Get new episode announcements by email Join our Facebook & Strava group of new and experienced ultra runners Check out our official website Gillian is a fantastic human being, and... an adrenaline junky. For years she enjoyed the thrill of skydiving and base jumping all over the United States and beyond. And then, she broke her legs. An unlucky and improbable space of "dead air" left Gillian plummeting towards the ground. She broke her legs and was told she wouldn't run again. Tune in today to hear the story in her words and how she ultimately overcame her injuries, got into running, and recently ran her first 50k ultramarathon.  Other topics include running as crosstraining for extreme sports, setting exciting and ambitious goals, running shoes and taking care of your feet for ultramarathon running, listening to audiobooks for entertainment while running, running as meditation, balancing running with work and being a mom, challenges of dating as an ultra runner, nutrition and training for an ultramarathon, and taking strategic breaks during an ultramarathon. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:22 Getting into Running08:48 Overcoming Injury and Running Milestones21:36 Preparing for a 50-Miler29:36 Gear and Foot Care34:08 Shoe Selection and Ankle Stability35:28 The Benefits of Listening to Books on Tape While Running37:10 Running as an Escape and a Form of Meditation38:19 Finding Joy in Running and Overcoming Initial Dislike40:13 Running as a Moving Meditation43:28 Finding Time for Running as a Busy Parent45:09 Balancing Running and Work Responsibilities46:27 The Challenges of Dating as a Runner48:01 The Importance of Individual Running Styles and Preferences52:18 Training for Ultra Races and Pushing Physical Limits56:07 Planning Nutrition and Hydration for Long-Distance Races01:00:33 The Importance of Changing Socks and Dealing with Bathroom Breaks01:03:47 Dreaming of Running the Bear 100 and Personal Running Adventures