Hey Reader! I hope you’re doing well and soaking in the cooler weather! As we approach Thanksgiving, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on gratitude. I genuinely believe that running with a grateful heart transforms not just my mindset but also my performance. There’s something almost magical about it—it lifts my spirits, lightens my steps, and sometimes even makes me feel faster. I can’t fully explain it, but I’ve experienced it time and time again. Gratitude can truly change the way we approach life and running. Dictionary.com defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” I love that! But how do we cultivate it? Here are three questions to help us practice a grateful mindset:
I’m thankful for you, my friends. Whether we’ve shared trails, swapped advice, or cheered each other on from afar, this ultrarunning community is something truly special. It’s a bond that reminds me every day why I love being part of this journey. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May it be filled with gratitude, good food, and maybe even a little time on the trails! With gratitude, David |
Stop Comparing - Start Thriving! Hey Reader! We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media or standing at the starting line, and suddenly, you’re sizing yourself up against someone else. They’re faster. They look more prepared. Their training seems flawless. And just like that, all the pride in your own progress disappears. That’s the comparison trap. Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s, leaving you distracted,...
Hey there, my friends! Fueling your ultramarathon is more than just winging it—it takes preparation, practice, and a solid plan. A well-executed fueling strategy can optimize your performance and minimize the chance of GI issues, so let’s look at some key considerations to get you race-ready! Training the Gut Did you know that you can train your gut? Practice is key to developing a gut that can handle the demands of long-distance running. Start small: Gradually increase calorie/carbohydrate...
A message from Coach Chad: As I sit here and type this, it’s December 23, 2024. A few of the major ultra lotteries have come and gone leaving most of us disappointed… or perhaps relieved. The quest to gain entry into a major 100-mile ultra race can take the better part of a decade. With thousands of entrants and low odds of getting pulled this is becoming increasingly commonplace. Considering that most have some sort of qualifying race component to enter the lotteries each year makes the...