The Adventure Jogger

In this episode, Ryan interviews Becca Windell about her recent achievement of getting a golden ticket at the Black Canyon race and her upcoming participation in the Western States race. They discuss the last mile of the Black Canyon race, the excitement of getting the golden ticket, and the cost of participating in Western States. Becca also shares her early running experiences with her grandpa and how she got into cycling before transitioning back to running. They also touch on the differences between the running and cycling communities. Becca shares her journey of getting back into bike racing, transitioning to trail running, and discovering ultra running. She discusses the importance of belief and confidence in running, as well as the lessons she has learned from her coach, David Roche. Becca also reflects on the influence of her grandfather and the gift of having a great grandparent. She talks about dealing with a significant injury and her dream of running Western States. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about Chicago food preferences and fandom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:30 Unconventional Interview Style

00:54 Congratulations on Getting the Golden Ticket

02:31 Thoughts During the Last Mile

03:14 Planning for Western States

04:05 The Golden Ticket Experience

04:52 The Cost of Western States

05:27 The Evolution of Western States Entry

06:15 The Privilege of Running Western States

06:44 The Competitive Nature of Black Canyon

07:45 The Experience of Black Canyon

08:23 The Golden Ticket Prize

09:00 The Support of Aerovipa

09:58 The Cost of Western States Entry

10:09 The Golden Ticket Experience

11:22 Introduction to Running

12:08 Early Running Experiences with Grandpa

13:11 Rediscovering Running with Josie

20:11 Transition from Cycling to Running

21:12 Finding Joy in Running

22:39 Comparison of Running and Cycling Communities

25:11 Introduction to Cycling

26:26 Involvement in Underground Alley Cat Bike Racing

28:39 Reactions to Becca's Bicycle Gang

30:28 Getting Back into Bike Racing

31:08 Lessons from Underground Bicycle Gang

33:08 Transition to Trail Running

34:37 First Ultra Races

35:50 Approach to First 50K

36:28 Break from Racing and Wildlife Research

37:28 Returning to Running and Discovering Ultra Running

38:19 Building Confidence and Belief in Running

40:28 Lessons from Coach David Roche

41:20 Importance of Using the Brain in Athletics

43:35 Grandfather's Influence and Wisdom

45:05 The Gift of Having a Great Grandfather

46:15 Dealing with a Significant Injury

51:07 Dreaming of Western States

56:49 Goals for Western States

59:00 Chicago Food Preferences

01:00:11 Chicago Bears Fandom

01:00:29 Existential Dread and Credits

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Chad Sullivan discusses the creation of Hard Prairie magazine, a photo-first publication that aims to capture the beauty and grit of trail and ultra running. He shares his journey into the magazine business and the inspiration behind the magazine's unique approach. Chad emphasizes the importance of tangible media in a digital age and the power of authentic and uncomfortable art. He also discusses the decision to not include ads in the magazine and the challenges of being listener-supported. Overall, Hard Prairie aims to facilitate dialogue and tell real stories that resonate with the trail running community. Hard Prairie Magazine is a labor of love that was created for the creators themselves, rather than trying to please others. The magazine features stunning photography and compelling stories that capture the essence of trail running. While initially focused on Illinois and the Midwest, the magazine expanded its scope based on the stories and interest it received. The process of publishing the magazine involved finding the right paper and learning how to put it together. The magazine aims to be a platform for storytelling and does not claim to be an authority in the sport. The positive response from readers has affirmed the creators' vision and passion for the project.

Takeaways

Hard Prairie magazine is a photo-first publication that captures the beauty and grit of trail and ultra running.

The magazine aims to create a tangible and authentic experience in a digital age.

Chad emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the power of uncomfortable art.

Hard Prairie is listener-supported and does not include ads, allowing for creative freedom and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Hard Prairie Magazine

02:45 Chad's Journey into the Magazine Business

06:26 Creating a Photo-First Magazine

08:49 The Importance of Tangible Media

15:34 The Decision to Not Include Ads

21:06 The Power of Authentic and Uncomfortable Art

26:53 Facilitating Dialogue and Telling Real Stories

31:53 Differentiating from Polished Road Running Media

33:11 Creating a Tangible Magazine for Conversation and Legacy

34:38 Creating Art for Yourself

36:05 Making the Magazine They Wanted to See

39:00 Subscription Plans

40:20 The Origin of the Name

41:13 The Story of 'This Is My Why'

42:45 The Process of Publishing the Magazine

46:19 The Comparison to Punk Rock

48:50 The Learning Curve of Magazine Publishing

54:04 The Evolution of the Magazine

57:25 Overcoming Doubts and Receiving Positive Feedback

01:03:10 The Purpose of Hard Prairie Magazine

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In this episode, Mindy Smith shares her running journey and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about her transition from being an ultrarunner to dealing with personal struggles and health issues. Mindy discusses the impact of addiction in her family and how it affected her own life. She also explores the feelings of becoming obsolete in the running community and finding new passions and relationships outside of running. Mindy reflects on her experience volunteering at races and the realities of being a part of the running world. In this conversation, Mindy Smith discusses her journey of rediscovering her love for running and embracing change in her life. She reflects on the fluidity of identity and the importance of accepting evolving identities. Mindy also shares the significance of taking breaks from running and finding other hobbies. She emphasizes the need to champion what you love and not be confined by societal expectations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting and the lessons learned from ultra running. Mindy concludes by highlighting the importance of feeling and processing emotions.

Takeaways

Running journeys can be filled with personal challenges and transitions.

Dealing with personal struggles and health issues can impact one's identity as a runner.

Supporting loved ones with addiction can be overwhelming and require personal sacrifices.

Feeling obsolete in the running community can lead to exploring new passions and relationships.

Volunteering at races can provide a different perspective on the running world. Embrace change and accept the evolving nature of your identity.

Take breaks from running and explore other hobbies to maintain a healthy relationship with the sport.

Champion what you love and don't feel pressured to conform to societal expectations.

Consistency and security are key in both running and parenting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Mindy's Story

01:06 Mindy's Running Journey and Introduction to Ultra Running

07:12 Challenges and Changes in Mindy's Life

15:04 Health Issues and Diagnosis

23:38 Exploring New Hobbies and Relationships

25:42 Volunteering at Races and Feeling Like an Imposter

27:08 The Realities of Volunteering at Races

28:01 The Fluidity of Identity

29:14 Embracing Change

30:46 Prioritizing Personal Life

31:43 Taking Breaks from Running

32:44 Finding Other Hobbies

33:03 Championing What You Love

34:18 Accepting Evolving Identities

36:06 The Importance of Consistency

37:07 Parenting and Running

38:38 The All or Nothing Approach

39:38 The Best Version of Me

40:06 Adopting a Child

41:05 Lessons from Ultra Running

43:09 Running as a Safe Space

44:32 Consistency and Security in Parenting

46:27 Rediscovering the Love of Running

48:36 Feeling and Processing Emotions

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In this episode, Ryan interviews Jonas Deichmann, a professional adventurer known for his extreme endurance challenges. Jonas shares his experience of biking across the United States and running back, as well as his previous adventures around the world. They discuss the relationship between running and cycling, the benefits of cross-training, and the challenges of finding nutritious food in small towns. Jonas also shares his favorite moments from his journey and the misconceptions he had about the United States. Finally, he reveals his next challenge: completing 120 Ironman distances in 120 days. In this conversation, Jonas discusses his new challenge of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean. He explains how his previous experience of running across the US prepared him for this new endeavor. Jonas also shares his recovery process and time management strategies. The availability of his book and film is discussed, with the film being available in English on his YouTube channel. Lastly, the possibility of an English version of the book is explored.

Takeaways

Cross-training in running and cycling can have mutual benefits and improve overall endurance.

Cycling can help injury-proof the body and strengthen endurance for running.

Small adventures can provide valuable experiences and serve as a starting point for bigger challenges.

The United States offers diverse landscapes and cultures, and it's important to avoid generalizations.

