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Listen to experienced CTS Ultramarathon coaches as they overhaul athletes' training by applying evidence-backed principles to the real world lives of athletes.

Adam Ferdinandson


    • May 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 8m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Beyond DNF

    Steady State: stretching, acceptable hip hop playlists, and working with the whole athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 63:30


    We went coaching centric this week! Talking about how we protect our ability to be our best selves for athletes, some not so science backed abilities, debates around REDs and more!

    Steady State: cocodona, trail running isn't ultrarunning, and when to run hills

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 61:51


    We had fun on this one talking about Cocodona 250 including what we think of this year's competition and why we never want to run it. As usual we get into some hot takes, coaching thoughts and fun pet peeves!

    Steady State: race weekend recap, coffee snobs, staying in your lane, and training camps!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 57:29


    Shenanigans are in full effect. We catch up on the races last weekend as well as athlete shout outs among our roster and other athletes across the sport. We drop a couple pet peeves, talk about our training camps, and as always slide some coaching tidbits in along the way!

    Steady State: Canyons, Ted Danson, and Leg Speed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 61:04


    This week we catch up on training, Canyons plans, some of our pet peeves, and hot takes!

    Steady State: Desert Rats, stories from race crewing, sponsorship deals, heat training, and our favorite shoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 65:20


    Put on your bucket hat and join us while we catch up over our own running but spend some time discussing sponsorship transitions for some prominent athletes, plans and experiences around race support, heat training thoughts, and much more!

    Introducing Steady State! Our current training, coaching insights, AZ Monster buckets, and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 62:28


    Introducing Steady State! A new podcast within Beyond DNF where we (Sarah Scozzaro and Adam Ferdinandson) talk about whatever we want! But mainly focusing on our experiences as coaches, training insights, and some fun banter on the state of the sport of trail and ultra running. Go check it out on the Beyond DNF feed and join us each week to get some training tips, entertainment, and coaching insights!

    Episode 33: Zach Fiorito on Training for Speedgoat 50k in Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 69:23


    In this episode we are joined by coach Darcie Murphy and Zach Fiorito. Zach is training for his first 50k (speedgoat 50k) and trains in Texas where he works as a mechanic. Topics discussed include altitude acclimatization, how to use rucking in training, and hydration.

    Episode 32: Clark Perks on How Much Running Is Too Much and the Quest for 21 PR's

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 97:47


    In this episode we are joined by coach Travis Nicks and Clark Perks. Clark has a long training history but has struggled to complete the 100km distance. We go over how much training you need, how much might be too much, if tapers are necessary, and so much more!

    Episode 31: High Intensity Training for Ultrarunners (new format)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 29:53


    In this episode I lay out a basic framework of high intensity training for Ultrarunners that we use here at CTS. To watch the YouTube version, please visit https://youtu.be/X49k_rfNQgQ

    Episode 30: Dylan Chapman on Ultra Essentials and Being Adaptable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 57:03


    In this episode we are joined by Dylan Chapman and coach Ryne Anderson. Dylan is somewhat new to the sport and we cover all the fundamentals of ultra training and his unique experiences. Along the way we gain an awareness of Dylan's unique positivity and flexibility with training. We discuss how important those qualities are for success in the sport.

    Episode 29: Jodi Peterson on Having the Mindset for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 86:49


    In this episode, CTS Coach John Fitzgerald and I interview Jodi Peterson just ahead of her first 100k. We talk about her unique job with a tricky schedule and amount of time on feet, her mindset as it relates to training and improvement, and the use of skiing as training.

    Episode 28: Michelle Richey on Motivation and Resilience for Training and Racing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 89:50


    In this episode we are joined by Michelle Richey after her attempt at Habanero 100. Coach Neal Palles and I discuss her entry into the sport, issues that popped up in Habanero and the role of motivation and mental toughness in training and racing.

    Episode 27: Mindy Kaufman on Balancing Speed and Endurance at JFK 50

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 80:35


    In this episode we are joined by Mindy Kaufman and Coach Addison Smith. Mindy is training for JFK 50 and has some speedy results as she gets into the ultra world. Topics discussed include: Training specificity for a part trail and part road race, balancing training with coaching, and some more general content around coaching at CTS coaches at the end.

