269. Hayden Hawks on Faith, Family, and Pursuing Excellence at Western States

The 2023 Western States Endurance Run, the World’s oldest 100-mile race, takes place in just a few weeks, and this episode is with one of the top contenders, Hayden Hawks. Having previously finished 2nd at Western States, we hear how Hayden is approaching this year’s event and what he views as success. More than an accomplished ultra and trail runner, Hayden is a multifaceted human working to help as many people as possible by being his best self, motivated by his family and faith. 

In this episode we talk about:

-finding motivation and balance from faith and family 

-enjoying the process, the daily work to get better, and sharing the journey with others 

-Hayden’s love affair with the Western States Endurance Run: his motivation, training, and preparation 

-heat preparation and sauna training

-the importance of team support -sponsors, coaches, other athletes, family and friends- for running success 

Tune into For The Long Run episode “32. Hayden Hawks: Running on Faith” for Hayden’s first appearance on the show.

Follow Hayden on Instagram @hawks_hayden and For The Long Run @forthelrpod 

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Past guests on For The Long Run include: 177. Molly Seidel; 226. Mike "Kofuzi"; 228. Kara Goucher; 59. Shalane Flanagan; 234. Camille Herron; 198. Courtney Frerichs; 229. Jes Woods; 207. Tyler Andrews; 197. Dean Karnazes; 206. Katie Arnold; 220. CJ Albertson; 153. Joe Holder; 199. Kelly Roberts; 188. Gwen Jorgensen; 205. Emily Abbate; 209. Sara Vaughn; 174. Nick Bare; 97 Amelia Boone; 101. Courtney Dauwalter, 219. Dylan Bowman; 191. Matt Chittim; 200. David Roche; and more!

This episode of the For The Long Run Podcast is sponsored by PUMA. For 75 years, PUMA has been pushing sports and culture forward with innovative design and development. We are honored to have PUMA supporting this show, and supporting the running community at large.  I’ve been running in the Deviate Nitro First Mile and I love how it has a focus on sustainability, made from at least 20% recycled material. Check out a pair for yourself at PUMA.com and use the code FORTHELONGRUN for 20% off any PUMA run or train products.

Petzl

We’re excited that this episode is sponsored by Petzl! Whether you’re a get-up-before-the-kids-and-get-your-run-in, or a trail-runner-with-big-mountain-goals, you need a headlamp that keeps your path light and bright. We all know that tripping over stuff sucks, and we should do everything we can to avoid it. 

If you’re in the market for a new headlamp, we highly recommend Petzl. I personally use the NAO RL and it’s so bright for every occasion. Pick yours up at your local gear shop or over at Petzl.com. 

Skratch Labs

We are proud to be sponsored by Skratch Labs, a local, Boulder-based sports nutrition company.

You can grab energy bars, energy chews, hydration mix, recovery drink mix, and super high-carb drink mixes for your big days from Skratch to fuel your training and upcoming adventures. Get 20% off your order with the code FTLR20 when you shop through this link.