Starting now is crucial to pursuing dreams and overcoming challenges. Jonas's previous experience of running across the US prepared him for his new challenge of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean.

Jonas aims to spend around 12 hours each day on his swimming challenge, allowing for a comfortable speed.

Jonas's book is currently only available in German and Spanish, but the film is available in English on his YouTube channel.

The decision to release an English version of the book is up to the publisher, as the English book market can be complicated.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Jonas' Epic Adventure

03:13 Jonas' Journey into Extreme Endurance Challenges

05:14 The Relationship Between Running and Cycling

09:24 The Benefits of Cross-Training

12:14 Cycling vs. Running: Jonas' Preference

13:06 The Strangest Clothes in Cycling

14:36 Numb Nuts and Cycling Comfort

15:59 American Contributions to the World

18:38 German Contributions to the World

21:26 The Challenges of Finding Nutritious Food in Small Town America

25:10 Planning and Logistics for the Journey

27:38 Favorite Moments and Scenic Highlights

31:46 Lessons Learned and Misconceptions About the United States

40:35 The Value of Small Adventures and Starting Now

47:28 Jonas' Next Challenge: 120 Ironman Distances in 120 Days

49:00 Preparation and Training

49:26 Recovery and Time Management

50:18 Availability of Book and Film

50:34 English Version of the Book

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In this conversation, Ryan catches up with Patrick Caron after a long time. They discuss Patrick's early ultra running career, his transition to racing in Europe, and the lessons he learned from racing in Europe. Patrick shares his experiences at the Solomon Young Gun Academy and the impact it had on his racing style. They also talk about Patrick's shift to shorter distances and his passion for coaching middle school cross country. Patrick reflects on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in racing and shares his goals and aspirations for the future.

Takeaways

Transitioning to racing in Europe can be a challenging and eye-opening experience due to differences in terrain, racing style, and competition.

Finding meaning and purpose in racing is important for long-term motivation and enjoyment.

Coaching and race directing can provide a different perspective on running and contribute to personal growth and development.

Balancing expectations and enjoyment in racing is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with the sport.

Exploring different race distances and focusing on personal growth can lead to new opportunities and experiences in running.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting after a long time

01:11 Patrick's early ultra running career

02:22 Shift in Patrick's racing focus

04:29 Transition to racing in Europe

06:19 Lessons learned from racing in Europe

08:59 Adjusting to the European racing style

11:33 The Solomon Young Gun Academy

13:55 Racing in Europe and the challenges faced

16:55 Differences in terrain and racing style in Europe

19:33 Managing expectations and pressure

22:14 The importance of racing at different levels

23:23 Recognizing potential and finding meaning in racing

25:03 Imposter syndrome and self-belief

27:31 Lessons learned from coaches at the Solomon Young Gun Academy

30:24 Transition to shorter distances

32:45 Finding passion and purpose beyond running

37:39 Coaching middle school cross country

41:55 Creating unique race experiences as a race director

45:39 Balancing expectations and enjoyment in racing

48:31 The impact of race directing on Patrick's running career

52:48 Learning from middle and back-of-the-pack runners

57:17 Future goals and aspirations

59:13 Patrick's performance at the Boston Marathon

01:00:06 The goal of having a personal water bottle guy

01:00:59 Patrick's best performance at Boston Marathon

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In this conversation, Ryan interviews Susan Donnelly, an accomplished ultra runner with over 145 100-mile finishes and 17 wins. They discuss Susan's journey into ultra running, the growth of the sport in Tennessee, and the safety concerns for women on the trails. They also explore the physical preparation and nutrition requirements for ultra running, as well as the importance of mental training and building self-confidence. Susan shares valuable insights and advice for both experienced and aspiring ultra runners.

Takeaways

Ultra running requires physical preparation, including strength training and high mileage, but it is also important to find a balance that fits with your lifestyle.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in ultra running, and it is important to find what works best for your body, whether it's through commercial products or simple foods like pop tarts or Twinkies.

