Grit, Guts and Determination: The Leadville Race Series Podcast

Tune in here to this episode of Grits, Guts, and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority for all things Leadville! Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38-year rich history of this race. We learn all the tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville community members! Joining us today is Ryan Krol, a runner, biker and new founder of his own coaching business, Boundless Coaching. Listen as he shares about his move from the midwest, his career start with Lifetime, and his recent move into endurance sports himself.

To kick off the conversation, Cole asks Ryan to share the story of how Leadville found him. He fell in love with endurance sports while living in Oregon and participated in the Mt. Hood 100 miler and Ironman. He got a job at Life Time with the hopes of transferring to Colorado in the future. To do well as a trainer, Ryan believes it important to find your niche. He established himself as the endurance trainer and built a solid clientele. Ryan has always been interested in athletics and tried his hand in wrestling and track during high school. It was during the 100 miler that Ryan really found what he was looking for from endurance sports - being broken down mentally and physically. After moving to Colorado, Leadville became his next goal.

Then, Cole asks Ryan to explain what drew him to endurance sports in the first place. He has always had a good work ethic, and was drawn to endurance sports because they are all about commitment, rather than having a special gift or talent. Race day is the one day science can be proven wrong, and it all comes down to who wants it the most. At this point, Ryan has 4 of each Leadville run and bike races under his belt. Ryan’s run time at Leadville has gotten even faster since his first race. He reveals his best time happened the only time didn’t enter the race with the expectation to beat his record. The external pressure of having people count on you is a huge motivation for finishing.

The bike race at Leadville has much more of a teamwork atmosphere compared to the run. The training methodology is much more specific and tends to attract more analytic people. The DNF rate for the run is much higher than the bike because of it’s time length. Though Cole often hints that the bike race is easier than the run, he urges himself not to forget about just how challenging the bike race is. Though he has always finished at Leadville, Ryan shares his DNF stories from other races. Next, they discuss Leadman, the challenge beyond all other challenges. What makes Leadville so unique, Ryan says, is the friendships and relationships one builds there. Everyone who participates has such an interesting story, which only adds to the energy of the race.

Cole and Ryan were both furloughed from their positions at Life Time in 2020. Ryan took this as an opportunity to start his own coaching business, which he considers now to be a blessing in disguise. The clientele he had previously built really helped him establish his new path. As the episode wraps up, Ryan shares advice for Leadville family members to help them make it to the finish line at any event this upcoming summer. To avoid injuries at all costs, consistency and forming good habits now is key. To Ryan, the word Leadville evokes the memories of family reunions, fun summer nights and his tribe.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in August!

Tune in here to this episode of Grits, Guts, and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority for all things Leadville! Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 39-year rich history of this race. We learn all the tips, tricks, and stories

from the Leadville community members! Royalty guest bearing multiple Leadville titles and victories, Lori Brant joins today’s conversation. Listen in as they chat about topics such as her passion for biking, training and victories in Leadville, biking innovations over the years, competing with dogs, and the

priceless mark Leadville has left in her life.

To kick off the conversation, Cole asks Laurie to share about when Leadville found her, in 1994. Laurie recounts her past as a professional mountain-biker, and when she first heard about the 100 mile race. Appealing to her on multiple levels, she tells more about the actual Leadville biking journey and how to

train for it. Learn about all of the unknowns of health, snacks, hydration, and so much more during this time in history. Over just a few short years, innovations and research in these areas has taken off. Laurie worked to take care of herself and raced each weekend as her training!

They move on to discuss Laurie’s inaugural victory in more detail. With a total of 5 finishes in Leadville, Laurie’s best time was in 1997. She describes this as the “ride of her life”, as she finished in 7:58:53. Listen as they chat about the various bikes she has owned and the famous Clark Kent box truck. Laurie’s

memories of the hundred are joined also by her accomplishments in the Silver Rush 50, yet another Leadville race event. Cole reminds listeners that you don’t find Leadville, Leadville finds you! Laurie shares about how Leadville implants itself in you and becomes part of who you are. The terrain, people, support, and memories all play in! As the only champion Leadville has had to come back 17 yrs later and win, Laurie is a great ambassador and advocate for Leadville.

