Episode 28: 5K Fears to 250 Mile Frontiers with Megan Eckert

This episode of Run Shoe Diaries is brought to you by SILO Performance! Whether you're chasing your first finish line or taking on your biggest challenge yet, SILO has your back with performance-tested gear built for the long haul. Use code RSD10 at GoWithSILO.com for 10% OFF your order.

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most accomplished endurance athletes in the sport today—Megan Eckert.

You may know Megan from her incredible performances at Cocodona 250, Badwater 135, Backyard Ultras, or six-day races. But before the podium finishes, national recognition, and seemingly impossible accomplishments, there was a runner who was too nervous to even start a 5K.

Together, we explore the journey between those two moments.

Megan shares how she discovered ultrarunning, why she continues to push the limits of human endurance, and how she's learned to embrace curiosity over fear. We dive into the mental side of racing, the joy she finds in the process, the evolution of women in ultrarunning, fueling strategies, coaching, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level while still having fun.

Of course, we couldn't let her leave without talking about her incredible podium finish at Cocodona 250, the lessons she's learned from racing some of the world's toughest events.

But what makes this conversation so special isn't the accolades.

It's Megan's perspective.

She reminds us that growth starts long before the finish line, that courage often looks like taking the first step, and that the greatest adventures begin the moment we're willing to leave our comfort zone.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing your first ultramarathon, or simply looking for inspiration to tackle life's next big challenge, this episode will leave you motivated to keep moving forward.

Lace up. Race up. And let's get moving.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:00

Um, there's plenty of races. Everything I haven't done is scary. Some of the things I have done are scary.

SPEAKER_00 0:08

Welcome to the Run Two Diaries Podcast. Celebrating runners of all backgrounds and abilities, this is where running unites, inspires, and motivates. Lace up to get your race up. Let's get moved. Hey, what's up, everybody out there running on Native Land? And welcome to the Run Two Diaries Podcast. I'm your host, Luis AK Chico, and this is season three, episode nine, making it broadcast number 28. Thank you for spending some of your precious time listening to the show. I appreciate it. Definitely not gonna waste it. Lace up, race up, and let's get moving. We're at the start line with this episode, Ket, and she is an endurance athlete, a relentless competitor, and a woman who continues redefining what is possible in ultra running, showing that patience, grit, and consistency can carry the human body farther than most people can imagine. She's earned the respect of the ultra-running community, not only because of the miles that she's covered, but also because of the mindset she has to survive them. From coaching athletes to chasing her own limits to standing on the podiums of this sport's biggest event, she's experienced it all. So do me a favor, run fan. Help me welcome a runner who represents resilience at the highest level. The queen of endurance, Megan Ecker! Hi, good morning! Hey Meg, welcome to the show.

SPEAKER_02 1:26

Thank you for live.

SPEAKER_00 1:28

Alright, hey, I appreciate you taking the time to stick with us and tell us your story. But before we dive deep into the miles and the mindset and everything that comes with endurance at your level, I want to start the episode like we do with everything. And this is called the Fast Five. And these are just the quick five questions that'll help the people to get to know the person behind the runner. What keeps you grounded and what keeps you motivated? Let me know when you're ready.

SPEAKER_02 1:52

I'm ready. Let's do it.

SPEAKER_00 1:54

Alright, here we go. Fast five question number one. If you had to choose one, would it be roads or trails and walk?

SPEAKER_02 2:01

Uh trails, a hundred percent. Um, there's nothing like going up that climb or pushing to reach those peaks.

SPEAKER_00 2:10

Nice. Fast five question number two. Do you prefer medals, buckles, or would you be out there running even if there was nothing at the finish line?

SPEAKER_02 2:18

I'm good with nothing at a finish line.

SPEAKER_00 2:20

Nice. Fast five question number three. What do you do when you're not running, but you still need to reset?

SPEAKER_02 2:28

Um, I actually love reading. Um, I'm constantly in a book if I'm not running. I also also enjoy watching other sports. Um, not so bad on playing them, but I am definitely in the NBA finals right now in the World Cup.

SPEAKER_00 2:44

There you go. Is your team winning uh the NBA finals?

SPEAKER_02 2:47

Um, no, you know, being a native Texan at heart and not having the Rockets, I will say I was hoping for the spurs, but there's still time.

SPEAKER_00 2:57

That's true. And also, um, you said book, are you into uh any book right now?

SPEAKER_02 3:02

Um currently I'm rereading because it's been about 10 years. I'm rereading uh Pet Cemetery by Stephen King.

SPEAKER_00 3:09

Oh wow, okay, nice. Hey, doesn't he have like a a different doesn't he go by like an another name on some books or something?

SPEAKER_02 3:17

He goes by Richard Bachman. And I kind of know the history, but I don't know if your reader, your listeners are interested in that. But he didn't think he was a good writer for being a writer, he wanted to convince himself, so he started writing under a pseudonym.

SPEAKER_00 3:33

Okay, nice.

SPEAKER_02 3:34

And he has a whole series that's where like the Redding Man came from.

SPEAKER_00 3:37

And fast five number four. What is one thing that your younger self got completely wrong about life?

SPEAKER_02 3:43

Oh, you know, when you think you had it all figured out in your teens and you knew exactly how everything was gonna play out, um, not even close. Yeah, so I would say everything. Yeah, so many things.

SPEAKER_00 3:58

I I agree. Fast five number five. What is something in your life right now that you are quietly proud of?

