Ultra Running VLOG - Saddles 100 Miles and Impact of Running on Mental Health

[@RideAlongside]

Sure love seeing others making videos of our trails here in Prescott. I have lots of bike videos, but more trail running, hiking, and fast packing videos are coming soon. I love hearing others talk about mental health. It's something almost everyone I know struggles with throughout life and learning that you're not alone is the most powerful antedote. That and running trails with friends. That seems to always help.

[@runningwithsimon]

I'll be making a full length movie on Saddles 100 (in prescott) - not sure when because i'm backlogged. But but but, just want to say (and I *think I record myself saying it during the race) you MTBer over there were great. Trail sharing was solid - good communication. Some times you go, some times I go. But it never felt like the biker was saying "get out the F ing way or you'll die"...which I've seen other place where it'd felt a bit more like that. So thanks to you all over there, that was great.

[@randycruz2007]

Thanks Simon on sharing your journey. It gives me an idea of what to expect and how to prepare on my end. You’re amazing my man.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks randy

[@lindawilliams6220]

Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :)

[@jessicaturner2733]

Hey Simon! First, thanks for all your content. I’ve been running ultras for a while but I still don’t understand the UTMB races and “stones” and how to qualify for certain races. Any chance you could do a video and break down UTMB’s very confusing website, races, etc?

[@runningwithsimon]

Every race has a different system. If we talk UTMB specifically, all they want is for you to run other race of them, and they'll grant you these "stones". There's no fixed number of stones to be sure to get a spot next year - the more the better. It's deliberately vague and creates a monopoly system to funnel runners into their own event. Not the 'nicest' practice for sure and many dislike this system. If you want me to run your other races...simply focus on making these races interesting, you shouldn't need that system. Most other races, especially in the US, work by lottery. You may need a qualification race (e.g., for western states) but these qualification are simply to ensure you are ready. The qualification race aren't owned or related to Western States itself. Then lottery is drawn - the more year you applied and didn't get in, the more likely you get drawn. The difference in these system is particularly obvious if you look say at my status. I've done 48x 100 milers, 15 so far this year. I never take time to think if I have a Western or Hardrock qualifier - because I always do. Yet I'm "not qualified" to apply for UTMB since I have zero stones.

[@nataliamartinkova]

Thank you for sharing the mental health aspect of running. It is a great outlet that gives one head space and provides oxygen to process things.

[@runningwithsimon]

Exactly - thanks!

[@KidTempered]

Hi Simon ! You rock ! Just did my 1st 100miler and it was damn tough. I was about to ask you a question about building more resilient body, but I kinda came up with the answer myself as I was asking the question 😂😂 Anyhow..Hope you're keeping well and recovering quick from your crazy adventure rides.

[@runningwithsimon]

Congrats!!! What was the race?!

[@KidTempered]

@runningwithsimon Kullamannen by UTMB on paper looks piece of cake but I saw many strong man and woman crumbling. It would be cool if you choose to do it next year :) It's probably Scandinavia's biggest 100miler

[@runningwithsimon]

@@KidTempered Wouldn't mind being back in sweden for sure...!

[@KidTempered]

@@runningwithsimon awesome! Let me know if you decide about it in the future. I can eventually help with logistics and accommodation. 🖖🏼

[@SeeChadRun]

Great tips and beautiful trails! Looking forward to the race video!

[@runningwithsimon]

Saddles was a great experience. The granite dells is cool. The rest of the course was 'blah' but the vibe was excellent!

[@fjhidalgog]

Hi Simon, Gret video! No worries, we will be waiting the video of Tor de Geants whenever you can. No rush. Good luck in your next 100 mile adventure!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :)

[@amdelorey]

Thanks Simon. Trail running and doing an ultra in the forest is so great for my mental health. It is the best. Your tips are always helpful. Have a good trip and race!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :)

[@ricodelavega4511]

Hope you put out a proper video of Saddles 100 as well. Dont know if thats your intent, but dont let the quaintness of that race keep you from thinking people wont be interested in seeing your journey around Prescott. Jam jam sounded stoked to meet you. Looking forward to the TDG video as well, and your African adventure. You're living the life man

[@fd318]

La Diagonale des Fous is a n amazing and tough race! I lived in La Reunion Island a long time ago, it’s a nice island, but maybe you can go to Mauritius island nearby to recover, it’s another great place to visit! Have a safe trip and enjoy your “Diagonale des Fous” race! 🎉

[@runningwithsimon]

