Sally McRae on UTMB Week, Choosing Running Packs, Fantasy Football & More

UTMB Week Recap and Trail Running Boom

• 🇫🇷 Sally shares her experience at UTMB week, where she supported the new Nike ACG team, noting it was her seventh time at the event but second time not racing.
• 📈 The sport of trail running is experiencing a massive boom, with over $2 billion invested this year, leading to increased popularity in sub-ultra events like the OCC (50K) and CCC (100K).
• 🌟 The UTMB week events are becoming more competitive, with younger athletes entering the sport, coached to focus on speed and longevity rather than solely on ultra-endurance.
• 🏆 Ruth Croft made history by winning the OCC, CCC, and UTMB, becoming the first woman to achieve this 'grand slam' of prestigious races.

Choosing the Right Running Pack

• 🎒 When selecting a running pack, comfort is paramount, similar to choosing shoes; if it's not comfortable, don't get it.
• ⚙️ Pocket placement and accessibility are crucial for organization, especially in longer races, and practicing with gear in the pack during long runs is highly recommended.
• 🗺️ Sally uses a systematic approach to packing, assigning specific items to consistent pockets (e.g., stomach aids, electrolytes, food, first-aid kit) to aid quick access and aid station efficiency.
• ⛰️ For mountain races or any event outside the US, packs are often required gear for safety, as weather can change rapidly and accessibility can be limited.
• 💡 Packs should be viewed as a lifeline and a wise investment, not just an optional piece of gear, providing comfort and safety during long, challenging events.

Fantasy Sports and Community

• 🏈 The conversation touches on Fantasy Football, with a lighthearted discussion about player picks and knowledge.
• 🏅 Sally proposes a Fantasy Ultramarathon concept, selecting top athletes like Killian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, and Tom Evans for a men's team, and Courtney Dauwalter, Ruth Croft, and Katie Schide for a women's team.
• 💬 The podcast shares listener stories, including a review from Melly Maccy inspired at a tire shop and a message from Brooke, a 14-year-old runner motivated by the podcast and Sally's daughter, McKenzie.
• 🎉 Dylan celebrates his first 100-mile finish, earning the 'Dead Last' award, and Britney achieves a significant marathon personal best at the Sydney Marathon.

Fall Season and Upcoming Events

• 🎃 The hosts discuss the early arrival of pumpkin spice lattes in September, with Sally embracing the fall flavors.
• 🎄 The Christmas decorations debate arises, with a preference for starting holiday preparations in November.
• 🎤 Sally announces her upcoming speaking engagements in Missouri (Women Aware Conference), Nashville (business meetings and a community meet-up), and Bowling Green, Kentucky (Hot Rod Ultra speaker).
• 🚴‍♀️ Inspired by her daughter McKenzie's cycling journey, Sally is also getting fitted for new gravel and road bikes, aiming to increase her own mileage on two wheels.

Encouragement and Choosing Strong

• 💪 Sally emphasizes the importance of showing up for yourself and your goals, whether training for a race or for general health, highlighting the value of an able body.
• 💖 She offers encouragement to mothers, noting that training is not selfish but can lead to being a better parent by managing stress and improving mental clarity.
• 🌟 The core message is to keep moving and choosing strong in all aspects of life, recognizing the value and impact of self-care and dedication.