Podcasts about Transrockies

Moab Run the RocksI've officially completed my first stage race, desert race, and Transrockies Race, and I'm so damn grateful to have taken part. What a party in the desert!!! A massive thank you to Houda and the entire Transrockies group, they know what's up and I'm honoured to have been included in Moab Run the Rocks. Three days of trails and community was really cool to be a part of and I have to recommend trying a stage race to anyone who's curious. It's different and all kinds of fun. This group knows what they are doing so if you're gonna try one, you will not be disappointed if you sign up for one of their races. They know how to celebrate community so check them out!Win your way into the Golden Ultra Stage RaceYou have to be intrigued by this point, right?! Come to one of our Trail Running Film Festival screenings in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Crowsnest Pass, Jasper, and Canmore and you can win your way into the Golden Ultra! We're so stoked that Houda hooked us up with an entry to this incredible sounding event at each show, and we can't wait to get one of you off to Golden, BC. Get your tickets while you can and come join us in celebration of our amazing sport. You might just win some really cool stuff while you're there. Ticket links just below.The Miller MinutesI got to work with coach Andrew Miller as a I prepared for Moab Run the Rocks. It was a blast working with him and getting ready for the big weekend. We touched base once a month and it was fun to give everyone a glimpse into what it's like working with a coach. Andrew did an awesome job of zooming out during each episode and giving general advice for all runners while using what we were doing together as an example. I'm so pumped to keep working with Andrew towards more goals! Trail Running Film Festival Preview WeekNow you want to know what TRFF is all about and lucky for you, that's all we did here on the show last week! We had all 6 filmmakers featured here on CTR. It was so fun to hear from each of them about their films, and I love getting everyone stoked for the film fest. Check these episodes out if you haven't already:CTR presents the Trail Running Film FestivalWe're incredibly excited to be hosting the Trail Running Film Festival once more. As you may or may not have heard, we are also a media partner and official podcast of the film festival, so we're pretty excited about that too!We will keep this page updated and you will want to pay attention as we announce our sponsors and entertainment! This year will be our biggest and best yet and we can't wait to hang out and celebrate our community with all of you.2025 Community Trail Running Tour Dates* Vancouver, BC – Thursday, April 3 | Rio Theatre* Edmonton, AB – Thursday, May 1 | Metro Cinema* Calgary, AB – Friday May 2 | Cardel Theatre* Crowsnest Pass, AB – Saturday, May 3 | Frank Slide Interpretive Centre* Jasper, AB – Saturday, May 17 | The Legion* Canmore, AB – Thursday, June 5 | artsPlaceListen where you listenSpotify: Click HereGoogle Podcasts: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe're on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I'm trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Sweet on Leadership podcast, Tim chats with marketing expert and content creator Jared VanderMeer as he shares his proven approach to long-term brand success. He emphasizes the power of a well-structured touch point cycle, where consistent and authentic content builds trust and drives engagement. Instead of chasing quick ROI, Jared urges businesses to focus on lifetime customer value and to track meaningful metrics like watch time and impressions over vanity likes. With a 90-day commitment to content creation and a strategic marketing budget, businesses can create lasting connections that lead to sustainable growth.Tim and Jared dive into the myths of social media success, the importance of storytelling, and the balance between quality and quantity. They explore why brands should showcase real-life applications of their products instead of aiming for perfection, and why avoiding shortcuts is key to long-term impact. If you're ready to shift your mindset from instant wins to building a brand that truly resonates, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make it happen. About Jared VanderMeerJared VanderMeer is a digital marketing specialist, public speaker, and entrepreneur. He's also the creative muse and pioneering spirit behind Magnolias Consulting Group in Canada. From podcasting and videos to blogs and books, Jared is dedicated to driving home the importance of value-based marketing in our modern digital era.If there's one thing that defines JV above all else, it's being a Canadian content maker. In the past few years, he has poured all his effort into expanding JV content into all the formats technology has made possible. As an agency owner, JV helps clients grow their businesses on a daily basis, but as a content creator, he takes that goal a step further by sharing his knowledge and experience with brands on a larger scale. JV's debut book If You Sell, You Lose is a step-by-step guide on how to add value to your brand through your digital marketing. It's just one piece of the larger vision Jared holds for marketers, brand and business owners, and startups. You can also grab free guides, templates, content maps, and more at www.jaredvandermeer.com.Resources discussed in this episode:TransRockies Moab Run the RocksNear Me VictoriaIf You Sell, You Lose by Jared VanderMeer--Contact Tim Sweet | Team Work Excellence: WebsiteLinkedIn: Tim SweetInstagramLinkedin: Team Work ExcellenceContact Jared VanderMeer: Website: jaredvandermeer.comInstagram: @wild.vandermeerInstagram: @jared_vandermeerTikTok: jared.vandermeer--TranscriptJared  0:01  What I try to do is get leaders and individuals to understand that you have to think about it just slightly differently. Create a touch point cycle. Create a brand, validate that brand, create a whole bunch of touch points in a circle, and when the timing's right, you're going to capture that customer. You're going to capture that lifetime value. Very, very few, I would say under 2% of leaders are thinking long term, lifetime value rather than ROI, and that's what we want to try to change the conversation to.Tim  0:33  I'd like to ask you some questions. Do you consider yourself the kind of person that gets things done? Are you able to take a vision and transform that into action? Are you able to align others towards that vision and get them moving to create something truly remarkable? If any of these describe you, then you, my friend, are a leader, and this show is all about and all for you. I'm Tim Sweet. Welcome to the 51st episode of the Sweet on Leadership podcast. Tim 1:06Hey everybody, welcome back to the Sweet on Leadership podcast. Once again, we're joined by a very eclectic and interesting leader, somebody with a perspective that I am sure none of you will have. This is my good friend. And actually, I guess, family by marriage. Jared VanderMeer, Jared, thanks for coming on the show today. I really appreciate it. Jared 1:26Thanks for having me, Tim, thanks.Tim 1:28You and I have a history of long talks about business. We annoy our families when we get together for Christmas or Thanksgiving or whatever, because we volunteer for doing the dishes. And then we sit there and we workshop stuff, and we dig deep. And boy, for anybody who isn't a leadership geek or a business geek like you and me, they're all waiting for us to, you know, hurry back and play cards or something. And a lot of people just don't get it, I think right or feel left out, maybe. Jared  1:57  You get addicted to business and you get addicted to these types of things, and we just love talking about it. So when we get that moment to sit down over dishes and talk about it, we just get excited, and we just can't stop so getting back to the other stuff is secondary to getting through our business chat. Tim  2:14  And we've always had a really great split. We can be family, and I think that's really important, and then we can switch it on, and we've worked together, and we've run contracts together, and we've done some amazing things that have been recognized very widely for clients that we've joined forces on. And so that's always been a ton of fun, and it's such a joy to work with somebody that's as passionate about what they do. And so getting into that, I want to really open people up to who you are and what you do, because you've had an amazing transformation over the last eight years, right? So why don't you say it in your own words?Jared  2:50  So, I like to say now that I'm a professional creator, and what that essentially is, is I make content across all online platforms that is designed to hold attention in today's world. Currently, I have 2.9 million followers across platforms on multiple pages, including my wildlife page and my creative photography page. And a couple years ago, I wrote a book called “If You Sell, You Lose.” So, author of “If You Sell, You Lose,” digital marketing kind of theory book, all of my concepts and practices went into that one and I just took that book, took everything I put into it, and applied it to the real world, and took those concepts out to prove them. And have had a lot of fun over the last couple years going out there and and making content for the the modern digital landscape. Tim  3:36  When we think about one of the key attributes of a leader, that they make well informed decisions, evidence based decisions, and this is something that I've always really loved about you. And your approach is that you're not just going out there and pitching an idea, you're testing an idea. And sometimes you take years to test an idea out. And when I share your theories with other people, and when I show them your pages and what you're doing, because again, when we started working together, you were very much focused on marketing, and that was in sort of the more broadly based digital marketing space. But now you're not simply a person that claims to have done it, but you're doing it again and again, and you're doing it repeatedly, and you stood up the Near Me brand, which you know, again, for those of you that don't know, check it out Near Me Victoria. And I think you've got Near Me Edmonton now, is that correct? Jared 4:32We're starting in Victoria, pretty hard, and then we're going to move it across Canada from there. Tim 4:35Yeah. And so this, this is a great showcase channel and whatnot. But whether it's that or your wildlife photography piece. How do you create this kind of following? You're really decoding that and demonstrating a process to get there.Jared  4:49  I think the misconceptions about social media and creating content for marketing purposes in today's world really comes down to that, if you. Just make a couple good things. Success can come to you, and then people do it and they give up because it's hard, it's difficult. But the secret to social media and building content and building a brand today is there's really no secret. If you work hard and make lots of content and make good content, and make it in this authentic way that people connect with then your brand will find success. It's an automatic that the algorithm will find you your customer base. And it's so simple, but I think people over complicate it, leaders over complicate it, and all they got to do is break it down a little bit and they'll start to see the growth that they've been dreaming of, that they've been hoping for.Tim  5:40  We talk about that trust triangle, and I talk about it constantly on the show here. You know it's it's the presence of logic and authenticity and empathy. And when you talk about good content, or when we're dealing with a leadership brand, and we need to take somebody who's not necessarily interested in being a social thought leader, but they need to be a thought leader in an organization. You need to connect with people on things that they're interested in and more they're interested in you and who you are. You've taught me that that, like that authenticity piece is so important. And then from the logic piece, the consistency and getting out there and getting in volume and whatnot. And then really that stuff that resonates with people. When you know you're with a creator, that the stuff they're doing just really brings some positive feeling and positive addition to your life. How important that is. So I guess what I would say is, what gets in their way, what's the thing that they think is important that really isn't? Jared  6:43  I've seen pretty much everything, and I think what people forget about when they're trying to build a brand is that the people that are buying their products are regular people. They want to see it working in their lives. They want to see that service or product doing what you say it's going to do. And what brands and leaders get caught up on in our era is this idea that everything has to be made picture perfect. And you see so many of the brands that were built in the millennial era starting to fall apart and starting to not do well and not get the reach. And the reason is, is they haven't adopted the ability to make content quick enough they haven't adopted the ability to go out and show off an authentic part of a business, and the audiences today are not able to resonate with that in any way. And I'm a very analytical person. I like looking at the data and the stats and the watch time doesn't lie. So I like to say this, if you go out and use a 4k professional camera, hire a great videographer. They come in and make a video, and they post it, and you look at the average watch time you're from everything I've seen going to be sitting around six seconds average watch time on the average commercial piece of content. If you take your phone out and record something happening at your business that day, showcasing anything. It could be the people in the lunchroom having a birthday party celebration. It could be your manufacturing process, whatever it is on a phone, and make that post. Do it a decent edit on it, in cap cut, or whatever your editing app software is, and post it. Your average watch time is going to be between eight and 10 seconds. So six seconds, professional video, eight seconds to 10 seconds with an iPhone shooting authentic content. And all that platforms want, all that marketing wants today is attention. So looking at those two things, imperfect, 10 seconds, perfect six seconds and the perfect one cost 10 times the amount. That's where leaders and businesses are getting in their way today. They they're looking for perfection. For perfection equals less attention and less watch time, and we want more watch time, so we have to find out ways to do that, and ways to get leaders to start to look at the process in a slightly different lights so that they can start to achieve the watch time and success that they want for their brands. Tim  9:06  It's funny because as you were speaking, I started thinking about the whole return to office movement and the work from home friction that a lot of places see. And you know, we know that one of the things that you lose when you go to a remote or a hybrid workplace is that you don't have that regular touch point with people. Crossing them in the hall, seeing them without even speaking to them, having a chat about your dog when you're putting the dishes away in the in the lunchroom, or whatever that is. And that makes sense to me that the volume is so important, or the frequency is so important, because that's one of the things that reinforces a relationship. Now I know for creators that I've met, we've got Tim and Renee, who've been on the show. They're thru-hikers. They've done a lot of these extended hiking programs, and they're going to be joining myself and TransRockies in Moab for the Moab Run the Rocks, so I'm going to meet them for the first time in person there. But long before I interviewed them, I was following them over COVID. And it was the frequency by which, even though they're hiking, that I could get to know them. And I felt by the time I talked to them, I remember I felt like I was talking to an old friend. I've had that experience, albeit briefly. I sat next to somebody on the plane heading out to BC, and they said, Oh, you're that, you're that guy who's, who's on that podcast, right? You do leadership or something. And I was, look, I'm not talking about myself as some sort of celebrity, but it was like it was an amazing thing how quickly they wanted to tell me their life story, right? That trust was already built. And so this is not a small thing, even for people that will never perhaps want to be an online creator. They just want to be a leader. They just want to get people around them and build trust. This frequency message is important.Jared  10:53  I call it the touch point cycle. So take your example of getting recognized for the first time on your trip over. You put out a whole bunch of content. You put out a whole bunch of feelers everywhere, online, through your website, through your blog, through your podcast, through LinkedIn, wherever it is. And people see it multiple times. They start to get to know you. They start to get to know your brand. But they're not going to initially, and we'll talk about this a little later. They're not going to initially say, Tim, I want to work with you. Or maybe they don't even need to work with you. Maybe you're going to be someone they know. But at the end of the day, as they get to know you and know your brand, when the timing's right, when they're either going to tell their friend about you or they need your services, then they're going to buy from you. And that's that's another thing that leaders and business owners today make the mistake with they really think that when they have a product or service that they think is great, and everyone thinks their product or service is the best thing out there, they think that everyone's ready to buy that day. So if we put out something, I people are going to come right away, the classic return on investment discussion. You spend $1 you get two back. And what I try to do is get leaders and individuals to understand that you have to think about it just slightly differently. Create a touch point cycle. Create a brand. Validate that brand, create a whole bunch of touch points in a circle, and when the timing's right, you're going to capture that customer, you're going to capture that lifetime value. And it's a struggle because very, very few, very few, a small, I would say, under 2% of leaders are thinking long term lifetime value rather than ROI. And that's what we want to try to change the conversation too.Tim  12:41  Help us understand, when a person comes to you, what type of state do they come in, what type of question or ask are they typically coming with before they're informed about what's the right thing to do, or what's your method, what's the type of need you see?Jared  12:57  Yeah, if I was to take the typical business that comes and has a discussion with me, they're usually starting to make social media content, doing it on an inconsistent basis. They do some traditional marketing, still putting some stuff out there to create their brand, doing it in a very professional, pristine way, but un-unified between their website to their social to their traditional campaign. Everything's looking a little bit different. Nothing's brought together yet and and a lot of times they're still fighting to get validated. They want more followers. They want things like that. And I have to break them down. I have to say, Okay, we're throwing all of that out the window. We're not going to care about likes, comments, follows none of that. We're going to start from the basics and then go through a step by step process that's going to take them from a very disjointed, non-focused marketing approach to a very focused marketing approach that can go after what they actually want, which is sales for their product or service.Tim  13:59  Before we get into that process, you're going to share a little bit with us. Why is this a thing? Why do people make this mistake? What's the misconception here?Jared  14:09  If you look at attention today, it's very clear. The data is very clear that attention is online and it's on social media. So the watch time on Tiktok and Instagram alone, not including even Facebook. If you're looking at it, we're talking hours of people's attention today, and that's now not designated towards newspapers. That's not designated even towards driving and seeing billboards on the side of the road, definitely not TV, other than through sports programs. So there's nowhere for people to market effectively anymore, other than through digital and people are still dedicating so much time and energy towards looking cool in that legacy aspect through some of those traditional means. And I'm not saying they can't work. What I'm saying is that's no longer where the bulk of attention is. So the reason that everyone needs to consider this specifically for the next five to ten years, is if you're looking to grow your business, you want to put your marketing dollars where the attention is, and stop worrying about things that are more about creating that brand legacy for yourself than doing something that's actually going to translate to results. So that's why I want more people to think about this, and why they should think about this, because it's just where the attention is. Tim  15:30  If we think about the title of your book, “If You Sell, You Lose,” right selling and that traditional, you know, print or broadcast advertising mindset, which is all about, you know, pitch the benefits, tell them why you're unique, all of those things, very, very different from when you talk about this touch point cycle, which is, establish a relationship, establish some trust. You know, really, how do you become the subconscious thought in that person's mind when they're approaching an issue, not because of the benefits they think they're going to get out of you, but because of who they know you are. Am I getting close? Is this?Jared  16:07  Yeah, and I think, I think at the end of the day, all that, what we're all looking for with that, is for a brand to have enough awareness in someone's subconscious mind that when the purchasing decision needs to be made when the timing is right. They want to purchase your product, or they already feel like they know you. That's what we're all trying to achieve. It doesn't matter what business you run, all you're looking for is to try to be the choice when the timing is right for your customer, and the means that we have today to market are much more effective in finding that customer quicker, without dealing with what I call the needle in the haystack effect, where you're just throwing stuff out there and hoping that it finds the right person. And because of that, we can actually be a lot more effective with the same budget today than we could even 10 years ago. And that's what we all that's all what we all want. Now we just have to execute it.Tim  17:01  There's so many parallels here, because we can talk customers and when they're ready to buy. We can also talk about employees and when they have an issue, or when they need some direction, are they going to come and Are you their first port of call? Not because of authority, not because of anything like that, but because they they have trust, right? They are going to take your your your feedback, or they're seeking it. So, so much here. All right, so people come with this misconception about, you know that it has to be shiny. It has to be a shotgun approach. It has to be it's all about likes and clicks and all of these things. How do you guide them out of this?Jared  17:40  Well, the first thing I do is I talk about removing vanity metrics from the way that you judge your campaigns. So vanity metrics, for me, are likes, follows, comments, those types of things, because the amount of followers you have, the amount of likes that you get, does not affect the purchasing decision of somebody that needs your product. So it's not that they don't matter. It's that if you judge your content based on engagement alone, and engagement typically comes from your followers, from the people that already trust you. Doesn't come from outside of that. It's something that we've learned over the last couple years is engagement comes from the people that already love you. So if you're trying to build a brand, and you haven't done it yet, you're still trying to validate, then you should have no engagement anyways, that's why it's a metric that doesn't matter. That's why that's one that we put off to the side. So first thing, more than anything, what I'm worried about is that we start to look at the metrics that matter. And the metrics that matter are very simple, average watch time, so the amount that somebody's watching a piece of content that you create, photo or video, we look at impressions, the general impressions, because impressions and views are standard to how many people are seeing the touch points. And if we want more people to see our customers, we want as many touch points and impressions as possible. That's how we grow. And if we look at average watch time, and it's going up over time, and if we look at impressions, and it's going up over time, and I'm saying month to month, we're not talking week to week, then what we are doing in the marketing department, as a leader, guiding our organization, is we're doing the right thing in terms of building a modern brand, because we're starting to hold attention longer. We're in the right direction. And that's it. That's all we're trying to look at from the start. And if we can do that, if we can change our theory with that, then we can start to go and make the right marketing decisions and start to make content that works in today's world. Tim  19:41  It's interesting. You talk about vanity metrics, we talk about likes and whatnot. What's the purpose of the like and the click and all of these readily available sources of data? It's not about whether or not it's effective. It's about keeping people on that platform. It's the gamification of your social time. But it has little to nothing to do with that, holding the attention and building trust, and really that relationship, building that, figuring out what your market needs and whatnot. So it's interesting to think how much a like, a thumbs up can betray you.Jared  20:18  The question that I get asked all the time. The real simple question that every business owner asks is, how do we beat the algorithm? How do we find a way to achieve success in today's algorithm? And I like to tell everyone that the algorithm is no secret. Instagram makes it public. The algorithm is only looking for two things. Number one, the algorithm is looking for, will the audience watch the video longer? Why? Because all of these platforms want to serve ads to their audience, and the longer you can keep someone on the platform, the longer they're going to be able to serve ads to them. So that's, that's a common sense. The second one, which is the vanity metrics, is, will that audience engage? But an engagement is not what people think. An engagement is a click. It is a link in bio click and then, yeah, there's still comments, likes, shares, saves, all of the other metrics. But it's not as simple as just a like, so that's why I say they matter, but it's secondary, first to watch time and then to creating an audience that trusts you, that actually wants to engage. Because the fact of the matter is this, you can create an audience that's going to watch every single video that you ever post and they never like or engage with it. Tim  21:34  Yeah, that's right. They're not there when it matters, in a sense. Jared  21:38  Yeah, and the algorithm doesn't care if the algorithm sees that person wants to watch every piece of your content, and they're still going to look at your website, and they're looking at your profile, they're engaging with you, and the algorithm is going to keep pushing your content to them. So that's how you create success, by only worrying about those two things that the algorithm wants. And this is universal across every platform. It