12 - Burnout in Ultra Running & Going Feral

In this episode of the Ultra Crewed Podcast, hosts Becca and Jon delve into various themes surrounding ultra running, personal responsibility, and community engagement. They discuss the importance of acknowledging one's own actions and the impact of external factors on personal growth. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of dog ownership, tips for running with long hair, and strategies to avoid burnout in the sport. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the significance of community support and the need for balance in one's running journey. In this episode, Becca and Jon discuss the importance of recovery and self-reflection in the context of ultra running, particularly as they prepare for the Feral Mountain 100. They delve into training insights, gear and nutrition planning, and the logistics of crew coordination for race day. The conversation emphasizes the mental preparation required for long-distance running and the significance of having a well-organized support system. As they anticipate the race, they share their excitement and strategies for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ultra Crewed Podcast

01:45 Responsibility in Ultra Running and Life

09:16 The Dog Debate: Love and Responsibility

13:52 Running with Long Hair: Tips and Tricks

18:28 Avoiding Burnout in Ultra Running

30:16 The Importance of Recovery and Self-Reflection

32:07 Preparing for the Feral Mountain 100

34:31 Training Insights and Mental Preparation

37:14 Gear and Nutrition Planning for Ultra Running

52:17 Crew Coordination and Logistics for Race Day

56:58 Final Thoughts and Anticipation for the Race

• "It's your responsibility to know the course."
• "I love dogs. Truly, truly do."
• "You can't hoard all the energy."
• "No one cares more than you care."
• "It's cool to run ultras, but nobody's calling."
• "You have to prioritize rest and rejuvenation."
• "There's gotta be recovery for the work."
• "Maybe you need to step back, look inward."
• "You just ruined someone else's day."
• "I'm excited to get down there and run."
• "You should never be up as long as your runner."

Takeaways

• Responsibility for one's actions is crucial in both life and ultra running.
• People often deflect accountability onto others instead of self-reflecting.
• Dog ownership comes with responsibilities that affect the community.
• Running with long hair can be enjoyable but requires some care.
• Burnout in ultra running can stem from making the sport one's entire identity.
• Community engagement and volunteering can help prevent burnout.
• It's important to prioritize rest and rejuvenation in a busy lifestyle.
• Avoiding accountability is easier in today's social media-driven world.
• Self-evaluation is necessary for growth and improvement in running.
• No one cares more about your running achievements than you do. Recovery is essential for achieving goals.
• Self-reflection can help manage stress and burnout.
• Preparation for races includes both physical and mental aspects.
• Nutrition planning is crucial for endurance events.
• Having a reliable crew can significantly impact race performance.
• Organization of gear and supplies can save time during races.
• Communication with the crew is vital for smooth operations.

• Mental preparation is as important as physical training.