January 17, 2025

From Hating Running to Ultra Humor: Morgan Schick’s Trail Tales and Epic Races

1 hour 24 minutes

In this episode of the Adventure Jogger podcast, host Steven Kornhaus chats with Morgan Schick, a trail runner and YouTube creator renowned for his hilarious and inspiring videos about trail running. Morgan takes us on his journey from despising running to embracing the ultrarunning lifestyle, sharing how he combines his passion for storytelling with the unpredictable, often absurd world of endurance racing.

He dives into the challenges of iconic races like the Hurt 100 and Western States, revealing what it takes to tackle blistering heat, brutal terrain, and mental battles. Morgan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, his approach to training (including streaks and tapering), and how he balances running, filming, and the camaraderie of the trail-running community.

From getting lost on courses to finding humor in the pain, Morgan’s stories will leave you entertained, motivated, and ready to hit the trails yourself.

Takeaways

Morgan Schick emphasizes creating entertaining videos that showcase the highs and lows of running.

He started his running journey in his mid-30s and quickly transitioned to ultra marathons.

Community plays a crucial role in his trail running experience.

Morgan’s first marathon qualified him for the Boston Marathon.

He recalls challenges like his first night run and tackling demanding courses like the Hurt 100 and Western States.

Mental resilience, nutrition, and heat management are key lessons from his ultramarathon experiences.

Preparation and learning from past races help improve performance.

He values the camaraderie among runners but also enjoys the solitude of running without a pacer.

Training involves overcoming hurdles like injuries, nausea, and mental fatigue during races.

Qualifying for Hard Rock remains a long-term goal.

Consistency in training, strategic tapering, and proper gear selection are vital for success.

Travel logistics and high-altitude races present unique challenges.

Filming races adds complexity, but Morgan appreciates the motivation scenic courses provide.

Finishing a race brings a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Morgan Schick and His YouTube Channel

05:54 Morgan's Journey into Running

12:06 Experiences with Ultra Running and First Races

18:01 First Night Run Experience and Lessons Learned

27:19 Western States 2013: A Tough Journey

35:20 Wasatch 2015: Overcoming Nausea and Heat

43:02 Mental Strategies for Endurance Racing

47:58 Experiments in Training: Running Streaks

55:02 Challenges and Lessons from Tough Races

01:01:11 Course Changes and Mental Preparation

01:06:35 Travel Logistics for Race Day

01:12:55 Reflections on Past Races and Future Goals

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By Steven Kornhaus

4.8

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