Athlete On Fire

Scott Jones and Brett Armour both own facilities on the western slope of Colorado in Grand Junction and Fruita.This conversation explores the journey of establishing Armour Athletics in Grand Junction, focusing on community impact, personal ties to the area, and the evolution of youth sports training. They discuss their backgrounds in athletics, the importance of discipline in youth sports, and the challenges of running a sports facility. They also delve into the trends in skill development, arm care, and the role of coaches in shaping young athletes' futures.We hope you enjoy this episode and share it with other parents of young athletes!

This episode explores the journey of two friends, Scott and Chris, as they share their experiences in hunting, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. From early influences and personal stories to the cultural significance of hunting, they discuss the importance of perseverance, preparation, and the joy of sharing these experiences with the next generation. Scott and Chris started hunting in Colorado the same year and have been learning everything they can over the last 5-6 years! We hope you enjoy the storytelling and journey!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey01:17 Early Influences and Background03:29 The Return to Hunting05:40 First Harvest Experience10:17 Cultural Significance of Hunting12:09 Overcoming Barriers to Entry13:29 Learning Through Experience16:10 The Challenges of Elk Hunting19:21 Lessons from the First Year24:49 Scouting and Preparation28:42 The Thrill of the Hunt32:25 Reflections on the Experience34:09 The Importance of Companionship36:50 The Second Year of Hunting51:14 The Hardest Physical Challenge58:13 The Final Moments of the Hunt01:04:09 Celebrating Success01:10:55 Lessons Learned and Future Goals01:16:14 The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation01:22:15 Dream Hunts and Future Aspirations

On this episode Katie Wightman shares her journey from a background in national parks and being an avid hunter. She discusses her experiences with trail running and the Becoming Ultra project, solo adventures in the wilderness, and the importance of mentorship in hunting. She reflects on her first big game hunt, the techniques she employs, and the philosophical aspects of hunting, including its role in conservation and sustainable living. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where food comes from and the responsibilities that come with hunting!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Keity Whiteman00:55 Keity's Background in National Parks04:39 Trail Running and Its Connection to Hunting08:28 Solo Adventures and Safety in the Wilderness16:43 The Night Run Experience28:01 Keity's Journey into Hunting34:46 First Big Game Hunt Experience42:07 Hunting Styles and Techniques46:45 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting01:11:42 Philosophical Views on Hunting and Conservation

Charlie Pappas has one speed and one focus. All out and laser. Charlie mentored Scott by getting him his first bow, teaching him how to shoot, and taking him on his first hunt(an epic one at that). His passion for the outdoors, his family, his friends, his work, and everything else is completely contagious.  We hope you walk away from this episode inspired to do and be better. We did!

Zero To Harvest is a new series with Athlete On Fire. Exploring why and how everyday hunters do what they do! Hope you enjoy!Ben Welnak is the reason Athlete On Fire exists. His podcast was the first time I knew there was such a thing back 15 years ago. Life happens, and interests change and now we sit down to talk about our newest and biggest passion, hunting. We explore the journey of hunting and outdoor experiences, focusing on the evolution from childhood influences to adult hunting practices. We talk about fishing, hunting, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, patience, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. We delve into experiences and lessons learned from hunting, particularly elk hunting. They discuss the importance of calmness, confidence, and the need for practical experience over theoretical knowledge. The conversation highlights the progression of skills in hunting, the significance of being prepared, and the societal and conservation aspects of hunting. They emphasize the value of sharing experiences to educate others and foster a deeper connection with nature.Chapters00:00 The Origins of Podcasting and Hunting Journeys02:46 Childhood Influences and Early Outdoor Experiences05:30 The Transition to Hunting and Mentorship08:13 First Experiences with Fishing and Hunting11:02 Lessons Learned from Early Hunting Adventures14:14 The Importance of Patience in Hunting16:49 The Evolution of Hunting Skills and Techniques19:49 The First Harvest and Learning to Process Game22:40 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth in Hunting25:17 Access to Hunting Grounds and Overcoming Barriers28:31 The Journey of Learning and Sharing Experiences49:01 Learning Through Experience in Hunting52:08 The Importance of Confidence and Calmness54:40 Progression in Hunting Skills58:51 Lessons from Elk Hunting Adventures01:13:48 Efficiency in Hunting Gear and Techniques01:15:58 The Societal Importance of Hunting and Conservation

