Topo makes a great shoe. Hoka if you like some squish. The new Speedlands look legit if you want to drop $300 on a pair of shoes. Most companies who specialize in running shoes make a good trail shoe. Except Nike, they are awful.
This is the right mindset. Honestly ultra's are a mind game and problem solving added to running. Something is going to feel "off" or hurt during it. You just have to have your mind set that you are finishing and figure out how to problem solve the little things that pop up on the run. Also...
"Running is 90% mental and 10% in your head."
Yes being conditioned and trained for the distance is incredibly important. If your body carries you for the training of an ultra, you can get through the race. Injuries also happen to even the elite of the elite athletes.
Funny that you mention...
One secret about ultra running no one tells you about, it's ok to walk some. Learn to walk fast and with purpose. Unless you are trying to run with the front of the pack, you will more than likely see many people incorporating a walking strategy. Also use you long runs to dial in your race day...
Listening to Goggins and Cam will make you want to do crazy stuff! I've have a 50k next weekend, marathon in March and a trail marathon in April. Kicking around the idea of a 100 miler in October
My 11 year old daughter hunts. Killed her first deer at 7 years old. She will be turning 12 in a few months and has killed 7 deer total(whitetail). My 8 year old daughter has no interest in being the shooter but will go some.