#179: Maggie Guterl -- Unbreakable Will, Pennsylvania Native to Tennessee Backwoods Legend

01.17.2020 - By Chris Ward Play

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This week's guest is the incomparable Maggie Guterl!

No event has captured the imagination of ultrarunners quite like Big's Backyard Ultra "the race with no end." A Last Person Standing event created by "Lazarus Lake" Gary Cantrell, the mind behind the Barkley Marathons, that tests the will, grit, and pure madness of its participants. This past October, Maggie outlasted everyone. For 250 miles over 2 and a half days, her stoic nature, patience, consistency, and determination kept her going and going and GOING.

Whether it's Big's, Barkley, or Western States, she is undaunted in the face of epic challenges which is why I was so excited to dig into her mindset and spirit!

I brought on Phil Pinti, one of my favorite people in the world to help interview her. Phil and Maggie have raced together a few times and listening to them chat about Pretzel City Sports was fantastic! This Pennsylvanian based race company seems to epitomize what we all love about ultra running- the community, the laughter, and the pure joy found in mutual suffering. (Check out their races here: https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/calendar_events/ )

We also get into Maggie's current move to Durango, Colorado- how it's affected her training and racing, moose encounters, and some of her future plans!

Big thanks to Maggie for sharing her time with all of us and to Phil for being an awesome co-host!! Hope you guys enjoy!