
Hosted by Meghan Gould · EN

Last weekend, I headed to Arizona to crew and coach a handful of She Runs Ultras athletes at the Hypnosis Night Race - an overnight trail event put on Aravaipa Running.The conditions were brutal: triple-digit temperatures, relentless wind, blowing sand, and miles of technical desert terrain in the dark.In this episode, we're talking about:What it was like to race through the Arizona desert at nightWhy every ultrarunner will eventually face a DNFThe question I asked that completely changed how one athlete viewed her raceWhy finish lines aren't the only measure of successThe hidden value of a DNF—and why it might be one of the most important experiences you can have as an ultrarunnerBecause sometimes the biggest win isn't crossing the finish line.Sometimes it's walking away with lessons, skills, and experience you'll carry into every race that comes after.Links & ResourcesHypnosis Night Race: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/insomniac/hypnosis/Want to hear more about DNFs? Listen to Episode 11.Interested in joining us at The Mamba in Tennessee this November? Check out Episode 305 with race director James Boler.Remember: A DNF isn't a disaster. It's a learning experience.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

In this episode, I'm sharing my 10 Training Plan Commandments. The rules I've learned after years of coaching athletes and watching the same training mistakes show up over and over again.In this episode, we'll cover:Why adding extra workouts can derail your progressWhat to do when you miss a runHow to stop overreacting to one bad workoutWhy your easy runs should actually be easyThe role recovery plays in making a training plan workHow comparison can pull you away from your own trainingWhy the most effective training habits are usually the least excitingHow to stop negotiating with yourself when it's time to trainWhat happens during the taper and why you shouldn't panicWhy enjoying the process matters if you want to make it to race dayIf you've ever questioned your fitness, worried that you're not doing enough, or felt tempted to rewrite your training plan halfway through a training cycle, this episode is for you.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

Most runners think they need more motivation, discipline, or a better training plan.But what if the bigger factor is the environment you're training in?In this episode, Meghan explores how the people around you, the content you consume, and the systems you've built into your life can either support your ultra goals or make them harder than they need to be.In this episode:• How the people around you shape what feels possible• Why consistency has more to do with environment than motivation• The hidden impact of social media, podcasts, and online communities• Practical ways to create an environment that supports your goals• Why you don't have to figure out ultrarunning on your ownIf you're training for your first or farthest ultra, this episode is for you.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

A lot of runners (especially first-time 50k runners) feel like they need to run the full race distance before race day just to prove they can do it.In this episode, I’m breaking down why I don’t recommend that approach… but also sharing how I’d coach someone through it if they were absolutely dead set on doing it anyway 🙃We’re talking about:why timing matters more than you thinkthe difference between a race simulation and an actual racehow to avoid turning one long run into a recovery disasterwhy “harder” isn’t always smarterand why leaving a little mystery for race day might actually help you perform betterIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I just need to know I can do it…” this episode is for you.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

In this episode, I'm sharing some behind-the-scenes coaching with one of my long term clients and the way that she made the decision about whether or not to enter the Cocodona 250 lottery for 2027. 🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

Caught up in the excitement of the coverage and impulsively signed up for an ultra? 😅You are definitely not alone.In this episode I’m talking about the very real “OH SH*T” moment that can happen after the adrenaline wears off and the reality of training starts to sink in.We’ll walk through 6 important things to think about before you panic-cancel your race registration — including timelines, training readiness, schedule realities, fears, mindset, and why that spark of inspiration matters more than you think.If you recently signed up for your first ultra (or you’re seriously thinking about it), this episode will help you slow down, get grounded, and figure out your next best step. 🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

In this episode, I’m talking about something a lot of runners believe and that is you only “earn” the right to wear race gear if you finish.After my DNF at the Moab 240 in 2025, I couldn’t bring myself to wear the hoodie I bought at the race. It sat in my closet for months because, in my mind, I hadn’t “earned” it.But over time, my perspective shifted.This episode is about what that hoodie represents now.More importantly, I talk about:Why DNFs aren’t something to be afraid ofHow setbacks can actually sharpen your approachAnd why nothing in this sport comes easy (even when you think you’re prepared)If you’ve ever struggled with a race that didn’t go your way, this one’s for you.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

With races like the Arizona Monster and Cocodona 250 bringing overnight running into focus, this episode tackles a common question: should you train for sleep deprivation?Short answer: no.Sleep deprivation isn’t a trainable skill. It doesn’t improve performance and it comes with real downsides like poor decision-making, slower reaction time, increased injury risk, and reduced recovery.Instead, focus on what does help:Build skills (running in the dark, using your gear, managing effort, mental toughness)Get strategic exposure (early mornings, post-sunset runs, occasional overnight efforts without forcing sleep loss)We also cover how to handle the “witching hour” (2–5 AM) and why being well-rested, fueled, and properly tapered matters more than trying to “practice” exhaustion.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

What would your training look like if you didn’t have access to social media, Google, podcasts…or even this one?In this episode, we explore what “old school” training might teach you about consistency, confidence, and actually making progress without all the noise. From learning to trust your body to stepping away from constant comparison, this is a conversation about simplifying your approach so you can focus on what really matters.You’ll hear a real client story about what happened when she took a break from scrolling and why less input might be the key to better results.If your training feels chaotic, overwhelming, or like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself…this one’s for you.Bottom line:More information isn’t always better. Sometimes the fastest way forward is to tune out the noise, trust the process, and just keep showing up.🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM

What happens to all the gear you don’t use anymore?In this episode, I’m talking with Jes Parker, founder of Take 2 Trail - a platform built to give trail running gear a second life.We talk about the real cost of this sport, the amount of waste most runners don’t think about, and how rehoming gear can make trail running more accessible for everyone.In This Episode, We Cover:How Take 2 Trail got startedThe cost (and waste) problem in trail runningWhy used gear matters more than you thinkMaking the sport more accessible for new runners🛍️ Shop Take 2 Trail Here👉🏻 Follow Take 2 Trail on Instagram🔥 APPLY FOR MY GROUP COACHING PROGRAM⭐️ GET THE FREE ULTIMATE 50K TRAINING TOOLKIT➡️ CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP📸 FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM📝 IF I HELPED YOU RUN YOUR FIRST ULTRA, FILL OUT THIS FORM