doesn't matter which one it is. All that matters is watch time and then secondary, are they going to potentially engage with you over time? That's all you got to remember.Tim  22:09  It's kind of like saying, Are you getting a smile, a nice smile and a nod from somebody, or are they coming to you when they have a problem? There's a very big difference between social engagement and business engagement, or leadership engagement, or, you know, sort of organizational buy-in. Cool, all right, so watch time, impressions, using those to make market decisions. You know, it's funny when people come with that question about beating the algorithm. I remember a year ago, you said this to me again. It's like, don't worry about the algorithm. And at the time, I was thinking, you know, the algorithm that is my problem, or I would say is many people's problem, is the math, not that the app is doing, but that we're doing that stops us from creating and stops us from being open, and stops us from being okay with raw, dogging our our content out there into the world, right? Rather than having it to be perfect. It's all that doubt and whatnot. That's the algorithm up here that we should be worried about, because that's when you say that's gonna that's gonna stop us from that frequency and that openness that might be required. Jared  23:13  We've chatted about this plenty of times. I mean, oftentimes leaders or brand creators get in their own way. They're worried about their own personal appearance, and I must say, after posting 5000 videos in the last three years across platforms, across different mediums, what you think that people are going to see in the video is the absolute opposite of what they actually see. So you might think that they're going to see the double chin or whatever you got going on in that moment. But what they're actually seeing is what service, what value you're offering. And people don't have the attention span today when they're scrolling on eight second, nine second scrolls to worry about an appearance or something not perfect. What they want to know and they want to connect with you is on an emotional level, on a storytelling level, or when you're solving problems, and that's my three pillars of value. And if you can do those things, taking the rest out of the equation and not worrying about what you feel the content is, you're going to be able to make more content, and you're going to see success.Tim  24:17  Even if you're not making content again, if we go back to that leadership analogy, if you're focused on being clear around your emotion, the story and the problem that you're solving, you're going to connect with more people more deeply. And that has to be a goal, whether it's in real world or online. When I talk to people about the amount of effort that I put into LinkedIn and Instagram and things like this, and I'm not even, I would say, on the top end of how much effort people put in, I get stories back. They tried it and it didn't work, and they and they lost heart, and they were disappointed, and they gave up. You know, what are some of the disappointments that you you see that have people failing?Jared  24:57  Yeah, I see one thing happen all the time. And with any platform that I have had success on, I've had to post for roughly 90 to 120 days straight, two or three times a day in order to see success. But, the amazing thing about it is that every single time, all the platforms around that 90 day mark, if you do it consistently and do it well, magic happens. It pops. So what I like to tell people is you have to stick to it. You can't give up in the process. And what I see, or the biggest disappointment I see, with clients, is they go for 50 days, 45 days, they're doing good. They're making their posts a day. They're doing really well and getting their content and value out, and then they're not seeing those that the value come back immediately. So they give up, or something happens, or they get busy, and they can't follow through and get to that magic threshold, which I would say is 90 days for the win, and it's happened every time. It's a secret, it's a trade secret. I think that a lot of creators know, but the average business owner or leader does not. So it's it's not it's not even that long. It's 90 days. But for some reason, everyone seems to give up in that 60 day mark. And all I want leaders to do, and business owners to do is stick to it and stick to the process, and you'll see the success for your brandTim  26:26  And focus on the right expressions of success. As you said, it's, you know, it's watch time. It's not, it's not likes. Keep up with it and observe those, those metrics you talked about earlier.Jared  26:38  Just, yeah, just create value. Look at look at the average watch time. Every single time you're seeing that it's increasing. And if you're telling stories, engaging motion and solving problems, again, those three pillars that I talk about over and over again, you will see success in your content, and you'll see that average time start to increase. It doesn't mean you're not going to fail, Tim. We've been there. It doesn't mean that the first 20 pieces of content you make aren't going to do horribly. The point I'm trying to make is, if you stick to it and get to that magic 90 days on the platform of your choice, then what you're going to end up seeing is you're going to start to see one or two videos, one or two photo posts start to pop, and then you feel great because you see it working, and then that's the small win that keeps things rolling. But very few times do I see people get to that point they give up before that, and then it's kind of like a waste of time. So you have to commit to that 90 days no matter what. If you're listening to this and want to try it. And I mean, if I say one thing, just commit, commit to the process, and you'll see success.Tim  27:46  You really clarified something for me there. I'm even still stuck on, well, we got to think about watch time first and stuff. And really the very first metric that we got to be concerned about is there's 90 check boxes on the calendar, and has there been a piece of content every day for 90 days solid? And you've got that consistency, before we worry about anything else, make it to the 90 and then start considering. So that, for me, is a little, is a little light bulb moment going on here. And I imagine you have that experience a lot with people that you're helping them get over this hump of what they think it is to to develop a social following. When you see a light bulb go on in somebody's eyes. Does that do it for you? Or what about this? Work really sings to your heart, Jared?Jared  28:39  When a leader switches from thinking about marketing and building a brand on a traditional, classic ROI basis, which is basically $1 spent $2 reward, just basic ROI. And they flip the switch, and they start thinking of things, as I like to say it as the lifetime value proposition. And so what you're thinking of essentially, what that means is you spend $1 but you get $20 back, but you have to wait five years for that, because the lifetime value of the customer, whatever it is for your business, is what the reward is going to be. So if you can change that, and you could flip that switch, one to two to then one to 20, you start to think of every piece of content you make differently, because it's no longer about trying to get an instant reward for every single thing you produce, and you start to actually create value for your audience and for building your brand. And it's just this magic little switch that as soon as you do it, you'll start to see the results. But if you still think classically, which is, again, what 99% of business owners do, is you just struggle. You struggle to get past that 90 days that I just talked about in the previous segment. You struggle to find ways to make content where you're not selling. And I should touch on this just a little bit. I mean, at the end of the day, we've talked about my book, “If You Sell, You Lose,” the original idea of the title came from the fact that at the time, everyone was starting to skip over content that had high sales content in it. And if you think about yourself, anyone listening, can think about how they scroll through social or how they scroll through Google. Majority of people, they see an ad, it's a quick flick right through unless it matters to them in that moment, if you're on Google, you go straight through the ads to the organic search results, and that skipping of content is lowering your average watch time. And if you lower your average watch time, you're not going to see success. So it's an easy formula to think about. If you can start thinking in terms of long term value and capturing the lifetime value of a customer, you're going to be able to not make sales related content and not kick yourself in the foot when you're going about starting to start the process. And that's what gets me going, when I see that switch go off, and then content starts to come out with that value related process in it. It's magical, because it's so much better. It's night and day, and your brand and your customers can see it. So that keeps me going. That keeps me, me excited about creating these transformations.Tim  31:30  Yeah, and so in that, and you've given us a lot to think about so far, but if you had a blueprint that you were going to lay down on somebody, what would it look like?Jared  31:41  Well, first of all, number one, if we're going through the process, is you have to feel good about your brand before you start. You have to feel good about committing to that 90 day process. Number one, feel good about your brand. Usually that means you unify your brand, so your website, your social media, your Google Maps, optimization, everything about your brand across platforms, including your print documentation, is exactly where you want it to. Tim 32:08Feels like the real deal. Jared 32:09The real deal. Then, then you're ready, because I don't want you to spend a single dollar, not one until you're ready to commit to the 90 days. And you don't want to make too many changes to your brand in that process. You want to commit and go after it. Tim  32:22  It's like, look at what I made, you know. Jared  32:24  Exactly, so that's number one. Number two, as part of the process is execute that cycle that I talk about, the touch point cycle. So start to make so much content, start to practice, start to create the value. And create that cycle. The more times you get to the same customer when you're doing your boosts, when you're talking about making your content and getting out organic reach, the more times you're going to have a chance to find that customer when the timing's right, because you're not going to see success until your customer starts to see you in a long period of time, feel good about your brand and then execute when the timing's right. So execute the cycle. Start making content with that commitment to 90 days. Then as soon as that's done, it's about looking for the small wins to keep your motivation up. So number three, look for the small wins. Try, you said one earlier in the conversation, you said you're on the plane to BC, and someone said, “You're that podcast guy.” I can't count how many times I'm walking around and someone says, you're the guy on Instagram, or you're the creative photographer you took the photo of the blue jay in Canada. And all of those moments, for me are, are those light bulb moments where you know it's working, and there may not be a ton of of results from that, but you know that everything you're doing is working with those small, small wins. After that you want to create and correct as fast as possible. So creating correct, for me is a term that I used in my book. It's a whole chapter dedicated to it. And essentially, what it means is just trial and error. But for me, it's simpler than that. When you're looking at your metrics, on your on your content, you're only looking at that average watch time and a little bit of the engagement, as we talked about, and that's it. So you look at it, you see it. Now you forget about that content. That contents gone a mistake. I see is business owners and leaders, when they have that first success, they are constantly looking at it and analyzing it and and breaking it down. And it's weeks on end they're like, did you, did you see that one video I got? They got 50,000 views. Why did lightning strike? Why did lightning strike, and then they obsess about it. That is not going to help you make more content to succeed. So look at it, analyze it, forget about it. Start making new because I want you to dedicate every minute to making more content and less time analyzing after that initial view. So be quick. Be very efficient with how you look at your metrics when you're creating and correcting. After that, when you're starting to go through the process of making the success. I always set the blueprint for every business across the board to spend between 2% to 5% on marketing. That's the general spend across business industry. It's backed by a lot of data, and I'll find, and I'll be willing to bet, that a lot of people listening to this, when they do the math on how much they spend on marketing or how much they spend on Instagram boost compared to how much they make, they're not even close to the 2% mark, let alone the 5% mark. So the 2% to 5% mark is designed for you to spend the money required to replace clients and bring in new clients or customers to your brand that are going to bring that lifetime value to the table. And after that, number five, as we're going through this process, is actually find out what the lifetime value of your customers is. Now, I never say this is number one, even though some people say, why am I not figuring out the lifetime value at the beginning? It's because when you're starting to do a new marketing process and you're starting to bring in new customers with these small wins after your your 90 day process, then when you see the magic start to happen, it's a new customer than you've never had before very often. So sometimes it opens up, sometimes it's your typical customer, don't get me wrong, but you're bringing in new people that you've never experienced in your brand before, and their lifetime value may not match what it is now. So you're going to have a blend of what that lifetime value is, and then figure it out. Figure out exactly, based on the customers you're bringing in, how much they're going to spend on your product or service over their lifetime. And with that data, you come to my magic number, which is spend 5% on marketing to acquire a client based on their lifetime value. So if the lifetime value of a customer is them buying $100 chimney cleaning service, you should spend about $5 for every lead that you're bringing in, but 5% of that 100. But if the lifetime value of your customer is $10,000 then your customer acquisition for every client can be up to $500 to achieve that, and it's a big number, because on most platforms today, the cost per conversion is somewhere between $50 to $200 depending on industry. So there's a lot of room to play in there with your marketing budget. And if you have a high lifetime value, if you're selling a service at a very, very high price point, you have room to acquire that customer, specifically talking to real estate agents yourself as a leadership coach, and anyone that has a higher ticket item, we want to make sure that you're spending 5% of the lifetime value to acquire a new customer. And then afterwards, I always like to say, I always come back to the value tree. So when I look at my my value triangle, when I look at my three things, solve problems, create emotion, and tell stories. If you can find a way to do the value last and always make sure you're coming back to creating and correcting, finding what the value for the customer is creating and correcting, finding what the value is coming coming up with that cycle you can't you get into a system that you feel Like you're winning every single day you post something. Like I give you an example, not my major pages, but on near me, Victoria, the last couple days, we posted eight times in one day, and in that eighth, post, we got 160,000 views and 3200 shares within the local community. So that's after years of creating content every single day, multiple times a day, but when you do that, and you feel those numbers come in on a base level, you get excited, and you know you're making a difference. And that's what you're going to do with this blueprint for your brands. Tim  39:16  I think that's great. There was something else that, as you were speaking there, you you told me years ago, and when you're going through this validate and feel good about your brand piece, what would you say is the relationship to asking sort of permission or asking too many people what they think about your brand or about your content, especially people up close and personal who aren't doing it themselves. I feel, that feels like a trap to me sometimes, because you know, often, if you're worried about being… of getting people's approval, it can really put the brakes on.Jared  40:05  Well, with anything in marketing, obviously, there's industries out there that have to have compliance on some level, and they want to get each piece of content checked for legal reasons, whatever, whatever the case might be. And I understand that, but the less touch touches there is on each piece of content, the less revisions you have, the less resources you're going to spend on it, and the more resources you're going to have to spend to make more content. And I guess I should touch on what that means. I guess the quality versus quantity debate that everyone seems to get caught up on. So I mean, let's go this way, quantity-quality, there is debates on social media both directions. Some people say one, some people say the other, and oftentimes, people that I work with have tried both. They've done a lot of quantity, but it's been really bad, and they've done some really, really refined stuff, been really good. The secret to quality versus quantity is you actually need both to succeed. So there's no one or the other. There's no debate here. You need both. You need lots and lots of content, you need to train the algorithm of who is your customer so they can retarget your content to them and help you build organically a little bit. And then number two is you, you just have to find a way to make good content still, you need it to have those pillars of value in it. And that doesn't mean use a good camera, like I said earlier, it just means make good content and that takes practice, but once you create that good content and can do it quickly and effectively, then it even amplifies everything else that I've talked about with doing it for 90 days or longer. The Magic really takes hold at that point in time. And yeah, it's, it's when you find that one piece of content that works, then duplicate it like give her, start making more, start doing it again and again and again, and you'll see success.Tim  42:18  Don't stress out about how to make lightning strike, but, you know, just use it as a kickoff. And you know, you were thinking square, so just forget about that no. Go and make the next piece. Make the next piece follow that vein until it plays out.Jared  42:35  The biggest thing I can tell your audience from my secret to creating multiple brands with 10s of 1000s of followers, is… Tim 42:44Millions of followers, right?Jared 42:46With millions, each of my brands has had success over multiple niches. So we're talking from photography to wildlife to local content, multiple niches with the products that I do is, is, I'll give you an example. With my wildlife page. There was a point in time where I posted 200 reels in a 10 day period. So I was 20 reels a day, and in that period I gained 60,000 followers. So anyone listening to this that thinks 200 reels in in 10 days, that's, that's crazy, that's impossible. Well, I sat down and I edited them, I got them ready to go, and I made that post every single like they were all ready to go, and then I just launched them. And there's no harm done. There's no loss of followers. You're training the algorithm, you're creating a ton of content. It was all great, and there's a reward for that. And so, so don't be scared of that. Don't be scared of creating at that level. There's almost no downside to producing more. And when the arguments come in for it, the easiest one to explain is a lot of misconceptions are that you'll train your audience to not follow you or follow your content. You might make them a little annoyed at the amount, but what we've learned is the algorithm won't show content to your audience if they think your audience isn't going to watch it or might unfollow you. So even if you post 20 times in a day, then it might not show the 20th post to your audience member for another 30 days. So it's not showing all 20 posts to them on the same day. It's utilizing and showing it to each individual based on what their comfort level is with your brand. That's why you can produce so much and increase your chances at organic reach by posting on.Tim  44:38  One and 200 points of data for the for the thing to learn from helps it work, right, in a sense? Jared  44:48  Yes, it helps the algorithm retarget your content to people that are going to follow you and and get attached to your brand. And that's, that's where most brands don't get to that, that point where it can train the algorithm, so. Tim  45:03  Awesome. All right, if somebody is going to take away one thing from what you've offered today, if you have a wish for the listener right now, what state do you hope they are able to reach by the end of listening to us? Jared  45:18  I think with leaders and marketers today, the one thing to remember across all of history and all of business is marketing has always been the exact same. Nothing's changed. And this is what hasn't changed. Value is always going to equal value. So if you can connect emotionally with your audience, solve a problem for them, or tell them a story that they engage with those three pillars of value, you are going to build an audience and build a brand that's able to sell your product or service. That is never going to change. It doesn't matter if social media disappears tomorrow. It doesn't matter what you do, if you can connect with your audience on one of those three pillars, hopefully all three, but at least one, then you're going to succeed. And that's that's it. And if you write that on the wall, value is always going to equal value, and that's never going to change. It's easier to make marketing decisions when you're looking at buying that commercial video that maybe isn't going to do any of the three pillars. You're going to be able to make better decisions by recognizing that that's not going to change from a market.Tim  46:22  And avoid the snake oil I would imagine, right? Jared  46:25  Avoid, yeah, really avoid the shiny objects. Because when you see a shiny object, when you see a hack, a shortcut that someone is pitching to you, I can tell you right now that there's no shortcuts. To build my first photography page, it was 1000 posts in 365 days, close to three posts a day, learning from every single one on what works, getting better at your craft, getting better at how you're engaging emotion, solving problems, telling stories. And eventually I got to the point where I could do two or three in each video and watch time was going up, and it blows up from there. So it's sticking the course and really understanding that you have to do the work and there is no shortcut. Any shortcut you take today is probably going to set you back from a marketing standpoint, indefinitely, years, months, years, every time you make one of those decisions.Tim  47:17  Haste makes waste. All right, let's get on to hearing from our last guest. So we're talking here to Amreesh Khanna. So we're going to listen to this little clip where Amreesh asks about your relationship with your reflections on your own leadership. Amreesh  47:33  What is it that you could do or change in how you reflect upon yourself as a leader, to reject perfection, change your perspective on failure and success that would help you be better at what you do today, and have that influence on the people and the purpose that you lead with?Jared  47:54  Yeah, sure. Thanks Amreesh for the question. I think for myself, I struggle with some of the even the concepts that I talk about. I struggle internally a lot of times with trying to not always do the things that I love and sometimes focus on the things that I don't love as much. And what I'm saying by that is I really, I love what I do. I love, I love creating content, but sometimes I get caught up in trying to only do the things I love and I put the things that will help me build and grow as a leader off to the side. And what I need to do is I need to find a way to reprioritize, bring some of that back and create a balance between doing what I love and also focusing on the business. And that'll help me in all my relationships, from my clients to staff members, etc., finding that focus and and realizing you can't have it all.Tim  48:46  Yeah, I had a coach once say to me, it's more important to be consistent than it is to feel good. And I was like, you know, when it comes down to it, yeah, you're not wrong. There are things that we have to be consistent with whether or not it's our favorite thing in the moment. But all right, great answer. As part of this tradition, you get to lob a question that you've considered into the next mystery guest, and we're not quite sure who that's going to be yet, as always. So what eclectic leadership perspective would you like to weigh in on one of your issues? What would be the question?Jared  49:23  I'm going to go with, screen time. So I'm going to say, let's talk screen time. I challenge you to look at your screen time on your phone, if you're comfortable, share your screen time with the audience, and then let us know what you're doing to manage it, if anything, at this current time.Tim  49:39  Cool. Love it. Great challenge. Okay, as we wrap up here, thanks very much for taking the time. I hope people are as happy with this conversation as I have been with all of those times we've happily washed dishes and scrubbed dried gravy off of roasters. It's really something to see the success you've had in this space, and see all of the people that are that are interested in collaborating with you, and all of the big brands that are now coming coming to you for guidance. And so if people want to reach out, or you want them to get involved in something, how can they connect with you? How can they experience Jared VanderMeer?Jared  50:23  Yeah, I would say to reach out through one of my platforms, most likely Instagram or Tiktok. It is for the modern creator. That is your phone book, that is your contact list. So when people reach out to me through one of those platforms, it's usually easiest to manage, because it's where we do spend our lot of our work time. So through my Jared VanderMeer Photography page or Wild dot VanderMeer Wildlife page are the easiest ways to reach out and send me a message. And I'll always find it.Tim  50:53  All right, we'll put those deets in the show notes. And as I say, you know, man, great to have you here and I and I can't wait for people to listen through this. So.Jared  51:03  Thanks, Tim, yeah, I can't wait to talk business over dishes again soon. Tim 51:08That sounds great.Tim  51:11  Thank you so much for listening to Sweet on Leadership. If you found today's podcast valuable, consider visiting our website and signing up for the companion newsletter. You can find the link in the show notes. If like us, you think it's important to bring new ideas and skills into the practice of leadership, please give us a positive rating and review on Apple podcasts. This helps us spread the word to other committed leaders, and you can spread the word too by sharing this with your friends, teams and colleagues. Thanks again for listening, and be sure to tune in in two weeks time for another episode of Sweet on Leadership. In the meantime, I'm your host. Tim Sweet, encouraging you to keep on leading.