Scott has a conversation with Adam Ludwin who shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Captify Technologies to discovering the transformative power of breathwork.He discusses the challenges of running a high-pressure business, the importance of self-awareness, and how he transitioned into creating fivepointfive, an app designed to make breathwork accessible and beneficial for everyone.Adam emphasizes the physiological and psychological benefits of breathwork, its role in education, and the necessity of teaching healthy coping mechanisms to future generations. They discuss the significance of breath work in enhancing performance, recovery, and overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of different breathing techniques for various activities, including weight training and endurance sports. The discussion also covers the benefits of nose breathing, the role of breath work in recovery, and natural alternatives to pre-workout supplements. We think you'll enjoy this unique perspective with something all athletes can implement in their lives!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Ludwin and His Journey02:53 The Birth of Captify Technologies05:50 The Transition to Breathwork and Self-Discovery09:13 Lessons Learned from Building a Business12:01 The Launch of 5.5 and Its Vision15:09 Understanding Breathwork: Definitions and History17:56 The Science and Benefits of Breathwork20:46 Breathwork in Education and Its Importance23:47 Physiological Effects of Breathwork Techniques28:09 Breath Work for Performance and Recovery30:39 Breathing Techniques for Weight Training32:28 Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing34:18 The Importance of Recovery Breathing36:03 Natural Alternatives to Pre-Workout Supplements39:31 Breath Work for Endurance Athletes42:28 Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques43:03 Improving Sleep Quality through Breathing46:08 The Business Journey of Breath Work App 

Scott Jones and Henry Abbott explore the importance of outdoor play, the evolution of sports, and the significance of injury prevention in athletics. They share personal anecdotes about their childhood adventures and parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for unstructured play in children's lives. Abbott discusses his journey as a sports writer and his recent work on biomechanics and injury prevention, highlighting the joy of movement and the relationships built through sports. They delve into various aspects of athletic performance, focusing on injury prevention, particularly ACL injuries, and the biomechanics of landing. They discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, the impact of footwear on performance, and practical coaching tips for athletes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for tailored training methods and the significance of addressing common issues like 'computer back' in today's athletes.They discuss the evolution of running techniques, the significance of ballistic training, and practical drills that can be applied by anyone. The conversation also touches on the concept of Misogi, emphasizing the value of outdoor challenges and creative training methods to engage communities and promote physical fitness.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:03 The Joy of Outdoor Adventures06:02 The Importance of Play in Childhood08:59 Navigating Parenting and Outdoor Activities11:59 The Evolution of Sports and Competition15:08 Injury Prevention and Biomechanics18:03 The Power of Movement and Joy21:57 Exploring Athletic Insights27:15 Understanding ACL Injuries33:32 The Importance of Landing Mechanics39:41 Addressing Computer Back Issues41:02 The Shoe Debate in Athletics49:53 Injury Insights and Athletic Training50:12 The Evolution of Running Techniques51:45 Ballistic Training for Peak Performance53:41 Practical Drills for Everyone57:28 Youth Sports and Development01:01:10 The Concept of Masogi and Outdoor Challenges01:05:22 Creative Training Methods and Community Engagement

On this episode,  Dr. Scott Frey discusses his journey from academia to the world of sports science, focusing on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and athlete performance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's adaptability and how it can enhance training techniques for endurance athletes. The discussion also covers traditional sports psychology and how a proactive approach can lead to better performance outcomes.They discuss strategies for managing mental load, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of endurance events. The role of technology in training is also examined, highlighting the potential distractions it can create. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds08:54 Transitioning from Academia to Sports Science16:55 Understanding Traditional Sports Psychology23:56 Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes32:03 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance39:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Training45:00 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Endurance Events48:47 The Role of Technology in Athletic Performance56:54 Personal Stories and Lessons from Endurance Racing

