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Motivation & Inspiration: The Best Ultra Marathon Podcasts

Whether you’re grinding through a long training run or looking for some inspiration to kick start your next adventure, podcasts are your answer! They are an excellent way to gain knowledge and listen to advice from other fellow ultra runners about how they conquered the same mental and physical challenges that you have signed up for. From an everyday runner to elite ultra marathon athletes, podcasts combine information from a wide variety of backgrounds with the hope of making ultra marathon running more accessible to everyone.

With so many podcasts out there, finding the right podcast that you relate to may become a challenge. This blog aims to give 5 examples of ultra marathon podcasts and the aims of each one. So, tune in, lace up and let these podcasts fuel your next ultra-adventure!

1. Ten Junk Miles

Ten Junk Miles is an audio only podcast which makes it perfect for busy people who want to listen to podcasts on the go. The podcast includes interviews with ultra runners where they discuss their past experiences on events and the dos and don’ts of ultra running. There are also “Meet the Nation” episodes which involve calling everyday listeners and discussing their journeys to ultra running. This is aimed at creating a community with the listeners and giving everyday people the opportunity to voice their opinion and past experiences.

2. Trail Runner Nation

Trail Runner Nation gives a very in depth account of the different steps that go into ultra and trail running. It includes episodes with elite athletes, coaches and nutritionists. My favourite episodes include “The science of stress- managing physical, mental and biochemical pressure”, “Turning obstacles into opportunities” and “Balancing act- Running and Living”. This podcast has nearly 700 episodes so there is an abundance of information for whatever you are looking for.

3. The Rich Roll Podcast

While The Rich Roll Podcast is not exclusively an ultra marathon podcast, it explores all things health, fitness and nutrition. There is a key focus on “unlocking your best self”. Each episode is a very in-depth conversation with a variety of different guests including scientists, motivational speakers, endurance athletes and life coaches. My personal favourite episode introduces Sean Conway who was inspired by The Iron Cowboy (James Lawrence) who completed 101 iron distance triathlons in 101 consecutive days. Sean set out to beat this gruelling challenge and proceeded to complete 105 consecutive iron-distance triathlons. He even claims he could’ve carried on to 200!

4. KoopCast

This podcast is hosted by an ultra marathon coach called Jason Koop. His podcast is broken down into training, coaching, nutrition, psychology and science. This podcast is mainly aimed at athletes who are keen on improving their ultra performances and taking their challenges to that next level.

5. Running Divine Podcast

Running Divine is presented by Stephanie Bales and seeks to empower and give a voice to the diverse population of ultra running. This focuses around ‘back of the pack’ runners, runners from different cultures and backgrounds, and people battling with mental health. One episode which is definitely worth a listen to, hosts Noel Thompson. The episode discusses his transformation into an endurance sports athlete after struggling with mental health and addiction.

I hope that one of these podcasts becomes your new go-to podcast for your long runs and that you have the motivation and information to tackle any ultra challenge thrown your way

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