SPEAKER_02 4:05

Um, oh, that is a really tough one. I cannot answer that one.

SPEAKER_00 4:09

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 4:10

Sorry, you're one fast five. I'm just gonna have to leave.

SPEAKER_00 4:13

Uh, you're good. Hey, that was the fast five. Now that we're officially locked in, let's take a minute to slow things down a bit. And for those who are listening who might not know your story yet, go ahead, introduce yourself, tell us a little about who you are, where you're from, and what shaped you into the person or runner that you are today.

SPEAKER_02 4:30

Yeah, so I'm uh Meg Eckert. I am an ultra runner, I am a trail runner. Um originally from Texas. I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Uh, started running about 10 years ago. It'll actually be 10 years at the end of this year, so I'm very excited about that. Nice. Um, consistently, at least. You know, there I had moments when I was younger where I would jump in and train for a 5K and then bail on it or um run for a little bit because it felt good, but nothing, nothing consistent. So about 10 years ago, I started training consistently. Um, did a little half marathon and in December, then was hooked.

SPEAKER_00 5:11

Nice. And you said bail on a 5K?

SPEAKER_02 5:14

Oh, yeah, I bailed on a 5K. It was uh, I think it was like 2008, maybe. Okay. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 5:22

All right, Megan. Hey, we're gonna run it back just for a second. In your fast five question number one, you said trails over roads. And honestly, I feel like trail running tends to find people for a reason. Well, what first pulled you into trails? And at what point did you realize that this is more than just running? This is something that you genuinely love.

SPEAKER_02 5:43

So I got pulled into trails a little bit reluctantly. Um, I had never been to an REI before and I got trail shoes.

SPEAKER_01 5:53

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 5:53

Um, and they just happened to have like a running group going on, um, an introdo trail running in um San Antonio. And it was on the Saturday. It was, I don't know, maybe a three mile, maybe five. I can't quite remember.

SPEAKER_01 6:09

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 6:10

And uh that was my first time on trails, was with the little running group who was doing a loop out in San Antonio. My first experience with the trail race, though, was actually volunteering uh when trail racing over Texas took Crazy Desert out to um San Angelo for the first time. And we worked a double shift. I had never seen a trail race before, didn't really even know what trail running was about. Um, I think that this this was even before I ran on trails. Wow. Okay. Yeah. So I hadn't even done that initial REI run yet or group run with the um San Antonio group.

SPEAKER_01 6:47

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 6:48

And um I got to see these runners coming through doing the 100K, the 50K, because we were at one of the busier aid stations. Yeah and they were happy, they were having a great time, and I was like, I want to try this.

SPEAKER_00 7:00

Nice. And speaking on uh bailing on a 5K, I think a lot of people would find that hard to believe because uh there was a time when I guess in everybody's running career that a 5K feels intimidating, but now fast forward into the runner that you are, now you're a very respected endurance runner in the ultra-running world. So I'm curious what changed between that bailing on the 5K and the version of you that is sitting here with us today.

SPEAKER_02 7:29

The earlier version of me was really afraid of failure. Um, I was afraid of not meeting my personal goals, not showing up was easier than showing up and failing. And so I think the version of me now accepts failure as part of the process and um kind of welcomes it as a place to learn and grow.

SPEAKER_01 7:53

Right.

SPEAKER_02 7:54

And so the mindset has changed between then and now. Um now, if I try something, I go out and I don't complete it. That's okay. I get another chance to do it, hopefully. Um instead of that it being an ultimatum like it was early in my running career.

SPEAKER_00 8:10

What do you remember most about that version of yourself? And is there anything of that version of yourself that you still carry today into this uh ultra-running platform that you have now?

SPEAKER_02 8:20

I will say that version of myself trained really hard for that 5k. I may have not showed up for the race, but I put in the work.

SPEAKER_01 8:27

Yeah, definitely.

SPEAKER_02 8:29

So, you know, I think I think the same version is here now, um, in the sense of I'm still gonna train really hard. I'm still gonna enjoy my training like I did then, but now I show up.

SPEAKER_00 8:42

Yeah, definitely. So you've ran some notable races that we'll get into shortly, but first I want to touch on a couple that we've we actually have in common. Aside from all the trail racing over Texas races that we've uh been a part of together, uh Snowdrop 55 and Capitan Mountain 34 hour. Um, at Snowdrop in 2024, you covered an incredible 218 miles. Is that correct?

SPEAKER_02 9:08

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 9:09

And honestly, I think that was my first time that I've got to actually see your transformation in action. And what makes Snowdrop so unique is that it's such a beautiful event for such an incredible cause. Hold up. Quick shout-out to one of the most meaningful races in ultrarunning, the Snowdrop 55-hour endurance run. For 55 straight hours, runners circle a course to see how many miles that they can cover. But those 55 hours aren't random. They honor an incredible story. In 2006, 15-year-old Chelsea Campbell underwent a 27-hour cancer surgery. Two surgeons stayed in the operating room for the entire procedure without taking a break. That's two surgeons times 27 hours, that's 54 hours, plus one more hour for child feet, making it 55 hours. And what makes this break so special isn't just a challenge of running through two nights battling fatigue and sleep deprivation. It's that every lab supports pediatric cancer research and families facing childhood cancer. It's more than just an ultra marathon. It's 55 hours of hope, resilience, and running for something bigger than yourself. Alright, Meg. And at the same time, this course can be as easy or as difficult as you allow it to be mentally, right?

SPEAKER_02 10:19

That's correct, because it's this tiny little 0.7 mile loop around the lake. You go from concrete to gravel back to concrete. You've been there, you know how that feels. It's definitely um, it can be hard on the body and it can be challenging mentally.

SPEAKER_00 10:38

Right. Going into that one, did you have a goal of hitting that 200-mile mark?

SPEAKER_02 10:43

I did have a goal of improving upon the previous year because I had been at Snowdrop the year prior, and that had been my first attempt at one of these multi-day um loop time races. And so I had all this information I had gotten from the year before that I was trying to apply to the current year to improve my performance. Uh the thing about Snowdrop, though, that I find that is very unique from a lot of these other loop courses is there's the emotional attachment to the race, there's the um the social attachment to the race, because the people out there are just wonderful people, and there's wonderful people in all races. Right. Um, but this is the sort of race where it's people are there the whole time. It doesn't matter if it's 2 a.m. and you're struggling, there's still a good number of people out there who are cheering for you and um just support the the the the support is very, very different because it is a um I would say it's more of a social event than it is a race.

SPEAKER_00 11:53

No, I I agree with that. And um the snowdrop is built around community and purpose. How much does that atmosphere and that cause influence your ability to keep moving through that race?

SPEAKER_02 12:05

You know, I think the um knowing what these not even knowing, I can't even relate to what these children are going through and what um and the struggles um and then seeing the people who are out there also overcoming personal struggles, and it just kind of feels um it's it it's it's something bigger than yourself.

SPEAKER_00 12:29

I definitely agree with that. And it was actually during this snowdrop event where Lisa Decker told me while we're sitting down in the lunch tent eating some delicious Rudy's barbecue. She said, Hey, you need to sign up for Capitan Mountain. Um and then next thing you know, four months later, we were out in New Mexico running loops through this mountain course, and just like Snowdrop, I had the opportunity to share a few miles with you, and you're still out there kicking butt. And to this day, you're still holding the top performance on that course, which is 136 miles in 34 hours. So now I have to ask, was Capitan Mountain actually a part of your training plan, or did you just accidentally show up and run 136 miles like it was your casual long weekend run?

SPEAKER_02 13:19

It was definitely part of my training plan. It was definitely part of um I was building towards my first uh six-day race, which was extremely scary, and I had never done it before. Um, and so Capitan was kind of a perfect uh training run where my husband also came out and he hadn't crewed me very much um up to that date and time. And so he was practicing crewing as I was racing and we were working on this kind of runner-crew dynamic.

SPEAKER_00 13:51

Have you been back to that course since?

SPEAKER_02 13:54

I have not. No, I haven't had the opportunity.

SPEAKER_00 13:57

Same here. Um, but yeah, I definitely enjoyed that course. It was uh had a little sprinkle of a little bit of everything, right? A little bit of uh elevation, got your legs going, then it had some flat in there too. So I really enjoyed that course. And loop courses are tough. Like I said, I really wanted to touch on snowdrop and capitan first because I feel like races like those help build a foundation for something for you that was even that came even bigger later on, like you just uh mentioned. Those long hours, the repeated loops, and those mental battles, they led you all the way to the global organization of multi-day runners, which is this six-day world championship, right?

SPEAKER_02 14:34

That's correct, yes. So that was my second six-day. My first one was actually in the dome in the wap.

SPEAKER_00 14:40

That was yeah, the dome, right? That was the dome. All right, and then how many times did you run? Is it Gomu? Is that am I saying pronounced?

SPEAKER_01 14:47

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 14:48

Okay, Gomu, the global organization for multi-day runners. How many times did you participate in this one?

SPEAKER_02 14:54

Um, so I've only done their six-day event, um, which the world championship last year was in front of us. Um this year it's in Hungary, so I'll be racing that um in September. And so that'll be my second go-okay awesome.

SPEAKER_00 15:13

And what was your mileage on this last attempt?

SPEAKER_02 15:16

Um, it was 603. 63.

SPEAKER_00 15:22

Even to say that out loud, it just sounds unreal. But when you look back on races like Snowdrop and Capitan, do you see that those experiences are part of your foundation that help you prepare for something at that level?

SPEAKER_02 15:36

Most definitely. Um, I think honestly, even going back to the first year I did Snowdrop um solo and being able to come back the second year and improve upon those areas that were weaker. Um, and then turning around to Papuaton and improving, just identifying these little things where it's like I could tweak this and it would be a lot more um, I I could be a lot more efficient um with my time or with my mindset or with um my sleep or whatever, um nutrition, whatever it may be. So I I do think that it being my second one and the kind of that build into it, um, I brought in some knowledge into into the go-moo.

SPEAKER_00 16:19

That's awesome. At your level of endurance, after days of moving, limited sleep, and constant fatigue, what becomes harder to manage? The physical pain or the mental battle of continuing to keep putting one foot in front of the other?

SPEAKER_02 16:34

Um that's a real tough one. Um, I have had races where the physical, right? Like uh the dome is kind of the sticky track surface, and so over time your shins really do feel it, and those were quite painful towards the end of the race, which is probably harder than the mental side, but then there's times where it is more of a mental thing. I will say that it doesn't quite get worse. There's a point where as we all say, like in a in a 50 even or in a in a hundred, there's a point where like you accept the suffering for what it is and you keep moving forward to the finish line. Um same thing happens in a in a 24 and a in a 48, I'm assuming in a 48, 72, whatever you're doing, the six day where you're just your mind and your body say, We're doing this, let's go.

