In this episode, Stefan Schuster discusses his new book Beyond the Singletrack, sharing insights on ultrarunning, personal growth, and life lessons learned through endurance sports. He also details the writing process, inspirations, and how running shapes character and success.

Book Summary:

From middle school miles and marathons to some of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world – including the Moab 240, Sangre de Cristo 100, Bear 100, Bighorn 100, and more – Beyond the Singletrack follows a journey shaped by endurance, love, failure, and persistence.

But this isn’t just a collection of race stories. Each chapter reflects on mental health, identity, relationships, and even the meaning of life. Running has a way of challenging how we set goals, define success, and respond to adversity. It exposes who we are and what it means to pursue something that matters. This book asks the questions from the trail.

I hope these words stay with you beyond the singletrack. I hope they shape how you live, think, and show up in life. I hope they challenge you to refine your values, and ultimately, to become a better person through the pursuit of what you love.

This is more than a sport. This is how you learn to live.

Pre-order your signed copy here: https://www.journeyruncoaching.com/book

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In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, Stefan Schuster interviews Jill Wilkins, a remarkable ultrarunner who recently completed the Cocodona 250. They discuss her journey from beginner to 250-mile finisher, overcoming challenges like eating disorders, and life-changing lessons learned through ultrarunning.

Jill also walks listeners through her experience at this year's Cocodona 250, highlighting the highs and lows of her journey. Jill talks about how doing something she though was once impossible - running 250 miles - changed her life and how you can too.

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In this episode, I share my detailed experience at the Jackpot 100. I cover race strategy, mental toughness, self-care, social interactions, lessons learned from running on concrete and review my performance as well. This episode offers valuable insights, tips & tricks for ultrarunners who are looking to improve their race approach and mindset at looped ultras. I also give a detailed report of my day before the event, which was unfortunately eventful.

Chapters

00:24 Introduction to Journey Running Podcast
04:40 Pre-Race Preparations and Challenges
24:18 Race Day Experience and Strategy
33:51 Mental Toughness in Ultra Running
34:18 The Mental Cycle of Ultra Running
36:39 Self-Care Strategies During Races
40:55 Challenges of Running on Concrete
45:32 Social Connections in Ultra Running
53:29 The Role of Music in Performance
01:00:57 Performance Goals and Reflections
01:06:41 Celebrating Achievements in Ultra Running
01:07:51 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
01:08:19 Closing Thoughts

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Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
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In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud and Seven Clay where they explore his journey from endurance athlete to successful entrepreneur. They discuss industry changes, product innovation, and the importance of perseverance and positivity.

Josh also shares a few of the many stories he has amassed from his time as an adventure racing participant. He discusses safety in ultra running and how important navigation skills are, in being a successful outdoor adventurer.

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Chapters

00:24 Introduction to Josh Sprague and His Companies
13:36 Josh's Endurance Journey and Passion for Trail Running
18:56 The Evolution of Adventure Racing and Its Challenges
21:44 The Birth of Orange Mud: A Solution to Gear Frustrations
37:13 Turning Ideas into Reality: The Challenges of Product Development
37:42 Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges
43:34 Navigating the Advertising Landscape
48:35 Evolution of the Outdoor Gear Industry
55:12 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship
58:01 The Birth of New Ventures
01:07:20 Lessons from a Life-Altering Adventure
01:13:32 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
01:14:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews ultrarunning Race Director John Lacroix, owner and founder of the Human Potential Running Series. John has directed the second-most ultramarathons in the sport’s history and has completed 24 100-mile races himself.

Drawing from his experience as both a race director and an athlete, John reflects on the evolution of ultrarunning since he entered the sport in 2005, his transition from competitor to race director, and the core values that shape the ultrarunning community. He also shares thoughtful perspectives on the sport’s future, including its relationship with land management agencies, the tension between grassroots culture and corporate influence, and what it will take to preserve the spirit of ultrarunning as it grows.

For more information about the Human Potential Running Series, please visit: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/

Chapters:

00:24 Introduction to John LaCroix and His Achievements
08:32 The Evolution of Ultra Running and Race Directing
11:22 The Challenge of Niwot and Its Unique Format
14:35 The Barkley Marathons: A Hot Take on Newcomers
17:26 The Importance of Map and Compass Skills
20:34 John's Journey into Ultra Running
23:32 The Changing Landscape of Ultra Running
26:36 The Role of Social Media in Ultra Running
29:30 Transitioning from Runner to Race Director
32:44 Values Behind Human Potential Running Series
38:10 The Evolution of Human Potential Running Series
39:38 Challenging Traditional Race Values
42:23 Inclusivity and Diversity in Ultra Running
48:52 Understanding Justice and Neurodivergence
01:02:29 The Future of Ultra Running and Personal Growth
01:17:54 Introduction to the Current State of Racing
01:18:38 The Evolution of Race Registration and Participation
01:21:06 Community and Volunteerism in Racing
01:25:42 The Shift from Community to Business in Racing
01:27:33 The Extraction Phase of Ultra Running
01:37:22 The Future of Grassroots Racing
01:38:59 Permitting Challenges in the U.S. vs. Europe
01:45:13 The Future of Trail Racing and Land Management
01:48:43 The Oligarchy of Trail Running
01:51:45 Balancing Tradition and Modernization in Trail Running
01:54:41 Creativity in Race Directing and Event Concepts
01:57:46 Reflections on FKTs and Their Impact
02:01:26 The Journey of a Race Director and Personal Growth
02:17:34 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
02:18:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster speaks with Boulder Burrito League champions Kelsey Lakowske and Sean Hollister about their journey into ultrarunning, the Burrito League challenge, and the importance of community in the sport. Kelsey & Sean talk about how they ran their first 100 miler on the last day of the Burrito League challenge, lessons learned from that experience and the joy of competition. They emphasize the significance of curiosity, competition, and community in their running endeavors, and how these elements contribute to their overall motivation and enjoyment in the sport.