In this engaging conversation, Scott and Cassidy Randall explore the world of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the adventures that inspire Cassidy's work.  They discuss the challenges of the writing industry, the importance of vulnerability in creative pursuits, and share personal stories about their journeys in the outdoor and writing realms. They discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating social media as a writer, the value of platforms like Substack for building community and sharing stories, and her journey in writing her book '30 Below,' which highlights the first all-women's ascent of Denali.  She reflects on the impact of trailblazing women in mountaineering and shares personal adventures that inspire her work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community, and the legacies of those who break barriers in their fields. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties02:09 Getting to Know Cassidy Randall03:11 The State of Freelance Writing06:30 The Impact of AI on Writing07:39 Exploring Influential Writers10:09 Living in Missoula, Montana12:42 Cassidy's Journey to Writing21:06 The Vulnerability of Writing26:14 Navigating the Social Media Landscape28:42 The Value of Substack and Community Building30:10 Exploring the Journey of Writing and Publishing34:50 Unveiling the Story Behind '30 Below'46:32 Impact and Legacy of Trailblazing Women53:04 Personal Adventures and InspirationsCassidy's book is here!Check out her website. Find your own adventures!

Our guest, Jenn Pattee, is an ultra runner and entrepreneur who took on the challenge of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico.  Seeing how much the sport of running can open up opportunities for adventure is always inspiring.  She shares stories from the trip like the rough start, some sketchy characters, and some lucky rides! Enjoy!   Check out here adventure on IG and Follow Jenn

Scott had a great chat with Susie Chan on all things adventure, life, and running From her book blurb: Susie Chan is an icon of endurance running. Since taking up running at the age of 35, she has completed the legendary Marathon des Sables more times than any other British woman, set the 12-hour treadmill World Record and was one of the first women to finish all the World Marathon Majors.Susie's story is an inspirational fight against the odds. From leaving a dysfunctional marriage, managing as a single mum and tackling cancer treatment, Susie has had her fair share of adversity. Throughout it all, running has kept her going. She always finds a reason to lace up her shoes and hit the road – or the track, trail or tread. Her mantra: You never regret a run.From the Moroccan desert, the Peruvian jungle and the sweltering Death Valley, to Susie's local South Downs and a running track in Tooting, her adventures take her across the globe. With Susie's down-to-earth personality, refreshing attitude and wicked sense of humour, we learn the countless reasons she finds to push herself further and the life-changing opportunities running has given her.

Whether you are training for the Olympics or your own big goals, having coaches and people in your corner that want the best for you on the field or trail is important.  One of Scott's former athletes shares her journey with the author of All In Stride to hopefully help other athletes navigate training, disordered eating, and more. Hope you enjoy! In All in Stride, Johanna Garton tells the gripping and inspiring stories of Elvin and Shadrack. Beginning with their upbringing in Kenya, Garton follows the runners through their journeys to the United States, running for Division One universities, their blossoming romance as college students, and ultimately their service as U.S. soldiers and professional runners. Woven through the narrative is the story of Samantha Schultz, who also competed for the U.S. Army. Like Elvin and Shadrack, she struggled with several obstacles throughout her journey, including poor coaching, over training, the intense pressure to make the Olympic team, and disordered eating, a condition that plagues so many young female athletes.

Four women are coming together to train for, plan, and fundraise so they can compete in an epic row from Monterey, California to Hawai. That's thousands of miles on a high tech row boat, rowing in teams of two for 2 hours at a time. On this episode, two of the four women come on to talk about the epic training camp your host, Scott Jones put them through in July. Find the stress and you'll find the growth. That certainly happened on three days across the state of Colorado. Enjoy and be sure to follow: Hericane Rowing Athlete On Fire

I had a chance to interview Phil Parsons the day before he embarks on the 444 mile Natchez Trace effort. The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile stretch of road that begins in Nashville and ends in Natchez, MS. To date, no one holds the record for the fastest known time (FKT), Natchez-trace-parkway-FKT completing the southbound journey on foot. This adventure is exactly what I am going to do this September — Suicide Awareness Month — to bring awareness to the issues of mental health and suicide among Veterans.  His story is one that is too commonly ended with a less positive outcome.  We have to love on our veterans and share what is bringing them together!  Running is often the answer, or a piece of it.  Check out his site and support the cause here. Support Band Of Runners!

After spending time doing hards things and getting others to do and succeed at hard things, we wanted to bring an event that combined the skills we learn doing these things with leadership skills that can help in work, sport, and life.  The inaugural leadership retreat is coming in February of 2024 in beautiful Costa Rica.  Learn more here. 

We had the chance to talk to Luke Tuttle of Ultra Running Destinations.  He uses the site to review trails and events all over the world. On this episode we got to talk about some of the amazing locales and adventures Luke has been on and we get to learn more about his story. If you like running and travel, you'll love this episode.. Thanks for listening! He just published his book about running in Europe too. You can check it out here!

Joe Uhan is an athlete, coach, medical professional and writer based in California after bouncing around and learning as much as he could in the physical therapy and performance worlds. We had a great talk about injury preventions and performance. He give some simple fixes for common injuries and dispels some myths. We talk about the business of sport and why going to cash based treatment is a good thing for the industry and individuals. Take a listen and let us know what else you would like to learn from Joe and guests like him! Enjoy. Uhan Performance Western States Killing Machine Becoming Ultra Band Of Runners

Join Scott and Ian Sharman as they talk about all things running, coaching, training, and more.  Ian owns Sharman Ultra, a long time partner of Becoming Ultra.  They get to talking about the business of online coaching and where they see it going in the near future.  They talk about some races that don't get enough love and bounce around the running world to share some of their experiences. Enjoy the show!

Kelsey Pfendler and Jennifer Hofer are one half of Team Hericane.  A crew of four rowers setting off to row across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii in May of 2024.  It was a great conversation and we will definitely be following their journey over the next year and change.  How much do they have to raise to make this happen?  Sidenote, you can donate here.  How do they eat, sleep, hydrate for so long? What is the record?  How are they training? How did they meet?  So. Many. Questions.  We think you all will like this episode as much as we did!   Follow their IG here. 

 Bailey and Katie met on Season 10 of the Becoming Ultra project and became fast friends.  Today's show is a dive into why they both live a certain lifestyle when it comes to food and where we get our food.  More than the light debate, the lesson is that we can all get along with the biggest personal differences.  A good lesson for the world right now!  It's a great conversation and hope you all enjoy!

Early success in race directing led to 9 of the craziest work year of Scott and his wife, Lauren's lives.  The lessons learned are seared from the stress but they wouldn't trade it for anything.  On the show today Scott shares the story about how a race with less than 60 people secured a big sponsorship.  A shout out to a runner giving back to the community and to herself as she keeps losing bets with her coach..ha!  Enjoy the show!

Today Scott talks about the skill he sees in his son to just keep going, even if it isn't fast.  The time he got blackmailed from his own web designer who pulled their website until he was paid.  Oh man, that one was rough. Shoutouts to runners in Sweden and Japan.  One who ran for refugees and one who is running while serving.  A good, quick workout for core and upper body.  Enjoy the show and share it up if you are liking it!  Thanks!

On this episode Scott gives some love to his boys who are showing some legit discipline in the mountains of Colorado this winter.  The story of the 7 mile 5k on the California coast.  A shoutout to a client running in the Swedish winter for as long as she can for charity.  The 1040 rep workout anyone can try (you should today).  The resource he never goes into the backcountry without.  Athlete On Fire is all about using sport and fitness as the backdrop for a purpose driven life!  We hope you enjoy.