In this episode of the Gotta Run Podcast, we sit down with Kevin McDonald, a passionate race director from Canmore and the mind behind Five Peaks Alberta and TransRockies events. Houda shares his journey from volunteering at the Atlanta Olympics to becoming a key figure in the world of stage races. Discover how Kevin's love for community and adventure has led him to create events that inspire people from all walks of life. He reflects on his experiences in race directing, sharing insights into the unique challenges and rewards of organizing events like the Five Peaks series and TransRockies run and Moab Run The Rocks in Moab. Join us as Kevin recounts memorable stories from his career and offers advice to those looking to dive into the exciting world of stage races. Tune in for a captivating conversation about the power of racing communities and the friendships formed along the trails. Here is Houda... You can follow Kevin on Instagram here : https://www.instagram.com/houda44/   Save 5% on Kinesys Sunscreen by using this link https://www.kinesysactive.ca/?ref=gottarun Save 20% on Caffeine Bullet by using coupon code GOTTARUN https://caffeinebullet.com/GOTTARUN Save 10% on Air Relax by using our coupon code GOTTARUN https://www.airrelax.ca/?ref=GOTTARUN   If you enjoyed our show please leave a rating and review.  We would really appreciate it. Check out the Gotta Run Racing website here and use promo code GRRPODCAST for discounts - gottarunracing.com Check out our YouTube Channel here - https://youtube.com/@GottaRunRacing Check out GRR Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/gottarunracing/ Check out GRR Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gottarunracing/ Support us on Patreon here : https://www.patreon.com/gottarunracing  

In this special retrospective episode, Tim Sweet revisits past guests' most profound moments to explore the idea of “arriving” — that deep sense of alignment when purpose, values, and actions converge. Through compelling anecdotes from leaders across diverse fields, this episode sheds light on how moments of arrival are not endpoints but significant milestones that shape our journey. From navigating authenticity to redefining success, Tim unpacks how leaders grow into their roles and discover their impact.Listeners will hear insights on combating imposter syndrome, fostering self-trust, and staying true to personal values. This episode celebrates growth, resilience, and purpose by featuring wisdom from figures like Tracy Borreson on avoiding burnout, Tim Beissinger on non-traditional career paths, and Aaron McConnell on leading through challenges. Tune in to learn why arrival is not just a destination but an evolving state of being.Contact Tim Sweet | Team Work Excellence: WebsiteLinkedIn: Tim SweetInstagramLinkedin: Team Work Excellence--TranscriptTim 00:00I'd like to ask you some questions. Do you consider yourself the kind of person that gets things done? Are you able to take a vision and transform that into action? Are you able to align others towards that vision and get them moving to create something truly remarkable? If any of these describe you, then you, my friend, are a leader, and this show is all about and all for you. I'm Tim Sweet, and I'd like to welcome you to Episode 45 of the Sweet on Leadership podcast. Tim 00:31Today's episode is a little bit different. It's a reflective one. Over the past 42 episodes, we've been exploring leadership growth, transformation with some incredible guests, but one theme has stood out across many of these conversations, and that's the theme I want to bring you today. Today is all about arriving. So, for this episode, I'm diving back into some of our favourite guest contributions. You'll hear short quotes; you'll hear more in-depth stories and anecdotes. Each will add to our understanding of what it means to arrive. When I say, arrive, what I mean is that moment that you know you're enough, that moment that you know you are exactly where you belong. You are fulfilling a purpose. It's a special thing, and when it happens, you know it. But what brings it about? Is it an age or experience thing? Is it a moment? Is it a milestone or maybe just a feeling that we stumble upon when we least expect it? Let's start with the basics. What does it mean to arrive? In episode five, one of my good friends and guests, Paul Farmer, a leadership coach in Australia who specializes in guiding others toward alignment and purpose, captured it so well- Paul Famer 01:50Depending on the way that the conversations happen with the owners, then choosing to bring that feeling into the business allows the business to grow in a deliberate way, whereby the business feels good for all of those that are involved in it. Tim 02:08That's it, right? It's the feeling of alignment when your actions and your purpose, and your values all click. It's not always about what you accomplish, but how it feels when you're in sync with yourself and when you're in sync with yourself, you can be in sync with others. I remember a moment in my own journey when this clicked. Early in my career, I leaned on quotes and research and experts to validate my own ideas, but a mentor told me, You're making great points, but you're not willing to own them. It stung, but it planted a seed, and a few months later, I stood up in a high-stakes meeting and delivered my perspective without quoting anyone else. And in that moment, standing on my own two feet, facing senior executives, I knew I had arrived, not because of what I had said, but because I knew I belonged at the table. To the newer leaders out there, I know how hard it can be to wait for this to happen. You spend your days dealing with imposter syndrome. You spend your days wanting to know why you're not being accepted, wrestling with feelings that you might not be good enough. You're looking ahead and wondering, When am I going to start to feel confident? When am I going to feel like I am where I belong? Here's the thing: arrival isn't something you can rush. It's not something you can force. It's something that you literally have to grow into. It's not based on some predetermined plan, and most importantly, it's not someone else's plan. My good friend, Tracy Borreson, who helps entrepreneurs and business owners really figure out how they belong, talked about avoiding burnout and how to discover authenticity. And she had this to say– Tracy Borreson 03:53I think there's many places in the world where authenticity is a buzzword, but we don't really know what that means, and if we don't know what it means for us, then things can't be authentic. And so one of my big goals is to try and create some more awareness of what authenticity actually is, instead of what people want to tell us it should look like, and create our experience, whether that is a career experience, a home experience, a community experience, a life experience that is aligned with the things that we want to do, that we can uniquely contribute, instead of what people tell us we should. And if you've listened to Tim's show, I've heard, I know you've all heard his opinion on shoulds, so that's probably why we hang out. Tim 04:39If you're chasing someone else's version of success, you'll never feel aligned. In episode 42, Tim Beissinger, one half of that dynamic duo, the ThruHikers, who's a professor and a quantitative geneticist, spoke about risking a non-traditional career path. Tim Beissinger 04:57I think people have a fear of getting off of that PhD, postdoc, professor path because all of the examples they look to are doing exactly that, and it's compelling to want to mimic the path that's worked for others, but everybody's individual and it can be more powerful to follow the path that makes sense for yourself/ Tim 05:20if we can connect with things we're passionate about, we can start to see the impact we want to have on the world, and that's when everything starts to come into focus. You don't have to follow the same road as everyone else. Your journey will look different, and that's a good thing. So take a breath, trust the process. You're not behind. You're just on your own path. For those of us further along who've had this sense of validation, we realize that these arrivals don't always happen when we reach some milestone or event or achievement. It's often found in small moments when you show up fully, even on the hardest days, it's the journey up the mountain that shapes us more than our time at the summit. Dave Sweet, yeah, my cousin is a bit of a legend in the policing community in Canada and now around North America. He was a top homicide detective here in our city, and he's one of these guys that is constantly on true crime shows. His work has given him a unique perspective, he now acts as an expert witness, consultant and author who speaks about empathy and leadership under pressure. On one of his visits to the podcast, he shared this powerful reflection about how he found his calling and when he realized it was more than just solving crimes. It was being present for others. Dave Sweet 06:41The essence of somebody or the what your mantra is going to be. So first of all, I'll always consider myself a servant to the community, you know, first and foremost, and secondly, even on the worst days with some of the worst people, if you can remember to love people, it goes a long ways to being able to ultimately accomplish whatever you're sort of said, you know, to do that particular day. And it doesn't matter who it is, everyone has a story, the uniqueness of the world that I'm in, the world of murder and stuff, we would all think, Oh, well, you know, I would never be in that situation. This could never, ever happen to me. But the truth of it is, is that the majority of people that we investigate had no idea that morning they woke up that they were about to take a life that day, and the victim had no idea that they're about to lose their life. Tim 07:31Even when things are tough, there's something grounding about staying connected to your purpose and values. That's where arrival moments happen, and sometimes it's a personal transformation. Debbie Potts, a former teammate here at Sweet on Leadership, who's also a Senior Educational Administrator, reshaped her entire life to reflect her passions and the connections she wanted to nature. Tim 07:57What did the Red House represent to you? Debbie Potts 07:58Oh my gosh. It represented freedom. It represented achievements. It represented living life on my terms. And obviously, I love nature as you do. And it just represented, you know, being able to be close to nature. And, you know, completely do a 180 turnaround of my life. You know, I lived in a big city, London, full of people, full of traffic, full of everything, and I've now completely reversed that.  Tim 08:32Innovator Jagroop Chhina, a psychological content strategist, say that three times fast, shared this perspective on transformation and its importance. Tim 08:45And blend those suckers as well so that maybe they become something brand new. Jagroop Chhina 08:47Yeah, creating something brand new that didn't exist before in a new perspective that couldn't exist unless you lived it out the way that you lived it out. Right? For me, personally, I was always a pretty smart kid. And I had a tendency to just write the answers to whatever the problem or the thing in the classroom was, right? And where I always lost marks was in showing my work. That was my feedback over my entire, like, elementary to high school—'show your work.' And that's what creating content is actually about. It's about showing your work and documenting what it takes for us to succeed, right? Because that's how we actually learn our lessons—well, other people learn lessons from us is by showing them, 'Oh, this is what we go through on the day-to-day to build this out.Tim 09Æ41Even though we're focused on professional experiences, it's deeply personal. It's about those moments when you feel fully aligned with who you are and what you stand for. In an episode that we published our very first summer, George Trachilis shared a rich story about learning alongside a mentor. George Trachilis 10:01I brought Ritsuo Shingo, bless his heart; he's the late Shingo now. Shingo San, I brought him to Santorini, Greece, along with others, who were leaders in their industry, you know, there's business owners, there's, you know, others like Paul Akers, as an example, I brought him to Santorini, Greece. And we did training there. And we went through a Gemba Walk of Santo Wines, one of the biggest, the biggest winery in Santorini. And we're watching somebody work, we're watching somebody work. And what they're doing is they got a big light facing them, and they got, you know, like three bottles on each end. And they're looking, their eyes are focused on the bottle, and the light is behind it. So, you might be able to see something, you know, in the bottle. And so they're looking for spiders, because the bottle sometimes just, just over. So they do wash the bottles, but sometimes, you know, if there's like a big nest in there, you put that bottle aside and needs extra washing, but this is what this person's job function was. And Ritsuo wouldn't leave. And he's just observing. And I'm thinking, what's he, what could he possibly observe? Like the flow is such that there's such a queue in front of them, and the line is running, and there's no way he's gonna be out of work. Like, he's got a lot of work and the lines running, maybe he's not, maybe they're slack. I don't know if he's trying to calculate how much time he's actually working, versus how many bottles are moved. I don't know what he's doing. And it was so shocking. I said, what do you what are you doing? He says George San, watch his eyes. And I'm watching the worker's eyes. And as he lifts the bottles, his eyes are down. I'm going, oh, Shingo San; I never thought to watch the worker's eyes. Like pretend you're in the worker's shoes, and think you're the worker, and your job is to do this function. And he says also, there's no standard. I said, what do you mean no standard? Sometimes he lifts up three bottles, and two, and sometimes two and two, sometimes three and three, there's no standard. And I'm going, Wow, he got all that from what I would just say that's just not important.  Tim 12:10Okay, one thing that's clear with many of our guests is that they've all had several moments of arrival. Once you've had that first moment of arrival, you're now free to help others find theirs, because, you know, it exists. Rita Ernst, an Organizational Psychologist and author who explores positivity and authenticity, put it this way– Rita Ernst 12:32You become this beacon of possibility for others. It will happen in that way but it does take a little bit of courage to be the one to stand, and I'm not talking about swallow it down false positivity. You know, when people are being disrespectful, when people are harassing others, you need to stand up and challenge that behaviour and stand for your values in that moment, and that is showing up positive. So it's not about just smoothing everything out, and like we were talking about, really, it's not about avoiding conflict at all, but it is about being true to who you need to be to have the workplace around you that you desire. Tim 13:20From a completely different perspective. Brent Yonk, an FBI section chief, emphasized that self-leadership was the foundation for guiding others. Here's his reflection. Brent Yonk 13:31There are people that are following you in the sense that they are watching you, they are taking cues from you. They may even be modelling some of their behaviours after what you're doing. You just may not be aware of that. But even if all of that were taken away, there is still one person that you can absolutely have follow you, and that's you. And that may sound really funny, but I have seen so many people that you can clearly see that they don't have that confidence in themselves to lead themselves effectively, and if you're already struggling to recognize yourself as your own leader. Like what hope do we have for you to be able to effectively lead others? So I think that developing that internal compass, that internal sense that the power to make decisions, the power to guide your fate as it were, is in your hands, right? You get to choose the actions that you're going to take. You get to choose whether or not you're going to try to broaden your awareness of what is influencing and impacting you, or you can just shut down, and you can just put your head down, and you can just focus on doing the easy thing, right? Follow the downward path. That choice is there. And when you recognize that I can lead, even if it's just myself, I can be a leader, you start to unlock that potential. You start to broaden your horizon. You start to open that aperture and see more possibility for yourself. And then that will continue to broaden, and you'll start to see people around you, and you'll start to recognize in them the skills, the abilities, the knowledge, the potential that's there. And then you can start to encourage them to join you on this journey. And now you're starting to see exponential impact happen from that.  Tim 15:26Here's the thing about these moments of arrival. They don't happen all at once. They come in waves. And they don't happen all in the same place. They can happen in different areas of your life, different roles that you're fulfilling. Peter Root, an engineer and innovator working in wildfire robotics, reflected on his long journey. Peter Root 15:48Well, we're about to do a bunch of work with Alberta wildfire, and this means taking our team and our alpha prototype and eventually our next version out to real fires and interacting with them and the people there in a real way. And that, to me, is the most exciting part of running the business. This is where I wanted to be, like, you know, three years ago, but I'm finally here, and this is where I think the relationships get solidified. You know, we built the beginning up, but this is where we show them that, hey, we can come, we'll bring our thing, and then we'll improve it next time we're out here, and we're going to do that until it's something of such extreme value that you'll never kick us off again. Like, that's where we want to get to, and we're at the beginning stages of this, and we're also in an environment now where it's really fun, like there's nothing more fun to me than going out to a wild area with a bunch of hard-working people who have been continuing and interacting with the wildfire, which is such an extreme event and such a such an admirable profession, to be around those people and then to be able to bring them something new and work collectively to build it. What's more fun than that? Tim 16:51In another episode, Massimo Backus, an executive coach focused on self-trust and leadership, brought this to the table. Massimo Backus 16:59Yeah, yeah, one of those bedrock moments that you can always go back to remember what it was like when you truly trusted yourself. And you know, in the organizational context and leadership, you know landscape, we talk about trust all the time. Like leadership, how many books have been written about trust? How often in trust conversations, do we talk about the value of trusting ourselves? Or do we ask, How do I know when I trust myself? How do I know when I'm not trusting myself? What do I need in order to be able to trust myself? What's present when I trust myself least? These are questions that are very rarely asked in the broader conversation about trust. It is always about another person or the team, and that's important, absolutely. But I believe, and I found with the leaders that I've worked with throughout my career, that often, when trust is not present on a team, there is trust that is not present for each individual with themselves. Tim 18:05As we wrap up this retrospective, I want to finish on a couple of notes. Let's remember arrival isn't the end. It's a base camp, a place of safety along the journey. It's about trusting yourself, celebrating your growth and staying open to new possibilities. It's a revolution and an evolution. Here's a beautiful part of what Teresa Waddington brought in Episode 28.  Teresa Waddington 18:29We're gonna need that revolution. We're also gonna need the evolution, and we're gonna need them to come together, to really step change us into what is completely new. So, when I think about like from a leadership perspective, it's being open to change. It's looking for the holes in your argument. And I'll give you an example on my own leadership journey, I've always tried to say, What am I blind to? So, what are people saying about me that I should know in order to decide if I'm going to change anything about what I do, how I show up, how I build my skill sets, how I build my allegiances. Because if I don't know, it might feel comfortable. It might feel like I'm not, you know, exposed to negative opinions of myself. But if I do know, then I can make a choice, and to be comfortable enough to ask for the bad feedback, it requires a measure of worthiness, or belief in your own worthiness. And when I think about the people that I mentor and support, the ones that I want to see continue to drive forward and change the world, it's reinforcing their own core worthiness, while at the same time gathering feedback. Tim 19:39I want to give the last word to Aaron McConnell, my lifelong friend and the CEO of TransRockies. I feel that this story of his is very genuine and very real, and something that many of us can relate to because it's in the middle of hard work that these moments happen. I'm going to let Aaron wrap us up with this last story. Tim 20:02These are great events. You often talk about them as if they are summer camp for adults, right? And so people are out there, and they are having a blast, and they're doing what they love, and they're out in the sun, and they're out in nature, and they're sweating in all the right ways, and good food, good drink, good friends, campfires, the whole nine yards, and they must look at you and say, Wow. What a job to be able to do this for your entire career, right?  Aaron McConnell 20:38Well, there's definitely two sides to it. So we live double lives, I guess, and in this industry, because there is the times when we're in the field, basically, so when we're at an event. We're working on an event, we're with the athletes, and for the most part, that's really positive, you know, unless we're dealing with some kind of crisis that comes up, which does happen sometimes as well, but that's what we live for at events, or even when we're on a scouting trip or doing route planning or something out in the field, and that's where the glamorous side of the event promoter lifestyle is maybe a little bit true. I mean, yeah, sometimes we're trying to figure out where to put the porta potties or something. But you know, still, you know, being creative and hanging out with great people and really cool places. Tim 21:31Here's the thing about arriving: it's not the finish line; it's a feeling, a realization, and sometimes it's just a moment of clarity. It's never really over. And each time we reach a new understanding of ourselves, it allows us to open a door and then further explore our purpose and our impact until, eventually, we arrive again. As you reflect on your own journey, remember this. You're exactly where you need to be right now, whether you're at the start of your race, navigating switchbacks or midlife transitions or finding new ways to give back to others, know that each moment of arrival is a pivotal part of your story, and they're worth celebrating. Thank you for listening to this retrospective, and thank you for joining our community as always, keep leading, keep learning and keep arriving, and I'll see you in the next episode. Tim 22:26Thank you so much for listening to Sweet on Leadership. If you found today's podcast valuable, consider visiting our website and signing up for the companion newsletter. You can find the link in the show notes. If like us, you think it's important to bring new ideas and skills into the practice of leadership, please give us a positive rating and review on Apple podcasts. This helps us spread the word to other committed leaders, and you can spread the word too by sharing this with your friends, teams and colleagues. Thanks again for listening, and be sure to tune in in two weeks' time for another episode of Sweet on Leadership. In the meantime, I'm your host, Tim Sweet, encouraging you to keep on leading.

Wynonna Curely-Fulgham first discovered the life-changing impact running could have on her life during her Kinaaldah, the Navajo puberty ceremony. She carried the teaches from that transformative time into her adult life. Wynonna has continued to be drawn to running, and specifically ultra trail running, as a way to test her own limits and also to process life's challenges and find her peace. It is a deep well of connection, discovery, and release: a physical endeavor that is also spiritual and healing. In this episode, Wynonna shares the story of the pivotal moments she's experienced in ultra trail running, up through today. Her journey includes taking part in the Transrockies, a multi-day stage running race that takes place in Colorado, traveling over and through peaks, at altitude. Wynonna has run as a member of the Native Women Run team. Wynonna's story is powerful and beautiful. One women's incredible journey of self-discovery, evolution, and inspiration. Keep Up with Wynonna Curely-Fulgham Instagram: @blacksheep_running Keep Up with Native Women Run Instagram: @native_women_run Website: nativewomenrunning.com Information about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, MMIW mmiwusa.org Information about Native American Boarding Schools boardingschoolhealing.org/education/us-indian-boarding-school-history boardingschoolhealing.org www.irsss.ca nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/30/us/native-american-boarding-schools.html To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Instagram: @womensrunningstories Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Pozzoni is an avid trail runner, coach, specializing in Chi running and walking, and is one of the leaders of Dawn Patrol for the TransRockies runs.  I came upon Lisa on Day 3 at TransRockies and we ran together for an hour or so and really enjoyed getting to know her.  I think you will too.@trucoachlisaThe Running University - Lisa Pozzoni, ChiRunning Master InstructorThe Running University | Walk.Run.Play(136) The Running University - YouTubeSquirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves (squirrelsnutbutter.com)Discount code = Timberfriends@chumpchangefkt@tara.dower

Brandon Miller from Calgary, Alberta won his entry to TransRockies by winning The Moab Run the Rocks, a 3 Day Sister Race, so he was no stranger to trail domination.  Brandon has done very well in races with lots of elevation gain so he was right his element going up and over the many challenging climbs of the beautiful Ortholite TransRockies 6 day stage race.  Day 1 was a nice rolling adventure, but day 2, the climbing began by going from Vicksburg, CO up and over Hope Pass to Leadville.  Brandon ran his 13 miles with 3500 feet of climbing, which all took place in about 5 miles, in 1/3 of the time it took me.  ha-ha.  Enjoy his story and race recap.@brandonruns@transrockiesrunningTransRockies Run (transrockies-run.com)Discount code - save $250 - BRINGABUDDY2025Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves (squirrelsnutbutter.com)discount code = TimberfriendsSt. Pete Running Company Florida | Top 50 Running Store (stpeterunningco.com)discount code = MWM20Home - PlayOn Reliefdiscount code = martygardner15@pacertravelHome | ATOUNH

Last Saturday, 8/10, I flew out to Colorado to begin my TransRockies Run adventure, and wow, was it an adventure!  I got to hang with some friends, made a ton of new friends, see some epic scenery and run some really challenging mountain trails.  The Ortholite TransRockiesRun is a turnkey adventure.  You get yourself to Denver and they can take care of the rest.  They shuttle you to the base camp, feed you, and bring you back.  The courses are mapped out, supported, and the community is amazing.  I highly recommend.  There will be several episodes documenting this incredible week in the mountains, but I wanted to get this one out just to get that party started before I leave for my cruise.  Enjoy!TransRockies Run (transrockies-run.com) Discount code save $250!  = BRINGABUDDY2025Also, please listen up for an opportunity to support our friend Jim Miller with a virtual run during the intro.  http://www.atounh.com/Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves (squirrelsnutbutter.com)code = TimberfriendsHome - PlayOn Reliefcode = martygardner15St. Pete Running Company Florida | Top 50 Running Store (stpeterunningco.com)code = MWM20@pacertravel727-433-2385  -  pathcrx@aol.com

As I've recently raced the TransRockies, the importance of mindfulness in riding, sport, and life was vividly reminded to me. Mental well-being isn't just a component of high performance—it's the foundation. This episode revisits our exploration into the transformative practice of moving meditation, specifically tailored for cycling.   In this moving meditation guide, I'll take you through exercises that help connect with various parts of your body and senses while riding. This practice is designed to enhance focus and presence, integrating the power of mindfulness into the rhythm of your pedals.   Together, we'll explore how athletic pursuits can be profoundly deepened by meditation, uncovering techniques that foster a perfect equilibrium between mind and body. Join me on the trails as we seek to find our stride, embracing the lessons only mindfulness can teach.   Key Takeaways:   • Understanding Moving Meditation: Grasp the essentials of moving meditation, its various forms, and its importance for athletes. • Implementing the Practice: Discover actionable tips and techniques to weave moving meditation into your training, enhancing both focus and presence. • Real-Life Insights: Draw inspiration from my personal experiences and the tangible benefits I've encountered from integrating mindfulness into my riding. • Scientific Perspectives: Explore compelling research that elucidates the positive impacts of meditation on both athletic performance and mental health.   Reconnect with this rejuvenated practice, reminding us all of the serene power nestled within mindful movement.

“If I think about the biggest impact anything's had on my life, running has probably had the largest impact,” says Thomas Neuberger, the founder of Believe in the Run. Thomas reflects on his initial experiences in running and how a personal blog documenting his TransRockies race training evolved into a leading voice in running gear reviews.   Thomas shares the importance of community in running, highlighting how he started the Faster Bastards—a running club that fosters camaraderie through events and shakeout runs.   Tune in to gain insights into the continuous innovation in running footwear, including a recent trip to Adidas Headquarters. Learn about Thomas's top running shoe picks for training and racing, and discover how he utilizes the Lever Movement system for injury recovery.   Quotes “When the website started up for TransRockies, I started getting inquiries and people were asking, ‘what gear are you wearing? What are you doing? You're doing a lot of mileage to gear up for this challenge, what type of gear are you using?' So I started talking about it. And as I started talking about it, people cared less about what training I was doing and more about the gear I was wearing. So I learned really quickly, like, ‘Oh, if I want attention, talk about the gear.' And so it quickly became a very gear-centric place to be.” (10:44 | Thomas Neuberger)  “When you're running, it's not necessarily an expensive sport, but if you want all the gear and stuff, it gets expensive pretty quick.” (11:24 | Thomas Neuberger)  “We're in a really nice moment in the running shoe industry where there's a lot of good product out there.” (23:56 | Thomas Neuberger)    Links Connect with Thomas Neuberger: https://www.instagram.com/tfneuberger/  https://www.instagram.com/believeintherun/  https://believeintherun.com/ https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/  https://www.instagram.com/bradmiles/ https://levermovement.com/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

“So Fitzy, of course, sleeps in. He's like, “hey, where's my ride, Houda?” I'm like, “it's already gone, Fitzy.” He's like, “how am I going to get there?” So long story short, Fitzy made his way from the bottom of the mountain, hiked to the very top. It's 12,500 feet, so it's cold, right? He didn't bring nothing but a onesie, right? A onesie. That's all he brought. Cowboy boots and cowboy hat.” - HoudaKevin “Houda” McDonald and Michael “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick call Canmore, Alberta, home and have become great friends. A big part of that friendship is their mutual love of trail running. Houda is a race director for many races including the 5 Peaks Alberta races and the Transrockies races and Fitzy created Canmore Trail Culture. They are also a blast to chat with as they play off each other and their stories. It's evident they've known each other for a while and shared some laughs along the way! It was entertaining chatting with them, to say the least, and it was also nice to hear a bit about why they enjoy the sport so much. “In Canmore, there wasn't really anywhere to meet people. So I wanted to kind of create something that, somebody new to town could come and, get to know the trails and hopefully meet people. I think the community that we've created in the trail running community has been pretty special. For myself, some of my best friends I met through the group. That's what keeps me here is, just the people that I've met, and also the world class trails around this area.” - FitzyI'm really looking forward to our show in Canmore. The opportunity to partner with artsPlace is really cool and it's gonna be great hanging out with trail runners in the Rockies! Our amazing sponsors also have some race entries up for grabs as we're incredibly grateful for the support of 5 Peaks, Stoked Scramble, Stoked Ultra, and the Black Lung Ultra. There will be Näak for the first 12 people through the doors and a chance to win a Näak prize pack. Run Uphill/Ski Uphill have been kind enough to donate a few gift cards. And on top of all of that, Houda is also giving us entires to Golden Ultra and Moab Run the Rocks to giveaway. It's gonna be a blast, get your tickets…Alberta Trail Running Film Festival tickets availableTuesday, June 4, 2024, Edmonton (Garneau Theatre) $25Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Calgary (Globe Cinema) $25Thursday, June 6, 2024, Canmore (Partnering with artsPlace) $25 (members receive a discount)Friday, June 7, 2024, Crowsnest Pass (Blairmore) (Frank Slide Interpretive Centre partnering with Sinister Sports) $25#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% offI enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don't give me any issues, and isn't that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I'm including that today.If you're gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereGoogle Podcasts: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe're on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I'm trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Minha convidada foi criada em um ambiente de muito esporte. Sua avó foi uma grande atleta em provas de lançamento de disco e dardo, e no tênis conquistou diversos títulos. Ela, por sua vez, foi do judô à natação, da corrida de velocidade ao lançamento de pelota, do jazz ao tênis. Nas águas da Ilhabela acompanhava seu pai no mergulho livre. Em Campos do Jordão, cidade serrana que frequentava bastante, tornou-se ao lado da mãe uma especialista no resgate do pai quando ele saltava de asa delta. No último escolar, chegou a ir com pedalando para as aulas com uma amiga através da caótica via Marginal Pinheiros, em São Paulo e já na faculdade, usava a bicicleta como meio de locomoção. Um dia, na academia de ginástica que frequentava, recebeu o convite para integrar uma equipe em uma corrida de aventura. O cara que a convidou sumiu, mas animada, decidiu seguir adiante e montou a própria equipe. A modalidade casou perfeitamente com o seu espírito e durante alguns anos ela competiu diversas provas, como as icônicas Ecomotion, Brasil Wild, Chauás, Adventure Camp, Haka Race entre tantas outras. Participou também da ultra maratona Cruce de Los Andes, de uma prova de ciclocross e algumas de mountain bike. Em 2008 trabalhou foi voluntária na Cape Epic e ficou maravilhada. Convidou a irmã que a vida lhe deu e juntas se prepararam para participar da próxima edição da prova de mountain bike em etapas mais famosa do mundo. A sintonia entre as duas foi perfeita, tornado a experiência mágica e fazendo com que a dupla quisesse viver mais momentos assim. Como um time, o Flower People, participaram ainda do Tour de La Patagônia, a Transrockies, a Brasil Ride em tandem, a BC Bike Race e até a Loire 725, uma prova de uma semana remando de stand-up paddle 16h por dia. A alegria, descontração e animação da dupla, aliada ao emprego sem limites da cor rosa em seus uniformes, equipamentos e adereços, além de coreografias exaustivamente ensaiadas fazem a alegria dos participantes e chamam a atenção da imprensa de qualquer evento que participem, criando assim a sua marca registrada. Mesmo quando sua parceira não pode, ela não para e está sempre entretida com algum desafio, como uma Spartan Race na Tailândia, o Desafio do Dunga em Orlando, um XTerra na Sardenha, uma Backyard Ultra em Portugal, uma prova de mountain bike no Vietnam e agora, recentemente, uma tradicionalíssima prova de 90km de esqui cross country na Suécia, a Vasaloppet. Conosco aqui a arquiteta, empresária, mestre de yoga formada em ciência do bem-estar e aventureira de corpo e alma, que não pretende parar tão cedo, criadora da Flower People X, a divertida Luciana Cox. Inspire-se! SIGA e COMPARTILHE o Endörfina através do seu app preferido de podcasts. Contribua também com este projeto através do Apoia.se.  Um oferecimento de @BOVEN_ENERGIA. Quando a paixão pelo esporte se une à energia transformadora, grandes histórias acontecem. E você, já sentiu a adrenalina de estar no controle? Conheça o Mercado Livre de Energia, a escolha certa para empresas que buscam eficiência e economia. Com a Boven, especialista há mais de uma década, você não só migra para essa revolução, como também garante segurança em todo o processo. Não deixe essa oportunidade escapar. Abra as portas para o sucesso com a Boven e eletrize seu futuro. De energia, a Boven entende! boven.com.br      

In this episode of the "Sweet on Leadership" podcast, host Tim Sweet engages in a captivating conversation with Aaron McConnell, president of TransRockies Race Series. They explore Aaron's journey from a childhood fascination with mountain biking to becoming a trailblazer in organizing multi-day running and biking events. The discussion delves into the challenges, triumphs, and the essence of creating a career around one's passion.Aaron McConnell shares insights into his early experiences with mountain biking, from discovering the sport as a child to organizing races and publishing newsletters. The conversation touches on pivotal moments, such as winning the bid to host a mountain bike World Cup, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the strategic thinking behind sustaining TransRockies Race Series for over two decades. Aaron emphasizes the dual nature of the event-organizing industry, balancing the glamour of on-site experiences with the behind-the-scenes grind of logistics, budgeting, and team management.About Aaron McConnellAaron McConnell, the president of TransRockies Race Series, has built a remarkable career around his passion for mountain biking and event organization. Starting with a childhood interest, Aaron evolved into a key figure in the industry, organizing races, publishing newsletters, and contributing significantly to the endurance sports community. With over two decades of experience, Aaron's leadership has not only shaped TransRockies but also inspired enthusiasts to pursue their love for outdoor adventure.Resources discussed in this episode:Alberta Bicycling Association: albertabicycle.ab.caRidley's Cycle: ridleys.comAlberta Alpine Ski Association: albertaalpine.ca--Contact Tim Sweet | Team Work Excellence: WebsiteLinkedIn: Tim SweetInstagramLinkedin: Team Work ExcellenceContact Aaron McConnell | TransRockies: Website: transrockies.comInstagram:@aaronmcconnell@transrockiesraceseries@transrockiesrunningTwitter: @TRraceseriesFacebook: TransRockies Race SeriesLinkedin: Aaron McConnellYoutube: @TransRockiesRaceSeriesTransRockies Race Series Events TransRockies RunTransRockies Gravel RoyaleTransRockies SingleTrack 6Moab RocksGolden UltraMoab Run the RocksMoab Fondo FestGolden RushGran Fondo BadlandsTranSelkirks Run--Transcript:Aaron 00:00You need to follow our strengths really, figure out where we can bring value to the organization, value to our participants, and work hard to really ensure that we are creating sustainable performance and being able to be in a position to provide these great experiences and have that icing on the cake, which is part of the year that we get to spend with our participants and in really cool places. Tim 00:28I'd like to ask you some questions. Do you consider yourself the kind of person that gets things done? Are you able to take a vision and transform that into action? Are you able to align others towards that vision and get them moving to create something truly remarkable? If any of these describe you, then you my friend, are a leader, and this show is all about and all for you. Welcome to the Sweet on Leadership Podcast, episode 21. Tim 01:03Welcome back to Sweet on Leadership. Today, I am going to welcome one of my best friends in the world. This is Aaron McConnell. I've known Aaron since I was just a wee tike. I mean, we started in what? Grade one, pre-school? Aaron 01:18I don't know if it was kindergarten, or grade one. But yeah, I think we lived a few blocks away from each other. And yeah, we were friends all through grade school.  Tim 01:29Yeah and then I mean, since we've also been working, well we've done professional things together, things have just progressed in such a neat way. But today, I'm excited to let people in on your story, because, to me, it represents this move of taking your passion and creating a career around it. And when you and I were kicking around the idea for this podcast, the phrase that kept coming up in my mind was, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. And I think as we go through this conversation, I want us to challenge that because I'm not sure that's entirely true. I think both of us have the advantage of doing what we love. But I'm not sure about the second part. So, anyway, Aaron, tell our listeners a little bit about yourself so that they can they can develop a picture.  Aaron 02:21Sure, I'm president of TransRockies Race Series. And so we're an event production company, we primarily organize races. So, like running races, and bike races. And we do a lot of multi-day events, multi-day trail running, multi-day mountain biking, gravel cycling, road cycling, and they're mass participation events. So, for the most part, they're not for professional athletes, they are more for, as you would say, enthusiastic amateurs, weekend warriors, and people who love to stay fit outdoors.  Tim 03:01Absolutely, but they still are serious races. And they are where people test themselves. And then where people really can achieve something that may have been in their bucket list for years and years. And so I know that the reputation around Calgary in the Rocky Mountains is quite high when people think of your brand. So, I'm certainly excited to be involved. It's just something that I love to see every year, year on year, how much better it gets and how much stronger the team gets. So, I'd also like you to just take us back. And when I think about us hanging out at your house, or we'd be in your kitchen, I remember your dad had that den that was off the family room. And there was that, you know, first-gen Macintosh that was in there. And I'd love you to tell us how did you first discover mountain biking, and then take us up to the point where you began a newsletter which I remember as a kid, I thought that was just the coolest thing ever. Aaron 04:00Well, how I discovered mountain biking was my family was into hiking when I was a kid. And yeah, I don't know that I always enjoyed hiking that much as a little kid. Yeah, you're in these beautiful places and exploring but it's also kind of long grueling hikes. And my mom would feed me lifesavers, as a five-year-old to try to motivate me to keep going. I remember we were hiking one time and these people came ripping by on bikes. And I have this kind of vivid memory of how exciting that looked. And, you know, I think I spoke to my parents. I said I'd like a mountain bike. And they said, well start saving your money and I think within a few years I had the best Canadian Tire mountain bike that money could buy when mountain bikes were still pretty new in the early 80s. Tim 04:56Yeah. And then this didn't just happen, It wasn't just a one-and-done for you though it wasn't just start writing and be excited about things, you got into all aspects of the sport and what it meant. Aaron 05:08Yeah, for sure, I did my first race when I was 12. I did one race that year. That would have been 1987 and I was probably the youngest person in that race. And it was just outside of Calgary, organized by Release Cycle. And I did that race for many, many years. Yeah, so that was my first encounter. And then with racing, and then I got more involved with racing over time, as the scene developed. And there were more mountain bike races around Calgary and Canmore. And around the world. And then I guess, to get to your question about the newsletter, as you alluded to, as in the early days of the Macintosh computers, and home desktop publishing started to become a thing. And so we had this computer at home. My dad was an art professor at the University of Calgary and computers are starting to become part of that. And I don't know what made me think of it. But I started publishing my own little newsletter about the local scene. So, I do it on the computer at home, and then I'd have these high-quality masters outputted and then copied into newsletters. And so it just sort of gave a little report from all the different events and results. And I distributed them to the local bike shops. I think they sold for a quarter. It just sort of helped to build the mountain biking community at that time. Tim 06:35Yeah. And how old would you have been at that point? Aaron 06:38Well, I guess I would have probably been closer to 15, I'm guessing. Yeah, cuz I've been racing for a few years when I started to put those together between 12 and 15. Tim 06:48And they ran for how long? Aaron 06:51I think we did it for a couple of years, or I did it for a year or two on my own. And then the Alberta Bicycle Association, which had become the sanctioning body for mountain biking, officially, I could do it as part of their newsletter. So, it became a subsection of the Alberta Bicycle Association newsletter, which then led to me becoming more involved in the Alberta Bicycle Association as well. Tim 07:14So a columnist by 17. Aaron 07:17Yes, something like that. Yeah. Tim 07:19All right. So, this happened and I remember around that time you started working, you were sponsored by a couple of different shops and manufacturers. You were on a team. I remember you were on Chugs team. And that was a big deal because he was designing and building his own bikes west of the city. And then it became more and more of a profession. So, you were working at bike shops, I bought bicycles off you, I remember that?. Tell us a little bit about how it became part of your career, then how did that open up? Like how did it become your initial working experience? Tim 07:56So, I rode for Ridley's Cycle in Calgary. It was the first team I was involved with. And I think that was just because I was hanging out at the shop so much, they wanted to organize something, so that I wouldn't be asking them questions all the time, or something like that. And then I was on The Cycle Tech team that was a local distributor that had their own branded bikes for a couple of years. And then Jeff Shugg, with Cog frameworks, he was a custom frame builder out in Springbank. And I was working for him and started kind of organizing his racing team, which was like a, it was not really a pro-team, but like a semi-pro team to promote his bikes. So, it's kind of in the Calgary area, but also beyond. And so we were racing Canada Cup circuit a little bit into the US National Championships, that sort of thing. And so I was working in a shop, helping with the frame building a little bit and mechanical work and then organizing the team, organizing sponsors. And then we started organizing some races, really just to support the team as a fundraiser and profile builder. We did weeknight racing life at Blackfoot Motorcycle Park in Calgary for a while, and that led into more opportunities with organizing bigger races or organizing Canada cups for a few years. And that led to World Cups. And, you know, by that time, I guess you can say I was organizing events full-time by my early 20s, I suppose. Tim 09:36Yeah, and at the same time, you're going through and doing your degree in kinesiology. And that's all happening, but this is all happening at the same time. And it's funny, you know, I'll be around traveling around the world. I'll be in, in Southeast Asia. I'll meet up with Canadians and if it happens that they are from Western Canada, and happen part of the mountain bike scene. Last, you know, Aaron McConnell and they always say, oh, Aaron was the guy that ran that newsletter, or Aaron was the guy that was running the events, and you had such an impact on that community. I don't think you'd ever set out to develop a brand for yourself. But that happened, right? And that really became part of it. So by 20, you're running full-time events. And that's when you started getting heavily involved in that life. Right? And so the early part of your career, what was the event seen? Or what was the event roles that you would be part of? Aaron 10:36Yeah, well, I think when we won the bid to host, a mountain bike World Cup was a pivotal one. And I think that was what set me off on the path of being sort of a full-time professional event organizer more or less since then. And I was early 20s, just finished my bachelor's degree. And we've done a few Canada Cups and kind of on a whim, put in an application to host a World Cup. And we were actually really surprised when we got a three-year sanction to host a World Cup in Canmore. So, that was a World Cup cross-country race. And, you know, the people that were part of the scene at that time, I think, still talk about it, because all of the top pros were there. And big crowds at the Canmore Nordic Centre. I think, on some of those years, they were some of the biggest crowds that anyone had seen, you know, since the Olympics at the Canmore Nordic Centre. That was really key. You know, there was definitely some challenging times to that, as well as, you know, lots of excitement. And I was honestly pretty inexperienced and pretty green to be taking on something of that scale. But I built a great team around me, I had a good business partner, who helped a lot with the business side of things. And, you know, we did that for three years. But then the World Cup was going in a different direction, the venue was no longer really suitable for what they wanted to do. And so there was a change. And I did a few other things over the years, but kind of kept coming back to that management. So, I worked for 24 hours of adrenaline doing their 24-hour mountain bike races for a few years, I worked for Alberta Alpine Ski Association, which was a little bit more peripheral on the event side, and then had an opportunity to join TransRockies, in 2004, when the company was just a couple of years old. Tim 12:34Sure, and at that point, it wasn't run by you, it had been started by another gentleman, right? Aaron 12:40Well, a couple of people. My current business partner, Hiney, who's in Munich, and another gentleman, Chester, who came from Germany, but was based in the US, and then Ken Reid, who was one of the crazy Canuck famous Canadian alpine skier was, was one of the partners at that time. And the owner of the bike shop at that time in Calgary, Kevin McNaughton was also one of the partners.  Tim 13:06So, leading up to that point, here's a question for you. Was there an instance where you knew that this was going to be your profession by that time? You'd run the newsletter that had a lifespan on it, you had worked part-time for others and supported others as employees, that had a lifespan on it. You picked up the rights to hold the World Cup for three years that had a shelf date on it because of the menu and their direction. So, in this entire build-up of your career, and all of these different roles that you had, and these different events that you run, and these different ventures that you that you embarked on? What was the moment that you realized that I was gonna go all in on this?  Aaron 13:49Yeah, I think it was somewhere between finishing the World Cups in 2000. And starting with TransRockies, in 2004. The other thing that happened in that time period was I started working on my MBA in 2001, I started and I guess when I started working on my MBA, I didn't know that I would want to continue as a small business entrepreneur, and I guess a field that maybe seemed like it might have questionable viability from a business perspective. And it wasn't really until I started with TransrRockies, that it seemed like, this is probably going to be something that I really pursue. I'd had that vision since before we started on World Cups in the late 90s. But I didn't know if it was something that would kind of work out. Or, you know, there'd be other opportunities that would be more attractive down the road. Tim 14:52And I know that there's always periods where different opportunities are presented to us and we look at them and there's those questioning periods where we say, would I jump to do this or try something else? And then there's that question of, you know, do I keep going? And I go through those. I mean, I go through those in my own in my own career and with my own company. But when we compare, say, my line of work as a consultant to your line of work, as a guy organizing these amazing events, there's something too that I think, is really interesting. And that is, every once in a while, okay, from my perspective, I'll be facilitating a session, I'll be having a lot of fun doing it. And then I'll get people coming up afterward and saying, you know, I look like you're having a lot of fun there. And this would be pretty interesting. And I wonder if I could be a consultant or I could be a facilitator, or I could be a coach? And you present yourself in a way that they think this looks funner than my day job? Man, I really like to do this, this must be you must be just having a-rockin' good time. Yours is even more extreme. I mean, you're out. I love, TransRockies, for those of you who haven't yet looked at it, you need to go to TransRockies, transrockies.com, show notes in the link, link in the show notes, sorry. These are great events, you often talk about them as if they are summer camp for adults, right? And so people are out there and they are having a blast. And they're doing what they love. And they're out in the sun. And they're out in nature. And they're sweating in all the right ways and good food, good drink, good friends, campfires, the whole nine yards. And they must look at you and say, Wow, what a job to be able to do this for your entire career. Right? Become this adult, camp counselor, camp manager? How much fun could this be? But what's the behind-the-scenes of all that, Aaron? What are your experiences with people having questions and assuming certain things? And then what's the reality? Aaron 17:03Well, there's definitely two sides to it. So, we live double lives, I guess. And in this industry, because there is the times when we're in the field, basically. So, when we're at an event, we're working on an event, and we're with the athletes. And for the most part that's really positive. You know, unless we're dealing with some kind of crisis that comes up, which does happen sometimes as well. But that's what we live for at events, or even when we're on a scouting trip, or doing route planning, or something out in the field. And that's where the glamorous side of the event promoter lifestyle is maybe a little bit true. I mean, yeah, sometimes we're trying to figure out where to put the porta potties or something, but, you know, still, you know, being creative and hanging out with great people in really cool places. And then the other side is making it all work on the back end. So, you know, we're on our Twitter, we're on the phone, we're, you know, booking the toilets, we're working on budgets, and having to do all that behind-the-scenes work to make sure, A. everything works logistically for the event, we're meeting our sales targets, we're spending within budgets, and really being like a grown-up organization. And the interesting thing about, I guess, race organizing is that a lot of people that organize races, do it as a sideline. They might be professionals in their real lives, but they kind of organize races as a hobby. And they don't necessarily have to take a salary or that sort of thing, they put on sometimes some really awesome events, but they don't necessarily have the ability to scale or the ability to stick with it over a long period of time, that sort of thing. Because they're only doing one event, we're doing 35 event days a year, over many years with a business that's intended to outlive its current employees and shareholders. So, we have to kind of run it to a different standard and think differently about risk and profit and all that sort of thing.  Tim 19:13For everybody's information, you've just completed which season now?  Aaron 19:1621st, I guess, yeah. 21st season of operation. Tim 19:22And that 20th season was happening the year before this one was happening right at the sort of tail end of the big of COVID and the pandemic. And that pandemic, I mean, having been there with you through that, that put into sharp relief, you know, where the business required support and adulting or whatever you want to call it. That was a rough year for many events or a rough few years for many events. And a lot of event companies didn't survive. You know, a lot of companies just had to shutter but you saw it through, and you had put levers in place and supports in place so that you could make that through. When you think back on that time as really a massive milestone in all of this, how did you conceptualize your journey, at that point, thinking back 20 years when it all started? And did you draw on that, in order to make it through? Did you have to draw on the passion in order to make it through the real, tactically risky portions of those few years? Aaron 20:35Yeah, absolutely, we had been through some challenging times, just with trying to make the events profitable and survive as a company and grow. And we had actually, a few years before the pandemic, we'd taken on a new group of investors, which just helped us with some financial strategy and some advice. And, you know, it really helped us during that pandemic, to be able to get together and talk about things and strategize, you know, I'd also been working with you for a few years, which was another great source of support. And it was definitely the biggest crisis we'd seen. But it wasn't like we hadn't seen crisis before. So, on one side that helped. It also, I think, helped that, you know, there were a lot of signs that kind of reassured people in the endurance sports industry, that there was demand, and that demand would come back. It took longer to get back to events than anyone thought, especially in the beginning. We thought we'd be back to events, you know, later in 2020. But it was really late 2021, in the US, and 2022, in Canada, when we got back to a semi-normal season, that accumulated a lot of rollover liabilities from people that didn't get to go to the event that they had signed up for. And we promised them that they could get their entry later on. And meanwhile, we kept all our employees during that time. So–  Tim 22:11Added employees during that time. Aaron 22:12Yeah. Yeah and then we also did look at it as an opportunity. We took the bandwidth, it opened up and created a few new events, which we operated for the first time in the last couple of years. It actually allowed us to scale our business, that was still a big time of an investment. But I feel like we've got something to show for it, coming out of it. You know, the way that it transformed all industries in terms of how we looked at remote work, and how we operate as a team also transformed us. Tim 22:45So, the big picture that I've got in my mind after talking today, and watching you for these many years, and then working with you since what 2016, is exactly what you said there, there are people that can come on, and they can run these events once. But to sustain them and to keep them fresh and to make them economic and to have them be a place that can employ people and really make it into a standalone venture that isn't simply a one-off. It really is an achievement. And I think to Richard Young, who we both know who's been on the show before, and he talks about, we have to get out of our talk around just high performance, but it's sustainable high performance. Anybody can podium once, can they podium again and again and again, can they perform over and over? And really that's what you're demonstrating. And that becomes the behind-the-scenes that people probably don't really appreciate. What's that saying? You know, you're an overnight success that happened to take 20 years to create kind of thing, right? So, when we look at this, and we round around to some of our initial questions and thoughts here. So, this rounds us around to the question of the day, after seeing you go through all of this over the years, and being there for a lot of it with you, which has been an absolute joy. It's been one of the highlights of my work. Can we say that there's any truth to that statement? That if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life? Is that statement incomplete? Aaron 24:19It goes back to what I said before about living two lives. There probably are some people in certain industries that can come a lot closer to that, where they can really follow their passion. But we get a piece of that when, as I said when we're in the field, which is a good chunk of the year, but you know, there's lots of other parts of the year where we are grinding, for sure. And I think in that part of the time, you need to follow our strengths, really, and figure out where we can bring value to the organization, value to our participants, and work hard to really ensure that we are creating sustainable performance and being able to be in a position to provide these great experiences and have the icing on the cake, which is part of the year that we get to spend with our participants in really cool places. Tim 25:20I know for you, between the two of us, we've had, you know, a little metric off to the side, which is how much time can Aaron spend in the saddle or as a participant, right? And that's really important. And I love the point that you made about, we have to play to our strengths or realize our strengths. It's also about surrounding ourselves with people that enjoy the things that we might find a grind, right? So, that we can really make sure that we maintain that love and that excitement that ultimately is going to carry through to the experience that the customers have, because you can't you can't give away what you don't have. Right? So, you have to be living that joy. But there's very real work in behind that that goes into it. So, it's not always roses, but we have to keep the capacity open for the enjoyment of it, as well. And have you found that that has to be a conscious decision to make sure that you are maintaining that time for yourself? Aaron 26:21Yeah, absolutely. We've made more of an effort in recent years to go to other events, people's events that we don't produce, and try to participate in other events, both as individuals and sometimes as a group as well. Which can be, you know, a bit of a team building thing, but it's fun for us and we all sort of buy into the lifestyle, and yeah, that's why we're here. But it also kind of gives us legitimacy as event organizers, when, you know, we know what the experience is, like on the other side of the fences. We know what it means to suffer out on the trail and celebrate with a beer afterward, you know? Tim 27:05Yeah, well, I mean, the energy from these events is palpable. And, again, anybody who's listening, I would really encourage you to go and check out Aaron, check out Aaron on social, check out TransRockies on Instagram, and you'll get a feel for what the energy on these transient race track campuses are from event to event. And it's really something. So, with that in mind, what's got you excited about TransRockies, adventure sports in general? You know, what really do you feel is going to be the next step for you and the company?  Aaron 27:42We're kind of at an interesting point now, where our season is very full. For the number of employees that we have, there's basically six of us that are either full-time or between half and full-time. And, boy, we're busy with the number of events that we have. And so on the one hand, we're looking at optimizing, you know, which events make sense to continue, which ones might not, where does it make sense to grow? Can we grow with our current structure? You know, because we're sort of mostly in a place now where we can only be in one place at one time as an organization. And how do we make that step to being in multiple places at once? You know, does it even make sense to make that step? Or are we better just to focus on doing fewer, or the current number of things that we're doing now? How do we avoid burnout in our core crew? If we're growing the organization, what's going to be most viable and sustainable for us as a group? So, that's kind of exciting. Right now we've got certain aspects of our business that are doing really well. And so we're looking at opportunities to grow in those areas. And, you know, others we're maybe struggling a little bit and trying to change our format up and make it more attractive to people and more accessible, which is all, you know, really interesting, kind of creative, strategic thinking, work that is keeping us engaged. Tim 29:11And it's all around if we go way, way back to the Macintosh sitting in your dad's den. It goes back to the fact that there is a community that needs to be served, right? You've done it all the way along your career. And there are technical challenges, there are organizational challenges, those have gotten bigger and gnarlier. And, you know, regulatory and everything has gotten tighter. But you're still holding that at the core. Right? And that excitement around bringing that to people and seeing them light up and when you get Junior riders coming out and seeing them experience it for the first time. Maybe not on a Canadian Tire special, but you know, in their own ways. So, that's just got to be full of it. Well, Aaron, I want to say thank you for joining me today. I think your story is one that people will really be able to empathize with in their own ways. In that way, I hope that people find what they love within their career. Aaron 30:09Well, thanks for having me on giving me the opportunity. And also thanks for all your help and support and coaching and so forth over over quite a few years now. Great to have you as part of the TransRockies team. Tim 30:22Yeah, it's always been my pleasure and I love getting into it. And I love spending that time with you and the crew. All right, let's also not miss this opportunity to tell people if they want to get involved, if they are avid in running or cycling, and would like to check these events out. What's the best way that they can get in touch with TransRockies? Or you? Aaron 30:42Yeah, absolutely, for TransRockies, it's transrockies.com. The main social handles are @transrockies and @transrockiesrunning. And then myself, it's @aaronMcConnell on socials. Tim 31:00Well, we're gonna put a link to that in the show notes, we're also going to put a link to each of the different events because you've got the Fondos, you've got the runs, you've got all of the marquee events that you put out over the years. And really, there's something there, for everybody and for every skill level. And it's a great way to get involved. And I know it still attracts some of the hardcore competitors too. So, it's not like they're absent from this. It's just such a great opportunity to get out and enjoy things and what a milestone for people. So, really encourage you to go check it out. It is so much fun. Tim 31:43Thank you so much for listening to Sweet on Leadership. If you found today's podcast valuable, consider visiting our website and signing up for the companion newsletter. You can find the link in the show notes. If like us, you think it's important to bring new ideas and skills into the practice of leadership. Please give us a positive rating and review on Apple podcasts. This helps us spread the word to other committed leaders. And you can spread the word too, by sharing this with your friends, teams, and colleagues. Thanks again for listening. And be sure to tune in in two weeks' time for another episode of Sweet on Leadership. In the meantime, I'm your host, Tim Sweet, encouraging you, to keep on leading.