SPEAKER_00 17:32

Okay, after everything that you've accomplished up to this point, are there any races that intimidate you?

SPEAKER_02 17:37

Um, there's plenty of races. Everything I haven't done is scary. Some of the things I have done are scary. Um the six day is still one of those things that is completely intimidating, unless I'm in the middle of one, it just seems unfathomable to go red one. Um as much as I enjoy it, um, it does seem completely crazy.

SPEAKER_01 17:59

Right.

SPEAKER_02 18:00

Yeah, so that's that's one of the ones that I think no matter how many times I I do it, it's still gonna be this kind of crazy fairy tale race if I'm not running it.

SPEAKER_00 18:09

Right, okay. And you did some backyard ultras as well.

SPEAKER_02 18:13

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 18:14

Can you explain those to me? Those are the last man standing events?

SPEAKER_02 18:18

Yes. Well, backyard ultras are 4.17 mile loop. Okay. You have to start your loop at the start, the top of every hour, okay, with everybody else. So you have to be in the starting corral when it's time to go. Um you go do your loop and you have to be back before the next loop starts.

SPEAKER_01 18:38

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 18:39

Um so if you have five minutes, you can go into eat and sit in your tent or whatnot. Um you might only have a few seconds, and therefore you're running into the corral and then just starting your next loop again.

SPEAKER_01 18:52

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_02 18:53

And you go for as long as you possibly can um until you are the last one. Hopefully, you're the last one standing. That doesn't always happen, but you go for as long as you possibly can. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 19:04

And that's what they call a yard. One one loop is a yard, is that right?

SPEAKER_02 19:08

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 19:09

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_02 19:10

One loop is a yard.

SPEAKER_00 19:11

All right, yeah. I was trying to figure that that out. I looked on the website and saw how many yards you were doing. I didn't understand the correlation with the miles and everything, but yeah, I saw the amount of miles that you're putting into those as well. So those are some big numbers. So we have these amazing backyard finishes that you have, the world championship in France where you broke the 600 miles, and most recently, third place podium finish at Cocodona 250. Yes. Nice. Hey, first off, huge congratulations on that accomplishment. But I want the deep scoop on Cocodona from your perspective, because from the outside looking in, people see the podium finish, the mileage and accomplishment. But what did that race actually feel like for you internally?

SPEAKER_02 19:55

Um, I was having a blast out there. I gotta be honest with you. I ran that race because I I wanted the whole experience of running like a 250 on trails. I wanted to be back on trails. It's been a honestly quite a while till since I had run on trails um for a season. So all of my spring, I did trail races. Um so Coca-Dona was like kind of the the peak that a race of my spring season. Um, and so of course you want it to go really well, but I also want it to have a really good time. Um and experience the entire the entire course. And it's such a it's such a fun race. I had not done a 250 before. There's so many challenges that come up. Um, there's so much energy at that race just from your crew, volunteers, other runners, pacers. There's just I didn't feel like I had time to like stop and think of what I was doing. It was just like go run. And then anytime I started to get maybe a little down, there was something, something else there to kind of pick you up again.

SPEAKER_00 21:07

That's awesome. What are some of the low points that you had during that race?

SPEAKER_02 21:12

I did have around 270 or sorry, 170. I did have an issue with my stomach.

SPEAKER_01 21:20

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 21:20

Um, my electrolytes got out of balance, and so I dealt with some queasiness for about oh, it must have been five, six miles, where I was just pretty much walking and then trying to shuffle. Okay. Yeah, it was it was kind of I had had like this great, great run in. Um, I had just got through the solo section by myself, which was like a 13 mile section that you had to do alone. Um, and I came in feeling great, and then I think I had taken too much electrolytes when I was out there and just felt rough.

SPEAKER_00 21:59

Yeah. So you just have to shuffle your way through it and yes, exactly.

SPEAKER_02 22:03

Just had to, you know, it's 250 miles. That's a lot of time. You're gonna be out there. Hopefully at some point it'll go away.

SPEAKER_00 22:10

Yeah, definitely. What are some of the uh I know you just said there's a lot of uh energy and everything, but what are some of your personal high points of that race?

SPEAKER_02 22:20

Oh gosh. I I don't want to skip all the way to the end, but I loved running up Eldon by myself. Um, just at the end of the race, you got about 20 miles where you have to go up and over Eldon to get to the finish line. Dropped my pacer at the last age station. She was able to run with me, and I headed out and I'm like, I'm I'm running up this mountain. And it was just really amazing to be, and I was kind of in awe to be at 230 miles in, and I'm still able to run uphill at elevation. Um, and so that that was definitely a huge runner's high moment where yeah, the body just kind of shocked me.

SPEAKER_00 23:03

That's awesome. Were you able to um I mean could you you live in that area, right?

SPEAKER_02 23:09

Um, I'm about six hours away.

SPEAKER_00 23:11

I mean, did you get to train out there at all? I mean, or your training environment is it comparable to Cocodona?

SPEAKER_02 23:17

My training environment is very, very similar to the last part of Cocodona, um Mount Eldon. Um, I'm also up at elevation, um, have a lot of good, good climbs around here. And I also have the flat trails that you can also get around Flagstaff because a lot of the back half of the race, other than Eldon, is pretty rentable. It is flat mostly. You might get a slight uphill, but it's like these wide kind of jeep roads. Right. Um and it's not too technical. So if you still have legs, you can move. Um, and that's an if. I walked six miles to that section and tried to shuffle, you know, so it's a big if, but the back half is um very, very rnable and very similar to the area that I'm in.