Chapters

00:24 Introduction to the Journey Running Podcast
03:14 Meet the Boulder Burrito League Champions
06:24 Understanding the Burrito League Challenge
09:23 Personal Journeys into Ultra Running
12:24 The Importance of Community in Running
15:32 Strategies for Success in the Burrito League
18:12 The Final Day of the Burrito League
21:29 Reflections on Competition and Community
39:24 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Racing
43:24 Post-Race Reflections and Mental Health
48:28 The Power of Community in Ultra Running
52:20 Lessons Learned from the Burrito League
01:00:25 Personal Journeys and Growth Through Running

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In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster speaks with Registered Dietitian, Alyssa Lieb about the intersection of nutrition and ultrarunning. They discuss Alyssa's journey to becoming a dietitian and ultrarunner, the importance of adequate fueling for athletes, and the anti-diet approach that focuses on habits rather than weight. The conversation also covers the repercussions of inadequate fueling and nutrition during long runs and races. They particularly dive into the high carb philosophy which has gaining traction in the ultra running community and hydration/electrolyte balance. They discuss the unique physiological aspects of female athletes, including the implications of menstrual cycles and hormonal changes which nutrition can impact. The conversation also touches on public health and the recent changes in dietary guidelines, highlighting the potential impact on athletes. Finally, they explore the light-hearted topic of the Burrito League, emphasizing the nutritional value of burritos and their place in an athlete's diet.

Contact info for Alyssa Leib:
Instagram: ayssaoutside_rd
Website: https://www.peaktopeaknutrition.com

Chapters

00:24 Introduction to Alyssa Lieb and Her Journey
07:46 The Anti-Diet Dietitian Philosophy
10:49 Understanding Weight Loss Goals in Athletes
13:35 The Importance of Adequate Fueling
16:23 Intuitive Eating and Its Role in Performance
19:31 Nutrition Strategies for Bone Health
22:32 The Pathology of Under-Fueling
25:29 Safe Weight Loss Strategies for Athletes
28:24 Fueling During Exercise and Race Preparation
30:50 Elisa's Experience with Ultra Running
33:53 Vertical Kilometer Races and Their Unique Challenges
38:05 Understanding Vertical Kilometers
40:23 Fueling Philosophy for Endurance Races
43:38 The High Carb Philosophy in Ultra Running
46:20 Hydration and Electrolyte Management
58:22 Gender Differences in Athletic Nutrition
01:03:22 Understanding Female Health Signals
01:05:50 The Impact of Menopause on Health
01:07:01 Navigating New Dietary Guidelines
01:13:50 The Burrito League and Nutrition Philosophy
01:23:39 Personal Journeys and Professional Growth
01:26:12 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
01:26:34 Coaching and Nutrition for Runners

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In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster shares his detailed race report of the Leadville 100, an iconic ultra marathon. He discusses tons of coaching advice, sports science and general tips and tricks to succeed at this race including his preparation, strategies for nutrition and hydration, and the importance of efficient aid station transitions. Throughout the conversation, Stefan emphasizes the significance of pacing, especially in the early miles, and shares insights on preparing for the challenging climbs and descents this race offers, particularly on the challenging Hope Pass. Stefan also covers key aspects such as altitude acclimatization, race preparation and the importance of having a supportive pacer. He reflects on his performance, the challenges faced during the race, and the lessons learned that can benefit other ultra runners.

Enjoy!

Chapters

00:24 The Calm Before the Race
19:08 Navigating Challenges in Ultra Running
22:25 Efficient Aid Station Strategies
25:13 Training for Varied Terrain
28:26 Mastering Downhill Running
31:15 The Importance of Crew and Support
34:27 Hydration and Nutrition Strategies
37:12 Preparing for Hope Pass
40:05 Altitude Acclimatization and Its Myths
43:25 The Descent and Mental Preparation
46:17 Thermal Regulation and Staying Cool
49:06 Final Thoughts on Race Strategy
01:00:47 Climbing Challenges and Hydration Insights
01:03:38 Knee Pain and Recovery Strategies
01:06:03 Aid Station Experiences and Crew Support
01:09:15 Pacing Dynamics and Race Comparisons
01:17:24 Final Stretch: Mental and Physical Struggles
01:29:41 Lessons Learned and Future Strategies

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Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster