515 : The Ultra Podcast

In this episode, Danish professional Ironman triathlete, Michelle Vesterby, talks about her recent win at her first 515 distance event – Ultraman Arizona. Michelle has competed nine times at the Ironman World Championships in Kona and now may be looking at a November trip to Hawaii. Michelle’s motto, “Keep Smiling”, was tested in Arizona, but her crew helped to keep her on the course and set UMAZ record times, for women, for each of the three days. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsMichelle VesterbyNorseman XtremeShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S3E13)(S5E10)(S1E8)(S4E8)(S3E5)(S1E4)(S2E8)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Today’s Ohana guest is all heart and one kidney. Race director of Ultra La Isla 520, Cesar Guilbert, is a live kidney donor who was inspired by team Hoyt to take on UltraMX 515 with his friend, Aarón Reza Lozoya, who is a person with quadriplegia. His story is one of living life in peace by recognizing balance and he tries to share this through La Tribu collective. We also talk about his race and some of the people that will be attending this year which is happening March 30 - April 2. Follow the race on Instagram. La Tribu Website Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsTeam Hoyt Youtube videoShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S1E6)(S2E13)(S3E9)(S2E5)Jonathà PérezBárbara Guerra___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Kate Bevilaqua has nearly 20 years of professional triathlon experience. She is the winner of three Ironman races, the women's champion of Ultraman World Championships, and the first woman to win an ultra triathlon outright at Ultra 520K Canada in 2016. Kate continues to race the pro circuit along with her husband, Guy Crawford. Together they run GK Endurance, their one-on-one coaching business. In this episode we discuss her 515 career, her coaching philosophy and her opinions on pro triathlon – present and future. She also shares some of her pro tips, favourite races and most importantly, some of her mistakes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsKate’s finish at IM WA.Tri Travel Karri ValleyGK EnduranceShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E5)(S5E7)(S1E1)(S1E2)(S1E3)(S4E8)(S2E13)(S3E13)Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Over 150 years of experience are on the podcast today. A big list of big names in the Ultraman/515 world join me for a round table discussion. All of my guests bring unique experiences and backgrounds as we establish some history of the sport before discussing its current state and where we see it moving in the future. Resources mentioned in this episode: Shout outs and mentions in this episode: (S5E3)(S2E12)(S2E2)S5E1(S4E6)(S4E8)(S1E1)(S1E2)Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Will Rogers has travelled the world competing in 515 events which include Ultraman Canada, Ultra 520K Canada, Ultraman Hawaii, Ultra MX 515, Ultraman Florida, Ultraman Australia and Ultraman Israel. When not competing himself he is often sharing his experience by crewing for other athletes. In this episode, Will shares stories from many of those events from both the perspective of athlete and crew member. Will works as a paramedic in the Vancouver area and has volunteered to use those skills helping people in Ukraine during the war. He tells us how and why he got involved and what a day in a war zone is like as a volunteer medic. If you would like to help or get more information about the organizations that he supports in Ukraine follow these links: Frontline Medics De Facto HumanityPislya SluzhbyResources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsUbermanFrontline Medics De Facto HumanityShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E13)(S1E6)(S2E13)(S1E5)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Ross Welton raced the Ultra 520K Canada two times as an athlete – one with greater success than the other. Ross shares how he, and his wife Katie, were both able to stand on top the podium at that race. These days Ross lives half the year in Mallorca and has been living “the lifestyle” of the island. In the past few years Ross has replaced racing with travelling with friends on ultra cycling trips around Europe with “no point to it”. This episode has it all for the Ultra athlete – tips and tricks for racing and stories of bucket list adventures. Ross on Instagram : @RustyWelton Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsRoss Welton’s Youtube Channel The lost Go ProTwo26 websiteTwo26 photography YoutubeRapha Festive 500TailfinFollia 2023 – 3500 km bike tripRapha PrestigeShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E13)(S1E1)(S2E5)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Fifteen time Ultraman Hawaii athlete, Suzy Degazon, joins me to speak about her recent induction into the Ultraman World Championships Hall of Fame that occurred at this year's event. Suzy has a prolific ultra triathlon career of over 450 events. Just as interesting as some of her athletic endeavors are her stories of the other parts of her life. Suzy has managed to turn some bad situations around and live her best life as a scuba instructor which has also allowed her to travel around the world. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S4E8)(S3E11)(S2E6)(S1E4)(S1E5)(S1E1)(S1E2)(S3E8)Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Returning guests, Jakub and Adam Atarsia share stories of brotherly competition in sports and how triathlon is growing in Northern Africa and the Czech Republic through the Ironman brand and the races that they put on. Together the brothers offer the UltraCzech 515 and a series of races in Algeria – including SaharaMan. Like many race directors these two are trying their best to grow the sport they love. Both brothers have experienced a few changes in their lives since we last checked in with them so it was great to have the opportunity to catch up. Resources mentioned in this episode: UltraCzech 515Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsSaharamanIM 70.3 TangierIM 70.3 Hradec KrálovéShout outs and mentions in this episode: ___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Manu Garcia, the race director of Infinitri 515, is my guest in this episode which was released early to coincide with race days of the 2023 version – October 19 - 21st. Being a triathlete himself, he decided to use his Masters in Event Planning and love of the sport to create his own career. His company, Infinitri Sports, puts on various races throughout the year on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Manu shares his thoughts on organizing intimate sized Ultraman distance races versus other larger triathlon events his company does and gives us a rundown on his event. You can follow the athletes participating in the 2023 Infinitri 515 here. Live GPS tracking : https://live.traky365.com/infinitriman-2023. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/infinitrisports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitrisports Website : https://infinitri.es Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsSwedemanShout outs and mentions in this episode: ___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

