Six Minute Mile

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Careth Arnold – a professional ultrarunner coming to us directly from her Hardrock 100 training camp in Silverton, Colorado.
In our conversation, Careth shares the story of her victory at the grueling UTMB TDS race—a 148-kilometer trek featuring nearly 10,000 meters of elevation change. She opens up about the immense physical toll of the race, how she managed a two-hour lead despite severe quad pain, and her ongoing battle with late-race nutrition and loss of appetite.
Looking ahead to July 10th, Careth outlines her strategy for Hardrock, detailing how she adapts to high altitudes above 9,000 feet and her goal to finish the highly technical course in under 27 hours. She also reflects on her unconventional entry into the sport, transitioning from intense manual labor in AmeriCorps forestry and botanical horticulture to becoming a top-tier endurance athlete. Along the way, she shares her mental strategies for pushing through pain, including her signature "naive hopefulness" mindset and her race-day mantra: "Little feet climb big mountains".
Beyond racing, Careth discusses balancing her professional career with motherhood, how her sponsor Altra supported her through pregnancy, and why she embraces a screen-free community in Paonia, Colorado.
Key Topics
Hardrock 100 preparation, altitude adaptation, and course reconnaissance in the San Juan Mountains.

Race strategies and mental toughness, featuring Careth's "naive hopefulness" approach to competition.

UTMB TDS race recap, including managing massive leads, running self-supported, and overcoming extreme muscle fatigue.

Nutrition and hydration challenges in ultra races, specifically combating nausea and late-race bonking.

Balancing elite ultra running with motherhood and raising a screen-free family.

How previous manual labor roles provided a solid physical and mental foundation for endurance sports.

Resources
UTMB Official Site - https://www.utmbmontblanc.com/

Hard Rock 100 Race - https://www.hardrock100.com/

Smartwool Running Gear - https://sixminutemile.com/post/smartwool-merino-wool-running-gear-summer/

Women’s Active Ultralite Short Sleeve - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/1GZ6qD

Men’s Active Ultralite Short Sleeve - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/gRa9Zg

Smartwool Run No Show Socks - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/k4J5ex

Smartwoo Run Ankle Socks - https://vfcorporation.sjv.io/xJzBW3

Guest Links
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caretharnold/

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Kate Aseltine – Creative Marketing Director at NativePath. 
In our conversation, Kate shares lessons from her fitness journey – from powerlifting at age 15 to ultra endurance running – emphasizing the importance of strength training, nutrition, and mental resilience for endurance performance. She outlines her preparation for a 100-mile Last Man Standing backyard ultra, detailing a training plan that incorporated 50-mile workout runs and upwards of 500 grams of carbs a day in preparation for the race. Jumping into such an extreme event right out the gate, Kate gave herself a crash course in endurance running that left her with some really valuable insights. She also shares her favorite fueling snacks, like white rice with honey for high carbohydrate intake on the go.
Drawing from her seven-year career at the NativePath, Kate analyzes the function of targeted supplementation. She clarifies the use cases for collagen to support joint integrity, turmeric to manage athletic inflammation, and krill oil to supply antioxidants. She outlines the value of weight training to maintain high bone density during long-distance running.
The conversation covers specific supplements, equipment, and mental conditioning resources.
First and foremost, SMM readers can get up to 45% off collagen and other NativePath supplements at: https://fb.nativepath.com/rd/r.php?sid=2015&pub=240861&c1=202606-PRA-0&c2=&c3=&utm_medium=mixed_media
Kate recommends Creepers socks (https://www.creeperssocks.com/) for maintaining dry feet and preventing blisters during 24-hour events.
She also calls out the book Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield (https://stevenpressfield.com/books/turning-pro/) as the framework for restructuring her athletic mindset.
We hope you enjoy!

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Eric Hinman – Hybrid Athlete & Entrepreneur.
Eric is a founder, wellness innovator, and Ironman athlete known for blending elite performance with community-driven recovery practices. His insights are shaped by years of competing at the highest levels and building systems that help others thrive.
In this conversion we discover how contrast therapy, strategic routines, and organic connections can unlock your potential beyond traditional wellness advice. Eric explains how to balance slow and steady endurance training with high-intensity efforts, and why pairing habits – like sauna sessions with meaningful conversations – can supercharge both your recovery and life opportunities. Eric’s insights challenge the way athletes and entrepreneurs approach health, emphasizing that doing what you love can create a positive ripple effect that stretches into every part of your life.
Just like the SMM Team, Eric is a big fan of the Ozlo Sleepbuds, and he spoke about how their low-profile design and soothing ambiance are a key component of his sleep routine. If you’re looking for another sleep hygiene tool to add to your arsenal, be sure to check out the buds on their site (https://ozlosleep.com/) and use code “SMM” to save $80 off the MSRP price.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Marc Sylvester – National Specialty Sales Manager for CEP.
Many runners overlook the power of science-backed compression gear – and they pay the price in recovery, performance, and longevity. Marc Sylvester, a seasoned athletics industry insider and former competitive runner, reveals how medical-grade compression technology can optimize your training and recovery routines, whether you're chasing personal bests or simply trying to stay active into your 50s.
In this episode, we cover the surprisingly intricate manufacturing process of CEP compression socks – each one containing over 6 miles of yarn. Marc also breaks down the critical difference between performance-enhancing compression and recovery gear, including specific recommendations for both. He shares insights from working with elite athletes like Justin Gatlin, emphasizing the mental and physical mastery needed to excel at top levels – and how that mindset can be applied in your own training.
Whether you're a masters athlete, a weekend warrior, or a coach trying to stay sharp, this episode offers practical tactics rooted in real-world experience – technologies that are proven to support your longevity and success.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Gervais – Performance Psychologist and Founder of Finding Mastery. 
David and Michael discuss psychological techniques and frameworks used by elite athletes to cultivate a calm, confident mindset, even under pressure. He says that “confidence comes from one place and one place only: what you say to yourself. But it has to be honest.” Analyzing Alyssa Liu’s recent performance at the winter Olympics, Dr. Gervais breaks down the difference between performance-based and purpose-based mindsets – revealing why the latter can lead to freedom, joy, and peak performance. He also shares his experiences working with top athletes and explorers like Felix Baumgartner, whom he worked with to face fear and dissolve pressure in the leadup to his monumental Red Bull Stratos jump. (BTW, check out this incredible GoPro footage of the event if you need a reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYw4meRWGd4, and search for Felix’s 30 for 30 short film on ESPN to learn more about his psychological journey).
In addition to performance coaching, Michael shares tips on sleep hygiene, and explains the importance of sleep quality on your mental state and athletic performance. He’s an avid user of the Ozlo Sleepbuds (as we all are on the SMM staff), and if you’re looking for another sleep hygiene tool to add to your arsenal, be sure to check out the buds on their site (https://ozlosleep.com/) and use code “SMM” to save $80 off the MSRP price.