SPEAKER_00 24:06

Hey, what how many pacers did uh did it take you through the 250?

SPEAKER_02 24:10

I ended up with four pacers. Five pacers, five pacers, five pacers, engine. Five pacers, yes. Well, I had so my last pacer volunteered um like the day before at the same time. So we had a lot of changes going on right before the race.

SPEAKER_00 24:29

Speaking of changes, is there anything that you had to, I mean, of course the answer is probably yes, but is there anything you had to change on a fly, something that didn't go your way that you were just like shoot from the hip on this one?

SPEAKER_02 24:41

Um, we did have some changes just with the the fuel and the hydration needs um kind of on the go. From the moment the race started, nothing tasted right to me. Everything tasted really funny. So we were kind of troubleshooting the whole time. Um, I don't know if I was getting sick or if it was just um just one of those odd races, but I definitely uh struggled just getting anything in.

SPEAKER_00 25:11

Do you fuel proactively or by feel?

SPEAKER_02 25:15

Definitely a little bit more by feel, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 25:17

Okay. Do you have any uh go-to nutrition that I mean is a part of your race kit every race?

SPEAKER_02 25:24

Um, so I kind of balance between um sports fuel and also real food. So my favorite real food, I love to bring a turkey sandwich. Um I could make it. Yes, that's my favorite real food that I'm bringing. Um, and then I I'm carrying um the precision shoes and gels um and using them as my primary um sports nutrition fuel.

SPEAKER_00 25:50

All right. So, what is the weirdest thing that you've eaten during a race that somehow just like worked out in your favor?

SPEAKER_02 25:57

Um so my very first backyard is we were getting towards the end, I was just trying to kind of keep myself going. Yeah, and I had these pieces of salami, and my crew was making mashed potatoes and putting the mashed potatoes in the salami and putting a little salt on top.

SPEAKER_00 26:17

Nice.

SPEAKER_02 26:19

And so we called him like salami tacos or I don't know, something, but they they kept me going.

SPEAKER_00 26:25

There you go. Hey, uh, after a performance like Coca-Dona, where the entire Ultra Running community is watching, following your splits and talking about the race, do you ever think about the impact that your performance has on other women entering the sport?

SPEAKER_02 26:40

I hope that other other women are watching in the sense of that they can do this, that they can get out there and they don't have to do a 250, but if they have a desire to get out on trails and something is blocking them um from doing so, or even running a rove race, um, if something is blocking them, that they will go past that barrier and they will give it a try because I know what it was like to stand back there and be too afraid to do that first race. Um, and hearing and seeing other women do it, I think was a big part of why I dove in so deeply into trail running is watching these um these really amazing, talented Texas runners go through this aid station, and women especially, um, and having a great race, being up towards the front or being smiling the whole time, being happy, knowing what they need it to do. So I just hope that other women will go past whatever and stopping them to see if it's something they enjoy.

SPEAKER_00 27:42

Yeah, definitely. And this is actually a current topic in endurance sports is that women are no longer just participating in these races, they're competing at the highest level and in many, many cases outperforming the field. And I think ultrarunning is interesting because strength out there isn't what we're traditionally used to or what we expect. Because in ultras, patience, adaptability, emotional control, and resilience matter just as much as raw physical power. So, do you think ultrarunning is starting to redefine what people view as strength in endurance sports?

SPEAKER_02 28:18

I think so, because we're not looking at just um physical strength. We're looking at multiple areas. Um, we're looking at our mental strength, um, our problem-solving skills, our critical thinking, our ability to push through those things that um are challenging and tough. And um I I I do think we're looking at many more areas now.

SPEAKER_00 28:41

That is great. And I agree. Which brings me to this question. What is the most encouraging change in your 10 years of ultrarunning that you've seen for women in the sport since you first entered?

SPEAKER_02 28:54

Um, I think we still have a long way to go, but I think the most the biggest change that Absamons I've entered the sport of ultrarunning is these panels of women who are getting together and starting to discuss and take action on what needs to be done to be more inclusive. Um and some of these racers are holding these panels every single year, hard rock being a very good example. They hold a women's panel every single year, run by women, questions asked by women to the women runners that year, and saying, Hey, what do we need to be a more inclusive group of people? Um, and not just at Hard Rock, but in the ultra-running community. And the more discussion that's out there, the more input that's given, the more inclusive it'll be if it's running through on.

SPEAKER_00 29:45

Definitely agree. And you kind of alluded to this a little bit, but I'm gonna probe you just a little bit more on the question for younger girls and women who are listening to this conversation right now, especially the ones that are intimidated by signing up for their first race. What would you want them to understand about their own potential?

SPEAKER_02 30:02

That really these early judgments on what you're gonna be able to do or what the experience is gonna be like, they could be entirely true or entirely false, but you do not know until you get out there. I did not know how much I was gonna love running and how much it was gonna give me until I ran that first race. Um I just had this elated feeling, and it was a miserable conditions, but I had this elated feeling of just doing something that I thought I wasn't gonna be able to do.

SPEAKER_00 30:33

Right. Do you think ultra running creates a different kind of confidence that carries over into everyday life?

