Earning my 4th Cruel Jewel 100 buckle was a hard fought battle but we crossed the finish line. I am so grateful for my friends and the support that went into getting this race done. I couldn't have done this alone.

This race is truly special and the community surrounding it and the RD's are beyond amazing.

104 miles 32,650 feet of elevation gain This race is not for the faint of heart.

Becca and Jon discuss their experiences with self-checkout systems and the frustrations that arise from inefficient shoppers. They transition into a detailed conversation about the upcoming Cruel Jewel 100 race, sharing insights on the challenges it presents, including significant elevation gain and the mental preparation required. Reflecting on past experiences with the race, emphasizing the importance of community and camaraderie, as well as the impact of weather conditions on race day. They discuss the importance of setting realistic goals, maintaining mental clarity, and the unique experiences offered by races like the Cruel Jewel. The conversation also touches on the community aspect of ultra running and the complexities of human nature within sports, emphasizing the need for understanding and acceptance among participants.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ultra Crewed Podcast

01:55 Self-Checkout Etiquette and Frustrations

10:25 Preparing for the Cruel Jewel 100

20:45 Experiences and Challenges of Cruel Jewel 100

29:43 The Journey of Endurance Racing

32:36 Mental Resilience in Racing

35:57 Realistic Goal Setting

37:23 The Importance of Mental Clarity

39:44 The Cruel Jewel Experience

42:54 Community and Competition in Ultra Running

46:49 Understanding Human Nature in Sports

54:43 Looking Ahead to Future Challenges

In this episode of the UltraCrewed podcast, hosts Becca and Jon discuss their recent experiences, including Becca's pet-sitting adventures and upcoming exams. They engage in a fun game to create the perfect ultra marathon, followed by a humorous debate on whether 100 men could defeat a gorilla. The conversation shifts to the phenomenon of the 'sophomore slump' in racing, where returning participants often struggle to meet their previous performance levels. Finally, they touch on the importance of safety and protection while running, especially in light of recent events. In this conversation, Becca and Jon discuss various aspects of running, focusing on personal safety, training methods, the importance of encouragement and support, and the need for authenticity within the running community. They share insights on how to navigate safety while running, the significance of different training techniques, and the value of having a supportive network, especially for those who may not fully understand the challenges of ultra running. The discussion emphasizes gratitude and the importance of being genuine in the running community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Wrap-Up

05:09 Creating Your Perfect Race

10:07 The Great Gorilla Debate

18:53 Sophomore Slump in Racing

29:21 Safety and Protection While Running

29:51 Personal Safety While Running

39:33 The Importance of Training Methods

43:01 Encouragement and Support in Running

54:03 Authenticity in the Running Community