Shows
Steady StateDouble threshold full circle moment, AI, and smashing recordsThe sewing circle was in full force today! We catch up on Adam following Sarah's strength plan, discuss some pet peeves, AI pitfalls, and some end of the year reflections. Happy Holidays!
2025-12-2043 minSteady StateTreadmill guilt, hot water hoopla, and lottery resultsWe got on the mic this week to complain about the weather, discuss more heat training studies, and chat through all the lottery results. Cheers!
2025-12-131h 01Steady StateLottery lunacy, running economy semantics, and JFKWe kept it short and sweet this week talking about upcoming race lotteries, how to plan your season around them, and the misuse of scientific jargon. Happy December!
2025-12-0632 minSteady StateOur first guest, avoiding serial killers, and what you should do in your off seasonWe were joined by our first guest, coach Addison Smith! We catch up on his life and training, share some hot takes, and actually have a few coaching takeaways. We had so much fun!
2025-11-221h 18Steady StateCutoff times, open shoe relationships, and getting outside of your bubbleThis week Sarah brings back kernels of wisdom from her strength workshop, we have a broad discussion on cutoff times and inclusivity, and get to a few pet peeves a long the way. Enjoy!
2025-11-151h 02Steady StateJavelina Jot Takes, missed training days, and how to pick the right challengeAdam got loopy in the desert and brings back tales from the desert realm! We also discuss whether big challenges are more productive than small successes.
2025-11-0159 minSteady StateCarb caution, sodium misconceptions, and coaching seasonalityWe had too much fun this week! We discuss everything from high carb fueling in the off season, behind the scenes on coaching seasons, and hot tubs.
2025-10-1856 minSteady StatePost race blues, 2026 race calendar, and how much suffering is too muchWe discuss our off season training, future races we are excited to be a part of, and tackle the all-too-common issue of post race blues and how to choose a next goal!
2025-10-111h 01Steady StateHow to recover from 100 miles, being a hype man, and mid race crisesHappy Fall! We get on the mic's this week to discuss the wide variability of 100 mile recovery, appropriately setting goals, the importance of having your personal life in order, and more!
2025-09-2735 minSteady StateRun Rabbit rundown, secret gloves, and mileage minutiaeAll the juicy details of Adam's 100 mile race and the many side tangents that come with it!
2025-09-2042 minSteady StateUTMB circus, fancy laundry, and channeling enthusiasmWe are back from Europe and more cultured than ever! We discuss ALL the happenings out at UTMB, chat about travel woes, and discuss Adam's upcoming race at Run Rabbit Run
2025-09-0651 minSteady StatePeak weeks, UTMB cheering, and accidental CardoonsBonjour! We got together this week to do some classic ill-informed prognostication and fan-girling (or boying) ahead of UTMB. We also discuss when your "peak week" for training should be among other fun topics.
2025-08-231h 02Steady StateThe life of a showgirl, single-session injury risk, and treating your training like a controlled experimentWe had fun as always this week! We discuss the takeaways from Adam's training camp, a paper on single-session injury risk, and discuss the timeline of effective coaching.
2025-08-161h 00Steady StateUTMB start list, kids at aid stations, Skratch flavors, and Korean dating showsWe got together this week to discuss who's on and who's NOT on the UTMB start list. We also talk through Adam's training camp in Steamboat Springs, throw out a hot take on kids at aid stations, and even our favorite dating shows!
2025-08-0944 minSteady StateGel recommendations, Creede 100, and mastering the basicsWe are back and in well-rested fashion broke 60 minutes for the episode! We had a great time rehashing recent races, talking smack about sports nutrition products, and discussing things we wish our athletes knew.
2025-08-021h 08Steady StateHonest ultra training, Coke Vs. Pepsi and Ouray 100We caught up on all the happenings this week! Everything from Ouray 100 crewing over the weekend, big races happening this coming weekend, and dive into some specific training takeaways from one of Adam's athletes' 100 mile prep
2025-07-2644 minSteady StateHardrock takeaways and Taylor Swift crash courseWe chat about all the interesting and fun happenings out at the Hardrock 100 last week including what we learned from this year's race!
2025-07-1945 minSteady StateRunning your first 100, elite DNF hot takes, and The Sound of MusicWe didn't get to almost anything on our outline but hey we had a good time!