SPEAKER_02 30:40

I don't think it's ultra running, I think it's doing hard things. If you do something um that is challenging that for you, something that you are maybe um have a 50-50 chance of success and failure, eventually you succeed or you hit um hit a point that you're okay with it. That's definitely something that grows a person.

SPEAKER_00 31:08

Totally understand. And ultra running, you know, is one of those hard things that we do. And you don't know what your body is capable of until you face that and put yourself in that pain cave and realize, you know, you are able to do these things and push your body to those limits and everything. And over time, just like putting one foot in front of the other, you're able to expand your athletic prowess or your confidence for in this case.

SPEAKER_02 31:34

Yes, I agree.

SPEAKER_00 31:35

You're also a on a day-to-day basis, you are a coach as well.

SPEAKER_02 31:41

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 31:42

Um tell me about that.

SPEAKER_02 31:43

I absolutely love coaching. Um, I started coaching four years ago. I started coaching high school across country, and then I also coached high school track for a few years. And then a couple years back, I started um coaching adult athletes um to ultra running dreams and um especially uh backyards and loop courses. I'm much more um familiar with, but trail races. And so I've just um I've really enjoyed the process of working with other athletes and helping them achieve their goals.

SPEAKER_00 32:21

Do you um I'm yeah, I'm sure that you use a lot of your personal experience into your coaching to help them, you know, get that confidence that we're talking about.

SPEAKER_02 32:32

Yes, I use a lot of my personal experience and a lot of um guiding athletes to kind of feel for themselves. Um, yeah, their their own bodies and how their own body is responding to training or this change. And um, because ultimately I'm not gonna be with them on race day, right? I'm not gonna be with them one more than likely. I've paced a few athletes, but more than likely it will not, I will not be with them on race day. And so they're gonna have to know um how their body responds to different conditions and different environments, different uh fueling strategies and so on. So it's not only um training the athlete for the race, but also getting that mindset and um being familiar with how your body responds.

SPEAKER_00 33:19

Right. So at your level of athleticism in the ultrarunning world, how does this correlate and how does your student athletes take that?

SPEAKER_02 33:29

Uh so we have a lot of discussions over um ultra running, um, because sometimes I'll be taking a day or two off to go to a race and they'll they'll want to know how it went. And so, especially with cross-country, when I'm out there running with them, they'll have um questions over the event.

SPEAKER_00 33:50

Does uh any of them ask you the process it takes to get to that level? And do they ever find inspiration in your journey that they say, hey, I want to try this one day?

SPEAKER_02 34:02

Um, I have had a few that have had uh become curious about going further, um, going longer. Um, we'll see if that if that happens. It would be real fun to show up at a race one day and see um some of the athletes I coach.

SPEAKER_00 34:18

That that would be awesome. Hey, Meg. So, real quick, I do want to ask, with all of the success that you've had as an endurance athlete, you are ambassadoring or being represented by some big brands now. Can you kind of give us a little bit of insight how that works and everything and how they are giving you the support that you need to keep moving forward in your endurance career?

SPEAKER_02 34:42

Yeah, so it's definitely been a process for me. I was lucky enough to get on uh with Mount Tacos when they first came into the States, their new shoe company, and they had sent me a pair of shoes just to kind of try out. And this was right before my first six days, and I I didn't have any shoes to wear, like I had nothing for the that sort of sticky concrete track environment. And um, so I tried on their R1s and wore them almost the entirety of the race. I think it was like I did 526 miles at that race and I wore their shoes for 490 something else.

SPEAKER_00 35:21

Oh my god.

SPEAKER_02 35:22

I mean, I could just and it it was the same pair, yeah, the same pair. It wasn't even I didn't even have a spare to like no rotating, no rotating. Every time I tried to switch out, my feet and my shins just screamed. I went back to the shoes and they were they were okay with so from that race on, um, they had reached out to me and after that, and we had just made the connection. And so it was a very natural partnership from the start. And it's been really fun to watch them grow here in the States. And yeah, they were just offering shoes when I started with them, and now they just that they've really, I think, taken um the community's taken a warm welcome to what's trying to do.

SPEAKER_00 36:05

I I seen on the uh one of the Instagram posts that their shoe was one of the heavy hitters out there on Coca-Dona 250 this year.

SPEAKER_02 36:14

Yes, yes. I believe um six of the top ten were wearing uh Mount to Coast.

SPEAKER_00 36:20

Oh wow. And uh of course you were one of those athletes. Which uh shoe was that?

SPEAKER_02 36:25

So I was wearing the H1s for a majority of the race. There are a few sections, um, the start of the race, and then um Mingus descent that are a bit more technical. Okay, um, and I had switched into a prototype shoe um at that time for those.

SPEAKER_00 36:46

Wow, that is amazing. I love that.

SPEAKER_02 36:50

So, and it and it held up well, so be excited for the public to get their their hands on those.

SPEAKER_00 36:57

Nice, that is amazing. I'm glad to have your your stamp of approval on that shoe. So that's definitely gonna be something that we're gonna look into checking out for ourselves. What what other uh brands are helping you or what other um are there any nutrition supplements that you live by?

SPEAKER_02 37:13

Yeah, so I've been um with the feed and precision nutrition now, um, and they've they've helped, you know, fuel every adventure. And uh with somebody, I have a lot of stomach issues, and so it takes me a while to find what I like um and what works. So the feed, I started with them, was able to try a lot of products, and then have found that um precision nutrition is the one that that works best with my gut. So that's what I've been sticking to. Um, I'm also with John G, a great clothing uh company out of Boston. Um, and they are super supportive. Um, they were actually a co-sponsor for Coca-Dona, so they they were yeah, out there with a lot of great energy.