Cole recounts the years in between wins and asks what has kept her coming back. Learn about her love for riding with her daughters, and helping build programs where she can share her love of the sport with others. Laurie’s daughter is involved in collegiate cycling, and Laurie discusses how it’s been amazing to see what the sport has done for her, her daughters, and

their community. Going back for a moment, Cole asks Laurie what initially kicked off her cycling career and got her into it. She shares a bit of her background, up through what she is up to today. While she loves biking, she has a unique set of winter sports that also capture her attention. Listen as she shares more about competing with dogs and the whole new world of sport opportunities that opens up with that. With a passion for competing in sports that are both physically and mentally challenging, Laurie has found a handful of activities that she loves, and she even participates in advocacy work and volunteer work revolving around bikes and trails.

As the episode draws to a close, Laurie offers her personal advice to those wanting to get to the finish line, she shares early memories of the founders, and offers last words to today’s listeners. Laurie’s love for Leadville goes both ways, and her memories with the founders are sweet ones she will not forget. She shares about the inspiration she thinks of when she simply hears the word, “Leadville”. Don’t forget, just keep going, put one foot in front of the other!

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in

August!

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in for tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members! Today’s episode features minimalist, runner, and Luna Sandal ambassador Patrick Sweeney! He first heard of Leadville from Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run.

As the conversation begins, Cole asks Patrick about his relationship with Barefoot Ted McDonald, founder of Luna Sandals. Ted is an independent athlete committed to rediscovering primal human capacities and encouraging others to do the same and he introduced Patrick to the Luna Lifestyle. In the early days, Patrick said he lived pretty simply hanging out on the internet, running on the beach, and finishing his days with good food and beers. He’s recently moved in with girlfriend, Sam who he says is also very independent and minimalistic They live out on a ranch with plenty of room to run.

Reflecting on his first Leadville experiences, Patrick shares that he was able to stay with the mayor and on a whim decided to run a 5K the next morning before running the Burro Race and coming in next to last. He couldn’t get the burro to move, but he still remembers it as a great experience. When his first Leadville race started, he was shirtless and didn’t have any crew or pacers. At one point he remembers doing a mile to a mile and a half off course. Then he started to experience a lot of knee pain, he had to slow to a walk and started feeling pretty demoralized. Eventually, his body mechanics changed and he started feeling a lot better and calculating how he could widdle down his run time.

Patrick has five finishes at Leadville and the community keeps him coming back. He still does burro racing as well, having finished it about five or six times, enjoying it because you never know what to expect and have to adjust based on the donkey. He’s hosted at Leadville as well and has been using it as an opportunity to raise money for the Leadville Animal Shelter. He also gives away plastic shovels he used to collect when running on the beach. One of his best memories though is running his TransCon and shares how his biggest takeaway was the generosity of Americans across the states.

As the episode ends, Patrick reflects on the meaning of Leadville, the race, the people, and the town itself.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in August!

Welcome to this episode of Grits, Guts, and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority in all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38-year rich history of this race. Listen in for tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members! Today’s episode features Ty and Roxanne Hall, the entrepreneurial power couple and longtime finishers of the mountain biking race. Listen as they talk about topics such as their connection with Leadville, their entrepreneurial journey, and their passion and love for biking and Leadville.

The episode begins with Ty and Roxanne bringing us on their own journeys to Leadville and what got them connected into this community. After meeting in Leadville and deciding this was where they wanted to stay, they both got jobs there and planted their roots in the community. This eventually led to the founding of their own business, the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. They also share about their family history and the impact their families had on their lives.

They move on to a more emotional and personal story of Roxanne’s injury when she was hit by a car while riding her bike. Both Roxanne and Ty share about the difficulties they faced during this time. Ty shares how inspiring it was to watch Roxanne come back after this tragic accident and continue to push forward in her goals and dreams. The process of healing was a long one, but it was a miracle. This recovery later led to Roxanne creating her own Guardian Angel of the Bike designs which represented her miracle recovery and to inspire and motivate others.

Next, Cole asks Ty and Roxanne to share about their entrepreneurial journey to the creation of the business they have today. They both begin by sharing that the beginning journey of creating their business was based on a desire to stay in Leadville and make a life there. This business began as a restaurant called the Cookhouse which has now over the years expanded into the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. They also both point out the huge impact the community of Leadville had in helping them reach their goals and create what they have today.