2025-07-0558 minSteady StateWestern States delirium, immediate thoughts, Abby hype sessionAs promised we got on the mic raw and unfiltered to catalog our experience at Western States in the moment while it was still fresh. Join us!
2025-06-3039 minSteady StateHeat training hysteria, building a team, and North American bias,We got up bright and early to discuss a new heat training study as well as what types of heat interventions are best for which people. We also discuss the importance of building a team or support network and so much more!
2025-06-211h 15Steady StateWestern States hype, easy qualifiers, and living in the here and nowIt's June so of course we spent most our time talking about Western States with just a little sloppy uninformed prognosticating as well! As always we talked about 20 other things too!
2025-06-141h 06Steady StateOur biggest mistakes as athletes: hyponatremia, burritos, and moreA great time reminiscing over our worst mistakes as athletes and discussing what you can do to avoid these and not be like us!
2025-06-0758 minSteady StateHard work isn't enough, drop bag chaos, and rolled anklesHijinks abound... we discuss some hot news in the sport, Adam's experience hosting the memorial day training camp, why drop bags need to be prepped early, and more!
2025-05-311h 02Steady StateCool sunglasses, why boring training is good, Adam's new favorite runnerCheck in with us for a fun filled week update with plenty of coach insights (rants?) along the way!
2025-05-2442 min
Steady StateSteady State: stretching, acceptable hip hop playlists, and working with the whole athleteWe 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!
2025-05-171h 03
Steady StateSteady State: cocodona, trail running isn't ultrarunning, and when to run hillsWe 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!
2025-05-101h 01
Steady StateSteady State: race weekend recap, coffee snobs, staying in your lane, and training camps!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!
2025-05-0357 minSteady StateSteady State: Canyons, Ted Danson, and Leg SpeedThis week we catch up on training, Canyons plans, some of our pet peeves, and hot takes!
2025-04-261h 01
Steady StateSteady State: Desert Rats, stories from race crewing, sponsorship deals, heat training, and our favorite shoesPut 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!
2025-04-191h 05
Steady StateIntroducing Steady State! Our current training, coaching insights, AZ Monster buckets, and more!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!
2025-04-161h 02Steady StateEpisode 33: Zach Fiorito on Training for Speedgoat 50k in TexasIn 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.
2025-04-131h 09Steady StateEpisode 32: Clark Perks on How Much Running Is Too Much and the Quest for 21 PR'sIn 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!
2025-02-221h 37Steady StateEpisode 31: High Intensity Training for Ultrarunners (new format)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
2025-01-3129 minSteady StateEpisode 30: Dylan Chapman on Ultra Essentials and Being AdaptableIn 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.
2025-01-1857 minSteady StateEpisode 29: Jodi Peterson on Having the Mindset for SuccessIn 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.
2024-11-031h 26Steady StateEpisode 28: Michelle Richey on Motivation and Resilience for Training and RacingIn 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.
2024-10-031h 29Steady StateEpisode 27: Mindy Kaufman on Balancing Speed and Endurance at JFK 50In 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.
2024-09-121h 20
KoopCastThe Race Recovery Cycle with CTS Coaches Adam Ferdinandson & Neal Palles #232Ever wondered how elite trail and ultra runners manage to stay competitive throughout a jam-packed racing calendar? Join us as CTS coaches Neal Pallas and Adam Ferdinandson unlock the secrets to mastering the race recovery cycle. From developing tailored recovery plans to navigating the intricacies of transitioning between different race categories, this episode is loaded with actionable strategies to keep you performing at your peak while steering clear of injury and burnout.What happens when you need to balance high-intensity training with essential recovery? Addison lays out a comprehensive framework for categorizing race sequences, helping athletes pinpoint...
2024-08-261h 11Steady StateEpisode 26: Christian Bukle on Holding back to Run StrongerIn 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
2024-08-161h 12Steady StateEpisode 25: Antonia Timmer on Her Mission to Finish Tahoe 200 While Battling IllnessIn 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_/
2024-08-091h 28Steady StateEpisode 24: Jennifer Gonzales on Training and Gear Considerations Coming from a Triathlon BackgroundIn 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.