Sure thing will do - the vlog format is just a blurp of what's been going on (including any race). I make movies for any race I do nowadays (but takes a bit because of a back log). People care about Saddles - and even if they didn't, I'd do one. I have tons of respect for Jam Jam - I basically tell him every chance I get. I think he's played a huge part in shaping the community the way it is right now. Met him quite a few times over the year - I'm mostly surprised he reconizes me (a bit less now but even before he'd remember me). I was actually really fortunate during Saddles - I was running towards miles 50 aid station, and we got to share a couple of miles while chatting

[@ricodelavega4511]

@@runningwithsimon and he, Jamil, is still fairly young. I remember reading "Born to run", then checked out the Ultrasignup of that Tarahumara race, and saw Jamil was there in year 2. It reminds one that trail running as a sport is still rather new. Anyway Simone, great pod interview with Troy Meadows. My two favorite podcasters togedder.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@ricodelavega4511 I know it's totally beside the point, but as an aside, I think Jam Jam and I are basically the same age - so thanks for saying I'm still young! :) But totally get it, the evolution of the sport is going through steps and there's been many pioneer making what the scene is today

[@ArcaneSpells]

Best wishes on your next race and juggling all the craziness from life! Appreciate the topic. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement to my mental health overall after running consistently, especially during trail runs. I feel present and grateful, and it’s a constant practice of patience and forgiveness of any missteps on trail - I also use this time to listen to music usually, and I find I enjoy it so much more thoroughly! I definitely see the time as self care, as well as the time after the run. Stretching, etc. consciously prioritizing yourself for a bit.

[@runningwithsimon]

One thing I really liked when I started runnign is that it gave me a solid reason to make healthy-ish choices. Heck it's been the reason some times to stop watching stuff online and go to bed so I can have an early morning start. And I think through these small choices that seem insignificant, there's an overall improvement - impercitible at first, but eventually it snowballs. And the best is that then this becomes the new normal and you now have healtier habit. It's a tangeant but there's so many people that went sober thanks to running.

[@bharding2727]

Thanks for your videos Simon! I just finished my first 50k last week and your channel has been a big source of information and inspiration along my training journey. I just signed up for the Whiskey Basin 91k in Prescott, AZ since I’m from SoCal too and I know you’ve enjoyed other Aravaipa events and Prescott looks like a nice area fairly close to us. Cheers for everything and hope to see you on a 100 miler someday!

[@runningwithsimon]

I think aravaipa has solid events - very well oiled machine that doesn't feel like a machine at all, if you know what i mean. Also despite being so big, their events (at least the ones I've done - i heard it can be hit or miss) but the events I know have a nice 'personnal touch'. It's "funny" because I had the polar opposite impression at Diagonale des fous - it felt like a huge machine but just didn't run smoothly (but to be fair, diagonale is like 7000 runners over all the distances, which they should reduce)

[@shild6626]

Thank you, Simon, for this video! Looking forward to hearing about your Africa race.

[@runningwithsimon]

More on this very soon - it was a rough course for sure! 53hr for 100 miles is officially the slowest I've ever done

[@kathleennicholas5872]

Thanks Simon this is great!! Love seeing your videos I have used your content for my 50K

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad to hear it :)

[@DziennaDawkaDyskomfortu]

Hi Simon - great material. You keep amazing me with frequency of your 100 Milers! 🙈 You must be good at recovering fast :) Ultra squared man! Ultra Running is definitely taking care of many things in my life as well. Mental health included. Hope you will have a great race in Africa and that you will find time “after work” to spend some time in nature and recover. All the best to You and Nora Cheers. Andrzej (we met in Zion this year)

[@runningwithsimon]

Andrzej! Of course :) At the turn around point, that was great moment in the race :) No time after the race sadly, flying back directly the same day (now) but on the plus side, I have a layover in paris and will catch up with long time friend over coffee!

[@DziennaDawkaDyskomfortu]

@@runningwithsimon have a great time Simon, good luck! :)

[@rando4235]

I have a very busy/stressful career and life as well. Running or being active keeps me grounded (and moving). I honestly don’t love it as much as others, but I love that’s it’s nearly mandatory me time and I don’t have to think about it-especially since I got a $20 training plan. I’ve gone through cycling, climbing, powerlifting, and now I’m in my ultra running phase. We’ll see how long it keeps me.

[@runningwithsimon]

One bonus of trail running is that I'm straight up not available for 24-30hr of racing. Almost any other sport I'd get pulled back for sure with 'urgent' things

[@heathermalloyFL]

I started running for my mental health and it has really worked wonders. Trail runs are the absolute best for me to just unplug and be present. I wonder though if maybe you're suffering from a bit of burnout? Churning out all those hundos takes its toll physically and mentally! Maybe it's time to plan a non running weekend for you and Nora (suggested with love, of course!). Still loving your vids!

