January 31, 2025

Bouncing Back: Nick Kovar on Overcoming Injury and Chasing Trail Running Goals

1 hour 18 minutes

In this episode of the Adventure Jogger podcast, host Steven Kornhaus interviews Nick Kovar, who shares his inspiring journey from road running to trail ultramarathons, overcoming challenges like injury and hip replacement surgery. Nick talks about his first ultra at the Georgia Jewel, his experiences with the Smoky Challenge Adventure Run, and the lessons learned from recovery and physical therapy. He reflects on the importance of a proactive approach to health, the joy of returning to nature, and his future goals, including hiking in Colorado and tackling new endurance events.

Takeaways

Nick's running journey began at a young age, influenced by his father's marathon running.

Running became a form of medicine for Nick, especially in his 20s.

The transition to trail running was prompted by a friend's encouragement.

Nick's first ultra, a challenging 50k, deepened his love for trail running.

Family support played a crucial role in Nick's running experiences.

The Georgia Jewel tested Nick's endurance and mental toughness.

The Smoky Challenge Adventure Run was a grueling experience with significant elevation gain.

Proper preparation and training are crucial for ultra running success.

Experiencing nature while running can be surreal and rewarding.

Listening to your body and addressing injuries promptly is essential.

Hip injuries can require serious medical intervention, including surgery.

Surgery can help regain an active lifestyle after injury.

Mental preparation is as important as physical training for endurance events.

Volunteering at races offers a unique perspective on the running community.

A long-term mindset is vital for recovery and returning to running.

Nick looks forward to returning to the perimeter trail and completing a 24-hour event.

Nick's surgeon encouraged him despite common skepticism about post-surgery running.

He’s proud of his recovery and eager to prove what's possible post-surgery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Kovar's Journey

03:06 Early Running Experiences and Family Influence

06:09 Transitioning to Marathon Running

08:58 The Shift to Trail Running

12:05 First Ultra Experience and Challenges

14:56 The Georgia Jewel and Overcoming Obstacles

17:56 Support from Family and Future Aspirations

21:48 The Smoky Challenge Adventure Run Experience

28:17 Training and Preparation for Ultra Running

35:22 Injury Journey: From Pain to Surgery

45:15 Hip Replacement: The Decision and Procedure

46:08 Choosing the Right Surgical Approach

49:08 Navigating Recovery and Physical Therapy

52:00 Returning to Running: The Journey Back

58:52 Training for Races Post-Surgery

01:03:15 Future Goals and Adventures

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By Steven Kornhaus

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