In this conversation, Ryan interviews Susan Donnelly, an accomplished ultra runner with over 145 100-mile finishes and 17 wins. They discuss Susan's journey into ultra running, the growth of the sport in Tennessee, and the safety concerns for women on the trails. They also explore the physical preparation and nutrition requirements for ultra running, as well as the importance of mental training and building self-confidence. Susan shares valuable insights and advice for both experienced and aspiring ultra runners. Takeaways Ultra running requires physical preparation, including strength training and high mileage, but it is also important to find a balance that fits with your lifestyle. Nutrition plays a crucial role in ultra running, and it is important to find what works best for your body, whether it's through commercial products or simple foods like pop tarts or Twinkies. Mental training is just as important as physical training in ultra running, and it involves detaching from negative thoughts and emotions, creating a race plan, and developing self-confidence. Self-confidence is a common struggle for many ultra runners, but it can be built through positive self-talk, setting realistic goals, and focusing on personal growth rather than comparison to others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Susan's Running Achievements 03:16 Susan's Journey into Ultra Running 08:18 Discovering Ultra Running in Oak Ridge, Tennessee 13:22 The Growth of Ultra Running in Tennessee 15:14 Safety Concerns for Women on the Trails 17:19 Carrying Safety Items on the Trails 18:26 Susan's Experience with Bears 19:28 Physical Preparation for Ultra Running 22:39 The Reality of Ultra Running for Everyday Runners 24:07 The Importance of Balance in Training 26:12 The Misconception of Mileage Requirements for 100-Milers 28:32 The Role of Nutrition in Ultra Running 30:08 The Marketing of Nutrition Products 35:15 The Influence of Consumerism on Ultra Running 40:43 The Importance of Mental Training in Ultra Running 46:50 Detaching from Negative Thoughts and Emotions 50:29 Managing Anxiety and Fear in Ultra Running 53:31 Building Self-Confidence in Ultra Running 59:13 Barriers to Self-Confidence 01:03:09 The Influence of Marketing on Self-Confidence 01:07:02 Conclusion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejogger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices