047: Inside the Mind of the 450-Mile Backyard Ultra Record Holder Harvey Lewis
Dec 29, 2023
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Harvey Lewis, a teacher and ultrarunner, shares his journey from becoming an ultrarunner to setting a world record at Big's Backyard Ultra. He talks about his near-death experience, his daily routine of running to work, and his mindset when preparing for a race. He also discusses his experience running the Barkley Marathons, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Harvey's dedication, perseverance, and passion for running inspire and engage both runners and non-runners alike.
The Barkley Marathon is an incredibly challenging race that tests both physical and mental endurance, navigation skills, and mental fortitude.
Harvey Lewis has been using run commuting as his daily routine for over 10 years, improving his physical fitness and race performance.
The Last Man Standing races require high levels of mental strength and positive mindset, with the support of a team playing a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
Deep dives
The Barkley Marathon: A Mysterious and Brutal Race
The Barkley Marathon is a legendary race that takes place in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. The race is known for its extreme difficulty and mystery, with only 17 finishers in its history. Runners have to navigate a brutal course that spans around 120 miles with over 66,000 feet of elevation gain. The race is shrouded in secrecy, with limited entries and a unique application process. Participants have to follow cryptic directions and find hidden books in the woods, all while enduring challenging weather conditions. The course is off-trail and requires excellent navigation skills. The combination of physical demands, mental strength, and navigation challenges make the Barkley Marathon an iconic and incredibly challenging race.
Running to and from work: A Daily Routine
For the past 10 and a half years, Harvey Lewis has been running to and from work as part of his daily routine. Starting back in 1996, he initially began running to work to avoid being lectured by his father about being on time. Over the years, he developed a love for run commuting and found it invigorating to start his day with a run. He carries a backpack with his work essentials and makes it a regular habit to run both in the morning and in the afternoon. This consistency not only helps with his physical fitness but also improves his performance in races. The run commute has become an integral part of his lifestyle that he doesn't see himself giving up.
The Barkley Marathon: Challenges and Uncertainty
The Barkley Marathon is a unique and highly challenging race that offers a blend of physical and mental obstacles. The course is designed to push runners to their limits, with intense elevation gain and difficult terrain. What sets it apart from other races is the mystery and secrecy that surrounds it, from the secretive application process to the cryptic directions given to participants. The race takes place in unpredictable weather conditions, which adds to the difficulty and uncertainty. Only a small handful of people have completed the full course, making it a coveted achievement among ultra runners. The Barkley Marathon represents the ultimate test of endurance, navigation skills, and mental fortitude.
Challenging Navigation and the Importance of Mind and Body
The speaker discusses the unique challenges of the Barkley Marathons, a tough and unconventional trail race. They emphasize the difficulty of navigating the course, especially at night, without clear landmarks or visibility. This aspect adds an extra layer of complexity and requires constant vigilance. The speaker highlights the importance of using both the mind and body to succeed in this race, as the rugged terrain and hidden obstacles make it crucial to stay alert and cautious at all times. They also mention the thrill of pushing their limits and the continuous learning experience this race provides.
The Mental Element and Comradery in Last Man Standing Races
The podcast discussion transitions to the Last Man Standing races, highlighting the mental fortitude required to endure these grueling events. The speaker shares personal experiences of sleep deprivation and hallucinations, revealing the strong connection between mental strength and performance. They emphasize the impact of surrounding oneself with a supportive team and crew, highlighting the role of positive reinforcement, encouragement, and camaraderie in pushing through tough moments. The speaker also discusses the growth and popularity of Last Man Standing races worldwide and the potential for continued breakthroughs in distance records.
The Transformative Power of the Mindset
The conversation delves into the power of the mind in endurance racing. The speaker and the host discuss the role of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success. They share personal anecdotes about replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and the importance of believing in oneself during moments of fatigue and mental exhaustion. They also emphasize the significance of the team dynamic and the impact of having team members who foster a positive mindset. The speaker concludes by expressing the limitless potential of the human mind and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in these unique races.
Today's episode is with Harvey Lewis, a high school teacher who set a world record at Big's Backyard Ultra this year, running 450 miles over five days. He shares his story of becoming an ultrarunner, his daily routine of running to work, his near-death experience, and his mindset when preparing for a race. Harvey gives us an inside look at his experience running the Barkley Marathons, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, which only 17 people have completed. Hearing about his dedication, perseverance, and passion for running inspires and engages runners and non-runners alike. Enjoy!
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Topics:
0:00 Intro
2:00 Welcome
6:56 Harvey’s marathon journey
12:17 Navigating hardship
17:13 Near death experience
21:58 The power of movement
28:01 Abundance mindset
33:09 Does accessibility limit experience?
44:29 Running to work everyday
54:16 Training for big runs
58:31 Barkley Marathons
1:17:33 Preparing for the Barkley Marathons
1:21:22 Last Man Standing races
1:29:30 70% mental 30% physical
1:32:01 Where your mind goes when it gets hard
1:45:37 The potential of backyard ultras
1:50:15 How people impact you for success
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