Season 2 Episode 12 of the Running for Beginners podcast from the 22resolutionists, hosted by me Mike Fleming.
Episode Description
Ready to take your running beyond the marathon and into the world of trail ultras?
In this episode of the Running for Beginners Podcast, I sit down with Laura Saponar, ultra running coach and founder of OwnYourEndurance.com, to break down what it really takes to train for and complete trail ultramarathons—from your first 50K all the way up to 100-mile races.
Laura brings a powerful combination of real-world experience and professional coaching expertise, with a resume that includes the Boston Marathon, multiple NYC and Marine Corps Marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers, 100Ks, and 100-mile races like Javelina and Oregon Cascades. She’s also a UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, and TrainingPeaks Level 1 certified coach, giving her a well-rounded approach to endurance performance.
In this conversation, we cover:
- How trail ultra training differs from marathon training
- The biggest mistakes new ultra runners make
- How to build endurance, durability, and strength for long races
- Ultra marathon nutrition and fueling strategies (what to eat and when)
- Mental strategies for pushing through long-distance fatigue and setbacks
- How to know if you’re ready for your first ultra marathon
- What it really means to “Own Your Endurance”
Whether you’re a beginner runner curious about going longer, or you’re already training for your first ultra, this episode will give you practical, real-world advice you can apply immediately.
🔗 Connect with Laura
🌐 Website: https://www.OwnYourEndurance.com
🌐 Website: www.theeverydayultra.com
IG @ownyourendurance
Facebook: OwnYourEndurance
🎧 Listen / Follow the Podcast
If you’re a beginner or intermediate runner looking to improve your training, avoid injury, and stay consistent, make sure to subscribe and follow along each week.
🏃 Keywords
trail ultra running, ultra marathon training, how to train for an ultra marathon, ultra marathon nutrition, 50k training plan, 100 mile race training, beginner ultra runner tips, trail running coaching, endurance coaching, running podcast, running for beginners, long distance running tips
👍 If You Enjoyed This Episode
- Like the video
- Subscribe for more running tips
- Share with a friend training for their first race
Mike is also an Ambassador for Still I Run, a mental health support community working to end the stigma around mental illness through running and connection.
Whether you’re a runner struggling with anxiety, stress, or relationships—or simply curious about how movement affects mental health—I have multiple episodes that offer grounded, professional insight you can trust.
Resources & Links:
- Still I Run: https://stillirun.org
- St. Jude Childrens Hospital: http://heroes.stjude.org/RunningforBeginners
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Running for Beginners on Patreon – featuring Coach Laura Saponar, and discover how running an Ultra might be the best thing for you!.
The video interview was conducted using Riverside.fm a website/app for creators everywhere. Check them out here: https://riverside.sjv.io/2aoeLM
I also have a listener discount code for Rone Super Charged Honey Packets at ronenutrition.com as well as Caffeine Bullet at Caffeinebullet.com for 20% off your cart purchase. Just use the code RUNWITHMIKE or RUNNING4BEGINNERS at the respective check outs. [disclaimer, i do receive a commission from any sales; even on Riverside]
Any videos of my interviews will be posted on Patreon@Running4Beginners. Thanks for listening; I hope you can find value in the podcast. If you do enjoy, I hope you follow us on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify or your favorite podcast service, give us a rating and some comments and of course hit the subscribe button.
Leave a Reply