Everyone has a body image issues, and overcoming them is a huge challenge.

My guest today is no stranger to that.

Ethan is from Los Angeles, so he knows better than anyone how detrimental body image issues can be to our confidence and our health.

That’s part of what inspired him to create The Ginger Runner, a website and vlog dedicated not only to running but how to overcome all the hardest and ugliest parts of running.

Ethan got his start in comedy, and it definitely shows in his unique approach to running and training.

He’s on Run to the Top today to talk about how you can build up your body and your confidence to start running an actual ultra-marathon!

Here are some of the topics we’ll discuss today:

How to find real inspiration for your next marathon

Why being yourself is the most important part of running

What it’s like to run an ultra-marathon for the first time

How to turn running and blogging into a career

How to use videos and online content to connect with global running community

Questions Ethan is asked:

4:30 What’s your life like outside of running and blogging?

8:30 How did you bring running into your YouTube channel?

9:35 Were you always a runner?

11:00 When did you run your first marathon?

14:08 Is there a running trail to the Hollywood Sign?

15:30 What’s the history behind the “ginger runner”?

17:40 How do you use your blog for body positivity?

20:10 What are first-time users going to find on your site?

23:05 What kind of product reviews to you do on your blog?

24:22 What’s this new documentary film do you have coming out?

29:35 Do you have advice for runners who want to try ultra-running?

32:30 What did you learn about yourself after running an ultra-marathon?

33:46 How do you take a positive approach to your thoughts while running

37:22 Can you start with an ultra-marathon or should we start with a 50K?

39:44 When did you realize you could turn Ginger Runner into a business?

43:01 Do you think your videos help you connect with fellow runners?

45:18 What are Ginger Runner live shows like? (Mondays at 6pm/10pmEST)

48:05 Why do you think some people are afraid to talk about the hard parts of running?

51:04 Why do we prefer viewers to sponsors?

53:50 What are your honest thoughts on the iPhone7?

57:20 Our Final Kick Round

Quotes by Ethan:

“I would do cross-country, I would do track to try and stay in as comfortable shape as possible.”

“It was one of the best and worst experiences running my first marathon.”

“Being competitive in the sport is fun and it has its place. I get so much more fulfillment and enjoyment out of having fun experiences and smiling throughout a race.”

“I learned more about myself in my first Ultra Marathon than I did in my first marathon.”

“Just because you’re at a low point, it’s temporary. It doesn’t mean you’re going to be at a low point for the rest of the race. In fact, it’s almost proven that the low point is temporary and you will climb out of it sooner than you think.”