The episode concludes with Ty and Roxanne both sharing their experiences with biking. Ty has become involved in the Leadville races through becoming the dream chaser for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy foundation. Roxanne shares about her own experiences and how she has pushed through many different injuries and continues to ride today. Lastly, they both share what keeps them coming back to these races which is the desire to follow their passions and live every day to the most. Not only that, but they also share how their lives have been shaped outside of just racing in teaching them endurance and the importance of community.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in August!

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber, son of race founder Ken Chlouber, takes us on a story-telling journey of the 39 year rich history of this race. Listen in for tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members! Today’s episode features two members of the Leadville family, the cutoff king and queen themselves - Mike and Sandy Monaghan! Mike has about a dozen races under his belt, and Sandy is an involved crew member; for decades, Mike and Sandy have been investing in the Leadville community, making memories on the trails, and amassing stories to share.

As the conversation begins, Cole asks Mike and Sandy how Leadville found them. In a sense, it found them by accident following an issue with Mike’s training in 1989. He and Sandy found themselves in Leadville and immediately fell in love with it. Mike made new running friends, had a great training experience, and ultimately never looked back! Over the years, Mike and Sandy have seen it all - all kinds of weather, a high river, circumstances that hindered Mike from finishing a couple of his races, and so much more.

There’s really no end to the stories Mike and Sandy can tell. They remember Cole as a child helping with races, share about the memorable year the river level rose when their young son was planning to pace Mike, and explain how Mike won the now-discontinued Jackass Award. Listeners get a look at Mike and Sandy’s race dynamic as the two describe the rigors of racing, and ingenuity needed to support a runner, difficult moments in pacing Mike, and Sandy’s insistence that Mike keep going. From the time a moth flew in Mike’s ear, to the years of makeshift equipment and finishers sweatshirts, to the time Cliff Davies had an ice adventure, Mike and Sandy span much of the Leadville history with their stories.

Reflecting on their time as part of the Leadville family, Mike and Sandy share about how much the community and its support have meant to them. They have found a true family in Leadville, a family which has shaped their children, been an anchor for them through the years, and driven them to serve in whatever ways they can. In 2004, they transitioned to be cutoff king and queen, a move Sandy wanted to use to make the cutoff experience as thoughtful and encouraging as possible. She also now gives the race crew talk, and ultimately works each year to provide the sort of guidance she received when she first came to Leadville and carry forward a spirit of sharing and community. She and Mike talk about the Leadville Legacy Foundation, advice they would offer to new racers, and what they think of when they hear the name “Leadville.” Thanks for joining!

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, and we hope to see you on the line in August! Links: Check out the Leadville Race Series

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 39 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet Travis and Mark Macy, who you may know from the Prime series covering the Eco-Challenge. Mark is also one of Leadville’s early 100 mile runners and his son, Travis, has followed in his dad’s footsteps.

To begin, we hear from both Mark and Travis about how Leadville found them. Mark first heard about Leadville in 1988, and participated in their first ever 100-miler. Travis shares just a few of the great memories Leadville has provided him and his family with over the years. Travis has done the bike 5 times, first in 2006 when he finished in 12th place. As the race grew more and more popular, it became more difficult to place in the top. During Mark’s first bike race, he recalls having no clue what to expect.

The conversation then shifts to discussing adventure racing and Travis and Mark’s appearance on the Amazon Prime Eco-Challenge series. It was in Moab, Utah that Mark was first introduced to adventure racing. The challenge hadn’t happened since 2002, and rumors began circulating that the show was making a return in 2018. After long discussions, Travis and Mark decided to apply. They were accepted, and were able to race alongside a great team. Even though they didn’t win in the end, the experience was one they wouldn’t trade for the world.

Mark has been very open about his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. Although Alzheimer’s is a difficult and heartbreaking thing, Mark wants those impacted by it to see him living a fine and happy life now. He even participated in the Leadville race a few months back, and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Many people with Alzheimers are worried and scared, but Mark urges them to continue doing what they need to do and focus on what makes you happy today. No matter what it is that’s important to you, don’t give up on it. Then, Travis shares his admiration for his father, who has always prioritized helping others rather than getting himself to the finish line.

As the episode wraps up, Travis stresses the importance of being prepared to handle the curveballs life will present you with regardless of what you’re preparing for. For those hoping to make it to the Leadville starting line next summer, the most important thing is to keep on going. No matter how hard it is, you have to stick with it if you want to finish.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet six consecutive time Leadville Trail 100 mountain biking champion Dave Wiens.