After walking into Tug’s Tavern Swim, Run, Swim event and finishing 30th out of 400 – a young Kurt Madden thought, ”maybe I can hang with these people”. A few years later he was regularly travelling to Hawaii to compete in Ironman and Ultraman races. In fact, Kurt was the first winner of Ultraman in 1983. He shares some stories of the early days in Hawaii and how it was viewed as a fad. He has podiumed as an age grouper more times than can be counted and has three top 10 finishes at the Ironman World Championships when he raced as a pro. Kurt currently races in the 65 - 69 AG and just returned from the Ironman World Championship in Nice where he finished 12th in his age group. We discuss his racing experience and he shares numerous tips for success in Nice. As a coach, and coach trainer with TriDot, his answers often tend toward helping the listener be a more successful athlete. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUltra 515 World Wide ChampionshipsTug’s Tavern Swim, Run, Swim TriDot TrainingShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S1E1)(S1E2)(S1E3)Vespa Power Julie MossStu MittlemanBorn to Run - Book___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

In this episode I do a retrospective look back at some of the most downloaded and most discussed guests that have appeared on 515 : The Ultra Podcast. Featured excerpts include: Manmadh Rebba S4E3 -- Ohana Guest / Moab 240 Finisher : Ferg Hawke S3E10 -- Ultramarathon Man Dede Griesbauer S3E13 (Part A) -- 2022 World Champions Arnaud Selukov S2E3 - Leaving the Grind for the love of Tri Rick Kent S3E8 -- Conversation with 5 time RAAM finisher Every episode remains available free to download in the podcast library. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S1E1)(S4E13)(S2E12)Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Ben Peresson and Richard Groome from UMUK join me to talk about their ultra races and share their backgrounds in the sport. Ben is a “black shirt” Norseman Xtreme racer and Marathon Des Sables finisher. Richard has taken on The Brutal and rode every stage of the Tour de France with a magazine map as his guide. Together, they, like many race directors, fell into organizing the UMUK rather than see it go away. We discuss the direction of their events and they give an excellent description of what makes the Snowdonia region of Wales an exceptional place to host a 515 event. This year's event is happening September 1 - 3, 2023. You can follow on Instagram. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaUMUK The BrutalRaid Pyrenees Sail 4 CancerSnowdonia SocietyShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E13)(S2E13)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Rob Gray is a world traveller who has benefited from the transition to remote work. He describes himself as a Boulder guy from South Africa with a British passport. We caught up during a two week period that he was home packing to move the family to Phuket, Thailand after returning from competing at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Rob won his first Ultraman race in Florida in 2016 and went on to race in Hawaii that same year finishing second. In fact he has stood on all three levels of the podium on the big island with a win in 2017. He shares a number of tips about training and racing the 515 distance that he has garnered over the years. These days he works (remotely) full time as a coach through his website UltramanCoach.com along with his friend and 2015 Ultraman Hawaii champion, Mike Coughlin, who was on the podcast in S2E7. You can also reach Rob at RobGray.org Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaComrades MarathonUltramanCoach.comUltraHeidi.comShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E12)(S2E3)(S2E8)(S1E7)(S2E2)(S3E13)(S2E10)(S4E10)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.

We originally thought Dee Fuller overcame the usual body issues when stressing the body in an ultra event on her way to her second women’s win at UM Australia. A few days later she went public on Facebook about struggling with an eating disorder leading up to, and while competing this year. Something I was not aware of when we recorded this conversation. During our conversation she was open about various eating disorders, multiple PTSD triggers and other mental health struggles brought on by a variety of traumas. (trigger alerts) She wants to discuss mental health issues in an open forum in hopes of helping others feel comfortable to do so and to help others recognize that they are not the only one’s suffering. Her May 20th Facebook post in which she shares her current struggle can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/dee.fuller.125/posts/pfbid03dCrwzABMSFoK2eromiCTn75CCY13YEkUL6KeBP2PYex6rzGmkvTScGxHdsJyJjHl This episode is the second of two that I have used to focus on Mental Health in the ultra community. The first was Season 4, Episode 2, when I spoke with Heidi Buttery who has created a website with a multitude of resources. If you require help or want to help someone else that you know is suffering, check out Heidi’s website, UltraHeidi.com, or contact your local Mental Health hotline in your area. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ultra TriFest CanadaShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S4E5)(S4E8)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