    Episode 26: Christian Bukle on Holding back to Run Stronger

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 72:56


    In this episode we are joined by Christian Bukle and Coach Cliff Pittman. Christian is a highly motivated person and this conversation explores themes around how hard to push and when to be detail oriented vs. when to pursue simplicity. Follow along with Christian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_bukle/?img_index=1

    Episode 25: Antonia Timmer on Her Mission to Finish Tahoe 200 While Battling Illness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 88:20


    In this episode we are joined by coach Anne Tisdell and Antonia Timmer who is fighting to finishing Tahoe 200 while navigating cancer treatments. Topics discussed include all things 200's and a specific emphasis on night running, leveraging different climates for nutrition, and how to plan for a race that is a year away. Follow along with Antonia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonia__timmer_/

    Episode 24: Jennifer Gonzales on Training and Gear Considerations Coming from a Triathlon Background

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 78:27


    In this episode we are joined by Jennifer Gonzales and Coach Darcie Murphy. Jennifer has a rich history of Triathlon and that leads us into questions about gear for first time trail and ultra athletes as well as unique considerations for an athlete with that background.

    Episode 23: Jake Ryor on Leveraging a Love of Mountains to Train for Ultras

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 85:47


    In this episode we are joined by Jake Ryor and coach Bri Boley. Jake initially found the sport through a love of hiking in the mountains, and it led to lots of great discussion here. Topics discussed include, training difference with a hiking background, fueling, and incorporating cycling in training. Follow Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake.ryor/

    Episode 22: Doug Humphrey on Training for Ultras With an Active Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 61:19


    In this episode we are joined by Doug Humphrey and Coach AJW. Doug is training for a Backyard Ultra and is an industrial welder. The bulk of this conversation is dedicated to problem solving ways for Doug to train effectively given the workload and schedule of his active job.  https://trainright.com/blue-collar-ultramarathon-training-how-to-make-ultramarathon-training-work-with-an-active-job/

    Episode 21: Nate Brooks on Navigating Life's Curveballs and Getting Creative With Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 79:22


    In this episode we are joined by Nate Brooks and coach Nicole Rasmussen. Nate has some experience running ultras but is looking to up his training game and brought Nicole and I some fantastic questions and discussion points. We covered topics from strength training to Nate building a trail in his own backyard. Follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nn.rasmussen/ Follow Nate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natejbrookscounseling/

    Episode 20: Petra Gilmore on Getting Into Ultras and Playing the Long Game

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 79:19


    This week we are joined by Petra Gilmore and CTS coach Andy Applegate. Petra has recently gotten into ultrarunning and has so many good questions on how to best prepare for future races over the coming years. We touch on many themes but keep coming back to the long term nature of endurance training and what that means for you as an athlete. Follow along with Petra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petrarunswild/?hl=en

    Episode 19: Zachary Fiske on Preparing to Run across the United States

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 67:23


    What does it take to run across the United States? Well we brought in CTS coach and Transcon Alumni Patrick McGlade to discuss this with Zachary Fiske who is taking on this journey. Topics discussed include, the physical nature of this challenge, logistics, and how to stay safe. Follow along with Zach on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/zachcfiske/?locale=uken1 Read Patrick's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Miles-Hour-Patrick-McGlade/dp/1469153939

    Episode 18: Stephen Cressionie on Jumping From 50 to 100 Miles and Making Training Work With Family

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 76:59


    In this episode, we are joined by Stephen Cressionie and coach Sarah Scozzaro. Stephen recently ran Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 miler and decided afterwards to run Hellbender 100 in May. Topics discussed include first 50 mile experience, strength training related injuries, and the realities of adjusting the rest of your life around training. Follow Stephen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacressionnie1984/ Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.scozzaro/

    Episode 17: Angela Watts on Training With Friends and Qualifying for Boston

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 49:49


    This week we are joined by Angela Watts and coach Anne Tisdell. Angela recently completed her first 50 miler and has big goals on the horizon. Topics discussed including training and racing with friends as well as how to get fast and get a Boston Qualifying time.

