About

I’m Brandon Swanson and I live in the heart of dairyland, Wisconsin, USA.  It’s a road running paradise with farms and rolling hills with country chapels perched atop them.  I’m also a mere 25 minutes from a rugged, 35-mile single track that is an energetic rock dance for the feet with constant hills.  Yep, I’m spoiled.

I’ve got an amazing wife and 4 energetic kids.  I’m a professional photographer so I have no excuse for the lack of photos on this blog.  I pretty much like to throw things. (juggling, disc golf, ultimate, lawn games, chess… wait, how’d chess get in here?  I only throw chess when I lose) I refuse to accept anything given to me by my wife unless she throws it to me.  She has finally conceded this point and doesn’t even roll her eyes anymore.

I juggle a lot of life stuff too.  Ultra running with a family takes a lot of discipline and creativity.  Early mornings, late nights, less social life.  I’m not willing to sacrifice time with kids so that means I can’t do every race that I’d like and I’m okay with that.  One of the main reasons I run is for them anyway.  It helps me stay mentally and emotionally healthy and I’m a better father and husband for it.

So what you’ll from me on this blog is balanced, sustainable advice and encouragement.  I believe you can’t run from life.  You run to make sense of your life and come back to it fitter, stronger, happier, and grateful for what you have. If you’re running, you at least have something!

I started this blog to be one-stop-shop on the web to answer any and all questions you have about being successful in ultra running.  I want you to leave here inspired, amped up, and informed.

Be sure to sign up for email updates so you don’t miss any tips and articles that will help you be more confident and prepared at the starting line and triumphant at the finish!