Badwater 135 & The Mighty Gallatin 300

In this episode, the hosts are joined by Francis Picard for a bonus intro guest. Francis recently completed the Badwater 135 race. They discuss Francis' experience at the race, including the challenging start, managing nutrition in the heat, and dealing with bees along the course. They also talk about the high and low points of the race and whether they would do it again. In the second part of the episode, they interview Connor, the first and only finisher of the Mighty Gallatin, a rugged 300+ mile stage race in Montana. Connor discusses his experience participating in the Mighty Gallatin, a stage run in Montana covering 281 miles over seven days. He shares the challenges of the course, including difficult navigation, rugged terrain, extreme elevations, and unpredictable weather. Connor also talks about the communal aspect of the event, where all the runners and volunteers shared a campground each night, creating a unique bond. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, refueling, and taking care of his feet each day. Connor's thru-hiking background and experience in ultra running helped him navigate the course and move efficiently. Connor shares his experience of finishing the Mighty Gallatin, a 200+ mile race in Montana. He describes the excitement and camaraderie among the participants and the emotional moment of crossing the finish line together. Connor also reflects on the mental challenges of the race and the importance of staying positive and shifting mindset during low moments. He discusses his future plans, including racing in France and pursuing fastest known times (FKTs). Connor highlights the beauty of the Montana wilderness and the need to make events like the Mighty Gallatin more accessible to others. He also shares his encounters with wildlife, including a close encounter with a black bear.