Adharanand's book, Rise of the Ultra Runners, encouraged me in my running and exploring the world of endurance. I initially listened as an audiobook whilst I ran, being introduced to the sport's characters and races. I was excited and enthused.

Adharanand is a terrific writer. Whilst his books are essentially about running, there is a richness from his own experiences, history and the social context that he brings alive in the pages. His back catalogue of races is also might impressive: UTMB, Ring o' Fire and more. 

We met in 2019 when I went on Adharanand's running and writing retreat in Devon, co-hosted by author Richard Askwith (Feet in the Clouds -- the classic on fell running). It was a superb weekend of, well, running and writing....and conversation and food.

It was in The Rise of the Ultra Runners that I first came across the notion of the pain cave (Zach Miller loves it!). This is of great interest because of my work with people who suffer chronic pain. What happens in the pain cave? What can we do? How can we face the challenges in a positive way, learn and move on? 

In this entertaining, anecdotal conversation, Adharanand chats about the challenges, keeping going, and of course the pain cave.