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/

Andrew Merle - Certified Sport Nutritionist, Top Food and Health Writer, Habit Blogger