush shares his incredible journey from battling alcohol addiction and undergoing a life-saving liver transplant to completing the Arizona 300. Kelly's story proves to us that we all have more in us than we think we do. We can all accomplish amazing things, despite the odds being stacked against us. Whether you're a runner or not, Kelly's story will inspire you to believe in the impossible.

Connect with Kelly on IG: ⁠Kelly Thrush ⁠

Interested in more information about Gratitude and Grace, the foundation that Kelly talks about in the episode to helping survivors of organ fail...

In this episode, Steve and Jeff catch up with Troy Rasmussen. Troy shares his early days of disliking running to tackling a few challenging ultras including his first experience at a 50k where he met Jeff and then most recently to his race at Massanutten 100. The Massanutten 100 has over 18,500 feet of elevation and Troy got everything he wanted out of this race and more. Listen to what it takes to finish a race when you get through the first half in 12 hours and then need an additional 22 hours to finish the second half as the wheels come off. Could...

On today's show, we dig into the world of races that are 200+ miles, with our guest who like many of us, works a full time job, has a family, and has outside of running that he enjoys spending time doing. He has run a ton of ultras and started with 50ks for a couple of years before finding the races that are longer than 200 miles. Dave Stinchfield has completed the Bigfoot 200 - 3 times, the Moab 240 2x, the Tahoe 200 2x, the Cocodona 250 2x and just recently, the Arizona 300. Discover how Dave balances his career and family while training for these...

On this episode of Blueprint to Ultra, Steve and Jeff hang out with Katie Jenkins who shares her journey from battling an eating disorder and alcoholism to finding solace and strength in ultra running. From starting out with a view that cardio is unhealthy due to having struggled with an eating disorder, Katie eventually falls in love with running and once getting into the sport of ultra running, hasn't looked back. Completing over 20 ultras and her first 100 in a year, Katie has had a schedule of multiple races in a month and shares how you completed a 74 mile race...

Todd was like many of us. A road runner with dreams to run a race like the Boston Marathon. He eventually reached that goal, but along the way he fell in love with ultra running starting with a trip out to the Grand Canyon. Since then, Todd has been in the ultra running world and is now about to take on the Sedona 125, which is part of the Cocodona 250 race that is coming up in just a few days. We talk about all of that plus some thoughts on training, mindset, heat acclimation, rucking and visualization. It is the...

On this episode we had the opportunity to talk to the 2024 winner of Cocodona 250. We chatted about last year's race and of course her goals for this year when she aims to defend her title in just a few weeks against a stacked field. Stick around to the end for a relatable point on how the three of us recover immediately after a race. We think you may be the same. Leave us a comment on how you recover immediately after a race, we'd love to hear.Connect with Rachel on IG: @rachel__entrekin

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On this week's episode Jeff and Steve interview ultra runner John Ruemker who shares his journey in ultra running. John is a student of the sport and has learned the discipline of practicing mindfulness and fine tuning his race nutrition for the Umstead 100. We dig into the power of mindset in ultra running, offering practical tips on mindfulness, mantras, and process-focused goals. How to stay fully present and thrive in even the lowest of lows. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to add more pieces to the puzzle of their ultra blueprint. Connect with John...

In this episode, we dive into the inspirational journey of Matt Monroe, the youngest finisher of the Sulphur Springs 100 mile race at 19, and a Bigfoot 200 finisher at 20. From discovering running during the pandemic to taking on ultra races, Matt shares the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

We talk about his training, the importance of a strong support system and the will power it takes to get up and keep moving. No matter where you are in your ultra running journey, Matt's story will inspire you to push your limits...

In this episode of the 'Blueprint to Ultra' podcast, hosts Steve Epifano and Jeff Winchester interview Cody Bradley, an ultra runner and mental health advocate.

Cody shares his experiences completing various ultra marathons, including the Harding Hustle 50K and a 24-hour race. He opens up about his journey with mental illness, the role running has played in his recovery, and the inspiration behind his Instagram handle 'runningwithpurpose__314', dedicated to his brother who struggled with mental illness.

Cody also dives into his self-planned adventure races, such as his ambitious...

In this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra Podcast, we sit down with ultra runner Jill Wilkins. Jill shares her experiences, from the challenges of celiac disease and eating disorders in her youth to facing and overcoming a devastating injury at the Wasatch 100 in 2021. After recovering from that injury, Jill returned for the Wasatch 100 in 2024 for her redemption and placed 11th female.

