Ginger and Chocolate

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Join hosts Mike Ergo and Lindsay Hiken as they dive into an inspiring conversation with Patty Lyn Tweten. Discover Patty Lyn's journey from starting swimming in her 30s to becoming a seasoned open water swimmer. Learn about her experiences with the Donner Lake swim, overcoming personal challenges, and the camaraderie of the swimming community.

Key Highlights:

Patty Lyn's introduction to swimming and her first open water experience. The mental and physical challenges of swimming at high altitudes. Insights into the supportive and inclusive nature of the swimming community. Patty Lyn's personal story of resilience through health challenges. Tips for adults looking to start swimming.

Quotes:

"Every day was his best day." - Patty Lyn Tweten referring to her friend and international swimming hall of fame swimmer, Ray Taft 

"If you're here, you're a swimmer." - Patty Lyn Tweten

#SwimmingJourney #OpenWater #Inspiration #mastersswimming #usms #mastersswimmer #swimming #swimmer 

Call to Action: Find a US Master's Swim Team near you!

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Join us on a journey through the highs and lows of ultra running with Loren Lewis, as he shares his gripping experiences at the Western States. From the anticipation of the lottery to the grueling race day challenges, Loren opens up about the mental and physical trials he faced, the lessons learned, and the triumphs achieved. Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner or a seasoned athlete, Loren's story of resilience and determination is sure to inspire. Tune in for insights on training, race strategy, and the importance of community support in the world of ultra running.

#ultrarunning #westernstates100 #westernstates #endruanceathlete #endurancesports #trailrunning

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Description: Join Mike Ergo as he sits down with fellow Marine Corps veteran and ultra runner, Rich Dreyling. They dive into the world of endurance racing, discussing the mental and physical challenges of ultra marathons, the importance of training, and the role of exercise in mental health. Rich shares his experiences from the Afton 50K and offers insights into balancing family life with the demands of training.

Key Topics:

Transitioning from half marathons to ultra races The significance of mental resilience in endurance sports Gear essentials for trail running The impact of physical activity on mental health Navigating life changes and setting big goals

Guest: Rich Dreyling - Marine Corps veteran, ultra runner, and linguistic scholar

Host: Mike Ergo

Hashtags: #EnduranceRunning #MentalHealth #UltraMarathon #VeteranStories

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Today we interview multiple IRONMAN finisher and coach, Maddie Valley, for part two. Maddie talks more in depth about her IRONMAN journey and the experience of being a trans athlete. To contact or find coaching information about Maddie, find it here below:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Website - valley-coaching.com

Instagram - Valley_Coaching

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Today on the show, Lindsay and Mike talk gear reviews and Lindsay recaps her time at Gravel Camp by Cycle House in beautiful Montana.  Mike and Lindsay break down the following products:

• Shokz Open Ear Headphones
• LMNT hydration 
• Salt Stick electrolytes

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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In today's episode, cohosts Lindsay and Mike discuss what a flow state is, how one finds it, and what you can do to make endurance racing more enjoyable during those long stretches.

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Summary

In this episode, Mike and Lindsay engage in a deep conversation with Maddie Valley about mental health, the Ironman journey, and the challenges faced by trans athletes in sports. They discuss the importance of community, representation, and the personal experiences that shape their identities. Maddie shares her journey of transitioning and the fears associated with it, while also highlighting the support she has received from the triathlon community. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance in sports, as well as the joy that comes from overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world.

Contact Maddie:

[email protected]

Website - valley-coaching.com

Instagram - @Valley_Coaching

Takeaways

• Mental health check-ins are crucial for well-being.
• Training can significantly improve mental health.
• Racing for a cause adds meaning to the journey.
• Transitioning can be a challenging and scary process.
• Fear of judgment can hinder personal growth.
• Support from the community is vital for trans athletes.
• Disclosing medical information can be a barrier to competition.
• Finding joy in the journey is essential for athletes.
• Representation in sports can inspire others.
• Conversations about identity and acceptance are necessary.

Keywords

mental health, Ironman, triathlon, trans athletes, community, representation, identity, sports, challenges, support

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

Shoot us a text.

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Summary

In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, hosts Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo delve into the themes of self-judgment, guilt, and identity in the context of endurance training. They explore how these feelings can impact performance and the importance of reframing one's relationship with athletic pursuits. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding personal standards, the value of progress over perfection, and the role of community in fostering inspiration rather than comparison. In this conversation, Lindsay Hiken and Mike Ergo explore the emotional landscape of endurance sports, discussing how experiences in ultra running can mirror life's challenges. They delve into the concepts of guilt, growth, and the importance of sharing experiences to break free from self-imposed echo chambers. The discussion emphasizes the power of humor, mindfulness, and journaling as tools for self-reflection and emotional resilience.

