The Adventure Jogger

Joshua Ilnicki shares his experience of completing the Canebrake 200 race, shaving 15 hours off his previous finish time. He discusses the beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park in Atlanta where the race takes place and the hallucinations he experienced during the run. Joshua explains his motivation for tackling the 200-mile distance and his affinity for Yeti trail races. He also talks about his training for the race and the challenges of the 10-mile loop in the Canebrake 200 course. Joshua expresses his gratitude for his friend and pacer, Patrick, who supported him throughout the race. Joshua Ilnicki reflects on his experience at the Cane Break 200-mile race and discusses his motivation, mental toughness, and unexpected win. He shares how he pushed through physical and mental challenges, used mantras and training montages to stay focused, and practiced mindfulness during his runs. Joshua also talks about the friendly competition with other runners and the support he received from his crew and the race community. Despite considering himself a recreational runner, Joshua's determination and perseverance led him to victory.

Takeaways

Completing the Canebrake 200 race and shaving 15 hours off his previous finish time was a significant achievement for Joshua Ilnicki.

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Atlanta, where the race takes place, is a beautiful location with a historic cotton mill and connections to the Hunger Games movies.

Joshua's motivation for tackling the 200-mile distance was to push himself to the next level and explore new challenges.

The Yeti trail races, organized by Jason Green, have created a supportive and inclusive community of runners.

The 10-mile loop in the Canebrake 200 course is mentally challenging, but Joshua found ways to stay focused and motivated.

Joshua is grateful for his friend and pacer, Patrick, who provided support and encouragement throughout the race. Mental toughness is crucial in ultramarathons, and it can be developed through practice and focusing on the body's physical sensations rather than emotions.

External motivation, such as friendly competition with other runners, can drive performance and push individuals to achieve their goals.

Imposter syndrome can arise even in unexpected victories, but it's important to embrace and celebrate success.

The support and camaraderie of the race community can greatly impact a runner's experience and motivation.

Recreational runners can achieve remarkable feats with determination, perseverance, and a love for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Shaving 15 Hours Off My Finish Time

06:41 The Yeti Trail Races

30:33 Pre-Race Shakeout and Motivation

38:02 Training Challenges and Mindset

49:45 Internal Motivation and Chasing the Carrot

01:00:28 Gratitude and Compliments

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Simon Guérard, a trail runner and content creator, discusses his journey into trail running and the importance of community support. He shares his experience of finding balance between work and running, the impact of the trail running community, and the need for realistic and relatable content in the influencer space. Simon also highlights the importance of quality training over excessive mileage and the dangers of overtraining. In this conversation, Ryan and Simon discuss the importance of finding a personalized approach to running and training. They emphasize the need to listen to your body and find the balance between pushing yourself and avoiding injury. They also discuss the importance of understanding your why and not getting caught up in external pressures or expectations. Simon shares his experience of finding a healthy and balanced approach to running, where he prioritizes enjoyment, adventure, and meeting new people. They also touch on the challenges of creating content and staying true to yourself in a world driven by views and popularity.

Takeaways

Trail running is not just about running, but also about the adventure and pushing personal limits.

The trail running community is welcoming and supportive, providing guidance and encouragement to new runners.

Content creators in the trail running space should strive for a balance between polished, inspiring content and realistic, relatable content.

Quality training and injury prevention should be prioritized over excessive mileage and overtraining. Finding a personalized approach to running and training is crucial for success and injury prevention.

Listening to your body and understanding its signals is key to finding the right balance in your training.

It's important to understand your why and not get caught up in external pressures or expectations.

Running should be enjoyable and fulfilling, focusing on adventure and meeting new people.

Creating content should be driven by passion and staying true to yourself, rather than chasing views and popularity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting

07:22 Becoming a Content Creator

27:48 Dangers of Overtraining

39:24 Understanding Your Why and Avoiding External Pressures

48:19 Staying True to Yourself in Content Creation

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In this conversation, Tera Pruett shares her journey of living in a camper and the challenges and joys that come with it. Tera discusses the role of stress in her hair loss and how running helps her cope with stress. She shares her excitement about building a house near the Appalachian Trail and the opportunities it will provide for exploring new trails. Lastly, she mentions the fees associated with state parks in different states. In this conversation, Tera discusses the new parking permit system in the Smoky Mountains and the inconvenience of cash-only payments. She also talks about her coaching business and the importance of making strength training accessible and comfortable for runners, especially women. Tera emphasizes the need for proper guidance and form when starting a strength training routine. She also highlights the benefits of strength training for longevity and the importance of timing and phasing in training. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville.

Takeaways

Living in a camper can be challenging but also offers the opportunity for adventure and exploration.

Building a house near trails provides easy access to outdoor activities and new running routes.

Strength training should be accessible and comfortable for all runners, especially women.

Working with a trainer can provide guidance, accountability, and help prevent injuries.

Strength training is important for longevity and should be phased and timed appropriately.

The Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville offers a weekend of community events and inspiring films.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Wild Hair

00:38 Hair Loss Journey

07:14 Stress and Hair Loss

09:06 Coping with Stress through Running

13:00 Building a House

15:11 Living the Trail Runner's Dream

18:47 Building a House and Power Issues

21:02 Exploring New Trails

23:43 State Park Fees

25:33 Parking Permits in the Smoky Mountains

26:27 The Inconvenience of Cash-Only Payments

27:11 Unstoppable Strength, Endurance, and Adventure Coaching

28:41 The Intimidation of Strength Training

29:24 Making Strength Training Accessible

30:23 The Importance of Working with a Trainer

32:19 Strength Training as a Complement to Running

33:11 Timing and Phasing of Strength Training

36:01 The Benefits of Strength Training for Longevity

37:53 Changing the Mindset of Exercise

40:22 The Importance of Having a Coach

42:33 The Dangers of Following Online Training Advice

46:38 Nutrition Strategies and Training Frequency

52:48 The Trail Running Film Festival in Asheville

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Amy Mower is working on a book called 'DNF Rising from the Ashes,' which is a compilation of stories by endurance athletes about the lessons learned through races they didn't finish. The book aims to shed light on the often overlooked aspect of failure in the world of endurance sports. Amy discusses the challenges of selling a book about failure in a society that values success. She also shares her own experiences with DNFs and how they have shaped her perspective on growth and pushing one's limits. The conversation explores the fear of failure and the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Overall, the book aims to provide a platform for athletes to share their DNF stories and inspire others to embrace failure as a part of the journey. This conversation explores the topic of dealing with a Did Not Finish (DNF) in endurance races. Amy Mower shares her personal experiences and insights on how to use a DNF as a learning opportunity and motivation for future races. The conversation also touches on the challenges of multi-day races, the pressure on elite runners, and the impact of social media on athletes' mental well-being. Amy's book, 'DNF: Rising from the Ashes,' is discussed as a resource for further exploration of the topic.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Project Overview

01:02 The Importance of DNF Stories

04:30 The Difficulty of Selling a Book about Failure

06:48 Collecting Stories for the Book

07:53 The Response to the Call for Stories

09:19 The Lengthy Stories in the Book

11:27 The Taboo of DNFs and Fear of Failure

13:35 The Safety of Races You Think You Can Finish

19:17 The Influence of Others in Making Race Decisions

22:01 Different Mindsets: Completing vs Competing

23:07 Participating and Celebrating the Community

23:51 Should Everyone Experience a DNF?

24:41 Coming to Terms with a DNF

24:43 Dealing with a DNF

26:00 Learning from a DNF

27:17 Using a DNF as Motivation

28:48 Reflecting on a DNF

29:34 The Challenges of Multi-Day Races

31:36 Living in a Bubble during Multi-Day Races

33:35 DNF vs. Low Mileage in a Multi-Day Race

34:38 Different Meanings of Numbers in Multi-Day Events

35:18 Internal and External Motivations for the Fear of DNF

36:14 Analyzing the Fear of DNF

37:08 Pressure on Elite Runners

38:31 The Impact of Social Media on Elite Runners

40:38 The Pressure of Public Expectations

42:07 The Pressure on Elite Athletes

43:04 The Pressure of Social Media on Elite Athletes

44:14 Lower Threshold for Dropping Out for Elite Runners

45:36 The Drive to Finish Despite Potential Risks

46:48 Lessons Learned from Enduring Physical Challenges

47:17 Release of the Book 'DNF: Rising from the Ashes'