This week we sit down with DFW runners Kathy Beck, Pam Diann, Peg Hall and Courtney Nall who recently ran the Moab: Run the Rocks. This is a stage race put on by TransRockies in Moab, UT. We hear all about their experiences from each day as well as a little out the TransRockies community as a whole.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and we always appreciate you leaving a good rate and review. Join the Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram. Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed in depth, or a guest you'd like to nominate? Email us at info@happyendingstc.org

TransRockies winner. Leadville 100 runner-up. Spartan Race OG. Almost completely unknown. Chad might just be the best trail runner you've never heard of!

Welcome to Episode 57 of the Eat for Endurance Podcast, featuring ultrarunner and world-record holder, Jacky Hunt-Broersma. If you're not already familiar with Jacky's inspiring story, I highly encourage you to check out some of the podcasts she did last Spring surrounding her world record accomplishment of 104 marathons in 104 days. She delves into great detail about her cancer diagnosis and subsequent leg amputation at age 26, and how 14 years later, she invested in a running blade and started her journey to becoming the badass ultramarathoner that she is today.  Jacky has only been running for about six years, but she has done so many incredible things in the running space! She was the first amputee to take on the TransRockies 6-day stage race in Colorado, the first amputee to run 100 miles on a treadmill, and she set a new World Record for the most consecutive marathons run by a female athlete. She's run 100 miler's and recently completed her longest race distance of 200 miles. It was great to chat with her and learn more about her nutrition story, including her struggles with an eating disorder when she was younger, and how her nutrition and body image have evolved since becoming an amputee and later on, a runner.Jacky, thank you so much for sharing your story so openly and for inspiring us all to do hard things!Links & Resources:Jacky's Website: https://www.ncrunnerjacky.com/Follow on Instagram and FacebookOther Announcements:Please show your support by leaving a rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts Music Credit: Joseph McDadeHave nutrition questions, a guest or topic request, or any other feedback? Email me - eatforendurance@gmail.com.Disclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the show

Kevin 'Houda' McDonald is the Race Director for 5 Peaks Alberta, VP of the TransRockies stage run and RD of the newly formed Moab Run the Rocks stage race. From the first moment of our chat with Kevin, his passion for racing quickly shone through.  We enjoyed hearing about his origin story from working in two Olympic games to becoming an RD,  and his innate ability to make lifelong friends from all the folks who run his races. Here is Kevin... You can follow Kevin on Instagram here : https://www.instagram.com/houda44/   Check out GottaRunRacing website here: gottarunracing.com Check out our YouTube Channel here - https://youtube.com/@GottaRunRacing Check out GRR Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/gottarunracing/ Check out GRR Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gottarunracing/ Check out GRR Twitter here: https://twitter.com/gottarun_racing Check out GRR Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.ca/gottarunracing/ Support us on Patreon here : https://www.patreon.com/gottarunracing  

Lucja Leonard is a Dutch-born Aussie-Brit currently residing in the USA. Wife to Dion Leonard, and Fur-mama to Gobi and Lara, check out 'Finding Gobi' the NY Times bestselling book for more details on that side of her life.  Lucja is an ultra-runner but has not always been one! After becoming overweight in her early 20's Lucja took up running to become a healthier, fitter version of herself and after running her first road marathon, Amsterdam in 2010, she discovered a love of going long and went on to run the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon; a 6 stage, 7-day self-sufficient multistage ultra-marathon through the Kalahari desert in northern South Africa where she fell in love with ultra-running.  Lucja has since gone on to run a multitude of multistage and single stage ultras with the likes of Marathon Des Sables, Leadville 100, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, Mohican 100 and even 200+miles non-stop with Bigfoot200 and Moab 240. Most recently she tackled the TransRockies Race, a multistage ultra in Colorado with her friend, Amanda, running as a pair with 120miles and 20,000ft over 6 days as 'Team Granny Pants' where they duo came third open female team. Lucja is also a running and health coach and can be found traveling all over the USA, exploring the most amazing places while working alongside her husband Dion, and his book 'Finding Gobi' with inspirational talks at corporate events, schools, libraries and running stores. Amanda Asher is a single mother of 3 teenagers (son 17 and twin daughters 15) and 2nd grade elementary school teacher who started ultra-running in 2016 when she tackled her first 50k in Huntsville, Tx – Rocky 50. Since that time, she has taken on dozens of races across Texas, ranging anywhere from 13 milers to 100k's. Shortly after completing her first 50k, Amanda ran her first mountain race in 2016 when she took on the Pikes Peak Ascent, followed by the Leadville Trail marathon in 2017. Most recently Amanda competed in her first team relay alongside her daughters as they raced the clock during a 12-hour relay at Spider Mountain in Texas. The 3 of them along with one additional teammate – placed 1st female team. Amanda used this race in May as a training run for her most recent endeavor that took place in Colorado – the Transrockies Stage Race – Amanda, alongside her teammate Lucja Leonard, managed to take the podium 4 out of the 6 days. Placing 3rd overall for the week. When Amanda is not busy raising her 3 teenagers or working on lesson plans for her second graders, she can be found solo backpacking all over the U.S., completing various sections of the CDT, John Muir Trail, AT, and hundreds of miles of loop trails, within Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Colorado.  It is always a fun time when Lucja is involved. We loved this conversation with Lucja and her adventure buddy, Amanda. These ladies tell us all about tackling the Transrockies stage race together and how they came up with their team's name, Granny Panties, it is a great story!  Amanda talks about finding balance with adventuring, raising three kids and work. When you hear her talk about it you will think it is possible for you too. Lucja shares her latest adventures and what she has coming up. These ladies are big supporters of each other and other women. I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did!

Offers: From Xact Nutrition This episode was brought to you by our friends at Xact Nutrition. They're offering you 15% OFF your order when you use promo code LERUNDOWN. So go to https://us.xactnutrition.com/ (us.xactnutrition.com) and FUEL YOUR GOALS today. ----- On this episode of Le Run Down I had a fun chat with Ultra Trail Runner, Joshua Ferenc. I was fortunate to meet Josh a few years back at Ultra Trail Harricana in Charlevoix Quebec and his energy was contagious. He's got a love and passion for the sport that's hard to beat. He's taken on many challenging races and always gives it his all, most recently tackling the TransRockies and finishing 3rd, after taking the title back in 2021. He takes that same work ethic and applies it to all aspects of life, whether it be his marriage, his kids or his students in the classroom too. News notes: https://mtlmarathon.com/en/home-2/ (Home - Marathon Beneva de Montréal (mtlmarathon.com)) Show notes: https://darntough.com/pages/joshua-ferenc (Joshua Ferenc – Darn Tough) https://www.instagram.com/wild.neoteny/ (Wild Neoteny: Joshua Ferenc (@wild.neoteny) • Instagram photos and videos) News: https://apnews.com/article/us-news-cc8a16ddccf2e811f48b1bd11cd8bbfa (AP News - Pregnant Black activist serving 4 years for protest comments) https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-kids-for-cash-scandal-judges-mark-ciavarella-michael-conahan-20220818.html (The Philadelphia Inquirer - The Pennsylvania ‘kids-for-cash' judicial scandal, explained) https://indiancountrytoday.com/the-press-pool/apache-stronghold-begins-caravan-to-ninth-circuit-court-for-rehearing-of-oak-flat-case-against-the-united-states (Indian Country Today - Apache Stronghold begins caravan to Ninth Circuit Court for rehearing of Oak Flat case against the United States) https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/09/06/operates-within-a-culture-of-corruption-and-lawlessness-black-residents-in-mississippi-town-with-police-chief-caught-in-racist-rant-slap-department-with-civil-rights-lawsuit/ (Atlanta Black Star - ‘Operates Within a Culture of Corruption and Lawlessness': Black Residents In Mississippi Town With Police Chief Caught In Racist Rant Slap Department with Civil Rights Lawsuit) How to Help: https://donations4abortion.com/ (Abortion Funds in Every State) https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ (Black Lives Matter - Ways You Can Help) https://blacklivesmatter-canada.carrd.co/ (Black Lives Matter Canada) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZH0xk5FqYJXwymoue-dnjqJEMj3FplF0Om8wdm8HZd0/edit (Montreal-Based Racial Justice Organizations) https://bailfunds.github.io/ (List of American and Canadian Bail Funds) Educational Materials: https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#resources (Reclaim The Block - Resources and Downloads) http://criticalresistance.org/abolish-policing/ (Critical Resistance - Abolish Policing) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYn1EYMdFkqnY2I4I8FzaJoGqEGLdHi6v (Critical Resistance - Breaking Down the Prison Industrial Complex video series)

