Trail Runner Nation

2017 was the inaugural year of the mis-named Moab 200, a 238-mile endurance race in the desert of southern Utah.  Along with the 98 gritty people that finished this race, Courtney Dauwalter, stunned observers with a first-place finish.....ahem.....nearly TEN HOURS before the second place finisher!  Fellow finishers, Cameron Hanes and our own Don Freeman (Triple Crown of 200-milers recipient), help The Nation understand how she did this only one month after finishing sixth (first place female) at Run Rabbit Run 100 & two weeks after a first place at The Bear Chase 50.

Direct download: courtney_57_hours.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 12:36am CDT

Why do we put so much emphasis on talent rather than our effort?  In the book Grit:The Power of Passion and Perseverance author, Angela Duckworth helps us understand that EFFORT counts twice as much as talent when trying to achieveing a goal.

Talent X Effort = Skill

Skill X Effort = Achievement

Gu Energy Labs' VP of innovation and R&D, Magda Boulet

and East Coast Executive Producer, Andy Jones-Wilkins

join The Nation to discuss Grit.

  • What is Grit
  • Where do we get it?
  • Can it be learned?
  • Can we increase our grittiness?
  • Is Talent or Effort more important
  • Four elements of GRIT
    • Interest or passion - we must enjoy what we are doing we must find ways to reignite that passion. We must be patient to develop the interest.
    • The capacity to practice - daily discipline of trying to do things better than the day before
    • Purpose - What ripens passion is the conviction that your work matters.  (See WHY podcast)
    • Hope - rising to the occasion.  Focusing on things that you can control when things are going wrong

Take the Grit Test to see where you are on the grit scale

Visit Angela Duckworth's web site on Grit

Check out Don't Dilemma at mile 144 of the Moab 240-mile race: VIDEO

Direct download: GRIT.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 6:36pm CDT

In December of 2014, we spoke with Brian MacKenzie, founder of crossfit endurance, ultrarunner and co-author of "Unbreakable Runner, Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong".  He joined The Nation to talk about how you can train for lifelong healthy and sustainable running by incorporating crossfit endurance training.  The main principles include:

  • Develop correct and efficient running skills
  • Build running endurance without injury
  • Build functional strength, conditioning and mobility
  • Focus on nutrition

Get the book HERE

Brian's other book, " Power Speed ENDURANCE: A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training"

 

Direct download: Brian_McKenzie_is_Unbreakable_repost.m4a
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 10:05pm CDT

Why do you run?  In most cases, people talk about the HOW or the WHAT to try and explain this.  When it comes down to it, we need to have a well understood WHY before we can successfully change our behaviors.

Over 5 years ago, we read a life-changing book by Simon Sinek, "Start With Why, How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action".  Although this book can be related to many aspects of your life, we take it to the trail to see how it will fare.  We talk about the biology (not the phycology) of the power of the WHY and how fun it is to discover why other people run.

Get a jump start on the subject by watching this Ted talk (viewed over 34,000,000 times) by Simon Sinek.

Visit Simon's web site

Get the book

Use this worksheet to begin uncovering and defining your Why, How and What: TheGoldenCircle

Direct download: WHY.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 6:04pm CDT

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