    Episode 16: Gabriela Peterson on Transitioning From Road to Trail and Training as a Law Student

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 76:25


    This week we are joined by Gabriela Peterson and coach Bri Boley.  Gabriela is an athlete I had the pleasure of working with this year and she is transitioning into some serious trail and ultra races.  Topics discussed include building new “trail skills”, fueling on long runs, and some lessons learned out at her recent 50k race.  Follow Gabriela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.runs/ Follow coach Bri on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bri.rose.runs/

    Episode 15: Ryne Anderson on How a CTS Coach Trains For Hardrock

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 64:53


    In this special episode we are joined by Coaches Ryne Anderson and Darcie Murphy. Ryne is running Hardrock this year and is coached by Darcie Murphy. This allows us to discuss all the details of how to do you best in a bucket list race, how coaches train, and the benefit of coaches being coached. You won't want to miss this one! If you'd like to be on a future podcast please reach out to beyonddnf@gmail.com

    Episode 14: Meridith Ussery on Being Competitive at Ultra Distances While Starting a Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 62:29


    Another great episode on the challenges of being a busy parent while training for ultras. But fret not, Meridith Ussery has the answers and the inspiration! Coach John Fitzgerald guides us in this conversation on whether or not to use poles, using marathon training for ultras and more! Follow John on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ackfitz/ Follow Meridith on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/runningwithcadence/

    Episode 13: Austin Cobbley on Using Short Races to Train and Preparing for UTE 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 89:14


    In this episode we are joined by Austin Cobbley and coach Frederic Sabater Pastor. Austin is training for UTE 100 among many other smaller races. Topics discussed include training for races at altitude, incorporating smaller races into training, and how to informally approach higher intensity running.  Follow along with Austin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesleevedrunner/?hl=en Follow Fred on X (Twitter) https://twitter.com/FredericSPast

    Episode 12: Diarra Cropper on Refining his Training and Getting Revenge at Javelina Jundred

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 57:15


    In this episode, I am joined by Diarra Cropper and coach Travis Lavin. Diarra has been in the sport for a few years and has his eye on quite a few races this year as well as looking for redemption and Javelina Jundred. Topics discussed include building motivation through community, training as someone with an active job, and interval structure. Follow along with Diarra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/co_trilete25/ Check out Coach Travis Lavin: https://www.instagram.com/tlavrunner11/ Go support Black Men Run: https://blackmenrun.com/blackmenrun-chapters/denver/

    Episode 11: Catching up with Rylee between Her 50 and 100 Mile Races

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 44:43


    Rylee Reichwald recently completed her first 50 miler and has her first 100 miler coming up at Antelope Canyon in 2 weeks. Andy Jones-Wilkins (AJW) and I go over how the 50 went and if there's anything we can apply to the 100 miler. This was very much like one of our regular calls with athletes catching up over races, I hope you all enjoy the window into the coaching process!

    Episode 10: Kelly Thrush on Receiving a Liver Transplant and Training for a 300 Mile Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 85:11


    This week we are joined by Kelly Thrush and coach Darcie Murphy. Kelly has a background in addiction, has received a liver transplant, and is balancing his goals while also giving back as much as he can. In this episode we discuss time course of adaptations, training by time, and much more! Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just__keep__going_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

    Episode 9: Kristopher Reinhardt On Battling Anxiety And A Quest To Qualify For Spartathlon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 75:02


    In this episode, we are joined by Kristopher Reinhardt and Coach Neal Palles. Kris has recently had some big wins with his mental health in relation to ultrarunning and is simultaneously planning out some big goals for 2024. Topics discussed include anxiety in ultrarunning, difficulties with training taking away from family time, and tools to run 100 miles in under 21 hours. If you'd like to be on a future episode, please reach out at beyonddnf@gmail.com Follow Kris on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/19223797 Get great content from Neal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealpalles/

    Episode 8: Joe Hardin on Life Transformation and Tackling Longer Races

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 70:16


    In this episode, we are joined by Joe Hardin and Coach Sarah Scozzaro. Joe has an inspiring path to becoming an ultrarunner and we help him level up his training for the upcoming years. Topics discussed are including strength work, intensity, increasing volume, and even being plant-based. If you'd like to be on a future episode, send me an email at beyonddnf@gmail.com. Follow along with Joe's Blog: https://sobrietyandsawdust.wordpress.com/ Follow Sarah on Instagram for excellent content: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.scozzaro/