SPEAKER_00 38:00

Yeah, that is amazing. And definitely have to see all your success. And again, a huge congratulations on not only the Coca-Dona 250, third place finish, but everything that you've accomplished up to this point. And um I really, really am just amazed to see your transformation over the years that we've got to run together. And uh, I was telling somebody on my last podcast that you were one of the big cheerleaders for my first 100 finish, and that was a Jackalope Jam. You were there volunteering, and so you were able to give me that confidence and everything. And so just to make this full circle, uh, it's really amazing. So I appreciate all your support throughout the years, but again, congratulations on everything that you've accomplished up to this point.

SPEAKER_02 38:47

Oh, thank you, Louise. I think we've known each other since pretty much I started running quite a time too.

SPEAKER_00 38:56

Yeah, and and that's what I was saying. I was like, it is crazy the way that we keep crossing paths because there was one time I went for a training run over in Santa Fe and I stopped in an REI, and then I see a picture of you and Joe up on the board. I'm like, oh no, Joe, what are they doing here? At that time I didn't know that you guys moved to Santa Fe. So yeah, it was definitely amazing for things. So next time I'm over there, I'm gonna hit you guys up for a training round.

SPEAKER_02 39:23

Yes, please do. We have plenty of troubles.

SPEAKER_00 39:27

Yeah. Hey, is there anything that you want to uh hit back up or touch base on before moving to the next section?

SPEAKER_02 39:34

No, I I think I think we're good.

SPEAKER_00 39:37

And now it's time for the five to stay alive. These are five questions that I ask every guest about themselves and what keeps them motivated. Contestant Meg, are you ready to answer the five to stay alive?

SPEAKER_02 39:50

Yes, let's do it.

SPEAKER_00 39:51

Here we go. Question number one: Do you run with or without music? And if so, what is one song on your running playlist that motivates you?

SPEAKER_02 39:59

Um, so I train with and without, but usually I'm using audiobooks if I have my headphones on.

SPEAKER_00 40:08

All right, and audiobook, you have a favorite audiobook?

SPEAKER_02 40:11

Absolutely not. I no I read through so many, absolutely not.

SPEAKER_00 40:16

All right. So you're you let's just say that you're in a race and you're going through the middle of the night. Is there something that gets you going uh that you don't want to listen to because it scares you, or is it music?

SPEAKER_02 40:30

I'll put on music in the middle of a race. Yeah, I have a whole running playlist, everything from Bon Jovi to Imagine Dragons to Aviki. I just run the gamut.

SPEAKER_00 40:42

All right. Um give us one song. Uh that way we can put it on our uh running playlist for you.

SPEAKER_02 40:48

You know, since a Viki was the last one, I like listening to nights, especially in the middle.

SPEAKER_00 40:53

All right.

SPEAKER_02 40:55

Yeah, it's it's it's got a good rhythm.

SPEAKER_00 40:57

Nice. Hey, keep in mind that this song is going to be added to the Spotify guest playlist for listeners to download. And this song is gonna be a representation of you. Question number two What is something in life that has gotten better since you started running?

SPEAKER_02 41:12

My uh mindset, just my problem-solving skills, the ability to just pause and think something through because instead of having that quick reaction to everything.

SPEAKER_00 41:24

Yeah. Question number three What is one thing runners should avoid in their journey to becoming a better runner?

SPEAKER_02 41:31

You know, I would say don't always follow all of those trends out there. Um sometimes the nice good old-fashioned lace up your shoes and put on a cotton t-shirt is okay. Yeah. Umly it out, just do the simple stuff. Um, because it's I I mean, even since I started running 10 years ago, it's gotten more and more fancy. Um all the gear and all the setup and all the and really it's quite simple.

SPEAKER_00 41:59

Yeah, definitely. And there's a meme going around right now that uh running is not a fashion show. All right, finish this statement. When it comes to long distance running, Megan cannot leave the house without her shoes? Without your shoes.

SPEAKER_02 42:19

Can't leave without the shoes. I'm not ever gonna be a barefoot runner. Not in my future.

SPEAKER_00 42:26

Uh, trail racing over Texas. You remember, was it Victor who they called a choncla runner who would run in the sandals?

SPEAKER_02 42:33

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 42:34

And he pulled like a tire for like a hundred miles or so, right?

SPEAKER_02 42:37

I think that was two different people. Maybe it was two different people.

SPEAKER_00 42:41

I'm gonna have to look into that.

SPEAKER_02 42:42

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 42:43

Hey, with that being said, since we're in the gear section of this podcast, we're gonna do a quick fit. A quick fit. Okay. Alright, so I'm gonna say a category, and you're gonna give me the brand maker model, whatever it is, the first thing that comes to your mind. That way we know what you are rocking. Ready? Okay. Hydration path.

SPEAKER_02 43:10

Ultra fire.

SPEAKER_00 43:12

Headlamp.

SPEAKER_02 43:13

Ultra fire with the waistbelt.

SPEAKER_00 43:16

Running watch. Favorite socks, features. Most underrated gear item.

SPEAKER_02 43:27

Oh, you know, being a looped runner, I'm gonna say those little tiny flasks. Those little 300 milliliter flasks, yes, most underrated for a loop runner.