This week we take a virtual trip to the Canadian rockies with rider accounts from the TransRockies Gravel Royal. We hear from eventual winners, Rob Britton and Rach McBride among others to explore this 4 day gravel stage race. Episode sponsor: Trek Travel -- Come join me in Girona on Nov 6th. Support the Podcast Join The Ridership  Automated Transcription, please excuse the typos: TransRockies Gravel Royale [00:00:00] Craig Dalton: Hello, and welcome to the gravel ride podcast, where we go deep on the sport of gravel cycling through in-depth interviews with product designers, event organizers and athletes. Who are pioneering the sport I'm your host, Craig Dalton, a lifelong cyclist who discovered gravel cycling back in 2016 and made all the mistakes you don't need to make. I approach each episode as a beginner down, unlock all the knowledge you need to become a great gravel cyclist. This week on the podcast, I'm bringing you coverage directly from the trans Rockies gravel Royale. You might've heard me mentioned trans Rockies, gravel rail a few times over the years. It's one of those unfortunate events with regards to COVID timing. That got scheduled right at the beginning of the pandemic and had to get postponed on a couple of occasions. But they finally got it off the ground this year. And it is such a great event. Trans Rockies organization has been producing races for over 20 years. I actually participated in a mountain bike stage race a seven day race. That they put on, gosh, probably about 10 years ago. And it was really quite an amazing experience. There's something to be said for being out there in the wilderness. traversing some amazing terrain. And then camping with everybody who just did the same thing as you that day, they do great highlight reel videos. Every night, they've got sort of a. Dining tent, and they prepare all the meals. It's an all exclusive experience. So when I heard they were doing a gravel version, I was super excited to go ultimately and do it, unfortunately that wasn't in the cards for me this year. But I did have my friend Marissa from Verde brand communications up there. Doing some interviews with some of the athletes as they were crossing the line. We were fortunate to talk to many of the stage winners and both of the ultimate winners of the event. So you'll see, during this episode, we'll go through each stage to give you a little bit of a flavor. For what transpired during the race, I'll give you a bit of an overview and then we've got a couple of just general commentaries from participants at the end of the podcast. So I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about the trans Rockies. And with that i do need to stop and thank this week sponsor. This week we're once again, sponsored by our friends over at Trek travel and the discover Girona gravel trip. That I personally am going to be participating in on November 6th through 10th this year. And I encourage you to join me. You may recall. We did an entire episode on Jarana gravel last year. And learned a lot about this historic city. And what has become. A hub for professional cycling in Girona across the road and gravel spectrums. The city is surrounded by amazing gravel routes. And the Trek infrastructure in Girona is just top notch. It's a location of one of their service courses. So they've got a number of bikes and included in this trip. Is a bicycle rental from track. So you don't even have to travel with your bikes. As we talked about in the intro, I love the idea of multi-day gravel experiences. So whether it was the trans Rockies, gravel Royale. Or even better. A trip like this, where you can design your own experience. If you want to ride your bike from dusk till Dawn, the team attract travel can create routes for you. Or if you want to have more of a city experience and do shorter rides. And enjoy the cafes and the historic surroundings of the community of Girona. You can do that too. I am looking forward to bathing in it all, frankly, I've been dreaming about this trip for a few years, ever since I first found out about it from the group of Trek travel, and I want you to join me. So if you can. The. Trip I'll be participating in and starts on November 6th. If you register for the trip by visiting Trek, travel.com and search for that. Girona gravel bike tour. If you mentioned the podcast or the ridership, they're going to throw in a free handlebar bag. For your trip there and something you can take home with you it will be a small Momento of the time we'll share together. So I hope you'll join me there again. Simply visit Trek, travel.com and search Jarana gravel bike tour. And you'll see that November six. Trip amongst the other dates that they have available this year. And remember to mention the gravel ride podcast during your booking process. Without behind us, let's jump right into the overview of the trans Rockies gravel Royale. And hear from a number of the participants. All right. Stage one, the trans Rockies gravel Royale, Tigger pass Panorama to the, to the community of Becca it's 50 miles and 6,900 feet of climbing. We're joined today by women's race winner, Rachel McBride. And men's race winner, corey wallace from stage one [00:05:00] Rach McBride: This is Rach McBride, professional triathlete, and I guess gravel racer and mountain bike. Gracer this year. I am here at trans rocks, gravel, Royal, and just finished stage one. It was. A pretty awesome day. We started out with a nice neutral descent and Down into, from Panorama into, in Vermer and then started on the big climb up to about, I don't even know what, I don't know how high we went today. It was a really great day for me. I felt pretty strong all day. I saw, you know, there was kind of a pack of folks who went off the front and I did not stay with them. And so I was kind of on my own for most of the day back and forth with a couple of folks. And it was you know, this was probably one of the most technical. Gravel race days that I have ever done, we climbed and climbed and climbed on some gravel roads, but then it quickly went into double track that was not super rideable and there was a lot of walking and then it went into. Basically a trail that was a hiking trail and everyone was walking. I just tried to use some of my tri triathlete skills to jog a little bit up those walking sections. And it was pretty fun to just feel like you were out in the middle of with your gravel bike. And then once you reach the top of the. Of the climb and I knew I just needed to push it to the top of this climb because the rest of the ride was gonna be downhill and pretty flat. And so tactically, it was gonna pay off to spend a lot of matches on that first climb and Coming down the single track on the way down was very exciting. It was definitely quite technical didn't. I stayed on my bike for the most part, had to crash myself once when it got super, super steep and I couldn't stop myself and just need to work on some technical skills to actually. Feel comfortable riding down that in the future. And then yeah, was just like on my own got passed on the downhill by some really speedy downhill mountain bike types, but caught up with them on the flats and yeah, ended up finishing strong. There was I think everyone today is complaining about the. Final turn and the final climb because we're on a beautiful gravel road. And then turn onto basically what looks like. You're just riding into the forest and there's no trail at all and you just keep climbing up, but it was super fun. It was really exciting. And yeah, I don't know. I've never done you know, a four day stage race before, and especially with stages that are this long. So I hope I haven't burned a lot of matches. Today. I know I still have three more days to race and hope I can just keep pushing it and I may be totally dying by day four. We'll get there when we come to it. And this is why I do this sport is to just challenge myself and see how far I can go with it. [00:08:13] Cory Wallace: I'm Corey Wallace, the Kona Factory team, and we're here at day one in the trans Rockies, gravel Royal. Yeah, I finished up epic on Friday and then started the drive up here Saturday and got here last night, around eight o'clock woke up, threw some stuff in a bag and we went off bike racing. I was pretty grateful for the one hour rollout from Panora down to in Vermer before the race started, gave me a chance to woke up and then. Yeah, the race is on. Yeah, typical trans rock up a pretty gnarly climb bit. A hike, a bike is Rob my an American myself kind of, battling it out and they would drop me towards the top of the climb. And then I went pretty hard through the single track and caught 'em on the descent and attacked right away. And Rob came with me and we would work together to the finish. And I kind of knew the finish from 10 years going. We did trans Rockies here, so I did a little effort with about one K out and yeah, took the, took the win and now we're just hanging out and getting ready for day two. [00:09:10] Craig Dalton: All right onto stage two, which is Becca to Knippa CTCA highlighted by Miller pass. It's a 51 mile stage with 4,900 feet of climbing. Once again, we're joined by rich McBride. Who successfully got first place in this stage for the women? And we're also joined by second place finisher in the men's category. Rob britain [00:09:33] Rach McBride: All right. Stage two. We left Nica and came back to beautiful Nica. It has been amazing to be here in this beautiful place. My race was super fun. I just like was determined to make the battle Royal. This time around and yeah, just rode strong all day and finished with a bunch of guys, two guys who I made work with me and had a really, really fun time and made some new friends and that, and then immediately went and jumped in the pond to cool off Is the, I've just been like super impressed with NA NCA here and just the like camp atmosphere is really fun and really means that like, you get to meet new people and like, see everybody coming in and you know, Kind of get to know each other and chill, like the afternoons have been so awesome to just like, hang out and sit in the sun or sit in the pond go for a little walk. I went for a little jog this afternoon and yeah, it was pretty amazing. Yeah. I love it. And. Yeah, food's great too. good. Good evening entertainment as well with the like evening of photos and videos. So you also like get to see like what other people doing on race day and on course, which is pretty cool. Cool. How are you feeling for two more days? Two more days, man. I mean, they're gonna be longer. And I'm definitely feeling tired. And I know that like for me, the longer, the better I'm really excited about the upcoming about tomorrow. And we get to move to a new place. So that'll be cool though. I think we got really spoiled here. totally. Yeah. [00:11:22] Rob Britton: . Hi, my name's Rob Briton. I race professionally for east Overland slash felt bicycles. And right now we are on stage two of the trans Rockies gravel Royal. Currently I am in first, overall and finished second on yesterday's first stage and third on today's stage. So it's going pretty well so far. A little bit different experience than my past life, where we would sleep in hotels and have toilets. And this is more of a roughen it experience. Yeah, camping. So yeah, just hanging out in the tent at night with about 300 folks. and yeah, early starts, which is sort of the, the jam with gravel. I don't really tell you that in the gravel brochure, but yeah, most most stages start before 8:00 AM. So these ones start right around eight and they're relatively short for the races we've done this year around 80 K or. For any Americans listening about 50 miles. So that's give or take three hours and you're done before noon. So the rest of the day is just spent relaxing, which where we are right now. Looking at a pretty incredible view of we've got the cutey mountains on one side and the Rocky mountains on the other side of the valley we've got a pretty incredible. Pond or it's pond little swing hole here from a Creek, which is quite refreshing considering it's about 26, 27 degrees, or I guess 35, 80 degrees. So yeah, just taking it all in it's my first year doing this gravel gig. it's quite a bit more fun than my past life racing on the road, especially kind of the last couple years in Europe when things went from hard to much harder. So yeah, this is, this is nice. You have hamburgers for lunch and beef brisket for dinner and beer is kind of in between. So yeah, it's it's a pretty good gig, but otherwise yeah, running my felt breed carbon right now with. GX D I two, we've got a classified rear wheel on there. So it gives me kind of the option of my standard 48 with an 1134 cassette or the virtual second ring is close to a 32. So pretty killer climbing gear Schwabe G one RS tires and 45 C, which is pretty sweet for traction. And then I kinda made the last minute switch to the Fox taper cast 32 fork. So I've got just a little bit of little bit of cushion to the front end for those descend switch so far has paid off quite a bit. I don't mind carrying it up the climbs for the yeah, the mortal relaxed ASC descending. And yeah, we got two stages left. I think it's about. Tomorrow's 110 K giver take. And then the final day is kind of there at queen stage. And that's about 130 K. So I think that's around 87 miles and yeah, finishing fornia and, and call it a week and then onto whatever my next thing is, which at this point I actually don't even know, but I know I'm busy for the next month, but Yeah, all and all it's been pretty awesome being out here in BC. It's nice to race, relatively close to home. You don't get that opportunity. And certainly haven't had that for a number of years, so I'm stoked to be here. [00:14:33] Craig Dalton: The stage three, this is where the writers are really starting to feel the first two days of effort. This day's stages from Nica to canal flats. I'll actually be moving camp today and it features little ALK pass. 67 miles, 4,900 feet of climbing. We're going to be joined again by Rachel McBride who managed to successfully. When this stage as well. And then on the men's side we're joined by caleb swartz from missoula montana who came in third place on stage three [00:15:07] Rach McBride: All right. Day three, trans Rockies gravel Royal. Today was a more of an epic day than we had experienced in the past couple of days, just because it was a little bit longer and started off. Pretty much right off the bat with the Q O M climb, which was pretty challenging and still involved some walking at the top, which I think everybody was not fond of. And and then quite, I mean, for me, it was a technical descent. I was pretty, I was scared shitless going down the descent, cuz it was super fast yet. There were some technical bits. And and ended up getting up out onto the main road, the drag that was hours and hours long initially on my own. And then thankfully got caught by two guys and we then eventually. Reeled in another two guys. And there were five of us working together for a long time. And that was one of the interesting things about this course today was that it really, your success kind of depended a little bit on who you ran into and what kind of a group you had and if you were working together or not, and I really got pushed by the. Folks that I was riding with, which was awesome. And eventually we got rid of most of them except for one person. And then that guy rode me into the ground and I B I really baed at the end of the, at the start of the last climb, that was just like, you were so many hours in and then had to do this. Climb that looked like forever, even though I think it was only a minute or so. But I definitely felt a lot more tired on day three and a little bit more cracked at the end. And yeah, we landed in canal flats and had an maing dinner. The food is so fantastic here. And what else am I talking about? I was Just about gravel, gravel. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, for me this year racing, the lifetime grand Prix has meant that I have put, put triathlon on the back burner a bit though, still raced here and there. And what has kind of ended up happening? I mean, this is like my fifth weekend or fifth week in a row racing between gravel mountain bike and triathlon. And I have. Kind of felt like I've been racing into shape. And I mean, the GRA the, the punchiness and the dynamics of gravel racing and the mountain bike racing like Leadville 100 and the Leadville stage race that I did has really reminded me of just how. Much you can push in these shorter races and how much stamina my body has. And to be able to like in between all of these races, still show up and like win Boulder, 70.3 was kind of insane for me and really has meant that Yeah, that, you know, my gravel racing this year has really upped my triathlon game, which is really exciting. It's very cool to feel like still in the mix at the age of 44 in this career and being like racing in this totally new dynamic. World of gravel racing. It's a new crowd. It's a new scene. It is new competition. It is different courses a different community and yeah, just a really awesome vibe and I'm loving it. [00:18:34] Caleb Swartz: Alrighty. My name is Caleb Swartz. I'm from Madison, Wisconsin, and I live in Missoula, Montana. And I ride for giant envy, which is my own program that I put together. Cool. So tell me about your stage today. It was, it was really hard and then it was not so hard and then it was really hard again. Yeah, we hit the first major climb about, you know, less than 10 minutes in. And I immediately attacked as soon as we got there and got away a little bit and started going, then we got into like a mudslide. It was like riding through wet concrete. So then we ended up doing some running then Corey, who had some issues yesterday came through with just vengeance and just absolutely started smashing up the climb. That was quote, mostly rideable which was actually some running. Then we got into a pretty technical descent or not well, could be technical depending how fast you go. A lot of. What they call stitch up here in Canada, which we would call water bars in the states. And so I almost got dropped, but I knew if I got dropped there, I'd be in trouble for the next like 50 miles of flat draft essential riding. So then I attacked into the downhill and got a couple minutes gap. And made him chase me and we all regrouped and then basically all stayed together until we dropped one guy Josiah. And then I got dropped within the last climb and they sprinted it out. So, yeah, cool. How are you enjoying doing a stage race and camp antics and hanging out with the guys and all of that? It's really fun. I did one other stage race earlier this year. That was a similar style called trans or Sylvania epic. Similar trans. And that was a mountain bike stage race in Pennsylvania. Similar thing, like five days of racing there, camping, like similar, no, not quite this level of production, but greats too. And it's super fun to be doing point to point. And yeah, I really enjoy the, I don't. I ride my bike to be outside and getting to camp and race and be in super gorgeous areas. Like this is just as everything I love. The sport and why I raised professionally. Cool. How is your bike setup? A lot of people have had flats or mechanicals. How's your bike been doing this week? My bike setup is not quite ideal, but it's, it's going strong. No issues yet. Yeah. Knock on wood. Yeah, I. I didn't really change my gearing or anything. It's my cycle cross bike. And that's what I, I'm primarily a side cross mountain bike racer. And so my, my like gearing is I have a 42 chain ring and a 30, 10 36 cassette, which is far from ideal for like 25% chunky, like rock gardens. But so far is so good. And I'm running 42 mill tires. Well, 42, 38, cause I destroyed a tire in my race last Sunday, too. So I'm running a, running a black and tan mullet set up here. It's doing the trick and yeah, it's holding together strong and taking care of it and trying to ride smooth and minimize, minimize mistakes while going fast. Cool. What are you looking forward in last stage tomorrow? Looking forward to this big climb. I love to climb. And it'll be interesting to see how everyone else is feeling and how I'm feeling. See if I can get some time back on second place in GC. And yeah, try and, you know, anything can happen or, you know, be tough to get the overall here, but I'd love to get another stage win and really I'd love a good mountaintop finish. [00:21:55] Craig Dalton: And now on the stage four, which is the queen stage and the final stage of this year's 2022. Therese Rocky, gravel Royale. They're going from canal flats to the town of Fernie going over. Hartley pass. It's an 84 mile ride. With 7,900 feet of climbing, boy, that's going to hurt. At this stage in the game. I've I've written in Fernie and around that area during the trans Rockies. Mountain bike stage race. Absolutely stunning to rain, incredible single track and dual track. Coming into Fernie. We're joined by rich McBride again, who managed to win the stage as well as the overall title. On the men's side, we're joined by Rob Britton who won the overall title for the men. So excited to have you hear from them. And then we'll conclude by hearing from a few other athletes. Who participated in the event [00:22:50] Rob Britton: well we're here at the finish of stage four final stage of the trans Rockies gravel L in traditional fashion of my experience infer any it's raining and the temperature is dropping. Step as the final stage. Finally got my stage win searching for that for a few days now. Yeah. First stage race in gravel, done dusted kind of a bunch of first. I haven't done a capping stage race before and never done gravel stage Jason before. So certainly continues to be more different than my past life, but fun, nonetheless. I mean, The group from trans Rockies did a heck of a job, you know, taking care of us, great food every night, nice breakfast in the morning. Some of the most incredible scenery you can imagine the Kenn Rockies obviously never disappoint, but yeah it was. All said and done ended up first on the final stage. And first overall, which I'm super happy about because this was an important race with three quarters of my sponsors between felt Easton and chiro all taking part as major supporters of this stage race. So. Yeah, I'm really happy to get a win at this race and kind of, I think my first real win is a gravel pro or whatever my title is now, but yeah, definitely be back in the future and hopefully one of these days I'll finish in the sunshine for any and life will be good. [00:24:15] Rach McBride: Day four, trans Rockies, gravel, Royal. This one was a beast. If I thought that I dug deep yesterday I really went into the pain cave today. It started off I started off feeling pretty ragged and finally got a bit of a second wind or first wind, maybe about halfway. Through and suffered up the final 13 kilometer climb to the finish. I had an awesome group though, to ride with a bunch of really strong guys who we all just pushed each other and we were. Like egging each other on and coaxing each other on to stay together. It was super supportive and that was a really, really cool experience. And I don't think I would've pushed as hard had I not had such great riders and folks to be racing with my thoughts on this whole week are, I mean, Race is definitely like, unlike anything I've ever experienced in my gravel racing days, for sure. From the courses to the multi-day aspect, to the The tent, camping and the evening awards and support and awesome food and everything. It's just been a really fantastic experience to, I mean, if you want to like feel in the gravel community, this is a pretty awesome way to experience it because you're all stuck together for four days. And so you make new friends and you meet people from all over. The world really, who are doing this race. And it's a fun, little, like, You know, little town that you're in for, for a couple of days, for folks who are interested in doing this, maybe even for their first gravel race. I mean, first of all, I would say that if you are going to do this race for your first gravel race, any other race that you do will likely be seem a lot easier than anything else than anything that you would do this week. The I would definitely recommend when you're training for it to do some multiple big days in a row, because, or just do some training when you are fatigued, because you know, really doing the bigger days in the days three and four takes a lot out of you and you definitely need some stamina. And you want to. I think some of the biggest things is like you can't deplete yourself on every day, so you really need to be fueling and hydrating during your race prepping for the next days, as well as afterwards, eat a lot at dinner, eat a lot at breakfast. And what else would I say? . Yeah. Be prepared. Another tip I would give is be prepared to walk a lot with your bike because there are some technical aspects and some super steep climbs that everybody is walking. And some technical aspects that if you're not a mountain biker, you probably will be Walking with your bike, which is totally fine. I definitely walked some of the more technical sections myself. And maybe that's it. Yeah. What was your favorite moment of the week? Oh, my favorite moment of the week was definitely, you know, over because I was riding with a few guys for over the, the whole course of the race. You know, we got to know each other a little bit and there was a bit of a rivalry going on and it was just really fun to be like, I think the, the best moment for me was just. Like being out there with like new friends and pushing each other I think just that community side of things and that like new friends sort of thing was pretty awesome. [00:28:21] Jacob Paul: Hi, my name is Jacob Paul. I'm from west colon BC, and I competed in the 30 to 39 men's category of trans Rockies this week. The week went really well. Had a lot of fun out racing with everyone. I have not done a whole lot of racing, so a whole new experience riding in a group and yeah, working with other people, the course had a great mix of everything. A lot of gravel roads, a lot of single track and some pretty cool views. And yeah, I would strongly recommend this race to anyone who's interested in mountain biking and gravel biking. What was your favorite moment from the week? Hm, my favorite moment from the week was on day three when we were rolling into canal flats. And you could see all the jagged mountains above the clouds. Awesome. Sweet. Well, thank you super all. [00:29:15] Zoe Roy: . My name's Zoe. Roy, do you want me to spell it? No, that's okay. And I'm from bend Oregon, originally, Ontario, Canada, but live in bend Oregon. Awesome. What did you do for the last four days? I rode my bike over a lot of up and down. And through the woods and around mountains and hung out with a lot, a lot of really fun people. Cool. Yeah. So you're not a gravel biker, but you did a gravel event. Yeah. How was the gravel community and everyone that you met? Oh, man, your week, like, great. It was so fun. It, it was my first gravel event, gravel race ever. But I really didn't expect anything. Like for the community to be as great as they were. Yeah. I assume they would be. cool. And you're queen of the mountain Royal attempts. How were those? Oh yeah. They were fun. They were really fun. I was on, I think I had a little bit easier gearing cuz I had mountain bike gears in the. On my bike. I was on a gravel bike with flat bars and mountain bikers. So the steep uphills were to my advantage. Yeah. But they were they're, they were really fun. We thought we might as well. I thought I might as well try and see what happened. Totally. And it worked out the last two days. Awesome. What was your favorite moment of the week? Favorite moment of the week. The downhill yesterday was really fun. Yeah. If I was picking a moment during the, during the stages. Yeah. Through the creeks, it was just really fun and fast and it kept going through fun Creek crossings. Yeah. Yeah. So that good. What about your favorite camp moment? Favorite camp moment? Staying in Nico is pretty fun, was really fun cuz everyone just stuck there. Internet or wifi. Yeah. And so you're just kind of forced to hang out with each other. Yeah. So that's great. Have you been in this area? Much biking? I have a little bit around here and I did trans Rocky's the classic, the mountain bike one mm-hmm in 2019. So I have been, and I think the stage, the first stages were similar or the same. Yeah. So I have done, I've been in this area and I also work at a lodge that we rode really close to a back country, ski and hiking lodge. So we were probably within 10 K of. On the same gravel roads we take to get to the lodge. Yeah. Barry, do you wanna make a cameo? This recording? Sure. Hello? Can introduce yourself. [00:31:20] Barry Wicks: My name is Barry Wix. How was your week? Oh, it was excellent. Yeah, super fun. You know, another awesome stage race experience. Just spending four days out in the woods. Riding bikes doesn't get much better. Cool. What are you guys doing next? Where are you? This we're actually adding cam more to do a 24 hour race tomorrow, which is probably a bad idea. but I'm sure this day of rest will be very helpful, feel super fresh tomorrow. Cool. What was your favorite moment from. I think probably my favorite moment was watching Zoe go up hill really fast. That was quite impressive. I was struggling to keep up. It was inspiring to watch her just zooming up the hill, passing everybody. It was also pretty fun having the Spanish people here, the whole crew with the media team and we rode. Rael yesterday from like at least half, maybe three quarters of it. And then we were on Spanish TV afterwards. yeah, yeah. Highlight. We got be on TV potentially. We don't know actually, if we made the cut, but yeah, that's true. We might get cut out. You never know, but we were interviewed. That might might been a highlight. Good. do you need to speak Spanish? No, zero Spanish. I'm sure the subtitles be excellent. Subtitles. Cool. [00:32:32] Marisa Dobrot: Hi there. This is Marissa with trans rocks. You might have heard my voice throughout this podcast, just in the background asking some of the athletes questions. And before I sign off, Craig just wanted me to give you all a little recap of how the week went from my perspective and how the event was overall. Obviously you heard from a lot of the athletes, how they were racing and. The camp was and everything like that. So just a little bit more background where the four stages of the race were, were just amazing, beautiful mountains and terrain. Really unlike anything we obviously have in the United States which is where I'm from from Colorado. so it was just a great opportunity to get athletes out on these magnificent gravel roads. Even if some of the time the athletes might have complained a little bit, that it was a little more technical than they were probably used to in a gravel race. Having to even the pros, having to get off their bike and walk some portions. Which I think just makes the event so unique and interesting. And you really get a perspective of back country gravel over the four days. So. As you know, the, the race started out in Panorama which is a really cute little ski town ski resort and looked like it had some great downhill mountain biking for the summer. So that's where night one was. And they started right at the base of the ski hill and took off from there. And it was a neutral start. So everyone. Kind of got a chance to just chill for the morning. For that little first bit probably have some conversations with fellow writers before they really took off once they got down to town and on their way to Tager pass which that first day, and that first pass was sounded pretty challenging for a lot of the athletes. And definitely from the videos that we got from the video team. On course it was technical and a lot of people took some spills or walked down some of the technical technical sections. But overall was still super gorgeous. And can't really be going on some of that terrain on two wheels. And then ending that day out at ni PICA, which was a super beautiful place. The, the trans Rockies team had been setting up the tents and obviously getting everything set. We were in ni PICA for two days which was really cool to kind of spend a good amount of time there, like totally you cell service surrounded 360 by mountains. Really gorgeous. And Niah as a whole is is what they consider an eco resort. So a lot of the buildings that had been made were from various recycled materials and wood that they had found and things like that. And the, the creator of Niah Lyle was talked to the, to the athletes a couple times and just his vision for the resort really plays into what trans Rockies is all about, which is super cool. And definitely a place I wanna go back in the winter. Seems really beautiful for CrossCountry skiing or, or fat biking, but was in, was very enjoyable for the summer. And so that day too going out in Nico was actually a loop. So they started out from camp. Did a loop around around some mountains there did a pass called Miller pass and then looped back on some great mining, gravel roads back to camp. So I think that was a great day for everyone to just kind of explore more. The parts of the course that I was able to get out on in the morning were just beautiful. Super gorgeous, like glacier rivers going through Really have no complaints on that one. And then later that afternoon was a little stormy. It had poured down rain and everyone went hiding under like the dining tent or in their tents. We were in the media RV, which was nice. So everything got a little soaked, but I think it helped it cool it down. In the afternoon before we had dinner And I think what's super cool about having these stage races is often in one day races, you kind of are in your own zone and you get to the start line and you do your race. And. Talk to people on the course and you have a great time and you have great interactions. And then, and then the race is over and you're with your family or you're onto your next thing. Versus stage race. It's you have all of this time to really know the community and the people that you're with and really have that super cool experience making friends, and we were really lucky to have people from all over the world, come out for the inaugural. I had a group from Spain, obviously a lot of people from the us and obviously a lot of people from Canada on all over the the country, which was really awesome. So people got the chance to meet so many different kinds of people. We were grateful to also have some, some pros come out. So some people got to talk to some really fast bikers which is really awesome to have. And each night just, if you're not familiar with kind of how trans Rockies runs, they do awards for the stage. And they have a ton of categories. They have age group and the pro category. You can do it in a team. So things like that. So awards, and then we also put together some fun, little slideshow of all of the shots that we get from the media team. And then the video team puts together a pretty funny little recap video of the day which is great for the athletes to just see how the day was for everyone else and see some cool, some cool spots and things like that. And just a fun way to end the night. And then. Pretty much wraps it up and people go to bed. They're thankfully not super early mornings. Start times at 8:00 AM, but we have breakfast open at six. So people start kind of rolling around, getting ready for the day each morning, pretty early. And so day two, starting at Nica. We went out of there and we were making our way down to canal flats. That day was a less technical horse, but definitely a little bit longer. But I think people enjoyed the break of it not being quite as technical . Because the last day of the event is definitely a long, the longest day with the biggest climbing ending in fie. So the village of canal flat was awesome. And it was just like a really tiny little town nestled in the mountains, close to a lake. We were just kind of right in, in the town, which was really cool. We were, the, the tents were set up on a baseball field and we had plumbing, which was, which was a change from Nica where we just had porta potties. So I think that was a nice change for everyone going to that last day. And then on Thursday morning, took off from canal flats and head down to F. Unfortunately I was driving a truck, so I didn't get to see any of that course. Just the course footage that came back from the media team. And it looked gorgeous. That's definitely a unique course in that route pretty much the only road there, the reason that we, we couldn't really go in to the courses because there was no other way, it was kind of in between two mountains. This one mining road that they Rodee on So it was super gorgeous. The footage that the media team came back with was unreal. So gonna have to figure out how to get myself on a bike next time to cover social and do these interviews which will be exciting. And then ending in the town of fie which is another really awesome little mountain town. There's a ski hill, great hiking. Just full 360 views of just incredibly big mountains. And super dramatic a little bit different than Colorado. And so cool. And the town was super inviting. Trans Rockies has had a number of events come through fie. They'll actually be starting out in fie again in about a week for their single track six mountain bike event. So their, their team will be working hard again for a six stage stage race for those mountain bikers. And at the end, it was unfortunately a little rainy. So , people hung out for a little bit, but then they went and got some, some dry clothes and met back up again for the final banquet, which is how all trans Rock's events end. We had at the community center. infer. And we do final awards and the final video and just thank yous to the full crew and obviously all the athletes and support and the host communities and things like that. And then we say farewell. So it goes by fast for sure. Those four days But an amazing experience for myself kind of being on the outside and not fully participating, but getting to see the athletes and just be around the trans Rockies community and this new gravel community that trans Rockies is putting together on this stage. Race is really awesome. So we hope to see returning faces next year. And we also hope to, to see some new ones as well. Wanna enjoy four days of amazing gravel. That they might not necessarily do if they weren't gonna do an event like trans Rockies. So, grateful to be a part of it. And we hope you enjoyed this recap. And I wanna thank Craig for putting it together. My first adventure into doing podcasts and recording. So hope you all enjoy and we'll hopefully see you a trans Rocky's event soon. Thanks so much. [00:40:47] Craig Dalton: That's going to do it for this week's edition of the gravel ride podcast. I hope you enjoyed hearing from those athletes from the trans Rockies gravel Royale certainly does look like an amazing event. And I can personally attest to how awesome the terrain is up there in that region of Canada. Huge. Thanks to our friends. Attract travel, please consider joining me this November 6th on the Girona gravel tour trip. Just visit Trek, travel.com and search for that. Jarana gravel bike tour. And mentioned your listener of the podcast. For that free handlebar bag I look forward to spending some time and spinning some miles with you over in Girona. If you're interested in connecting with me. I encourage you to join the ridership. That's www.theridership.com. It's a free global cycling community where you can connect with over 1500 athletes from around the world and discuss anything to do with gravel cycling. If you're able to support the podcast, please visit buy me a coffee.com. Slash the gravel ride. Or ratings and reviews are hugely appreciated. Until next time here's to finding some dirt under your wheels

