Over 20 ultras from coast-to-coast last weekend, but Camille Herron led the excitement running “faster as a Master” at the Jackpot Ultrarunning USATF Championship where she set a new 100 Mile World Record in 12:41:11. 

Training for a sub 3 hour marathon, Emily’s watch and workouts became her life. She prioritized “my Very Serious Training Plan” and wound up injured with a DNS. Enter a new town, a new Tuesday night training group, and enter fun.

In this piece, Emily Halnon, a FKT champ on the Oregon PCT and in-training-to-be-Hardrocker makes the light hearted but earnest case for why “it’s not performance or joy. It’s both.”

The story begins with an attempted armed robbery over – wait for it – syrup at a Waffle House in Atlanta, GA. But this piece is not just about sticky situations, it’s about Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid’s singular blend of toughness and endurance, positivity and faith.

Jameelah, a 53-year-old mother of six, was the 2021 winner of “Most Races” and “Most Hours Raced” based on the UltraSignup database. After listening to her tour-de-force of positivity on The Adventure Jogger, I knew we all could learn more from Jameelah’s story.

Author Jared Beasley discovers what drives Jameelah to work six days a week and still have the fire to “out-Goggins” David Goggins, as Jared puts it.

? Training: Run for fun and get faster…ok, how? Here are 3 tips that feel not only doable, but enjoyable. With an emphasis on reclaiming a childlike stride, these low-stress workouts encourage us to ditch the pressure and be playful. Race you to the stop sign!

? Results: “It can seem almost impossible to discern the line between significant results and significant BS”, says coach David Roche in his article unpacking what actually works in training. David analyzes a new research study and determines that tempo runs, short intervals, and “deliberate practice” are all winners.

? Gear: Ok, we’ll bite. Just why is the Speedland SL:PDX $375? Turns out they’re like a Formula 1 car for your feet, complete with Michelin rubber lugs. Read this fast-paced review that considers the industry transformation of running shoes into “customizable equipment.”

? Podcast giant Rich Roll calls Harvey Lewis’ “infectious energy and unbridled positivity” his “secret sauce.” Get the whole recipe on this newly released podcast. Harvey reveals how he’s finding huge breakthroughs 25 years into his running career: “There’s a few things that happened in my formula. One is always keeping it fun.”

? One part Burning Man, one part speed running fest; start your treadmill workout with this vid on Javelina Jundred for a guaranteed vibe lift.

? Want a fun, entrepreneurial job in the outdoor industry?  HeyHeys, maker of colorful adventure tights, is looking for a General Manager.

☕ When all else fails, brew stronger coffee. The new training plan from @MountainRoche.