100-mile race strategy, and raw athlete stories from coach Patrick Durante, on a mission to guide 100 athletes across the finish line of 100 ultras. Each episode digs into what it takes, physically and mentally, to conquer extreme distances: training plans, pacing and fueling, gear, recovery, and race-day mental grit. Whether you’re chasing your first 50K or your next 100-miler, you’ll leave with something to try on your next run.
Laurel Highlands, Pacing Eastern States 100 and more with Rich Sharkey – Ultra Run Coach Podcast: 100 People, 100 Ultras
Coaching: https://UltraRunCoach.com In this episode of the UltraRunCoach podcast, host Patrick Durante sits down with guest Rich Sharkey (one of Patrick's early coaching athletes) to discuss his journey from road running and 5Ks to tackling ultras.Rich shares his experience making the massive leap from 50Ks like the Hat Run and World's End to the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Ultra (a Western States qualifier). We dive deep into elevation training strategies, surviving the infamous "Gate to Eight" section, gut training with real foods, dialing in sodium needs using a Nix sweat test, and how having a family pit crew transformed his race day.We discuss discuss Rich’s experience on the other side of the trail—pacing me through the final miles of the Eastern States 100, navigating rattlesnakes, and pushing past the physical and mental pain barriers.00:00 – Welcome & Introduction00:48 – Transitioning from Sports & Road Running to Trail Running02:46 – First Unofficial 50K at Blue Marsh Lake & First Organized Race (Hat Run 50K)05:24 – World's End 50K: Handling Mud, Elevation & Learning Hill Training07:54 – Making the Big Jump from 50K to the 70-Mile Laurel Highlands Ultra09:50 – Connecting with Patrick Durante for Coaching & Race Preparation11:19 – History & Unique Challenges of the Laurel Highlands Course12:14 – Training Feet Per Mile Elevation Gain & the "Gate to Eight" Strategy14:10 – Year 1 at Laurel Highlands: Heat, Severe Quad Pain & Mental Recovery17:44 – Year 2 Success: Shaving 33 Minutes & Upgrading Fueling Strategy20:22 – Gut Training: Shifting from Liquid Calories to Real Food21:16 – Electrolyte Breakthrough: Sweat Testing with Nix Biosensors23:12 – Building a Family Pit Crew & Pacing Duties29:35 – Flipping the Script: Rich Paces Patrick at Eastern States 10032:21 – The Role of a Pacer: Pain Management & Mental Distraction37:15 – Funny Race Encounters, DFL Motivation & Rattlesnakes on Trail41:21 – Strong Finish at Eastern States 10044:07 – Top 3 Tips for Anyone Taking on Laurel Highlands45:05 – Maintaining Consistency & Finding New Trails While Traveling46:43 – What's Next for Rich Sharkey (Nelson's Summit 50K)