Ultra University

Carl Tedesco was introduced to ULTRA marathons in 2007.  As he continued his engineering career with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University and working as a professor at San Diego State University, one of his students helped to inspire him to run more.  Since then he has run numerous ULTRA marathons and completed five 100 mile races, San Diego 100 miles twice, Javalina Jundred, Chimera 100M, and Zion 100M. He continues to inspire students at San Diego State University to pursue careers in engineering as an advisor for the Rocket Club.

Recently named the leader of the Department of Drawings and Prints at the Morgan Library and Museum (themorgan.org), a major center for art literature and music in New York City, John Marciari received his Ph.D. from Yale University in Art History.  In 2008 when he became the curator of Italian and Spanish Painting and the head of Provenance Research at the San Diego Museum of Art, he also discovered ultramarathons.  Since then he has run more than 18 ultramarathons including, 2012 Chimera 100M, 2013 San Diego 100M, and 2014 Massanutten 100M.He is a father of twins and his amazing wife, Julia Marciari-Alexander is the Executive Director of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.  Learn how John has balanced the art of running ultramarathons with a thriving career and family.If you or someone you know would like to be featured on ULTRA University's podcast, send an email to trasiephan@icloud.com Subject line: athlete nomination

Once an overweight law student at Northwestern, now Mandy Miller has a thriving law practice helping mentally disabled people. Mandy also has a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. She is turning 53 in July and is in the best shape of her life. She and her husband travels the world competing in Multi-day Stage Races, Endurance and ULTRA races. A few races she has completed are 2009 Marathon de Sables 50M, 2011 Ultraman Canada, 2012 Grand to Grand ULTRA, July 2013 Stage race in Spain, 2014 Yukon Artic Ultra, 2014 Graveyard 100, 2014 Salton Sea 

"Mike Rouse is one of a few great people you can always count on to do the right thing and who lives his lifewith passion every single day. I'm proud to call him my friend." -Bob Babbit, Co-Founder of Competiror Magazine and Ironman Hall of Famer"Rousey has a huge personality and a zest for life that touches everyone he meets. And there's no BS--he's a what you see is what you get' kind of guy, a true friend who has almost always already been there and done that and isn't shy to share his experience. And not matter how busy he gets, he's never too busy to turn down a drink with friends--people are his priority and his passion." -Mirinda Carfrae, Ironman World Champion"Rousey has taught me about love, life, second chances and how to make the most of any situation. I'm proud to call him a friend." -Josh Cox, 50K American Record HolderMike's Book: Zero To 60 - At The Speed Of Life Zeroto60.infoSupport Mike's next event: Joggin For Frogmenhttp://jogginforfrogmen.com/sandiegoca/ 

Martha Schoppe (pronounced Shop-pe) is no ordinary fire fighter.  She is part of a 20 person crew out of Durango, Colorado made up of 3 women and 17 men, part of the Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service.  They work 80-100 hours a week from April to October fighting wilderness fires.  Periodically they are called into help with structural fires but mostly they hike up and around mountains with 30-50 lbs of supplies (including shelter, food and equipment.)Once she joined the 20 person Hot Shot Crew, she started running 4-5 miles 3 times a week to meet the fitness demands until she decided to join her sister on a Half Marathon in Denver 2011.  She has never looked back since.  That same year, she ran the Moab Trail Marathon and fell in love with trail running. In addition to participating in Power Lifting, Cross Fit and Ju-Jitsu Competitions, Martha completed the Chimera 100 Mile Run 2013, Susitna 100 Mile (self supported) Run 2014. While away fighting fires, Martha decided to support a friend battling b