Amy's book is available now on Amazon

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Matt Silver, CEO of Alpha Project Physio and Performance, shares his running journey and the challenges he faced with injuries. He pursued a career in physical therapy to learn how to treat himself and other runners. Matt emphasizes the importance of running form and mobility in preventing injuries. He highlights the need for specialized knowledge in treating runners and the limitations of traditional physical therapy education. Matt's eureka moment came when he realized the impact of mobility on his own running. He explains the role of hip mobility and offers insights into building mobility for runners. In this conversation, Matt Silver discusses the importance of hip mobility and the benefits of the couch stretch. He also addresses the controversy surrounding running form and explains the importance of proper form to prevent injuries. Matt delves into the role of shoes in running and provides insights into finding the right shoe for individual needs. He also offers tips for transitioning to shoes with less foam. Overall, this conversation provides valuable information for runners looking to improve their performance and prevent injuries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:04 The Running Journey

06:28 The Pursuit of Knowledge

09:05 The Challenges of Physical Therapy

11:01 The Passion for Running

13:09 The Evolution of Physical Therapy

14:52 The Doctorate in Physical Therapy

21:32 The Role of Form in Injury Prevention

23:12 The Eureka Moment

25:48 Understanding Mobility for Runners

28:01 The Impact of Hip Mobility

31:17 Building Hip Mobility

34:28 The Couch Stretch and Hip Mobility

35:18 The Importance of Running Form

36:15 The Reality of Running Form

41:17 Improving Running Form at Slower Paces

47:45 The Role of Shoes in Running

56:13 The Controversy of Shoe Design

01:01:44 Transitioning to Shoes with Less Foam

01:07:45 Where to Get 'Built to Run'

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Get Matt's Book https://www.alphaprojectphyzio.com/built-to-run-book

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Our very own Jeff Stafford was a last minute entry into Barkley this year. Hear all about how he got into the race with 13 hours to spare, why he has wanted to run the race for years and his adventure finding pages in Frozen Head State Park. We do reveal some book locations ;) and have quite a few laughs. Jeff may not have finished a loop this year, but he was able to find some pages and have an epic adventure.

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In this conversation, Kara Goucher discusses her running career, the simplicity of running, the dangers of following training trends, and the charm of unpolished podcasting. They also talk about bringing back retro running fashion, the possibility of turning 'The Longest Race' into a movie, and Kara's ethical stance on Nike. In this conversation, Kara Goucher discusses her experiences with Nike and the Oregon Project, as well as the influence of her grandpa on her running journey. She shares her anger and disappointment with the unethical behavior she witnessed and the toll it took on her body and spirit. Despite the challenges, Kara has found strength and is focused on being happy and free. The conversation concludes with a playful proposal for Kara to venture into the world of ultra marathons.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement

00:24 Kara Goucher's Magazine Covers

03:07 The Danger of Following Training Trends

04:34 Creating Waves and Controversy

05:50 The Dumbest Training Trend

06:36 Reinventing the Wheel in Running

07:37 Bringing Back Retro Running Fashion

08:36 The Return of Striped Cotton Tubers

09:27 The Charm of Unpolished Podcasting

10:44 Talking About Running with Millions of Listeners

12:17 Creating a Movie from 'The Longest Race'

16:14 The Book 'The Longest Race'

24:48 Kara Goucher's Coles Cash

26:16 Ethical Stance on Nike

27:59 The Nike Dilemma

31:12 The Influence of Grandpa

32:46 The Start of Kara's Running Journey

34:58 The Support of Grandpa

43:20 Joining Nike and the Oregon Project

50:56 The Dark Side of Nike and Alberto Salazar

57:33 Finding Strength to Speak Out

01:00:58 The Ultra Marathon Proposal

Kara's book "The Longest Race" is now available on paperback wherever you get your books.

