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.

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