Get new episode announcements by email Join our Facebook & Strava group of new and experienced ultra runners Check out our official website You graduate school, get a job, get married, start a family, and then... then what? For the last 10 years Grant lived a largely cookie-cutter life: wake up, go to work, come home, grab a beer and watch TV. But this last year he and his wife decided they wanted something more, and being active was a part of that. Grant and his wife had been hitting the gym for a bit when a buddy of his reached out. He knew that Grant lived to earn belt buckles during his rodeo days. Well, this buddy was a new ultra runner and told Grant he could continue to ear belt buckles by running ultramarathons! Grant was hooked before he even ran a mile. Listen to today's episode to hear how Grant went from running 0 miles to running his first 50k, 50-miler, and attempted his first 100-mile ultramarathon; all within 1 year.  Other topics include cross-training at the gym, creating your own community 50k ultramarathon, running your first 50k ultramarathon, running your first 50-mile ultramarathon, trail running in the Appalachian Mountains, ultramarathon nutrition and hydration, the mental and physical challenges of running a 100-mile ultramarathon, dealing with a DNF, finding joy in the journey of running, settings goals to provide purpose and motivation, and dealing with tendonitis. Check out Grant's timed race in Enoree, SC called "Long Night in Lanford." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:50 Starting the Running Journey13:02 Progression and Training16:50 Organizing a 50K Race19:49 The Lookout Mountain 50 Experience29:56 Race Day: Breakfast, Aid Stations, and Unexpected Challenges40:03 The Sweet Taste of Accomplishment at the Finish Line42:48 The Importance of Proper Race Preparation and Nutrition53:26 Adapting to Discrepancies in Race Distance54:12 Prioritizing Long-Term Health: Withdrawing from a Race due to Injury54:26 Introduction to Grant Powers and his experience with ultra running55:40 The mental and physical challenges of ultra running58:28 The difference between road running and trail running01:01:04 The importance of nutrition and pacing in ultra races01:12:21 Upcoming races and future goals in ultra running01:24:50 Outro