The Break Down

The Break Down

By Break Down PodcastSociety & Culture
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The Break Down episodes

  • Success as an Older Athlete

    ZenduranceNow Coaches Meghan, Sean, and Sam discuss training older athletes. The discussion ranges from hormones, bone density, supplements, and just general health. They address modifications in training protocols for older athlete and how strength and mobility become a bigger focus to stimulate and regulate hormone changes. The discussion also clarifies needs based on gender. Sam recommends Joe Friel’s Fast After 50. We also mention Stacy Sims and the information contained in her books Roar and Next Level.

    Sponsor: www.HelloThematic.com For 1 free month use Promo Code: FA11PROMO

    Outtake Song: "Shooting' Dirty Pool," Replacements

     

    1 hr 24 min
  • The Day Meghan Crash And Almost Died, Part 2

    Meghan and Sean talk in depth about the bike crash that almost killed her in June of 2006. This is a very special and emotional episode for Meghan. Sean delves into the physical, mental, and emotional sides of Meghan's trauma. They talk in depth about what happened during and immediately following the crash. Meghan shares how this has reshaped her self perception from a physical and emotional perspective. Sean asks Meghan how she grew through the experience, the setbacks, and the surgeries. Sean also asks Meghan about her lowest points during her continued recovery and how things began to improve. Lastly, they discuss how this experience forced her to grow as an athlete and coach.

    Outtake Song: "Tiny Light," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

    1 hr 7 min
  • The Day Meghan Crashed and Almost Died, Part 1

    Meghan and Sean talk in depth about the bike crash that almost killed her in June of 2006. This is a very special and emotional episode for Meghan. Sean delves into the physical, mental, and emotional sides of Meghan's trauma. They talk in depth about what happened during and immediately following the crash. Meghan shares how this has reshaped her self perception from a physical and emotional perspective. Sean asks Meghan how she grew through the experience, the setbacks, and the surgeries. Sean also asks Meghan about her lowest points during her continued recovery and how things began to improve. Lastly, they discuss how this experience forced her to grow as an athlete and coach.

    Outtake Song: "Falling or Flying," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

    57 min
  • Sean’s ”failure” and what he learned from it

    Meghan and Sean discuss Sean’s first "Did Not Finish" aka DNF. Sean recently DNF’d at Jigger Johnson 100 mile in the White Mountains. Sean shares his mindset going into the race, and how the wheels came off the bus. Meghan also digs into why what may seem like a failure sometimes is not. And how those failures actually make for stronger athletes. They finish up the conversation with the idea of “chasing dragons”.

    Outtake Song: "Codefendents," Defcons

    1 hr 24 min
  • The Humble King of the White Mountains Phil Carcia, part 2

    Meg and Sean sit down and talk with Philip Carcia. Phil is an avid hiker best know for his hiking “projects” in the Whites of New Hampshire. After a brief introduction we discuss his motivations for his experiences as a long distance hiker. His “practice” and vision was drastically changed with the death of his father. Sean and Phil discuss how the death of their parents has changed their perspectives when it comes to the lowest moments while pushing their physical and emotional limits on the trail. Phil discusses his most recent experience in the Whites on a full moon traverse of the Presidential Range. Phil then discusses the two biggest projects he has taken on in the Whites: the single season White Mountain Guide and the single year Grid. He dives in depth to his first two failed attempts at the single season White Mountain Guide and what changed on his third go round. We talk more about what he’s been working on, FKTs, and what plans he has for the future. 

    If you are interested in learning more about what Philip is up to or his photography and videography you can find him here:

    http://www.findingphilip.com/ 

    Or on all popular social media platforms @findingphilip

    Outtake Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Tears for Fears

    1 hr 2 min
  • The Humble King of the White Mountains Phil Carcia, Part 1

    Meghan and Sean sit down and talk with Philip Carcia, the Humble King of the White Mountains. Phil is an avid hiker best know for his hiking “projects” in the Whites of New Hampshire. After a brief introduction we discuss his motivations for his experiences as a long distance hiker. His “practice” and vision was drastically changed with the death of his father. Sean and Phil discuss how the death of their parents has changed their perspectives when it comes to the lowest moments while pushing their physical and emotional limits on the trail. Phil discusses his most recent experience in the Whites on a full moon traverse of the Presidential Range. Phil then discusses the two biggest projects he has taken on in the Whites: the single season White Mountain Guide and the single year Grid. He dives in depth to his first two so-called "failed" attempts at the single season White Mountain Guide and what changed on his third go round. We talk more about what he’s been working on, FKTs, and what plans he has for the future. If you are interested in learning more about what Philip is up to or his photography and videography you can find him here: http://www.findingphilip.com/