Mental training is just as important as physical training in ultra running, and it involves detaching from negative thoughts and emotions, creating a race plan, and developing self-confidence.

Self-confidence is a common struggle for many ultra runners, but it can be built through positive self-talk, setting realistic goals, and focusing on personal growth rather than comparison to others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Susan's Running Achievements

03:16 Susan's Journey into Ultra Running

08:18 Discovering Ultra Running in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

13:22 The Growth of Ultra Running in Tennessee

15:14 Safety Concerns for Women on the Trails

17:19 Carrying Safety Items on the Trails

18:26 Susan's Experience with Bears

19:28 Physical Preparation for Ultra Running

22:39 The Reality of Ultra Running for Everyday Runners

24:07 The Importance of Balance in Training

26:12 The Misconception of Mileage Requirements for 100-Milers

28:32 The Role of Nutrition in Ultra Running

30:08 The Marketing of Nutrition Products

35:15 The Influence of Consumerism on Ultra Running

40:43 The Importance of Mental Training in Ultra Running

46:50 Detaching from Negative Thoughts and Emotions

50:29 Managing Anxiety and Fear in Ultra Running

53:31 Building Self-Confidence in Ultra Running

59:13 Barriers to Self-Confidence

01:03:09 The Influence of Marketing on Self-Confidence

01:07:02 Conclusion

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Amy Clark, the editor in chief of Ultra Running Magazine, shares her journey into ultra running and the impact it has had on her life. She discusses the joy of combining passion and paychecks, as well as the bond she shares with her father through running. Amy also highlights the rise of women in ultra running and the authenticity of athletes like Courtney Dauwalter. She reflects on the evolution of Ultra Running Magazine and the challenges of staying impartial in the face of controversy. Amy concludes by discussing the potential future of the sport and the influence of marketing on ultra running. In this conversation, Amy Clark, the editor-in-chief of Ultra Running Magazine, discusses various topics related to ultra running. The conversation covers the importance of community in ultra running, dealing with criticism and feedback, recognition and awards in the sport, creative ideas for recognizing ultra runners, the process of selecting Ultra Runner of the Year, future plans for Ultra Running Magazine, personal running goals for 2024, the rise of backyard ultras and their media coverage, the experience of photographing Big's Backyard Ultra, and brainstorming new race ideas.

Chapters

00:00 Combining Passion and Paychecks

01:24 Amy's Journey into Ultra Running

03:07 Growing Up with a Marathoner Father

04:15 Running as a Bond with Amy's Dad

05:35 The Impact of Running on Family

06:43 The Joy of Seeing Your Child Embrace Your Passion

07:19 The Perception of Ultra Running

08:29 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running

09:33 The Authenticity of Courtney Dauwalter

11:01 The Shift in Focus from Men to Women in Ultra Running

12:11 The Evolution of Ultra Running Magazine

18:14 The Growth and Change of Ultra Running Magazine

20:05 The Impact of Blogs and Online Media on Ultra Running Magazine

27:58 The Controversy Surrounding UTMB Ironman

35:20 The Future of Ultra Running

38:43 The Potential Shift to Larger Ultra Running Events

41:33 The Influence of Marketing on Ultra Running

42:36 The Importance of Community in Ultra Running

44:07 Dealing with Criticism and Feedback

47:04 Recognition and Awards in Ultra Running

49:25 Ideas for Recognizing Ultra Runners

51:45 The Process of Selecting Ultra Runner of the Year

52:49 Creative Ideas for Ultra Runner of the Year Awards

53:29 Future Plans for Ultra Running Magazine

55:22 Personal Running Goals for 2024

57:05 Backyard Ultras and the Media Coverage

59:22 The Experience of Photographing Big's Backyard Ultra

01:00:38 Ideas for New Backyard Ultras

01:01:37 Brainstorming Session for New Race Ideas

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Rachel shares her experience of completing the H9 Fierce Dragon 200-miler, a challenging race with over 60,000 feet of elevation gain. She discusses the unique aspects of the race, including the remote and rocky trail, the unpredictable January weather, and the repetitive nature of the laps. Rachel emphasizes the importance of rest and self-care during the race, as well as the support provided by aid stations and volunteers. She also opens up about her struggles with mental health and substance abuse, highlighting the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding these issues. Rachel shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding solace in running. She discusses the turning point that led her to seek help and enter rehab. Through running, Rachel discovered a therapeutic outlet and a way to rebuild her self-confidence. She reflects on the challenges of her past and how ultra running has helped her reset her relationship with food. Finally, she talks about her upcoming race, the Jigger Johnson races, and the technical and demanding nature of the course.

