In this episode of “All Things Endurance Podcast,” host Rick Prince chats with Sid Garza-Hillman, an ultrarunner, author, nutritionist, and ultra race director. Sid discusses the mental barrier many people experience when thinking about participating in an ultramarathon, as well as how training for and racing an ultramarathon can change one’s perspective on life for the better.

Below are the specific areas that Rick and Sid chat about during this episode:        

1. Could you tell our listeners a bit more about yourself?
2. What was the catalyst for writing your book?
3. Do you find that most “normal” people don’t think they can do an ultramarathon?
4. What are some life lessons that training for and competing in an ultramarathon teaches?
5. What are some of the key factors that make ultrarunning (especially trail ultrarunning) different from road running?
6. How does a “normal” person with a job, family, etc., find time to train for an ultra?
7. You note in your book that finishers of ultras often realize that they are capable of more than they ever imagined. Do you feel that, for many people, participating in an ultra is a life-enhancer?
8. At UESCA’s ultrarunning conference, the sense of community and camaraderie was palpable. Do you find that the sense of community is just as important, if not more important, than the running aspect for many ultrarunners?
9. If someone is thinking of running an ultra, what are several reasons they should go for it?
10. You noted that you had a positive shift in your life due to ultrarunning. Could you explain more about this?

To learn more about Sid and his book, Ultrarunning for Normal People, please visit: www.sidgarzahillman.com

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