[@runningwithsimon]

It's work itself that is too much. But I've dove in there before and the tell tell sign is more falling in productivity and/or focus and/or motivation. None of which are affecting me right now (the closest to that was Bighorn this summer where motivation just got 100% drained from me). But beyond this, it's just work being a lot. Racing actually helps me disconnect and isn't a burden itself (just now coming out of Diagonale, I'm feeling much better)

[@heathermalloyFL]

@runningwithsimon That's good to hear. It sounds like you pay attention to those things and aren't just obsessed with the race per month thing. Like you, if not for work, I would run a LOT more!

[@Kelly_Ben]

This was great stuff. Don't see it as 2 terrible weeks of training... see it as a TAPER!! 😂 I spend so much time working, taking care of the farm, etc... though I'm living a life I love, it's just constant work and responsibility. Ultras are, like you said, me time. Though I really hate long miles alone... the banter with new friends helps the miles fly by and gives me happiness and entertainment. My training is always crap, I'll never win. I just do this to enrich my life, keep me young, and give me "fun" between all the work, so that life isn't one big grind. Funny that I don't see ultras as a grind... 😂

[@runningwithsimon]

How could ultras be a grind? Eat and spend time outsides with old and new friends! What's not to like???

[@pollyfesta5126]

I'm still a newbie, only a mile or two at a time. But the time out on trail is a balm for my soul and mental health.

[@runningwithsimon]

We all start somewhere. Plus, no distance is too small - as long as it makes you feel good! :)

[@fd318]

La Diagonale des Fous is a n amazing and tough race! I lived in La Reunion Island a long time ago, it’s a nice island, but maybe you can go to Mauritius island nearby to recover, it’s another great place to visit! Have a safe trip and enjoy your “Diagonale des Fous” race! 🎉

[@runningwithsimon]

It was amazing although I feel we were very unlucky with conditions. Rain mud, etc. But mostly, cloudy and foggy so I didn't get to see much of it sadly. No recovery for me, I just crossed the line and flying back in a few hours... It's going to be a looooong flight(s)

[@BellasBone]

As an aging athlete and as a sports psychologist, I couldn’t agree more with your assessment that running has a positive influence on mental health and research backs this up; exercise has a positive influence on mental health, however, as it also relates to your video, it is also not uncommon to see athletes experience some mild depression during their post race recovery and there’s 2 primary factors here : 1) glucose depletion of the brain’s energy stores (this occurs after the body burns its available carbohydrate stores and starts to metabolize protein to keep itself fueled ). And, the second culprit is dopamine depletion; every one is familiar with the “runner’s high” which are the endorphins created after sustained exertion; this greater the exertion the greater the endorphin creation, unfortunately as the body and brain begin to recover there can be a measurable drop in dopamine which regulates mood and unfortunately it can take up to 90 days for the brain to replenish dopamine stores In any case, there’s always a price to pay but with proper nutrition and rest the body can recover quicker; kudos to Simon for raising the subject and always seek the advice of a professional if you’re feeling depressed for an extended period of time.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks for the insigths, love the connection with biochemical process. Just to be clear, not depressed myself right now - just a lot lot going on. PhD time was much darker, now it's just that we (objectively) haven't caught a break in a long time. Bad luck streak don't last forever, but they sure feel that way some times.

[@toddboucher3302]

That sounds like a great race. Arizona is a real cool country. I love watching videos on it. Hopefully Nora is back to her self real soon, but she’s out hiking so that’s pretty good. In December, I’m taking a guy on his first hundred mile race and it’s a 20,000 feet gain. I kind of forgot I have 100 K at the very first day of November so so that’s a flat one so I might get a little touch a slight touch of what you go through .

[@runningwithsimon]

20k in December? Curious what's that one? I feel Nov/Dec is a bit of a dead zone for races

[@randycruz2007]

Simon, just got done wrapping up my 50k on 4weeks of training 😅. It was difficult, feet and cramps were killing me but I accomplished it. Seen an old man in his sixties running, I passed him at mile10, I told home good job you got this, after me practically dying on Raptor Ridge, the old man passing me gradually and ends up beating me by over an hour 😂😂😂😂

[@runningwithsimon]

Good job. And valuable lesson right there: never underestimate the old man haha

[@Noraeee]

💞

[@runningwithsimon]

Miss you - flying back now :)

[@SageOfEchoes]

Simon, how many 100 milers have you attempted/completed now? 🤯

[@runningwithsimon]

With diagonale des fous this weekend, 48 attempts and 48 finishes of 100 miles or more

[@SageOfEchoes]

@@runningwithsimon That’s incredible. Way to go!