As the conversation begins, Dave tells the story of how Leadville found him. Growing up in suburban Denver, his family often spent recreational time in Twin Lakes near Leadville. Dave’s first mountain bike race in Leadville was just his 4th ever race. Over the years, Dave has never lost the drive to compete. His wife, Susan, is a 1996 mountain biking bronze medalist and stands alongside Dave in the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame.

Then, Dave tells the story of Gunnison Trails, the hiking, running and mountain biking nonprofit he founded in 2006. It involves trail maintenance, trail stewardship, education and development at Gunnison Valley. While thinking about ways to fund the organization, Dave was approached to help develop the Sage Burner Trail Race. The Race is 100% owned and operated by Gunnison Trails and fully funds the organization. He also discusses Pennies For Trails, a fundraiser for Gunnison Trails made possible by a handful of local businesses.

Dave is now the Director at IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. IMBA is focused on providing great mountain biking trails for more people in more places across the country and even globally. They are largely focused on towns who have lost major former extraction industries, such as mining, and transforming them into recreation areas. Dirt industries, such as trails and mountain biking, are incredibly important to the health and wellness of communities and can contribute to local economies.

Next, Dave discusses his 6-time Leadville Trail mountain biking championship, a feat that is unlikely to be matched any time soon. In late 2006, he committed to the mountain biking race at Leadville. According to Dave, the Leadville trail is so special because it offers every kind of terrain along its course. Once he discovered he may be competing alongside pros such as Lance Armstrong, Dave created a whole new training regimen for himself.

Aside from being a competitor, Dave has a history of volunteering, helping races, supporting the Leadville Legacy Foundation and has stuck alongside the family during their darkest and brightest times. Leadville is really one huge family, which Dave said he felt from day one. Knowing the roots and history of Leadville from long before the race began is another element in Dave’s connection and appreciation of the town.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet the best coach in America, Coach Frank Mencin. Frank knows all about digging deep, sacrifice, commitment and has found his own inexhaustible will of grit, guts and determination.

As the conversation begins, Frank talks about his journey in competitive running, beginning in high school. In 1979, he ran a marathon in Eugene, Oregon and qualified for the Olympic trials the year it was boycotted in Moscow. Following the retirement of the current coach, Frank began coaching the cross country team at Lake County High school in Leadville. His focus on running shifted from his own practice to coaching other promising young athletes in the sport. He learned lots from former coach Dick including how to manage endurance in the high altitude. Of the twenty Conference Championships Frank’s teams competed in, they won sixteen and placed second in the remaining four.In June of 1991, Frank took an opportunity to become an elementary principal, where he remained for 8 years before moving up to the high school. He treasured his experience at the schools and recalls the supportive parents and opportunities which were offered to him.

Then, Frank talks about the Leadville 100 MTB and his surprise at the sheer amount of die-hards it attracts. Aside from being a great healthy activity, the race also generates a substantial economic benefit for the town of Leadville. It offers something for everyone: physically and emotionally. Frank gives listeners a little insight into his cycling training regimen. He was a Nordic skier in college and still practices the sport today as cardio and upper body training during the winter, when biking is nearly impossible. Frank believes that life, much like cycling, is a test every day. Good nutrition, training and sleeping are a recipe for success in the race.

A large hurdle for many of the Leadville participants is the altitude. Even coming from Denver, which is considered high altitude, Leadville doesn’t compare. Frank shares a few preparation tips that have helped him become accustomed to this factor. He recommends everyone develop a personal plan based on their own goals and fitness levels. He urges people to start a training program at least 6-8 months in advance and test themselves out in the mountains to get used to the terrain. Higher altitudes require more rest and recovery time. Additionally, he says you should train in all different elements as the weather during Leadville can be unpredictable. The most important thing is to be prepared and know how to deal with the elements. In closing, Frank encourages listeners to take a chance with Leadville, no matter how old you are, accept the challenge and believe in yourself.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet the character of the book Born To Run, Barefoot Ted McDonald. Ted has not only experienced Leadville and the Tarahumara, but has taken it a step further to create his own running sandal brand called Luna Sandals.