    Episode 7: Josh Laker on Winning Backyard Ultras and Balancing Crossfit Goals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 69:21


    In this episode we dive into the nitty gritty of backyard ultras and how to incorporate other modes of training into your plan with Josh Laker and coach Cliff Pittman. Want to be on the show? Send me an email! beyonddnf@gmail.com Follow along with Josh at: https://www.instagram.com/4cyclerunner/?hl=en Cliff's socials and a link to his Trailrunner articles: https://www.instagram.com/coachcliffpittman/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/coachcliff/ https://www.trailrunnermag.com/byline/cliff-pittman/

    Episode 6: Rylee Reichwald on Training as a Student for Her First 100 Miler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 50:12


    This episode we are joined by Rylee Reichwald and CTS coach Andy Jones Wilkins (or AJW)! Rylee is training for her first 100 as a college student in Phoenix and is giving this preparation her best. We cover managing crew and pacers, racing in Arizona, training camps and more! AJW and I's Arizona training camp information: https://trainright.com/camp-v2/sonoran-desert-winter-ultrarunning-camp/ Follow along with Rylee on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/smallsracing_tasting/ Links to AJW's coaching page and podcast: https://trainright.com/coaches/andy-jones-wilkins/ https://www.crackabrewwithajw.com/

    Episode 5: Rosie Gagnon on running 100 hundred milers and training for Ouray 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 62:51


    I was delighted to host Rosie Gagnon this week with the help of CTS coach Anne Tisdell. Rosie is on a mission to run 100 100's for an important cause. See below for links on organizations Rosie is connected to as well as her blog to follow along. We touch on plenty of good topics such as incorporating speed work for frequent racers, altitude acclimation, training specificity and more! Rosie's organizations and blog: https://www.onehundred100s.org/blog https://www.22toomany.com/ https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/ Health risks and considerations for Ultramarathon Participation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01561-3 https://trainright.com/is-ultrarunning-bad-for-long-term-health/

    Episode 4: Elsa Jaworski on Training for Cocodona 250

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 60:41


    Elsa Jaworski and CTS Coach Ryne Anderson join us to discuss training for 200 milers, specifically Cocodona 250. Topics include sleep strategies, foot care, heat training, intervals and more! Follow Ryne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryne1anderson/ Follow Elsa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsajaworski/ https://www.womenofthewasatch.com/ CTS blog post on heat acclimation strategies: https://trainright.com/ultrarunners-heat-acclimation-cheat-sheet/ Koopcast episode on hot water immersion protocol: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71b2RBJHCAvWF7OMP6ACmV?si=HpbSyBC5ToK5LGg2M48CDQ

    Episode 3: Jack Sutherland

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 67:29


    In this episode we are joined by Jack Sutherland and Coach Anne Tisdell. Jack has ample training time but is also newer to the sport. We were able to touch on nutrition, training setbacks, and how to be a more coachable athlete all with the help of Anne's coaching wisdom. Anne is an accomplished athlete and tremendous coach. If you'd like to learn more about her, check out her coaching bio below. https://trainright.com/coaches/anne-tisdell/

    jack sutherland
    Episode 2: Justin Modrell

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 73:32


    Please join us for this wisdom-packed episode with Justin Modrell and CTS Coach Darcie Murphy. Justin is an experienced cyclist transitioning to Ultras and had some recent trouble at Hawk Hundred Ultramarathon. With Darcie's help, we discover a few key takeaways for how to be a better Ultrarunner, including adjusting goals, being creative, and communicating with your support network.

    Episode 1: Lewis Braswell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 55:55


    Join us in listening to CTS coach Addison Smith workshop training methodology with our guest Lewis Braswell. Lewis is a busy father of two with a demanding travel schedule. In this podcast we navigate the trials and tribulations he will face in his build to Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 Miler and touch on some more general training takeaways along the way. If you would like to be featured on a future episode or just have a question please write in to beyonddnf@gmail.com and we may have you on in the future.

    miler cts braswell addison smith

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