2024-07-261h 18Steady StateEpisode 23: Jake Ryor on Leveraging a Love of Mountains to Train for UltrasIn 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/
2024-07-071h 25Steady StateEpisode 22: Doug Humphrey on Training for Ultras With an Active Job
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/
2024-06-141h 01Steady StateEpisode 21: Nate Brooks on Navigating Life’s Curveballs and Getting Creative With TrainingIn 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/
2024-06-071h 19Steady StateEpisode 20: Petra Gilmore on Getting Into Ultras and Playing the Long GameThis 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
2024-05-291h 19Steady StateEpisode 19: Zachary Fiske on Preparing to Run across the United StatesWhat 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
2024-05-191h 07Steady StateEpisode 18: Stephen Cressionie on Jumping From 50 to 100 Miles and Making Training Work With FamilyIn 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/
2024-05-011h 16Steady StateEpisode 17: Angela Watts on Training With Friends and Qualifying for BostonThis 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.
2024-04-2449 minSteady StateEpisode 16: Gabriela Peterson on Transitioning From Road to Trail and Training as a Law Student
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/
2024-04-171h 16Steady StateEpisode 15: Ryne Anderson on How a CTS Coach Trains For HardrockIn 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
2024-03-271h 04Steady StateEpisode 14: Meridith Ussery on Being Competitive at Ultra Distances While Starting a FamilyAnother 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/
2024-03-201h 02Steady StateEpisode 13: Austin Cobbley on Using Short Races to Train and Preparing for UTE 100In 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
2024-03-131h 29Steady StateEpisode 12: Diarra Cropper on Refining his Training and Getting Revenge at Javelina JundredIn 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...
2024-03-0657 minSteady StateEpisode 11: Catching up with Rylee between Her 50 and 100 Mile RacesRylee 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!
2024-02-2844 minSteady StateEpisode 10: Kelly Thrush on Receiving a Liver Transplant and Training for a 300 Mile RaceThis 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
2024-02-211h 25Steady StateEpisode 9: Kristopher Reinhardt On Battling Anxiety And A Quest To Qualify For SpartathlonIn 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
2024-02-071h 15Steady StateEpisode 8: Joe Hardin on Life Transformation and Tackling Longer RacesIn 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:
2024-01-311h 10Steady StateEpisode 7: Josh Laker on Winning Backyard Ultras and Balancing Crossfit GoalsIn 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/
...
2024-01-241h 09Steady StateEpisode 6: Rylee Reichwald on Training as a Student for Her First 100 MilerThis 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...
2024-01-1750 minSteady StateEpisode 5: Rosie Gagnon on running 100 hundred milers and training for Ouray 100I 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/
2024-01-101h 02Steady StateEpisode 4: Elsa Jaworski on Training for Cocodona 250Elsa 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
2024-01-051h 00Steady StateEpisode 3: Jack SutherlandIn 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/
2023-12-201h 07Steady StateEpisode 2: Justin ModrellPlease 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.
2023-12-131h 13
Steady StateEpisode 1: Lewis BraswellJoin 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.
2023-11-2855 min
KoopCastCoach Roundtable - What we learned this year with Addison Smith and Adam Ferdinandson #199View all show notes and timestamps on the KoopCast website.Episode overview:CTS coaches Addison Smith and Adam Ferdinandson join the podcast for an insightful coach roundatble. We discuss subjectivity from coach participation in sport, the delicate balance of simultaneously supporting and challenging your athletes, and the importance of being there either in-person or virtually for your athletes before, during, and after events. We round out our discussion with takeaways from the UESCA conference and the developing professionalism of ultramarathon coaching.Episode highlights:(20:24) Addison’s takeaway: supporting yo...
2023-10-1254 min
KoopCastHow to Avoid a Pre-Race Crisis of Confidence-Coach Roundtable | KoopCast Episode 172View all show notes and timestamps on the KoopCast website.Episode overview:CTS coaches Jason Koop, Andy-Jones Wilkins, Adam Ferdinandson and Ryne Anderson discuss how to avoid a pre race crisis of confidence. Episode highlights:(8:30) Viewing training holistically: highlighting the totality of training to build athlete confidence, recency bias(33:40) Readjusting race goals: setting expectations, creating process-oriented goals, timing the discussion on preparedness(51:13) Difficulty is nonlinear: athletes transitioning from 50k to 50 miles, you might feel better at mile 70 than mile 50, using training camps to...
2023-03-231h 00