Episodes

  • Episode 7: Rob Sembiante - The crew chief, running 100 miles in Antartica, and voluntary hardships.
    Jan 10 2025

    On this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra Podcast we get to know everyone's favorite Crew Chief from helping Paul Johnson complete the transcontinent run and Matt Johnson's transtexas run. We talk about what it takes to lead a crew in these types of multi day events and how to treat every day as Day 1. But, Rob is also an accomplished ultra runner in his own right. We talk about experiences in his 200 mile races as well as what it was like to be the world record holder for the Antartica 100.

    Block out some time to listen this episode and learn the importance of voluntary hardship, the power of visualization, and the best ways to stay motivated and prepared during winter training. Rob's insights on being both an ultra runner and a crew chief provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to complete their own ultra running goals.

    Photos: Richard Ducker and Brady Keegan.

    Connect with Rob.

    IG: Rob Sembiante


    Connect with us on IG: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 6: Ryan Head - Conquering the Wasatch 100 and Bear 100. The power of self belief.
    Dec 27 2024

    In this episode of the Blueprint to Ultra Podcast, Ryan shares his journey from dealing with serious knee injuries to completing the Wasatch 100 and Bear 100, back-to-back 100-mile races just three weeks apart. Whether you're interested in training tips, race experiences, or overcoming personal limitations, this episode is packed with insights that can help any aspiring ultra runner. This is a story of how belief, preparation, and community support can push the boundaries of what's possible.


    Love the show? Leave us a comment, share with a friend, give us rating, and definitely subscribe to follow along for future episodes!


    Connect with Ryan! IG: ⁠⁠@ry_head⁠


    Connect with us on IG: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 5: Rachel Bambrick - Breaking Barriers in Ultra Running
    Dec 13 2024

    In this episode, we welcome ultra runner and community advocate Rachel Bambrick. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a non-runner to completing grueling races like the Divide 200, Cocodona 250 and Javelina Jundred. Listen as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of ultra running, her passion for building inclusive communities with Women in Ultra Running, and her plans for the Arizona 300. This episode is a testament to resilience, community, and carving your own path in the world of ultra marathons. Photo: @glassjarmedia Connect with Rachel! IG: @rachel_lynn07 Women In Ultrarunning IG: @womeninultrarunning


    Connect with us on IG: Instagram: ⁠@blueprint_to_ultra

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 4: Chad Bruce - Putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
    Nov 29 2024

    In this episode, we interview ultra runner Chad Bruce. Chad's story shows you what is possible with discipline and striving to improve 1% all the time. We take a look at some of the accessories that will help set you apart on your ultra running journey, like strength training, nutrition, hydration, and understanding sodium needs.


    Chad gives valuable insights on how each of these areas has helped him over the past several years. The evidence is in his results.


    At the age of 51, Chad is only getting faster, stronger and fitter. We look at his results at Cocodona 250, Angeles Crest 100, and Javelina 100 as the proof.


    Listen and let us know your thoughts. We believe that you will take more than one thing to add to your own personal blueprint and we'd love to hear what it was. Leave us a comment, a like and make sure to subscribe.

    Connect with Chad on IG: @chadbruce78


    Connect with us on IG: Instagram: @blueprint_to_ultra

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Episode 3: Justin Andreas - Run, Laugh, Repeat
    Nov 15 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Justin Andreas, ultra runner, host of the Golden Hour Adventures podcast, and run coach. Since May of 2020, he has completed distances ranging from  50K to a hundred miles, and now has his sights set on the Cowboy 200 for September, 2025.

    Join us as we dive into some of the challenges Justin has experienced in the sport, handling lows and the importance of keeping what we do as fun. Take us along on your next run and let us know what you picked up on that you have added to your own ultra running blueprint.


    Connect with Justin on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@running_in_stache ⁠and the Golden Hour Adventures Podcast: ⁠@golden_hour_adventures_podcast⁠


    Connect with us on Instagram

    The Show: ⁠⁠⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠⁠⁠

    Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠Steve Epifano⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Jeff Winchester⁠

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Episode 2: Vin Kennedy - Making the insane, feel sane through consistency and community
    Nov 1 2024

    Joining us on the show is Vin Kennedy who shares his journey into the ultra running world by embracing a community that challenges one another to accomplish big goals. From his first 100 mile race in August of 2023 to running the state of NJ (200 miles) in 3 days with a friend, Vin's story will show you what is possible with consistency and the right community around you.


    Connect with Vin on Instagram: ⁠@vkennedy18⁠


    Connect with us on Instagram

    The Show: ⁠@blueprint_to_ultra⁠

    Hosts: ⁠Steve Epifano⁠ and ⁠Jeff Winchester

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 1: Jon Maaraoui - What does it take to run an ultra, if you can't walk to begin with?
    Oct 18 2024

    Jon Maaraoui's story will challenge and inspire you. Battling chronic illnesses that put him in a wheelchair in his early 20s, Jon took control of his life and started to learn how to walk, found the ultra running community and has been completing ultras over the past couple of years. His story is a story of overcoming obstacles and the power of believing in yourself. With the Arizona 300 and the triple crown of 200s on deck for 2025, you will be left wondering, what is possible for any of us, if we put our mind to something and start.


    Connect with Jon on Instagram: @jonthemaar


    Connect with us on Instagram

    The Show: @blueprint_to_ultra

    Hosts: Steve Epifano and Jeff Winchester

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Blueprint to Ultra Trailer
    Oct 16 2024

    Whether you are dabbling with the idea of running your first ultra or wanting to figure out how you can push farther than you ever have before, we are here to help you put that plan together. Join fellow ultra runners, Steve and Jeff, as we interview people that are just like you, all with the goal of helping you to put together your own blueprint for running ultras and answer the question, "what does it take?"


    Make sure to follow us on Instagram at @blueprint_to_ultra

    Like and subscribe to keep up with future episodes.

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    1 min