The logistics of creating and setting up an ultramarathon course can often result in some creative course design for race directors. After all, it can be difficult trying to find a 50- 100 mile, uninterrupted trail for runners to traverse. Add in permitting for land use, aid stations, and other logistics, and it's no surprise that there are so many different styles of ultras. In this post, we Continue reading →
Why I Run Ultras: Chapter 1 – Failure vs. Success
I've been around the running, blogging, and blogging about running world long enough now to know that there are countless reasons why people choose to run. I know this, because I never get tired of hearing about those reasons. I've nodded my head in agreement while reading the articles others have written about their "why's". I've shed more than a few tears while watching the videos detailing Continue reading →
Trail Running Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need (and What You Can Skip)
Starting a new sport or activity can be exciting, and wildly overwhelming. When it comes to running, it may seem obvious: all you need is a pair of running shoes, right? But then you start looking into available running equipment, only to be bombarded with $180 lightweight sneakers, $200 hydration packs, and $750 GPS watches. But like any sport, there are the "must have necessities" and the Continue reading →
(Free) 100 Mile Ultramarathon Training Plan & Guide
One hundred miles. It's a long way to drive. It's a ridiculous distance to ride on a bike. And it's an almost unfathomable distance to cover on foot. Yet ultra runners do it all of the time. Chances are you are reading this post because the idea of running 100 miles is on your radar. For me, running the 100 mile distance has been, and continues to be, a life changing experience. I'm happy to Continue reading →
No Equipment Beginner Strength Training Workout for Trail Runners
Hey there trail runner! Do you know you need to strength train, but don't know where or how to start? Do gyms intimidate you, time eludes you, and you don't have access to any equipment at home? Don't worry, I've got you covered. This (free!) no equipment needed, beginner friendly strength training workout for trail runners can be done in the comfort of your home - or even outdoors. Continue reading →
2019 Independent Republic Adventure Race Recap
Adding an adventure race to my endurance resume has been a long time coming, and I cannot tell you how excited I was to have the opportunity to run my first AR in my current home town. But before I tell you all about the Independent Republic Adventure Race, held here in Myrtle Beach, I've got to give you a little background story. Of course...I have a story for everything. When Geoff Continue reading →
Ultramarathon Nutrition: Shifting my Mindset
Though I've never suffered from a diagnosed eating disorder, I am absolutely a flawed product of the diet culture that I was raised in. I'd be willing to bet that many of you reading this are too. (This is going to be one of those vulnerable, "Heather shares too much" posts. But I've been doing that for over a decade already, so why stop now. There is a huge risk in spilling my guts about Continue reading →
10 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Running Ultras
Sports psychology is not my area of expertise. I couldn't even begin to tell you why I choose to train for, and run, ultramarathons, never mind explain why so many others do it as well. But there is a striking similarity between the struggle and reward of running ultramarathons, and the struggle and reward of human existence. So it's no doubt that there are plenty of things running Continue reading →
To Hell and Back.
An interesting thing about journaling, or in my case, keeping a public blog for over a decade, is the ability to go back and reflect on events or patterns in your life. In my case, it's no secret that I am very cyclic with my training. It goes well, until suddenly it doesn't, and I crash and burn, usually in some sort of impressive way. But each time, I learn, and I grow, and each come back Continue reading →
Paris Mountain 50K / North Lake 25K Recap
As I write this post, I'm having a hard time believing that it's been four years since I first ran the Paris Mountain 50K (now the Paris Mountain 50K / North Lake 25K) . We've now lived in South Carolina (again) long enough for me to have run a race, but completely forgotten what the course was like. Time flies when you run - a lot. In 2015, fresh to the Carolinas, Geoff and I headed Continue reading →
Ragnar Trail Relay Wawayanda Lake – Race Recap
When the opportunity to captain a team for a Ragnar Trail Relay Wawayanda Lake in New Jersey presented itself, I won't lie: my first thought was "New Jersey has trails?" It's a sheltered point of view, of course, but my New Jersey experiences to date pretty much include countless trips up and down the Jersey Turnpike. When I think of the Garden State, I immediately picture the Vince Lombardi Continue reading →