Jill shares practical advice on various aspects of ultra running, including nutrition, dealing with unexpected challenges like injuries and hemorrhoids, and the mental fortitude required to succeed. If you are still reading...

When Angus paced his friend back in 2022 at Western States 100, he knew that one day he wanted to complete a 100 mile race. In 2024, he set out to do just that. Angus shares his journey of conquering his first 100 mile race, Despite facing significant physical and mental challenges, including dealing with ulcerative colitis and emergency surgeries, Angus's story is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination. Learn how Angus overcame two DNFs and successfully completed the Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run. From the importance of having fun in training, to respecting the distance, and leaning on community support – this episode is pa...

On this episode of Blueprint to Ultra we catch up with Sierra Degroff. Sierra has been running since the 7th grade, as a track runner, joined the cross country team in high school, and go into ultra running post college.

One thing to know about Sierra. She is fast. She has a sub 1:30 1/2 marathon PR, and a sub 3:00 hour marathon PR. Her fastest 100 miler was a whopping 15:59, and was the USATF 100 mile and 24 hour champion in 2023. Most recently she won the Mount to Coast 100K race at Across the years with a time of 9:06:19. <...

On this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra Podcast we get to know everyone's favorite Crew Chief from helping Paul Johnson complete the transcontinent run and Matt Johnson's transtexas run. We talk about what it takes to lead a crew in these types of multi day events and how to treat every day as Day 1. But, Rob is also an accomplished ultra runner in his own right. We talk about experiences in his 200 mile races as well as what it was like to be the world record holder for the Antartica 100.

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In this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra Podcast, Ryan shares his journey from dealing with serious knee injuries to completing the Wasatch 100 and Bear 100, back-to-back 100-mile races just three weeks apart. Whether you're interested in training tips, race experiences, or overcoming personal limitations, this episode is packed with insights that can help any aspiring ultra runner. This is a story of how belief, preparation, and community support can push the boundaries of what's possible.

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In this episode, we welcome ultra runner and community advocate Rachel Bambrick. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a non-runner to completing grueling races like the Divide 200, Cocodona 250 and Javelina Jundred. Listen as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of ultra running, her passion for building inclusive communities with Women in Ultra Running, and her plans for the Arizona 300. This episode is a testament to resilience, community, and carving your own path in the world of ultra marathons. Photo: @glassjarmedia Connect with Rachel! IG: @rachel_lynn07 Women In Ultrarunning IG: @womeninultrarunning

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In this episode, we interview ultra runner Chad Bruce. Chad's story shows you what is possible with discipline and striving to improve 1% all the time. We take a look at some of the accessories that will help set you apart on your ultra running journey, like strength training, nutrition, hydration, and understanding sodium needs.

Chad gives valuable insights on how each of these areas has helped him over the past several years. The evidence is in his results.

At the age of 51, Chad is only getting faster, stronger and...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Andreas, ultra runner, host of the Golden Hour Adventures podcast, and run coach. Since May of 2020, he has completed distances ranging from  50K to a hundred miles, and now has his sights set on the Cowboy 200 for September, 2025.

Join us as we dive into some of the challenges Justin has experienced in the sport, handling lows and the importance of keeping what we do as fun. Take us along on your next run and let us know what you picked up on that you have added to your own ul...

Joining us on the show is Vin Kennedy who shares his journey into the ultra running world by embracing a community that challenges one another to accomplish big goals. From his first 100 mile race in August of 2023 to running the state of NJ (200 miles) in 3 days with a friend, Vin's story will show you what is possible with consistency and the right community around you.

Connect with Vin on Instagram: ⁠@vkennedy18⁠

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The Show: ⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠

Hosts: ⁠Steve Epifano⁠ and ⁠Jeff Wincheste

Jon Maaraoui's story will challenge and inspire you. Battling chronic illnesses that put him in a wheelchair in his early 20s, Jon took control of his life and started to learn how to walk, found the ultra running community and has been completing ultras over the past couple of years. His story is a story of overcoming obstacles and the power of believing in yourself. With the Arizona 300 and the triple crown of 200s on deck for 2025, you will be left wondering, what is possible for any of us, if we put our mind to something and start.

Whether you are dabbling with the idea of running your first ultra or wanting to figure out how you can push farther than you ever have before, we are here to help you put that plan together. Join fellow ultra runners, Steve and Jeff, as we interview people that are just like you, all with the goal of helping you to put together your own blueprint for running ultras and answer the question, "what does it take?"

Make sure to follow us on Instagram at @blueprint_to_ultra

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