Sound Bites

• "This too shall pass."
• "Can we use guilt to help us grow?"
• "We can find joy through this."
• "You win some, you lose some."
• "We swam. We didn't die."
• "What did I show up for today?"
• "I get to be here right now."
• "I'm not owed this moment."

Keywords

self-judgment, guilt, imposter syndrome, endurance training, identity, performance, standards, self-worth, progress, mental health, ultra running, mental health, guilt, growth, echo chamber, self-reflection, humor, gratitude, endurance sports, emotional resilience

Takeaways

• Self-judgment often stems from identity tied to performance.
• Comparison to others can lead to negative self-talk.
• Identifying the source of self-judgment is crucial for growth.
• Reframing performance as a privilege can alleviate guilt.
• Understanding whose standards we are trying to meet is important.
• Progress, not perfection, should be the goal in training.
• Past experiences can inform how we handle current challenges.
• Emotional connection to our experiences is key to overcoming guilt.
• Mindfulness and self-reflection can help manage feelings of inadequacy.
• Community support can inspire rather than discourage. Past experiences can guide us through tough times.
• Guilt can be a catalyst for personal growth.
• Talking about feelings can normalize experiences.
• Humor can help alleviate stress in challenging situations.
• Journaling can provide clarity and insight into emotions.
• Recognizing fleeting emotions can change our relationship with them.
• Sharing experiences with others can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Mindfulness and gratitude can enhance our physical activities.
• Finding joy in the journey is essential for endurance athletes.
• It's important to acknowledge and name our feelings.

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app. 

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Summary

In this episode of the Ginger and Chocolate podcast, host Lindsay Hiken speaks with Jeff McGregor about his transformative journey from alcohol dependency to becoming an ultra runner. Jeff shares how the pandemic heightened his stress and led to increased alcohol consumption, but ultimately, he found solace in running. Through his experiences, he discovered a supportive community of sober runners and learned valuable lessons about mindfulness, resilience, and personal growth. Jeff's story highlights the healing power of running and the importance of finding healthy outlets during challenging times. In this conversation, Jeff MacGregor shares his experiences during ultra marathons, focusing on the importance of pacing, mental resilience, and the emotional journey of endurance sports. He discusses the challenges faced during races, the support from pacers and crew, and the lessons learned that can be applied to life beyond running. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental strength, and how endurance sports can foster a sense of community and personal growth.

Keywords

ultra running, sobriety, mental health, mindfulness, community, personal growth, endurance sports, running journey, addiction recovery, trail running, ultramarathon, pacing, mental resilience, endurance sports, personal journey, emotional health, community support, running, ultra running, race experience

Takeaways

• Jeff moved from Canada to California with his family.
• The pandemic increased Jeff's work stress and alcohol consumption.
• Running became a healthy outlet for Jeff during sobriety.
• He discovered a community of sober runners in ultra running.
• Mindfulness in running helped Jeff cope with life's challenges.
• Jeff's decision to get sober was influenced by his running journey.
• He progressed from running a half marathon to ultra marathons.
• The trail running community provided support and friendship.
• Jeff learned to manage physical and emotional challenges in ultra running.
• Preparation and mental resilience are key to completing ultra marathons. Pacing can significantly impact performance during long races.
• Mental lows are a natural part of endurance sports.
• Community support is crucial in overcoming challenges.
• Recognizing when you're in a low can help you push through.
• Having a positive mindset can change the race experience.
• Preparation and crew support can make a big difference.
• It's important to focus on the journey, not just the finish line.
• Endurance sports can teach valuable life lessons about resilience.
• The experience of running can foster deep connections with others.
• Emotional strength is as important as physical strength in endurance sports.

Sound Bites

• "I found myself drinking more and more."
• "There's a community of sober runners."
• "This too shall pass."
• "I was way ahead of where I should have been."
• "That's a marathon right there."
• "I was in a low at that point."
• "It made the difference."
• "I had a pretty big crew."
• "I was able to recognize that I was in a low."
• "I was severely undertrained going into Zion."
• "I couldn't keep anything down."
• "You're stronger than the pain."

Thanks for listening to the Ginger and Chocolate Podcast. Check out our website at gingerandchocolate.com to get in touch with us. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram @ginger_and_chocolate_podcast; and please subscribe to the show and select automatic downloads on your podcast app.