Takeaways

The H9 Fierce Dragon 200-miler is a challenging race with unique aspects, such as the remote and rocky trail and the unpredictable January weather.

Rest and self-care are crucial during the race, and aid stations and volunteers play a significant role in supporting the runners.

Hallucinations and mental challenges are common during ultra races, and it is important to stay focused and positive.

Training for self-sufficiency and carrying essential supplies are necessary for completing the race.

Finishing the race is a significant accomplishment and can inspire confidence to take on new challenges.

Openly discussing mental health and seeking help is essential to breaking the stigma and supporting those who are struggling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Race Overview

02:05 Challenges of the Race

03:36 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

04:10 Aid Stations and Support

06:30 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges

08:35 Training and Self-Sufficiency

09:46 Taking Breaks and Pacing Strategies

11:32 The Last Lap and Smelling the Barn

18:18 The Significance of Finishing

25:09 Motivation for Participating in the Race

28:21 Background and Struggles with Mental Health

36:28 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

39:03 Substance Abuse and Recovery

39:42 Overcoming Addiction

46:12 Discovering Running as Therapy

52:50 Building Self-Confidence through Ultra Running

57:59 Resetting Relationship with Food

01:00:00 The Challenge of Jigger Johnson Races

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Eojin Kim is a Doctoral Student at Harvard University and a runner. When he gets his mind into something he goes all in, and when his mother was diagnosed with cancer her doctor recommended "intermittent fasting" as part of her treatment. Wanting to support his mom and help her understand the task at hand Eojin took a deep dive into that world.

Inspired by his Coach Mike McKnight, Eojin set upon the task of finding out how far he could go on no calories, and decided to give it a try at the Rocky Raccoon 100 in Texas.

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Hunter Leininger, a young adventurer, shares his experiences and mindset of living life to the fullest. From growing up with adventure racing to building robot costumes and props, Hunter has always pursued his dreams at a young age. He started a business in high school and has embraced a positive mindset that allows him to overcome challenges and fear of failure. Hunter recently ran the Florida Trail, pushing himself outside his comfort zone and appreciating his home state in a unique way. Despite the logistical challenges, Hunter's focus was on starting the trail and learning as he went along. Hunter Leininger shares his experience of running the Florida Trail and the challenges he faced along the way. From dealing with last-minute crew changes and logistical issues to navigating flooded sections of the trail, Hunter's journey was filled with chaos and uncertainty. Despite the obstacles, Hunter remained grateful and focused on the present moment. He learned the importance of being self-reliant and adaptable, and the power of gratitude in overcoming challenges. Looking ahead, Hunter has his sights set on attempting the Appalachian Trail FKT in the future.

Chapters

00:00 Living Life to the Fullest at a Young Age

03:00 Growing Up with Adventure Racing

06:00 Building Robot Costumes and Props

08:00 Unconventional Halloween Costumes

11:00 Starting a Business in High School

15:00 The Power of a Positive Mindset

20:00 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

23:00 Switching from Negative to Positive Motivation

27:00 Pushing Through Challenges

34:00 The Motivation Behind Running the Florida Trail

38:00 Logistical Challenges of a Long-Distance Run

40:16 Chaos Before the Start

41:48 Logistics and Preparation

46:28 Rerouting the Trail

51:20 Dealing with Flooding

58:59 Dealing with Criticism

01:05:11 The Finish Line

01:13:43 The Power of Gratitude

01:15:30 Future Adventures

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