220. Leadville 100 Mile Record! What Just Happened?! Stories, Lessons, and Gratitude from a Dream Day
Aug 20, 2024
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David, the new course record holder at the Leadville 100 Mile race, joins former champ Matt Carpenter, whose legendary run stood for 19 years. They discuss the rollercoaster of emotions during David's record-breaking 15:26 run, the role of scientific training, and the humor in race day chaos. The conversation also touches on community support, innovative fueling strategies, and the evolution of running gear. Their heartfelt reflections on challenges and triumphs make for an inspiring and entertaining listen.
David's record-breaking performance at the Leadville 100 showcased the evolution of training and nutrition in ultra-running today.
The significance of community support was highlighted as a vital element in overcoming challenges and achieving long-distance running goals.
Megan announced Huzzah, underlining the need for a platform dedicated to female athletes and performance science for greater representation.
The emotional journey of ultra-running fosters deep connections, emphasizing that shared experiences greatly enrich personal accomplishments and relationships.
David's mental strategies during the race demonstrate the importance of mindset, focusing on present joy over merely the final outcome.
Deep dives
Overwhelming Joy and Legendary Status
The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing their excitement and gratitude, marking a significant moment in their podcast history. David shares the overwhelming joy he feels after completing the Leadville 100-mile race and expresses his admiration for Megan, likening her to a legendary figure in his life. They reveal that this particular weekend was unforgettable, highlighting their emotional connection to each other and their shared experiences. This strong bond appears to elevate their performance and overall enjoyment of the race itself.
The Leadville 100 Experience
The hosts delve into the details of the Leadville 100, describing it as a wild and exhilarating race that exceeded their expectations. David discusses setting a course record, just 30 seconds shy of his goal, and expresses gratitude for the support of their community throughout their journey. He reflects on the many challenges faced leading up to the race, including food poisoning, showcasing the resilience required in long-distance running. The emotional significance of the race is amplified by the sense of accomplishment and growth experienced by both the hosts.
Caffeine Strategy and Race Preparation
As they break down David's race preparation, the conversation shifts to the meticulous caffeine strategy that played a crucial role in his performance. David outlines how he utilized precision caffeine gels throughout the race, demonstrating the importance of fueling for endurance events. He explains that the caffeine not only provided a physical boost but also served as a motivational tool, helping him push through challenging moments. This discussion highlights the significance of science and strategy in long-distance racing, emphasizing a well-thought-out approach to performance.
Launching Huzzah: A Platform for Female Athletes
Megan excitedly shares the announcement of Huzzah, a platform dedicated to female athletes and performance science. The aim is to make rigorous science accessible and engaging while promoting community building and support for women in sports. Megan emphasizes the need for the platform, highlighting the lack of female representation in sports discussions and the importance of addressing unique challenges faced by female athletes. The launch includes video content, scholarships, and the intent to create a supportive environment for all aspiring female athletes.
The Role of Community and Support
Throughout the episode, the importance of community and support is a recurring theme as the hosts express their appreciation for those who have been there for them during their journey. David acknowledges the role of his friends, family, and this podcast community in helping him build the courage to chase his dreams. The conversation highlights how connection and shared experiences can profoundly impact one's performance and motivation. This emphasis on support underscores the idea that achieving greatness is often a collective effort rather than an individual accomplishment.
Reflections on Courage and Taking Risks
David reflects on the courage required to set ambitious goals and pursue them despite the potential for failure. He discusses how his past experiences, including failed races and setbacks, have equipped him with the resilience needed to tackle the Leadville 100. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being brave enough to voice one’s aspirations publicly, as it can foster accountability and motivation. This theme resonates with many athletes, encouraging them to embrace their journeys and take calculated risks in pursuit of greatness.
Racing and the Emotional Journey
As the hosts continue to recount David's race experience, they touch on the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies ultra-running. David reveals that despite the physical challenges he faced, he experienced moments of transcendence and joy during the race. The discussion emphasizes the connection between emotional well-being and physical performance, suggesting that being present and connected to one's experience can enhance outcomes. This deeper understanding of racing as not just a physical endeavor but also an emotional journey enriches their narrative.
Mental Strategies for Race Success
David shares his mental strategies that helped him navigate the toughest parts of the race, illustrating the power of mindset in endurance sports. He discusses the importance of focusing on the present moment and finding joy in the process rather than solely fixating on the final outcome. This perspective allows him to maintain motivation and overcome challenges as they arise. By prioritizing mental strength alongside physical training, David showcases the holistic approach required for successful long-distance racing.
Celebrating Achievements and Relationships
The episode culminates in a celebration of David's achievements, not just regarding the race but also highlighting the strength of his relationship with Megan. They express deep appreciation for each other, sharing touching moments from the race that solidified their bond. The hosts acknowledge how their journey together has shaped them individually and as a couple, reinforcing the idea that shared successes and experiences create lasting connections. This emotional reflection adds depth to their discussion, illustrating that the journey is just as significant as the destination.
Looking Ahead: Future Challenges and Aspirations
Closing out the podcast, David and Megan contemplate what lies ahead, discussing future races and challenges. David reflects on the lessons learned during the Leadville 100 and how they will inform his approach going forward. They inspire listeners to chase their ambitions and embrace the unpredictability of racing and life. This forward-looking perspective reinforces the idea that every experience contributes to personal growth and development, encouraging others to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
We pinched each other to make sure it wasn’t all a dream before recording this celebration episode! This one was all about processing David’s course record run at the Leadville 100 Miler. For 19 years, Matt Carpenter’s Leadville record of 15:42 has been talked about as one of the most untouchable marks in running. But a lot has happened since 2005, with advances in training, fueling, shoes, and altitude science. So even though Matt is a GOAT, we thought it was possible.
Yes, it seemed like low odds. All we knew for sure is that there would be a chance for one half-court shot at history.
And shooters shoot.
David ran 15:26, setting the new record by 16 minutes on a magical day. We share all of our initial reactions: the build up, what made the shot seem work taking, why adversity might have been a blessing, how the sport is changing, and how it all unfolded. During the race recap, we took tangents to talk about all of the weird and wild moments! We are still processing everything, so you’re getting our raw, sleep-deprived feelings on what happens at the edge of human experiences.
The race story ends with an emotional moment that we’ll both never forget. We just want to take a step back and share that with you all. Throughout this journey, the podcast has been our weekly check-in with people who we love so much. Yes, there has been humor, sadness, frustration, joy, setbacks, and everything else along this journey. But coming into that finishing chute, breaking the unbreakable record... that was only possible because of love. And we love you all!
This is also the LAUNCH DAY for Huzzah, the new female athlete performance and health hub from Megan! It’s the culmination of so much work, and you’re going to love it. Follow now at the link below.
Thank you all. If this is a dream, we hope that when we wake up, we remember what it felt like to know there were all of these people out there shooting big shots, being silly, feeling feelings, and shining their lights.
Shoot your shot.
Follow Huzzah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehuzzahhub/
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Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap
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