This is a special episode crossover between 515 : The Ultra Podcast and Fitspeek, hosted by Kevin Heinze. We recorded this conversation together and are both releasing the same episode to our audiences. We share stories about podcasting and our backgrounds for each other’s audience. Larry shares breaking Ultra news about new races coming to Whistler, BC in August 2024. As a bonus for listeners who subscribe and listen early, you have the opportunity to sign up for these new events before the news is broken anywhere else. With limited slots available, we hope that you take advantage. Listen to Fitspeek. And join the Tri*Joy Facebook Group Information about the new Ultra TriFest Canada and registration is available here. Resources mentioned in this episode: A2bikesUltra TriFest CanadaEndurance Specific CoachingSwim Run WhistlerShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S1E5)(S1E6)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Heidi Buttery went from ultra high wealth financial advisor to ultra athlete. After going through a “mental breakthrough” manic episode she has become interested in helping others who struggle with mental health issues. In 2014, she raced Ironman to raise funds and awareness for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She has become a strong proponent for normalizing talk about mental health and shares her journey during our conversation. In 2015, she shifted her nutrition expertise from general knowledge to specialized sports nutrition and now helps others with developing nutritional plans. All of these interests reside at her website : UltraHeidi.com. Resources mentioned in this episode: NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)UltraHeidi.com/OhanaShout outs and mentions in this episode: ___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

This episode features Armando Armellini an athlete who has competed at numerous IM events, Epic 5, and 7 Ultraman events since 2016, including 4 consecutive Ultraman’s in 2022. He is the architect of El Plan (a way to pace 515 distances) and was the first person to attempt to complete all four UM branded races in a single year. Armando lives Aloha, Ohana, and Kokua. In his day job as an executive coach he puts these into his practice. Recently, Armando has been certifying in triathlon coaching and hopes to blend that into his current occupation as a one stop shop for life coaching and athletic coaching. If you would lie to reach out to Armando: Instagram : AArmellini Facebook : Armando Armellini Resources mentioned in this episode: Captex TriathlonShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S4E5)Lindsay Golich(S2E8)(S2E8)(S2E10)(S1E1)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

In this special release I speak with Steve King who was announcing at the event to get the rundown of what happened over the three days in Noosa this year at UM Australia. I also speak with Shane Duffy to put a final pin in his record breaking six 515 races in a year. Each of the champions, Simon Cochrane and Dee Fuller also stop in for a chat about how the race unfolded for each of them. Simon set a new world record time of 19:48:47 while smashing the previous UM Australia record by over 1:30 minutes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Detachmenttechnique.comShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S1E1)(S4E8)(S4E5)(S1E4)(S2E8)___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

UM Australia is the focus of this episode. I have a chat with race director, Jeff Morris, to preview a few of the 45 athletes who are toeing the line in Noosa this weekend. Like most 515 races, the line up includes some big names with lofty goals like Richard Thompson and his sub 20 challenge, and some people who are just challenging themselves to complete the distance. We discuss the variety of situations that bring people to take on a 515 event.. My athlete in profile is New Zealand’s Simon Cochrane. Simon is a pro triathlete with 37 Ironmans on his resume but is taking on the 515 distance for the first time. He is the owner of Athletic Peak, a coaching and conditioning business which focuses on supporting athletes along their endurance journey. Building to the lead up of UM Australia, Simon has recently topped the podium in a couple of ultra runs including winning “the claw”, a feat not previously attained at the Blue Lake 24 hour Challenge. Resources mentioned in this episode: WynRepublicNegative Split CarbonAthletic PeakShout outs and mentions in this episode: ___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Günter Pilz, aka Ultra Pilz, is a three time UltraCzech 515 finisher and a man who creates his own Ultra “Adventures”. He funds his adventures with his day job as a secondary school teacher in Linz, Austria where he works with a lot of refugee students. He created a running club at his school to keep those students moving and to share the benefits of sport. From his central European home base he often travels to take on ultra adventures and to meet with friends to share a pint at a local brewery. He is also an amateur beer sommelier. If you are looking for new adventures yourself, he curates an Ultratriathlon Website that lists events around the world. Resources mentioned in this episode: UltraPilz.orgUltratriathlon WebsiteBeertasting-AppShout outs and mentions in this episode: (S2E2)UltraCzech 515 Triathlon North Africa___________________________________________________________ Show Contributors: Host : Larry Ryan Contributing Raconteur : Steve King Announcer : Mary Jo Dionne Production : 5Five Enterprises Music : Run by 331 ___________________________________________________________ For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/515TheUltraPodcast Insta : 515theultrapodcast Email : 515Ultraman@gmail.com