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The conversation between Ryan and Patrick covers various topics related to podcasting, music, and their personal experiences. They discuss their podcast setups, favorite albums and cassettes, and Patrick's background in music and the instruments he plays. They also touch on the commercialization of music and the pressure and expectations Patrick faced at the Western States race. Overall, the conversation provides insights into their shared passion for music and the challenges and joys of being involved in the music industry. In this part of the conversation, Patrick reflects on his past races and the disappointment he felt at Western States 2021. He discusses the freedom he now feels without the pressure of living up to expectations and the joy of rediscovering running without the need for competition. Patrick also emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships and appreciating the journey. He expresses gratitude for his sponsors and the support they have shown him. Finally, Patrick talks about the freedom to express his opinions without the constraints of being a sponsored athlete. In this conversation, Patrick Reagan and Ryan Ploeckelman discuss the impact of a controversial shoe design on Patrick's running career. They also explore the coaching process and the importance of finding the right coach for individual athletes. Patrick shares his insights on working with athletes of all levels and the satisfaction of seeing them achieve their goals. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of ultra running and the importance of staying positive in the face of adversity. The conversation concludes with a discussion about future conversations and the thriving Adventure Jogger community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

00:35 Discussion about Podcasting and Music

06:33 Patrick's Music Background and Instruments

09:58 The Role of Rhythm in Bands

12:25 Getting into Music and Playing in Bands

26:45 Commercialization of Music

31:00 Meeting at Western States and Memes

33:49 Pressure and Expectations at Western States

34:22 Reflecting on Past Races

39:17 The Disappointment of Western States 2021

46:55 The Freedom of Not Living up to Expectations

53:51 Taking a Sabbatical and Rediscovering the Joy of Running

59:12 Authentic Relationships and Appreciating the Journey

01:06:49 Finding Support and Gratitude in Sponsors

01:07:46 Embracing Freedom to Express Opinions

01:07:59 The Awful Experiment

01:08:54 The Strange Shoe Design

01:09:23 The Impact on Performance

01:09:46 Taking a Stand

01:10:04 The Downfall

01:10:34 Reflecting on the Experience

01:11:18 The Positive Side of Hoka

01:11:32 Comparing Different Brands

01:12:30 Timing and Trajectory

01:12:42 Favorite Swag from Hoka

01:13:45 Exclusive Gear

01:14:02 Invitation to Nashville

01:14:32 The Ryman Auditorium

01:15:02 Helping Everyday Runners

01:16:06 Best Advice for Everyday Runners

01:16:45 Investment in Athletes

01:17:18 Working with Different Athletes

01:18:08 Learning from Everyday Runners

01:19:05 The Challenge of Coaching

01:19:36 Invested in Athletes' Success

01:20:03 Collaborative Coaching

01:20:43 Unique Concepts in Coaching

01:21:28 Working with Different Athletes

01:22:31 Coaching Breakups

01:23:08 Maintaining Relationships

01:23:51 Possibility of Future Conversations

01:25:29 The Rollercoaster of Ultra Running

01:26:01 The Realities of Ultra Running

01:27:26 Coaching Relationships

01:28:07 The Breakup of Tortoise and Hare

01:29:14 Future Conversations

01:31:26 The Adventure Jogger Community

01:32:06 The Tortoise and the Hare Podcast

01:33:17 Continuing the Conversation

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Liz Canty moved from Alabama to Colorado for the love of running and the outdoor lifestyle. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to the altitude and the differences in training and gear between the South and Colorado. Liz also talks about the benefits of humidity training and the active running community in Colorado. She shares her love for the Smoky Mountains and the unique culture and beauty of the South. Finally, she reflects on the changes in ultra running and the increasing presence of college cross-country runners in the sport. In this conversation, Liz Canty discusses the competitive nature of running and the obsession with Strava segments. She shares her experiences with losing segments to younger runners and the frustration that can come with segment hunting. Liz also talks about her work as an aerospace engineer and her love for Top Gun Maverick. She addresses the internet backlash she received for not having proper rain gear at Barkley and discusses her upcoming participation in the MS Run the US relay. The conversation concludes with a discussion about regional delicacies, including moon pies and Hunt Brothers pizza.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Moving to Colorado

