About this episode
Melanie's Tahoe 200 Free to Run fundraiser! Rachel Bambrick, an ultra runner and occupational therapist, shares her journey into the world of ultra running and her experience in the Cocodona 250 race. She discusses the challenges and memorable moments she encountered during the race, highlighting the importance of finding moments of joy and lightness. Rachel also emphasizes the role of community in ultra running and the support she received from fellow runners. She defines mental toughness as finding strength through softness and problem-solving, and shares how she incorporates these techniques into her training. Lastly, Rachel introduces the Women in Ultra Running group, which aims to welcome more women into the sport of ultra running. Rachel Bambrick discusses the low representation of women in ultra running and the need to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for women in the sport. She shares her own experiences and observations, highlighting the impact of gender stereotypes and marketing strategies on women's participation. Rachel also talks about her initiative, Women in Ultra Running, which aims to provide a safe space for women to learn, connect, and participate in the sport. She suggests steps that the ultrarunning community can take to encourage more women to participate, such as diversifying race marketing and reserving lottery entries for underrepresented groups. Rachel also discusses her upcoming race, the Divide 200, and her journey as a coach using TrainingPeaks. Takeaways Find moments of joy and lightness during ultra races to counterbalance the inevitable low moments. Community plays a crucial role in ultra running, providing support, knowledge sharing, and camaraderie. Mental toughness can be defined as finding strength through softness and problem-solving. Incorporate techniques of mental toughness into training to better handle challenges during races. The Women in Ultra Running group aims to welcome more women into the sport of ultra running. The representation of women in ultra running is still low, despite their potential for success in the sport. Gender stereotypes and marketing strategies can discourage women from participating in ultra races. Creating a safe and inclusive space for women in ultra running can help increase their participation. Steps to encourage more women to participate include diversifying race marketing and reserving lottery entries for underrepresented groups.