The Midpacker Podcast

33 Andrew Grillos | Running Ultras After Surviving A Stroke, Fortitude As A Superpower, & Loving The Process


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In this Episode, Troy Meadows talks with Andrew Grillos.

Andrew shares his journey of resilience and perseverance. He discusses his passion for fly fishing and trail running, as well as his experience as a fly-tying expert. Andrew also opens up about surviving a stroke just two months after finishing his first 100 milers at IMTUF having to learn to walk again and ultimately getting back to running ultra post-stroke! He emphasizes the importance of fortitude as a superpower and credits his confidence and family influence for his ability to overcome obstacles. Andrew embraces the midpacker mentality and encourages others to set goals and push through challenges. In this conversation, Andrew Grillos shares his journey of finding work-life balance and pursuing ultra running after recovering from a stroke. He discusses the changes in his life post-stroke and how he transitioned from his engineering job to pursuing his passion for fly fishing and running. Andrew emphasizes the importance of building strength and progressing gradually in ultrarunning, highlighting the need to avoid rushing into high-level competition. He also shares his upcoming race goals and his motivation to stack up as much vertical gain as possible.


Takeaways

  • Passion for activities like fly fishing and trail running can provide a sense of adventure and continuous learning.

  • Resilience and perseverance are essential qualities for overcoming challenges and achieving goals.

  • Fortitude is a superpower that lies within all of us and can be harnessed to push through difficult times.

  • Confidence and belief in oneself are crucial for success and personal growth.

  • Embracing the midpacker mentality allows individuals to focus on their own progress and enjoy the journey rather than comparing themselves to others. Finding work-life balance after a major life event, such as a stroke, requires adjustments and a new perspective.

  • Building strength and progressing gradually is key in ultra running, as rushing into high-level competition can lead to burnout or injury.

    • Setting goals and committing to them can lead to remarkable achievements, even in the face of adversity.

    • Knowing when to push through challenges and when to rest is crucial in maintaining a healthy and sustainable running practice.


    • Andrew’s Links

      IG

      @andrew_grillos_flyfishing

      @uphillandrew 


      Things we talked about on the show

      Stroke Video YouTubeI

      MTUF

      Bridger Ridge Run

      Run The Red Desert 50k

      Bighorn 50 

      The Rut Trifecta

      The Mountain Project

      Coach Emily Kipp

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