From Soccer to Summits: Ted Schultz’s Journey Through Leadville 100, Pikes Peak, and the Incline-a-thon

In this episode, Steven Kornhaus chats with Colorado Springs runner Ted Schultz about his inspiring journey from soccer to trail and ultra running. Ted shares highlights from iconic races like the Leadville 100, Pike's Peak Ascent, and the grueling Incline-a-thon. With stories of perseverance, growth, and pushing limits, Ted offers valuable insights on training, mindset, and the joy of running in Colorado's breathtaking landscapes. Takeaways Ted transitioned from soccer to running in high school. Winning his first 5k was a pivotal moment for Ted. College running at UCCS helped him build endurance. The competitive environment in Colorado pushed him to improve. Trail running opened a new frontier for Ted's abilities. He learned valuable lessons from each race he ran. Nutrition became a key focus in his ultra running journey. Ted's first 50-mile race was a memorable experience. He received a guaranteed entry into Leadville after his first 50-miler. Leadville 100 was a culmination of years of training and preparation. Facing fears is a crucial part of starting new challenges. Pacing and nutrition strategies can make or break a race. The mental aspect of running is as important as the physical. Experiencing challenges in races can lead to personal growth. It's essential to adapt your strategy based on race conditions. Learning from mistakes is key to improving future performances. Success in running is not just about finishing times. The journey of running is about exploration and adventure. Understanding your limits can help in setting realistic goals. Failure in races can lead to valuable lessons and insights. Incline running requires different muscles than distance running. Pacing is crucial for endurance events. Training for the Incline-a-thon involves both physical and mental preparation. Having a support system can enhance performance during challenges. Nutrition and hydration are key to maintaining energy levels during long events. Completing the Incline-a-thon can be a significant confidence booster. It's important to learn from previous attempts to improve future performance. The experience of running in nature can be both challenging and rewarding. Setting achievable goals can help overcome the enormity of a task. Enjoying the journey and the company of others is essential in endurance sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ted's Running Journey 02:10 From Soccer to Running: Ted's Transition 06:47 College Running Experience at UCCS 12:39 The Shift to Trail Running 21:38 First Ultra and Beyond: Ted's Growth 29:32 Leadville 100: Ted's First 100-Mile Race 32:42 Facing Fears at the Start Line 34:41 Strategies for Conquering Hope Pass 37:01 The Challenge of the Return Trip 39:47 Pacing and Nutrition Mistakes 42:43 Lessons Learned from the Race 44:57 The Evolution of Running Goals 47:31 Exploring the Hi5 100 Race 51:49 The Brutality of the Hi5 100 54:27 Shifting Perspectives on Failure 58:57 The Manitou Incline Experience 59:46 The Incline Journey Begins 01:03:04 Training and Preparation for the Incline-a-thon 01:05:51 The Challenge of the Incline-a-thon 01:09:54 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals 01:17:57 Advice for Aspiring Incline-a-thon Participants Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/theadventurejogger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices