251. Big Alta 50k and The Story Athletes Rarely Tell, Plus Q+A on Kilian to Western States, Bike v. Treadmill, and Sauna v. Hot Tub!
Mar 25, 2025
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Dive into the highs and lows of racing at the Big Alta 50K, where failure becomes a powerful teacher. Explore the mindsets of athletes facing vulnerability and ambition while balancing parenting with personal goals. Discover intriguing comparisons, like sauna vs. hot tub for recovery and bike vs. treadmill for training. Hear about race strategies, camaraderie, and the importance of authenticity in sharing stories. It’s a heartfelt journey that emphasizes connection, resilience, and the joy of chasing big dreams!
The episode emphasizes the courage to embrace failure and the vital lessons learned from attempting big challenges in athletics.
The discussion highlights the significance of data-driven race preparation, underscoring the importance of trust in one's training regimen.
Injury management is addressed as essential for long-term athlete health, emphasizing personal responsibility in race decisions and outcomes.
The podcast explores the balance between community training benefits and personal goals, advocating for tailored approaches in athletic pursuits.
Deep dives
Experiencing the Alta 50K Race
The episode recounts a recent experience at the Alta 50K race, highlighting the blend of excitement and challenges faced by the participants. Despite feeling under the weather due to an upper respiratory infection, the speaker expressed gratitude for support from their partner, which fueled their courage to race. The atmosphere at the event was uplifting, with both personal and community connections emphasized, showcasing the impact of shared experiences in athletics. Overall, it captured the essence of balancing competitive spirits with camaraderie during the race weekend.
The Philosophy of 'Shooting Your Shot'
The podcast delves into the philosophy of 'shooting your shot' in ultra running, where the emphasis is on taking calculated risks to learn and grow. The discussion centers on the importance of perseverance and the readiness to face challenges, even if the expected outcomes are not achieved. Taking bold steps in competition allows individuals to explore their limits and evolve as athletes, which can be a transformative experience. This mindset of pushing boundaries encourages listeners to embrace failure as a part of the journey.
Reflections on Race Preparation and Performance
In reflecting on race preparation, the speaker outlines the significance of confidence and data in shaping athletic goals. They discuss the importance of careful tapering before a race, along with the necessity of trusting one's training. The correlation between performance metrics and race-day success is emphasized, showcasing how proper analysis and preparation can lead to improved outcomes. However, the unpredictability of race day and the lessons learned from various experiences remain critical components of the discussion.
Injury Management and Learning Experiences
The episode addresses the topic of injury management during competition, particularly discussing an ankle sprain that occurred mid-race. It highlights how recognizing the signs of a sprain and knowing when to withdraw are essential for long-term athletic health. The speaker emphasizes that it's important not to blame external factors for a race outcome but instead reflect on personal decisions made during the event. Embracing these learning opportunities allows athletes to make better choices in future races.
Exploring the Dynamics of Group Training
The conversation shifts towards the dynamics of training within groups, discussing both its benefits and drawbacks. While some athletes thrive under communal training settings, others may find the pressure overwhelming or counterproductive to their individual progress. The speaker advocates for finding camaraderie with fellow runners who can offer challenges and motivation, while also acknowledging that not every training session needs to be a social event. Maintaining a balance between personal goals and group engagements is crucial for optimal training outcomes.
Embracing the Journey of Parenthood Alongside Athletic Goals
The discussion touches on the realities of balancing parenthood with personal athletic aspirations. The speakers acknowledge challenges faced in carving out time for training amidst the demands of raising kids. It showcases the beauty of finding fulfillment in pursuing dreams while managing family life, emphasizing that personal ambitions don’t have to be sacrificed. Ultimately, the joy derived from both successes in sport and parenting is framed as part of a larger existential experience.
Strategies for Year-Round Training and Athletic Growth
The episode examines different approaches to managing fitness over the course of the year, with a focus on the concept of not overtraining too early. The speaker appreciates the philosophy of maintaining a consistent level of fitness rather than following a strict periodized training model. By exploring the nuances of ramping up training gradually, athletes can mitigate injury risks and prolong peak performances. This philosophy aligns with embracing continuous growth, allowing for a more sustainable and joyful athletic journey.
Inspiration from Real Stories in Ultra Running
Throughout the episode, the importance of sharing genuine stories in ultra running is underscored, fostering connections among listeners. The speakers encourage athletes to recognize that vulnerability can enhance community bonds while motivating others. Real-life challenges faced by the speakers are relatable and serve as reminders that everyone experiences struggles along their athletic paths. By engaging with these narratives, listeners feel inspired to continue pursuing their own goals, regardless of setbacks.
We took off our armor for this incredible episode! The main discussion might have been one of our most important (and fun) ever: the Big Alta 50k DNF, failure, and what it truly means to go for it. David raced Big Alta because it was somewhere that he couldn't hide. We needed to gather data about what happened at the very edge of human capabilities. And when you F around...sometimes you find out.
We hope that you feel a connection to your big scary dreams. Thank you for giving us the courage to dream bigger!
And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: racing lessons from Big Alta, why ankles are annoying, guys v. dudes, running your own race, Jim Walmsley dominates at Chianti, Kilian is going to Western States, sauna v. hot tub, going from 0 to 1 to 2 kids, running groups, bike v. treadmill, core work, life "balance" for people with big goals, long-term training builds, and lots more.
This episode gives you a raw window into the true story that athletes rarely tell. We all fail. Life really unfolds in what happens next.
We love you all! HUZZAH!
-David and Megan
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