    Or on all popular social media platforms @findingphilip

    Outake song: "Mother's Little Helper," Rolling Stones

    1 hr 7 min
  • Chasing Dreams at Western States 100 mile race
    Coaches Meg, Sean, and Sam sit down and talk about Sean's goal of 10+ years... Western States 100 mile. Coach Sam was also in California for the Western States as he was supporting his daughter Sophia. This is a story about working towards and committing to a goal. This being the 50th Anniversary of Western States made the journey all the more sweet for all involved. Sean explains in brief the history and importance of this 100 mile race before they both dive into their experiences in California.
     
    Sean and Sam reflect upon their experiences in the mountains of California traveling from Tahoe to Auburn on the Western States trail as seen from different sides of the race. The challenges of a runner and crew/pacer are different but both require adaptation and preparation to be successful. They discuss some of what went into making the race successful on both sides of the journey.
     
    Outtake Song: Goose, "Hungersite"

     

    1 hr 19 min
  • Marshall Collins the O.G. of Running
    Meghan and Sean sit down with Meghan’s father Marshall Collins on his birthday and talk running from his perspective. He shares with us humbling stories and humor, beating Amby Burfoot only to realize Amby was at a distinct disadvantage, trying to beat legendary Patti Catalano, and unfortunately sharing the same track as Olympic medal winner Rick Wohlhuter. We dive into his thoughts on the Boston Marathon, Meghan as a Cross Country racer, and kids at and in races. He shares with us his thoughts on the sport today and trail and ultra running vs. road and marathon running. He leaves us with a beautiful memory of his favorite run. *Note: Marshall had COVID during the recording of this episode so please excuse the coughs and occasionally connection difficulties
    1 hr 28 min
  • What we’re watching, reading, and listening to
    Sean and Meghan talk about the media they are currently enjoying including what they are reading, watching, and listening to. Meghan immediately triggers Sean with her choice of reading material and later triggers him again with a discussion about masculinity in media. They discuss the merits of Ted Lasso and masculinity as portrayed in sporting media. After a lively discussion about toxic masculinity the discussion shifts to music and what we are both listening to. Even though Sean is not actually reading anything he shares about a recent purchase for leisure reading when he gets through with Western States. They wrap up with a discussion of the podcasts they are listening to.
     
    Outtake Song: "Death Wish," Jason Isbell

     

    1 hr 26 min
  • Mental Health and Sport (Replay)

    Our very own Sean Meehan is running Western States 100 mile in California today! Please send him great energy, mojo, prayers, well wishes- whatever works for you.

    Sean and Meghan talk mental health and fitness. This includes: the connection between mind and body and the stigma that exists around mental health and how this is changing as education becomes more prevalent. The importance of empathy and compassion while dealing with mental health is stressed. Meghan and Sean discuss some of their personal experiences dealing with those with mental health problems. They also discuss the impact of COVID on mental health and how exercise can help alleviate many of the issues that arise from mental health problems and ways to incorporate exercise into our daily lives to improve emotional well being. While exercise can generally be healthy there is certainly issues that exist with disordered exercise. Learning to be comfortable in one’s own skin and not to be defined by a single aspect of one’s activity. Fellowship and community are helpful with combating issues associated with depression and other mental health disorders. Feeling not alone. Get outside and talk to someone if you are struggling, it may be what saves your life.

    Outtake Song: "In the Mirror," The Interrupters 

    1 hr 34 min

About The Break Down

From the publisher's feed

Life is beautiful and then it’s awful. Somewhere in the in-between is where amazing things can happen. Join us as we find extraordinary people who have pushed beyond the mundane, routine, and…