As the conversation begins, Barefoot Ted recalls how Leadville found him. He served as a pacer in 2007 for a friend participating in Leadville and was captivated by its deep history, tradition and familial aspect. Needless to say, Ted has been coming back to Leadville every year since. Barefoot Ted is the subject of the popular book Born To Run written by Christopher McDougall. The book covers a race and captured people's attention by telling the story of running through the history of humanity. Thanks to the book, many people have been awakened to their own potential as a human and athlete alike.

In Ted’s later 30’s, he didn’t consider himself a long distance runner. He made it his mission to overcome the feeling of pain he felt running long distances. Ted grew up in barefoot surf and skate culture in southern California in the 70’s. After doing some research, he became intrigued by the concept of barefoot running and the anatomy of the foot. Barefooting ended up becoming the tool which allowed Ted to reconnect and understand what it was like to move well.

Next, Ted discusses his own company Luna Sandals, which he started in a basement in Seattle in 2009. He was totally new to the craft but after realizing the superior functionality of the sandals, has yet to look back. The name of the company came from another character in the book, Manuel Luna. Listen as Ted tells the fascinating story behind this inspiration and the Tarahumara. In addition to paying homage to Manuel, Ted held on to the hope that over time he would be able to do something good for the world in return. Ted gives insight into Busuréliame, a grassroots program he is a spokesperson for. Busuréliame, meaning “inner awakening”, aims to spread cultural awareness and education to Tarahumara children.

Finally, Ted praises Leadville 100, believing it to encompass 100 years in a single day. He explains his secret philosophies to training. He says it’s the setbacks in life which really propel you forward. To the Leadville family members coming from sea level, he recommends learning new breathing techniques for the different atmosphere. To him, Leadville is happiness, family and community.

Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

Welcome to the Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Son of race founder, Cole Chlouber, hosts this podcast to take us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Sit back and enjoy the best tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In this episode, Cole invites on a unique guest. Turkish immigrant and Leadville’s current Mayor, Greg Labbe joins the conversation to add color to the scene. You won’t want to miss this stroll down memory lane with a man who has lived and breathed every facet of the Leadville race!

The conversation gets rolling as Greg shares his story about when Leadville found him and how. Listen in as he talks about the funky-town vibe that appealed to him as he found this gem in the mountains. Greg recalls that buying a home in Leadville was one of the best life decisions he has ever made. He shares about how he first learned about the race and his family participation through pacing for people. Both intimidation and thrilling, Greg chats about what it’s like to be the mayor and the one to step up and introduce everyone to Leadville for this race.

Cole shifts the focus towards the in-and-outs of being Leadville’s mayor. Going on 5 years now, Greg says that this position marks a pinnacle of his life. Nearly an accident, Greg’s term as mayor has proven to be an unexpected, but thrilling ride. Listen in as he shares some of his favorite accomplishments that have happened as he has been mayor. From brining buildings up to code, to rounding up help, to managing taxation, Greg has been a part of it all.

As this episode continues, Cole asks Greg about more of his personal life and experiences. Greg talks about the extracurricular activities he enjoys—most of which is motorcycling. Racing for over 50 years now, Greg says that he will be racing until the day he can’t. Learn about the intense heart rate he pushes through and the lifestyle that allows him to do this. Cole also asks Greg to share about his hoarding athletes and ultra-runners as they stay at his home for the race. Hear stories about people like Joe, Barefoot Ted, and Patrick. All big-names that have incredible stories. Greg discusses how this event proves near and dear to his own sons’ hearts and how they have created a silly and eccentric fashion trend with crazy tights.

What are some of his more memorable moments being part of this event? Learn about his love for pacing and the guttiest performance he has ever seen. Greg shares his passion for getting behind the people that do not seem to have a chance. Cole asks about the memorable moments Greg had with his father. Sharing about how they developed a friendship over the years and created an adventure Mecca in Leadville, Greg appreciated Cole’s father’s way of keeping his cool and being willing to put his butt on the line to do the course that he asked others to do. Learn about the magic that has brought it all together, the PR Leadville has seen, and the value and pride that have come with diversification. Learn what Leadville is up to these days.

As the episode draws to a close, Greg shares what he’s learned through personal changes and the lifestyle critically impacts one’s ability to perform. Greg offers a few pieces of advise for new athletes—don’t forget the importance of relentless forward motion. Learn of his love for the community and the most important part of Leadville. Thanks for joining!

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