00:40 Liz's Running Success in the East

04:25 Adjusting to Altitude in Colorado

05:38 Humidity vs. Altitude Training

06:14 Differences in Running Gear and Preparation

08:57 Altitude and Humidity Training

09:58 Altitude and Humidity Training (Continued)

11:01 Dressing for Runs in Colorado

13:19 Adapting to the Climate in Colorado

15:11 The Benefits of Humidity Training

19:34 The Active Community in Colorado

21:04 Strava and Competition in Colorado

23:11 Finding Other Activities in the Off-Season

25:23 Missing the South and the Smokies

28:09 The Magic of the Smokies

29:49 Things Missed About the South

33:02 The Beauty of the Smokies

34:26 Changes in Ultra Running

35:12 The Competitive Nature of Running

36:02 Strava and Segment Hunting

37:24 Strava's Leaderboard and College Cross-Country Runners

38:03 The Significance of Strava Segments

38:47 The Obsession with Strava Segments

39:29 Losing Strava Segments to Younger Runners

40:11 The Frustration of Segment Hunting

41:19 The Importance of Strava Segments to Some Runners

42:30 The Future of Running and the Rise of Female Runners

43:02 The Challenges of Running as an Adult

44:05 Liz's Work as an Aerospace Engineer

45:50 Liz's Love for Top Gun Maverick

47:15 The Origins of the Phrase 'Balls to the Wall'

48:28 Liz's Experience at Barkley and the Internet Backlash

53:17 Liz's Participation in the MS Run the US Relay

55:56 Regional Delicacies: Moon Pies and Hunt Brothers Pizza

59:41 The Regional Delicacy of Colorado

01:00:46 The Combination of Green Chili and Edibles in Colorado

Support Liz's Run for MS https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2024relayteam/p/lizcanty/index.html?fbclid=IwAR07rL8LMYKoZtoBXXpDWMZU_qqm-95JYHCrwwUje5hvbqdN0MuBYU8kWUA

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In this conversation, Rusty Smith shares his journey from being a college runner to becoming an ultra runner. He discusses the role running played in his life and how it helped him maintain a healthy weight and relieve stress. Rusty also talks about his experience as a father and the special bond he shares with his children. He then shares the joy of becoming a grandfather and the overwhelming emotions that came with it. The conversation highlights the importance of family and the transformative power of parenthood. This conversation explores the tragic loss of Rusty's grandson, Max, and how running helped him and his family navigate the grieving process. Rusty shares the heartbreaking moment when Max passed away during delivery and the devastating blow it was for everyone involved. He discusses the difficulty of processing the loss and the decision to run a 100-mile race in Max's honor. Running became a way for Rusty to find solace and process his grief, and he shares how the race allowed him to go to places he couldn't have reached otherwise. Rusty also discusses the power of gratitude and how Max's legacy continues to impact others.

Takeaways

Running can be a lifelong sport that provides physical and mental benefits.

The ultra running community is known for its camaraderie and support.

The father-daughter relationship is unique and special.

Becoming a grandparent is a transformative experience that deepens the understanding of family bonds. The loss of a child is a devastating blow that can shatter expectations and change the course of a family's life.

Running can provide solace and healing in the midst of grief, allowing individuals to process their emotions and find strength.

Expressing gratitude, even in the face of pain and loss, can bring comfort and help shift perspective.

The impact of a short life can be profound, touching the lives of many and leaving a lasting legacy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:10 From College to Ultra Running

09:25 The Challenges and Joys of Fatherhood

15:19 Discovering Ultra Marathons

28:56 The Unique Bond of Father-Daughter Relationships

31:16 Understanding the Mother-Child Bond

32:22 The Journey of Grandson Max

33:19 The Unexpected Tragedy

34:47 The Crushing Blow

36:27 The Reality Sets In

37:05 The Moment of Devastation

38:04 Processing the Loss

42:22 Finding Solace in Running

44:13 The Decision to Run the Race

48:49 The Moment of Clarity

51:26 Running Through Grief

52:46 The Healing Power of the Trail

56:06 The Finish Line and New Beginnings

01:01:21 Max's Five: Gratitude in the Midst of Pain

01:06:13 The Impact of a Short Life

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