From Backyard to 24 Hours: Jennifer Russo on Breaking Limits in Ultra Running

The Adventure Jogger

Jennifer Russo discusses her experiences in ultra running, particularly in backyard ultra races. She shares her achievements in races such as the Long Haul 100 and Ohio's Backyard Ultra, where she finally won after multiple attempts. Jennifer also talks about the challenges she faces with stomach issues during races and her experimentation with different diets. She mentions her qualification for the US team in the Big's Backyard Ultra and explains the format of the race. Jennifer also discusses the difficulty of the course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, and the upcoming World Championship in 2025. Jennifer Russo discusses her experience running the Fort Frenzy race in Tennessee and the challenges of the course. Despite her busy schedule as a mother, race director, and coach, she finds balance and makes time for training.

Takeaways

• Jennifer Russo has achieved impressive results in ultra running, including winning Ohio's Backyard Ultra and qualifying for the US team in the Big's Backyard Ultra.
• She has faced challenges with stomach issues during races and is still experimenting with different diets to find a solution.
• The course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where the Big's Backyard Ultra is held, is known for its technicality and difficulty.
• The World Championship in ultra running alternates between team and individual years, with the US team competing against other countries' teams.
• Jennifer's future participation in the Big's Backyard Ultra and other races is uncertain, but she remains dedicated to the sport. The Fort Frenzy race in Tennessee is a challenging course with significant elevation gain and technical sections.
• The East Fork race in Ohio is a tough but rewarding course with diverse terrain and creek crossings.
• Jennifer Russo aims for 70-mile weeks and back-to-back long runs in her training for races like Bigs.
• Finding balance between family, work, and training is a challenge, but it's important to prioritize and make time for what's important.
• Being a race director and helping runners achieve their goals is a rewarding experience. Getting creative with training is important when balancing other commitments
• Having a supportive partner is crucial for success in endurance races
• Running can improve mental health and make individuals better in other areas of life
• Understanding what makes running fun for kids is key to keeping them engaged in cross country
• Backyard ultras require mental strength and focus
• Participating in ultra races proves that individuals are capable of more than they think

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Recent Success

06:35

The Unique Experience of Backyard Ultras

12:18

Strong Performances in Ohio's Backyard Ultra

15:14

Fighting to the Finish Line

19:37

Qualifying for the US Team in Big's Backyard Ultra

21:28

Uncertainty and Future Challenges

23:48

East Fork Race

28:02

Training for Races like Bigs

31:44

Finding Balance in a Busy Schedule

36:11

The Satisfaction of Being a Race Director

41:25

Balancing Training with Other Commitments

44:31

Running for Mental Health and Personal Growth

48:03

The Mental Challenges of Backyard Ultras

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