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...
21 days ago • 2 min read
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...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
The Role of Resilience: Building a Stronger Runner Over Time Running is more than just physical—it’s a test of resilience. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that building strength isn’t about occasional big efforts but the consistent work we put in day after day. This truth carried me through one of my most unconventional challenges(for the 3rd time!): running 100 miles on a treadmill. The Power of Resilience When I signed up for the Dreadmill Endurance Challenge, I wasn’t in peak...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey there, my friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmastime with your friends and family. I sure did. I have a few too many calories to run off! As we welcome a new year, many of us set bold resolutions—whether it’s running an ultramarathon, building better habits, or tackling long-standing goals. The excitement is contagious, but the secret to success often lies not in sweeping changes, but in small, consistent steps. Episode 166 of the Run the Riot Podcast with Chris Lyle reinforces...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey there my friends, We all hit rough patches, don’t we? Those moments where we feel like we’ve lost our edge, that fire that used to drive us forward. Maybe you’re in one of those moments right now—or maybe you know someone who is. Either way, let me tell you something important: it’s not the end of your story. When the Fire Fades Think back to a time when you felt unstoppable. Maybe it was during a race, a project, or a time when everything seemed to click. You were at your best, pushing...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
To those who know, no explanation is necessary... To those who do not know, no explanation will suffice. There’s something about an ultramarathon that defies description. If you’ve been there—if you’ve stared down the daunting miles, felt the aching fatigue, and pushed through to find your finish—you know. It’s not just about running; it’s about the transformation that happens along the way. To those who have experienced it: you understand the quiet pride that comes with tackling what others...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Strength Meets Endurance: Why Strength Training Can Elevate Your Running As runners, we often focus on miles, pace, and endurance. But what if the secret to lasting success isn’t just on the trails but in the gym? In this week’s episode of Run the Riot, ultrarunner and coach Ben Light shares why strength training is essential for runners of all distances. Ben Light Ben believes in the power of a well-rounded approach to running. By combining strength and endurance, he’s helped countless...
2 months ago • 1 min read
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...
2 months ago • 1 min read
This is from a post on 11/15/2019 on Facebook. Shortly after my second-place finish at the Pumpkin Holler 100. I love revisiting old posts and letting my past self preach to my present self. ;) “Until you can do what you want, do what you can. Always moving forward.” That has been my philosophy for as long as I can remember. When I had my second and third knee surgery from the “great trampoline mishap of 2015”, my running was sidelined....possibly done. (Side note: Trampolines are the devil!)...
3 months ago • 2 min read