Pushing Horizons Step by Step

100 Miles. Single Dad. No Excuses.

Listen

Description

In this episode of United Happy Hour, Ash sits down with ultra runner Milton Houy to dive into his incredible journey, from getting into ultras in March 2023 to setting PRs in the 50k and 100k. As a full-time single dad and UPS driver, Milton shares how he balances training, work, and parenting while running 50-65 miles per week.

We discuss training structure, race strategy, fuelling, strength training, and injury management, plus insights from his 100-mile race experience. Milton also talks about his excitement for the Georgia Death Race 2026, his approach to the upcoming Brazos Bend 50k, and the mindset needed to push through tough miles.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with ultra-running tips, personal stories, and motivation for runners of all levels!

🔗 Follow Milton: @miltonhouy_wmw

🔗 Follow Ash: @ashjourneytofitness

🔗 Follow Pushing Horizons: @pushinghorizonsstepbystep

⏳ Intro (0:00 - 2:55)

🏃‍♂️ Segment 1: General Background & Running Journey (2:55 - 15:30)

  1. What got you into ultra-running, and how has your journey evolved since March 2023?
  2. As a full-time single dad and a UPS driver, how do you balance training with work and parenting?
  3. What was the most unexpected thing you learned about yourself after completing your first 100-miler?

Segment 2: Training & Race Strategy (15:30 - 28:15)

  1. You run 50-65 miles per week, how do you structure your training to peak for key races?
  2. What’s been the biggest adjustment in training after transitioning to longer ultra distances like 100 miles?
  3. How do you approach fuelling and hydration for different distances? What strategies have worked, and what hasn’t?
  4. Do you train on terrain similar to your upcoming races, or do you adapt based on what’s available?

Segment 3: Strength Training & Injury Management (28:15 - 35:54)

  1. How important is strength training in your ultra-running routine? What exercises do you swear by?
  2. Have you dealt with any major injuries? How did you recover, and what did you learn from the process?
  3. What prehab or recovery techniques help you stay injury-free while handling high mileage?

Segment 4: Past & Future Races (35:54 - 42:53)

  1. You recently PR’d in both the 50k and 100k, what changes helped you break those marks?
  2. What lessons did you take from your 100-miler that you’ll apply to future races?
  3. You’re looking forward to the Georgia Death Race in 2026, hat excites you the most about it?
  4. Your next race is the Brazos Bend 50k,how are you approaching training for that, and what’s the goal?

Segment 5: Mindset, Balance & Single Dad Life (42:53 - 49:05)

  1. What’s your advice for other single parents who want to challenge themselves but feel like they don’t have the time?
  2. How do you involve your kid(s) in your running journey? Do they come to races or get inspired by your efforts?
  3. What’s your biggest motivation to keep pushing yourself in ultra-running?

Segment 6: Fun & Miscellaneous (49:05 - 54:24)

  1. What’s the best post-race meal you’ve ever had?
  2. What’s the wildest or most unexpected thing you’ve seen on a long run?
  3. If you could run any ultra in the world, which one would it be and why?

Segment 7: Your Personal Ultra-Running Tip (54:24 - 57:53)

  1. If you had to give just ONE tip to a new or aspiring ultra runner, what would it be?

Segment 8: Closing (57:53 - 58:04)