SPEAKER_00 43:38

And favorite post race meal.

SPEAKER_02 43:41

Notches.

SPEAKER_00 43:43

Nice.

unknown 43:44

I love it.

SPEAKER_00 43:46

All right. Now we're gonna move into question number five. Do you have a running workout or a life mantra?

SPEAKER_02 43:54

Um, I feel like that is one of those things that definitely changes based on where I'm at. My training and what race I'm training for and just how I'm feeling. Um currently it's kind of been um just go have fun.

SPEAKER_01 44:11

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 44:11

Um just get out there and have fun. So my training has been, if that says much to my training, it's been very loose and light and playful, and yeah. Um today I think I might go do this and go, you know, it's it's it's not very structured, and that's where I need it to be right now.

SPEAKER_00 44:28

Okay. Understand. That was the five to stay alive. I appreciate you rolling with that. Before we bring this episode in, is there anything on your mind or something that you want to leave with the people?

SPEAKER_02 44:40

No, I just hope that if you know, we talked a lot about barriers, and I hope if you have a barrier that I'll see you out there on trail.

SPEAKER_00 44:46

Definitely. Hey, and finally, Meg, let's give some shout-outs.

SPEAKER_02 44:51

Huge shout out to definitely my husband, always my crew chief, uh, my sponsors, uh, Mount to Coast, John G, Ultraspire, Friction Prescription. So excited to have you guys in my corner, um, precision.

SPEAKER_00 45:06

Awesome. Hey, thank you for all of that. Hey, is there anything you want to go back and revisit before we bring this episode to a close? I'm good. Alright, Meg. Hey, thank you for taking the time to come and visit us on the show. Your ability to stay present through discomfort, to keep moving forward when things get hard, and continue showing up at the highest level is definitely something that deserves respect. Not just because of the miles or the accomplishments, but because of the mindset that you have behind it all. Your consistency, your resilience, and the example that you continue to set reminds us all that endurance is far more than just running. It's about growth, perspective, and discovering what we're capable of when we refuse to quit. So again, Megan, thank you for continuing to inspire us. It was truly an honor to have you on the Run True Diaries podcast. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you out there on the trails.

SPEAKER_02 45:57

Thanks so much for having me on, you too.

SPEAKER_00 46:00

We're approaching the finish line, but before we cross, here's some news and views. That was Megan Eckert. Megan's story is a powerful reminder that greatness doesn't always begin with confidence, it begins with taking that first step. Think about where her journey started. She once bailed on a 5K because racing felt overwhelming. Fast forward to today, she's competing and thriving at some of the most prestigious enduring events on the planet. From six-day races to backyard ultras, bad water to podium finishes at Cokodona 250, Megan has shown us that the biggest limits we face are often the ones that we put on ourselves. Megan is also helping redefine what women in ultrarunning look like. Not by trying to fit the mold, but by simply being herself. Through humility, resilience, and an unwavering sense of adventure, she's inspiring countless runners to believe they belong at the starting line, no matter where your story begins. Take it away, Megan.

SPEAKER_02 46:51

The earlier version of me was really afraid of failure. I hope that other women are watching in the sense of that they can do this. But if they have a desire to get out on trails and something is blocking them, they will go past that barrier and they will give it a try because I know what it was like to stand back there and be too afraid to do that first race. And hearing and seeing other women do it, I think was a big part of why I dove in so deeply into trail running is watching these um these really amazing, talented Texas runners go through this aid station and women especially, um, and having a great race, smiling the whole time, being happy, knowing what they needed to do. So I just hope that other women will go past whatever is stopping them. That really these early judgments on what you're gonna be able to do or what the experience is gonna be like, they could be entirely true or entirely false, but you do not know until you get out there. I did not know how much I was gonna love running and how much it was gonna give me until I ran that first race. And I just had this elated feeling, and it was the miserable conditions, but I had this elated feeling of just doing something that I thought I wasn't gonna be able to do.

SPEAKER_01 48:12

Right.

SPEAKER_00 48:13

You can hear how much she genuinely loves the process. Whether she's chasing another finish line, embracing a new challenge, or pushing the boundaries of what's possible, Megan reminds us that you never know where the next trail will lead until you're willing to take that first step. And that success isn't just about the result, it's about finding joy in every mile of that journey. Megan, thank you for sharing your story with us all. And congratulations on everything you've accomplished, and the extra congratulations on that incredible podium finish at Coca-Dona 250. We can't wait to see where your next journey takes you. Keep chasing curiosity, keep doing hard things, and keep inspiring others by simply being yourself. It was such an honor to have you on the show. Next, whether you're heading out for a long run, crushing a workout, or driving to your next race, we've got you covered. Keeping the good vibes rolling, Megan is adding tonight's Bioviki to the Run Shoe Diaries Spotify guest playlist. And that brings this playlist to 42 songs and counting. So hit that download, turn it up, and let the miles fly by and let those good times ride. Enjoy. And with that, we have crossed the finish line. So if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or guest recommendations, contact me at runshu.diaries at gmail.com. Again, that is runshu.diaries at gmail.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram because that's where we're most active. But you can also find us on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Keyword search Runshoe Diaries. Thank you for listening to the Run Shoe Diaries Podcast, episode 28, with Megan Eckert. Until next time, remember that with each step comes the decision of taking another. So keep putting one foot in front of the other because it's amazing what you can do on your own, two feet and a mile.