Lazarus Lake, renowned ultramarathon runner and designer, discusses the significance of running 100 miles, the skills that hold people back in endurance activities, the history of the Barkley race, walking across America, the differences between East and West Tennessee, and favorite books and sports preferences.
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Quick takeaways
Running 100 miles reveals one's true capabilities and shows that individuals are capable of more than they initially thought.
STEM professionals are well-represented in ultramarathons due to the problem-solving skills, such as navigation and physical management, that these races require.
Deep dives
The Challenges and Lessons of Running Ultramarathons
Running 100 miles reveals four times as much about oneself compared to running 26 miles. Each level of endurance reached shows that individuals are capable of more than they initially thought. STEM professionals are well-represented in ultramarathons because these races require problem-solving skills, such as navigation and managing one's physical well-being. Navigation is a crucial skill that has become more challenging due to dependence on GPS. The Barkley Marathon, held in Eastern Tennessee, is particularly grueling due to its extreme terrain, variable climate, and absence of aid stations. The ultra marathon community is driven by the desire for personal freedom and the challenge of being among the few who finish.
The Evolution of Ultramarathon Skills and Equipment
The evolution of ultramarathon skills is evident in improved navigation, map preparation, nutrition management, and clothing choices. Better equipment, such as lightweight LED lights, has also aided runners. The Barkley Marathon's course in Eastern Tennessee features rocky terrain and significant elevation changes. While encounters with bears are rare due to noise made by runners, it remains a possibility. The cumulative climb and slow time limit make the Barkley Marathon physically and mentally demanding, requiring athletes to push their limits. Running shoes are preferred over running barefoot due to reduced risk of foot injuries.
Lazarus Lake's Approach to Organizing Races
Lazarus Lake, the race designer and director, ensures that financial limitations do not hinder participation in the Barkley Marathon by keeping costs low. The race entry fee of $1.60 is intentionally low, emphasizing physical, not financial, challenges. In the Barkley Marathon, cheating is discouraged by using book pages as checkpoints that runners must collect throughout the course. However, the race is primarily focused on personal achievement rather than winning, with only a 1% finish rate. The unpredictability and minimalist nature of the race attract runners seeking the freedom and independence that comes with being self-reliant.
The Importance of Resilience and Stoicism in Sports and Society
Lazarus Lake believes that engaging in sports and pushing oneself to greater levels of endurance helps develop resilience and inner strength. He highlights that high school coaches play a significant role in teaching character and integrity through sports. He expresses optimism about the future of the country, emphasizing the personal interactions and kindness he has encountered during his walks across America. Lake suggests that we may not be raising future generations in optimal physical condition, but believes that positive change is possible. He values the stoic mindset and the ability to endure challenges as essential qualities.
Lazarus Lake is a renowned ultramarathon runner and designer. His most famous creation (along with his friend Raw Dog) is the Barkley Marathons, an absurdly difficult 100-mile race through the Tennessee wilderness that only 17 people have ever finished in its nearly 30-year existence.
Tyler and Laz discuss what running 100 miles tells you about yourself that running 26 miles does not, why so many STEM professionals do ultramarathons, which skill holds people back the most, why his entrance fee is no more or less than $1.60, the importance of the Barkley’s opaque application process, how much each race costs to mount, whether he sees a decline in stoicism and inner strength in America, what accounting taught him about running, which books influenced him the most, who's going to win the NBA title next year, how he’s coping with increasing fame, the competition he’s most focused on now, and more.