Katie and Bailey met through a project called Becoming Ultra where runners train for their first ultra distance race.  They became fast friends and now are as tight as friends come.  They tackled their first 100 mile race recently and both came away with tons of lessons learned both physically and mentally.   We share a drink product for those who overdo the caffeine intake like we do.  We also share a great treadmill partner workout and spread some positivity in the world at the grocery store.  Cupcakes and kids were involved!  Enjoy the show!

Today we bring on one of Scott's friends and clients and share their origin story (it's a good one) and talk about how leadership and training for hard things have so many parallels!  Shout outs to clients doing big things like running 100 miles. Shout out to the Jones' boys working hard for things they want.  Introducing "Lunge Miles" as a training set for anyone but especially for runners in flat places training for mountains.  Enjoy the show. Get in touch with Cale here: For Crestcom https://crestcom.com/leadership-trainer/cale-pearson/ For B2B https://b2btranserv.com/ Visit other projects: Becoming Ultra Athlete On Fire

Running 135 miles in some of the most extreme conditions is hard enough but when Liza Howard could only chew on ice chips and nothing else for the last 55 miles she found a way to make it tougher. Runners from all over the world come to test themselves at the Badwater 135 every year. It start in Death Valley and makes it's way up part of the way of Mt. Whitney. today's episode is about one runner's experience out there! Enjoy.

Dre Baldwin is back to share his story. Dre might be one of the only pro basketball players I know that quit the sport cold turkey. He decided he didn't want his identity wrapped into only being a basketball player and pivoted to put everything into his business and clients. You'll love he origin story of how her even got to play professional hoops too. The dude is persistent in every aspect of life. We talked about what he won't be after his first child(coming soon), how he produces so much content, and some inspirational wins with clients! I even try to get him to run and ultra! Enjoy the show!

Scott gets to talk with Shawn Livingston about his life and running.  Shawn's life from early sports to military and now, ultra runner, has plenty of lessons about addiction, family, and perseverance.

Ty Carter got the itch to race as a young man and tells his story of how he made it all the way to the highest level of his sport. He shares some great training sets and what you shouldn't say to an athlete just because they look a certain way. We also talk about the crazy speed he gets out there on the mountain! Enjoy

Scott hangs out with old college buddies who came together this last year to train and coach a high school hoops team (Cave Spring HS) out of Roanoke, Virginia to a state championship. We talk about the specifics of the training as well as the difference Coach Gruse saw in his team. Coach Lambo breaks down his training approach then we get to talk about the state championship run and bring on another college friend who got to critic the crazyness of Coach Gruse during the games! Enjoy!

Scott, Sammy, and Lambo bounce around a bit on this episode. Sammy jumps off a boat and then we all start sharing crazy travel and adventure stories from competing days. We all share our favorite training set from the last few weeks. Enjoy the show!

On this episode two childhood friends and two college buddies who played football at Colorado State University share their story and how their new hunting app, Hunt Wallet, was created. We talk about the important characteristics you should find in hunting buddies, tough lessons from the field, and how team sports especially prepares us for life, hunting, and failure. Enjoy the show!

Jarod Cogswell has spent half his life in the health and fitness world and it's always great to sit down with him and talk all things coaching, training, adventure, and business. Enjoy the show and be sure to check out www.deka.fit!

Coach Lambo and Penn State football player Aeneas Hawkins got into a war of words that had to be put into a physical challenge. This episode is a quick description of the challenge. You should try along at home or find a buddy or two to compete with.. It won't disappoint!

Coach Lauren and Sammy discuss their history of injuries, and there are quite a few big ones in there, and how to help others deal with the setbacks and overall process. This is a great one for anyone dealing with an injury or needing the motivation to stay injury free!

Coach Scott and Lambo sit down with Penn State football player Aeneas Hawkins and talk training, setting expectations, dealing with injuries and what's life after football going to look like. A challenge was made on the show so stay tuned to see how it all goes down! Athlete On Fire is here to bridge the gap between amazing athletes and everyone else with our podcasts and coaching services!

