Jun 03 2024 36 mins
In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:20 DMV Experience
02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal
03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins
05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing
08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running
14:20 Facing a Major Setback
18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment
20:00 The Journey of Recovery
23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running
23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race
27:29 The Ultra Running Community
32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running
35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts