Deidra comes back from the amazing mountains of Big Bend and we talk about her adventure as well as come up with some best practices dealing with plantar fasciitis, something that many runners deal with. We are early in the training cycle so taking time to get right early is the goal with slow ramp up in mileage, strength and mobility, and being present along the way. Enjoy!

Change is here! Kris & Carly discuss how much the past 151 episodes have meant to them and what the future holds! They recap some of their favorite moments and give info on where to find them in a few weeks! Don't forget to follow us on IG so you can get the info on our new podcast!

Kris - @birdielovestorun

Carly - @sherunderlusts

Pod - @myfirstultrapod

Coach Addie and Scott get to know Denise on her first epsiode of Season 16. Denise has an amazing coming to running story that I think many will be able to relate to. Starting in roller rinks and moving to roller derby and Spartan races where a shoulder injury left her looking for something bigger. We think she is going to be an awesome follow for the next 6 months so stay tuned and share with someone who needs to hear that just because one door closes doesn't mean an epic one won't open!

One of Kellie's friends describe her as "an all-around incredible runner. Her feet are basically wings as she climbs mountains like they are anthills. She is not only a great athlete and talented photographer, but she is probably one of the greatest people you will ever meet."

Kellie's love for the running community is evident as well as her gratitude for how it has changed her life. She comes from a family of runners and that tradition has continued on, now with her husband who is also a trail runner! Our conversation really highlights how special the sport of running is to Kellie!

Today we get to meet our second runner of Season 16, Carrie Balick who shares her story with Scott and her coach for the season, Ian Sharman. She grew up on the east coast and has spent most of her adult life in California in the school system as a speech pathologist. She recently went all in on her own business so she will be balancing her professional life with training for Mendocino. We hope you enjoy the show!

Anderson Dibble does not shy away from hard races. In fact, she seems to gravitate towards challenges. Some of her racing adventures include the Sugg Farm Ultra 50 Miler (First female), Pikes Peak 50k, Drews Angel Creek 50k in Alaska, Umstead 100, and the R2R2R.

Anderson loves life and embraces every challenge with gratitude. On this podcast we discuss her military background and the similarities with ultra running. Anderson takes us through a few of her most challenging ultras. She sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth. We also discuss the impact the trail running community has had on her life. This conversation left us both smiling and inspired!

https://www.youtube.com/@andersondibble

IG - anderson_dibble

Coach Scott meets his runner for Season 16 of the Becoming Ultra project, Deidra. Deidra resides in Round Rock, Texas, just outside of Austin. She is currently a stat at home mom who is coming off of a disc replacement surgery that got her back to running. We get to know about her life and who she is before diving into the training on this first episode. She is training for her first ultra for the Mendocino Coast 50k. Enjoy.

Hurricane Helene ravaged many of the communities in the mountains of North Carolina. Scott brings Mariah from Season 10 of the Becoming Ultra project on to talk about her small town of Spruce Pine and the effect of the damage. We came up with a challenge to use as a fundraiser to help the rebuild. You can join the challenge here.