Mark Jones is a former Marine and current endurance badass, although he would never tell you that. He has completed Go Ruck Selection after 4 tries and is diving into more endurance adventures including Ruck Fest. Coach Sammy and Scott have a great conversation with him about perseverance, training, your "why" and why it matters, and setting expectations amongst other things! He also shares a great physical challenge we put out there for everyone. Enjoy!

Coaches Scott Jones and Aaron Lambert talk about the week of training and what they learn and continue to learn with athletes on a daily basis. The odd case of tendonopathy and antibiotics. ZUU fit? Best ways to get care after injury. Enjoy the show!

A couple years ago a dear friend of artist Ben Graf and host Scott Jones passed away unexpectedly. Scott wanted to reach out after seeing some of the art inspired by their mutual friend during the grieving period. This episode and call is what happened next.

Coach Scott Jones, Aaron (Lambo) Lambert, Lauren Jones, and Samantha (Sammy) Schultz have all teamed up to create a virtual training center AND community for athletes all over the world. In their first episode of the launch, they all talk training philosophy and what their vision for this project is and will be!

Tomorrow will be the 5 year anniversary of my dad's passing so I thought instead of just writing in my notebook all the things I have learned this year I would just talk to him instead! I probably wouldn't share it if I didn't think some of these lessons would help you too!

Life is a crazy ride and sometimes having control over what is happening is a great thing but when you don't have that control knowing how to embrace change is huge in life and training. Scott has 5 ways to embrace different types of change and we are pretty sure you will relate to at least a couple of them!

In 1981 a grad student at West Virginia University was given three months to live after a bout of cancer from 1978 came back with a vengeance. This episode is about him and how it may apply to you!

George Briones has a unique perspective on life. We had a chance to talk about training, mindset, pain, digital detoxes and so much more. George works with fitness, training, and lifestyle brand, Soflete. His words:As a recon marine I live by this principle;“Jack of all trades and master of none.”My will to personally explore the different worlds of fitness has allowed me to have a unique perspective on strength and conditioning. I don’t always train in the gym. Don’t always train outside, preparing for outdoor adventures. However, marrying these two environments together has offered me the chance to explore the depths of what human performance entails. I have a wide range of personal experience and direct coaching experience with tactical athletes, functional fitness, weightlifting, ultra-endurance events, and general fitness enthusiasts.

Last year, a bunch of runners, coaches, mentors, veterans, and everyday amazing people convened in the Texas hill country outside of San Antonio for the annual Band Of Runners trail camp.  The weekend long event of camaraderie, education, and lots of trail finished with a fun take on the backyard ultras.  The event was a 1.07 mile loop t be done in a certain time.  Last person standing was crowned the champion.  It started out mellow but like any good group of runners and a hint of competitive fire, it got a little crazy out there.  This episode was taken from that evening.  Goofy and inspiring interviews to try and capture the essence of that night and the camp.  We hope you enjoy. And, consider donating to Band Of Runners to keep it rolling!

Writer, educator, and coach Jason Robillard comes on the show to talk about 11 ways to prepare for the times we are living in. As a fellow ultra runner the perspective was interesting and positive for those seeking solutions. Enjoy!

When Scott brings a friend to the wild open country of Canyonlands National Park who has never been to the Utah desert, adventure is to be had. From the backcountry, perched on top of a saddle between two canyons they talked about adventure, life, fear, and so much more. These places that inspire, inspire great conversation. We hope you enjoy!

Our guest, Seth Royal Kroft is a photographer in Montana. On the show we discuss how he got into photography, some of his favorite shots, his favorite places to explore and more!

Lindsay Atkins, who races as Lindsay Dawn Webster (marriage messes stuff up!) is at home training and we had a chance to chat for a solid hour. We talked about her favorite training sets and why loving the training is so important in endurance athletes. She is a serious cook and shares her passion for baking. We talk about her dog, charity, and a bunch more. It was a refreshing chat with a great human and athlete! Hope you enjoy!