Season 15 is HERE!
Apply by May 7th
Becoming Ultra is excited to announce that Season 15 is taking applications! We believe that ultra running should be a team sport and we have built more accountability than any other coaching format out there to get you to finish your first ultra! So, get ready to apply to take on your first 50k on the epic Grindstone course in the mountains of Virginia
Read more about the project below! All photo credits to Brent Tyrrell!
The Project/how it all works:
Basics:
Becoming Ultra takes runners and coaches them up for their first ultra. We partner with races we think are interesting and coaches that love the sport and love coaching. Then, we start looking for runners up for the challenge! We are a full service coaching and live event platform as well but the main project is what you are reading about right now!
Detailed:
We find an amazing place for runners to run their first ultra.
We partner with the race and set the date.
We find amazing coaches who are ready to coach runners for their first ultra.
This season, we have 4 coaches (Addie Bracy, Scott Jones, Ian Sharman, and Lindsay LaForce).
We put together an application for runners to apply to be a part of the project.
The Season 15 application will be open from April 7th to May 1st. You can apply here.
All runners agree to be on the podcast and to share their journey via social media when they apply. They also agree that they will be hiring the coach from at least May 3rd to Sept 21st.
Once the applications are all in, the coaches convene for a recorded call to select the runners they want to coach for the season. Each coach will coach 2 runners.
Once they are selected, runners will meet their coach via Zoom Call. We record the calls and they turn into podcast episodes. These shows inspire others to train and they allow others who can’t hire a coach to learn along with the runners on the podcast!
Runners share their journeys on the Social Media platform and get TONS of support and love from the community!
Everyone shows up in Virginia and runs their first 50k to BECOME ULTRA runners with a crew.
That’s the general idea anyway!
More about This season:
This season we have partnered up with the Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB for their running festival weekend. This is such a unique race that has been around for over 15 years. Started by ultra runner Clark Zealand, you can listen to his interview about the course, the race history, and the region, here. Be sure to learn more about the coaches for this season below.
The Race:
The Grindstone 50k is just one of the many distances they are offering in Virginia for race weekend. They also offer a 21k, 100k, and 100 miler so if you want to come out to try your hand at a different distance and be a part of the festivities you definitely should! They have been kind enough to offer runners 15% off for the 50k. Use code GSTRAIL15 at checkout!
Straight from the website:
Starting at the picturesque Natural Chimneys, the 50k route begins with a gentle warm-up before challenging you with a brief yet intense ascent, leading you along the narrow single-track ridge of Narrow Back Mountain. As you descend the other side, brace yourself for the formidable climb up Wolf Ridge, eventually connecting to Timber Ridge. Stay left as you reach the summit of Sand Spring Mountain and follow the descent along Sand Spring Trail. Proceed to access the Tillman Trail via the Tillman forest access, where you'll conquer another climb over Narrow Back Mountain before arriving at Lick Run. Finally, exit the forest at Bear Trap and enjoy a smooth cruise back to the finish line, set against the backdrop of the towering limestone chimneys.
Community and race weekend
One of the coolest parts of the Becoming Ultra project is that after 5 or 6 months of training and engaging with the other runners of the project, the coaches, and the big Team BU, you get to go run somewhere with a crew that really cares. From meet-ups to post race hikes and hang outs, we will be around to support you on the big race day!
Lets train and go run, crew, and support each other in Virginia!
Season 15 Coaches
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Scott Jones
FOUNDER/COACH/ @athleteonfire
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Addie Bracy
COACH / ATHLETE/ @addiebracy
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Ian Sharman
COACH / ATHLETE/ @sharmanian
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Lindsay LaForce
COACH / DPT / @runlongwithlindsay
FAQs
How does it all work?
If you are interested in the race and the project then all you have to do is apply. The application has many details but the main thing is that you can commit to being in Virginia for the race and that you agree to be coached and share your journey via social media.
How much is it?
There is no cost associated with applying but if you do get chosen you are agreeing to pay for the coaching services of your coach. You can see all of the coaches rates on the application page.
NOTE: Travel to the race, registration, lodging, and any other costs associated with the event is up to the runner.
How often do we have to post on social media?
The goal of the posting is the accountability that it builds. We ask our runners to post a couple times per week. That’s it.
Who should apply?
We know for a fact that running is for everyone! That being said, there is a time commitment to the training and the project so if time management isn’t your strong suit the project may be overwhelming. We are honored with every application so if you are on the fence, go for it!
Who are the coaches?
You can learn more by listening to the podcasts of each of the coaches but basically we only work with passionate coaches who want to push and support you to do really big things!
If you have any questions, shoot us a message!