Prima di infilarci nella programmazione di UTMB, festeggiamo un anno di vita di The Long Run con quella che potrebbe ormai già diventare una tradizione: la puntata doppia per luglio e agosto di recap. Nell'episodio abbiamo parlato in maniera estensiva di hardrock, delle novità riguardanti la lottery e delle polemiche che come ogni anno si porta dietro (specialmente quelle molto pesanti portate avanti da Sabrina Stanley). Nei nostri recap delle gare abbiamo parlato di Verbier, Val d'Aran, Speedgoat, Mount Marathon, Transrockies e molto altro ancora. In chiusura di questa sezione abbiamo inoltre creato una sorta di area di rispetto per quelle che consideriamo gare storiche o comunque che hanno un certo rilievo. Questo mese ne presentiamo addirittura quattro. Chiude l'episodio il classico filotto di news, video, vincitori e birra del mese. Buon ascolto! -- cover photo: Howie Stern -- Buckled: www | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Patreon | Shop Alessandro: Instagram | Facebook | Strava | www Marcello: Instagram

In this week's episode of Run with Fitpage, we had the honor of speaking with the oldest finisher of Badwater 135, a runner who is 77 years young and an absolute inspiration - Bob Becker. Bob is an ultrarunner, who started endurance sports at nearly 40, and didn't stop even reaching 77! Since 2003, Bob Becker has run the Boston Marathon, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, raced in the 150-mile Marathon des Sables stage race in the Sahara Desert in Morocco and the 167-mile Grand 2 Grand Ultra stage race in the southwestern U.S.  In August 2016, Bob completed the 120-mile TransRockies stage race in Colorado.  In addition to two top 50 finishes at “Badwater” and the 2015 “Double”, Bob has completed multiple hundred and fifty-mile races on trails and roads, in the mountains and along the coast, provided crew and pacing support for friends who have run across the entire United States and completed many other adventures while surviving radical prostate cancer surgery in 2006 and recovering from a fractured femur during a race in ‘05. Bob ran his first marathon in 2002 at the age of 57.In this episode, Vikas discusses with Bob all about this year's Badwater 135, his struggle while completing the races in extreme heat, and a lot more. Vikas hosts this weekly podcast and enjoys nerding over-exercise physiology, nutrition, and endurance sport in general.  He aims to get people to get out and 'move'.  When he is not working, he is found running, almost always.  He can be found on nearly all social media channels but Instagram is preferred:)Reach out to Vikas:Instagram: @vikas_singhhLinkedIn: Vikas SinghGmail: vikas@fitpage.inTwitter: @vikashsingh1010

Jacky Hunt-Broersma is an amputee, cancer survivor, and ultra-runner who has only been running for the past five years.  Originally from South Africa, Jacky currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.  Being an amputee has not stopped Jacky from accomplishing some big goals such as her first 40-mile trail race, the TransRockies stage race and 100 miles on her treadmill in less than 24 hours.  Have you ever met someone that inspires you? I mean deep down inspiration!  Meeting Jacky gave us a feeling of inspiration and awe that is hard to match.  Jacky was not a runner before her leg was amputated, she became a runner after.  Most people wouldn't even think that was a possibility.  Jacky is not like most people.  Her motto is you are stronger than you think you are, and she lives it.  She doesn't focus on where she was, she focuses on what where she wants to be.  I find myself thinking of this conversation often.  I know you will enjoy Jacky's story and wisdom as much as we did. IG- @ncrunnerjacky

The book, Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhoff with Tonya Olson, is the ultrarunner's definitive guide on foot care. Now in its 7th edition, John and Tonya share details about the book's new upgrade and essential tips including shoe fit, sock selection, foot care, recovery and much more.     John brings 39 years of experience as a runner, cyclist, hiker and medical professional and a never-ending quest to learn more about foot care to help athletes in extreme events including, Western States, Badwater, Transrockies, Tahoe Rim Trail and many more.    Tonya brings a comprehensive understanding of foot care from her experience as a runner, as well as her training as a physical therapist, providing her with an understanding of wound care, physics, biomechanics and the complexity of factors that contribute to foot care issues and injuries. And stay tuned after the interview for our “What's the Issue” segment with UltraRunning Magazine editor, Amy Clark, including details on how you could score an entry into Western States 100!    Episode sponsor: Utzy Naturals Fixing Your Feet website Purchase the book Subscribe to UltraRunning Magazine Enter UltraRunning Magazine's Western States Contest   Photo: Howie Stern

 Sarah and Amanda chat with Adalgisa “Lisa” Rivera, an Afro-Latina runner from NYC who just tackled the TransRockies Run. As part of our Run in Her Shoes series, Lisa details this “transformative” experience, including: -being one of ~20 BIPOC participants in the “white space”;  -the therapeutic work she did pre-race to face her fears and trepidation;  -the steep learning curve of switching from concrete to trail; and, -the crucial importance of establishing “whys” before a big race. Kicking off a Colorado theme, co-host Amanda shares a few adventures in the Rocky Mountain State after just moving there from Maryland. The conversation with Lisa commences at 14:23.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Give yourself an underwear refresh: Save 20% on Runderwear with code AMR20 at Runderwear.com  Keep it fresh with Rothy's washable shoes + bags. Check them out at Rothys.com/AMR  Redefining learning: Get your first month free on select crates at kiwico.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with Kevin McDonald, Chief "Running Officer" of the epic 6 day stage race across the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We discuss the history, the course, and what runners should expect along the way.To find out more info or how to sign up visit TransRockies Run (transrockies-run.com), or visit their social platforms @transrockiesrun_official

Self-talk for performance is like the secret weapon you didn't know you had.  Your body only gets you so far, and a lot of the time it's your mind that gets you to the finish line. If you're challenging yourself, there's no doubt been moments of wanting to quit- or maybe you actually have quit a time or two.  Self-talk in sports is a common thread, but working on your self-talk for anything in your life is key to optimism, resilience, and even equanimity.  I like to say "the most powerful voice in the world is the one inside your own head, and it's the only voice that is with you your entire life." This podcast is a talk I gave for the TransRockies virtual training camp. It's also with great excitement I'm announcing that enrollments for my Moxy & Grit Mindset Academy are now open.  You can find it at moxyandgrit.com and also on my website: sonyalooney.com. Sign up!!   The course is all about training mental toughness and the skills you need to be your best on race day and beyond.  The course has 4 main modules:  Goals & Habits, Motivation & Mindset, Self-Talk & Optimism, and Race Day Confidence.  I've taken the wisdom of my podcast guests over the years, many books by Phds and experts I've read over the last 6 years, and my own real world experience to bring to you an actionable, engaging course.  Also included is a digital workbook where I've taken some key lessons from positive psychology and productivity to help you move forward to build confidence, grit, and set goals based on identity and process. But back to today's podcast- it's a chip off the iceberg from the topic of self-talk for performance.  Today, I give an overview to some topics I cover in detail in my course.  Things like: Topics Discussed in the Podcast  Defining self-talk types of self-talk how to make self-talk more effective changing your explanatory style powerful mantras

Katie Arnold is an elite ultra runner and the 2018 women's champion of Leadville Trail 100 Run. She's also a contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine, where she worked on staff for 12 years and created and the popular Raising Rippers column about bringing up adventurous kids outdoors. She won the 2018 Jemez Mountains 50 Mile, 2014 TransRockies 3-Day Trail Run, Jemez Mountains 50K, the Mount Taylor 50K. She is two-time overall champion and course record holder at the Angel Fire 100K. Katie is a sponsored athlete for GU Energy Labs and Balega Socks. As part of her ongoing effort to encourage young athletes, she founded a children’s trail running club, gives motivational talks, and coaches girls’ lacrosse in Santa Fe. In 2019, she published her first memoir, Running Home (Random House), chronicling her "accidental" discovery of ultra running as a way to process grief during her father's terminal diagnosis and death, while also navigating new motherhood, a health anxiety diagnosis, and working as a writer and editor at one of the outdoor industry's most well-respected magazines, Outside. Questions we ask Katie include: How did you get your start in running -- and how did this end up leading you to trail/ultra running, including becoming the 2018 Leadville Champion? "Running Home" - discuss how and why she wrote the book -- from father’s terminal illness and death to motherhood, anxiety, and more. For listeners who have not yet read it, what makes this unique from the normal running novel? In your book, you use running as a metaphor, muse, and path for many things, including: family, parenting, grief, losing yourself, finding yourself, and so much more. What has been one of the most prominent correlations you've seen between running and/or your own life? What lessons did you learn throughout the process of writing a book and more specifically, a memoir? Any advice for an aspiring author? What are a few of your all-time favorite places to run? What advice would you give your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you? How can listeners connect with you and what is next on your radar -- retreats, events, writing, races, etc.? Connect with Katie: — Follow Katie on Instagram and Twitter. — Check out her website and learn more about her new book, Running Home. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strong-runner-chicks/support

“Moving your body moves your mind.” There are some circumstances that anyone would be challenged to find joy in. Cancer and amputation are in that list. But today's guest has not only survived both and found joy in the challenge, she has gone on to break world records as an endurance athlete and coach others to do the same. Jacky is one of the most accomplished amputee ultramarathoners around,  endurance coach, mom and cancer survivor.  She started her run journey in 2016.  Jacky lost her leg to cancer (Ewing Sarcoma).  Jacky has build up a good portfolio of first for a Female amputees in Trail and Ultra running and holds a few World records too, she is proving the naysayers wrong and building a path for other amputee runners.  Her favorite running distance is 50 miles. She’s also a mom and her daughter who is six will often run with her. Jacky Hunt-Broersma also set a new World Record for the First Amputee to run 100 miles on a treadmill and she ran it in under 24 hours (23hr38). She was the first amputee to take on the brutal TransRockies mountain stage race (Trail race) in Colorado.  This race covers 120 miles with over 20 000ft of climbing and running at altitude. Jacky also become the first Amputee to take on the The Naturalist 25k trail race in Franklin, NC. The course covers some of the most challenging terrain in the South East and has a total of 5500ft of climbing. This conversation will inspire you to take on the challenge you've been avoiding and find the fun and joy in it. I love Jacky's viewpoint and I am so inspired by her example. Here’s what you will learn:⁣ How Jacky’s journey with cancer started and how she turned a tragedy into a triumph(1:24) How to turn a setback into a comeback and the mindset she had preparing for her amputation (9:25) How she started to learn to accept and love herself again (14:21) How to discover new activities to bring joy into your life when times are tough(18:27) What Jacky tells herself to motivate her through pain in a race (26:21) Mindset strategies for success (33:21)   Get in touch with Jacky: Facebook Instagram Twitter Website   Mentioned in this episode: Shape Magazine Runner's World Women's Health Ultrarunning Magazine   Unlock your highest potential and start living the life you deserve! Read the True Grit and Grace book here and learn how you can turn your tragedies into triumphs!  Thank you for joining us on the True, Grit, & Grace Podcast! If you find value in today’s episode, don’t forget to share the show with your friends and tap that subscribe button so you don’t miss an episode! You can also head over to amberlylago.com to join my newsletter and access free downloadable resources that can help you elevate your life, business, and relationships! Want to see the behind the scenes and keep the conversation going?  Head over to Instagram @amberlylagomotivation! Audible @True-Grit-and-Grace-Audiobook  Website @amberlylago.com Instagram @amberlylagomotivation Facebook @AmberlyLagoSpeaker

There are so many trail shoes, running packs/waistbelts, headtorch, waterproofs, sports nutrition and road running shoes to choose from, how do you decide which is the best for you? I went to myRaceKit store in Sheffield to meet up with staff member Steve Franklin who shares all the advice you need to choose the perfect one for each of these essential pieces of kit. (socially distanced filming) Visit myRaceKit stores in Sheffield and Essex for friendly, professional running advice at every level, or browse and shop online https://www.myracekit.com/ This film is powered by myRaceKit - many thanks to them for asking me to create this series of 6 films for them about how to choose various key items of trail and ultra running kit. We cover trail running shoes, running packs & waist belts, nutrition, waterproof jackets & trousers, headtorches / headlamps, and road shoes. I hope you will find these useful and informative.  MORE ABOUT myRaceKit At myRaceKit we are passionate about running and have raced across the globe in many events such as the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara, the Grand to Grand in Utah/Arizona, the Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica, the Big Red Run in Australia, The Everest Trail Race in Nepal, UTMB Oman, Ultra Tour de Monte Rosa, the TDS, the Grand Union Canal Race, the Centurion 100-mile races, the Transrockies in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Oman Desert Marathon, Ultra Mirage 100km in Tunisia, and the list goes on. We are also passionate about great customer service and about helping every runner finding the kit that is right for them. Our philosophy is that there is no "one size fits all" and our aim is to give you the best possible advice for your particular event and race ambitions. Our dedicated team are all runners and/or triathletes and understand the needs of all levels so it doesn't matter if you are looking for a new pair of shoes for your first 5km, a light race vest for your Marathon training or first ultra, or if you are embarking on an extreme multi-day event. We would be delighted to help! You can buy all of our kit online, but we do have a store where you can try before you buy if you have any doubts. We offer a personal shopping service if you book in advance of your visit. We look forward to helping you finding the best kit for your next event! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #myracekit #enjoyyouradventure

On this episode of Le Run Down we uncovered a life of running with elite distance runner, Jacob Puzey. Growing up, running was a way to get around and get into trouble but when his family moved to Oregon, running became everything. He’s an accomplished distance runner, an experienced coach, family man and he co-hosts his own podcast too. Get to know Jacob and hear his life long journey through running. News links: https://endurancebusiness.com/2020/industry-news/2020-boston-marathon-to-be-held-virtually/ (https://endurancebusiness.com/2020/industry-news/2020-boston-marathon-to-be-held-virtually/) https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/29358312/new-york-city-marathon-set-nov-1-canceled-due-coronavirus (https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/29358312/new-york-city-marathon-set-nov-1-canceled-due-coronavirus) https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicago-marathon/ct-chicago-marathon-status-update-20200624-baih3rwlergsdj6sixr6rjahlq-story.html (https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicago-marathon/ct-chicago-marathon-status-update-20200624-baih3rwlergsdj6sixr6rjahlq-story.html) https://endurancebusiness.com/2020/industry-news/bmw-berlin-marathon-not-taking-place-in-2020/ (https://endurancebusiness.com/2020/industry-news/bmw-berlin-marathon-not-taking-place-in-2020/) Show links: https://www.peakrunperformance.com/ (https://www.peakrunperformance.com/) https://www.transrockies-run.com/ (https://www.transrockies-run.com/) http://transelkirks.com/video (http://transelkirks.com/video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mKUaF0Wag4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mKUaF0Wag4) https://www.instagram.com/jacobpuzey/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/jacobpuzey/?hl=en) http://www.artsciencerun.com/ (http://www.artsciencerun.com/) Ways to help: Black Lives Matter - Ways You Can Help (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/) Black Lives Matter Canada spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l0TGDdHJIO6FGkKNWBBXINUmfGSXdM8eK6eY2ZmrK8Q/mobilebasic) Montreal-Based Racial Justice Organizations (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZH0xk5FqYJXwymoue-dnjqJEMj3FplF0Om8wdm8HZd0/edit?usp=drivesdk) List of American and Canadian Bail Funds (https://bailfunds.github.io/) News: The Globe & Mail - 75% of Canadians believe RCMP has a problem with systemic racism (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-strong-majority-of-canadians-believe-rcmp-has-a-problem-with-systemic/) CNN - German Special Forces unit to be Dissolved, source says, after reported far-right links (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/30/europe/german-special-forces-dissolved-right-wing-intl/index.html) New York Times - Supreme Court Won't Block Ruling to Halt Work on Keystone XL Pipeline (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/us/politics/supreme-court-keystone-xl-pipeline.html) The Intercept - In Buried Report, US Government Admits Major Failures in Confronting Domestic Terrorism (https://theintercept.com/2020/06/29/antifa-trump-domestic-terrorism/) Educational materials: Reclaim The Block - Resources and Downloads (https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#resources) Critical Resistance - Abolish Policing (http://criticalresistance.org/abolish-policing/) Critical Resistance - Breaking Down the Prison Industrial Complex video series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYn1EYMdFkqnY2I4I8FzaJoGqEGLdHi6v) Second Thought - America's Police Problem (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEVoX-RwMJw&bpctr=1591459509)

Randi is an adventurer at heart. Calling Colorado and the trails that wind through it home, Randi thrives exploring this great world with her own two feet. Ultra running is her primary discipline and she enjoys embracing the process of training - the countless hours exploring, getting lost, challenging herself, and seeking new adventures. While she spends the majority of her time running, she also enjoys traveling abroad with her husband, backpacking and skiing with their husky pup, and learning their newest hobby, mountain biking! An accountant by day, a true weekend warrior at heart, and an advocate for promoting women in trail running and the great outdoors in between; you can find her sipping on an IPA, and playing cribbage when her legs just can't go anymore. Her race accomplishments include finishing first at TransRockies 6 day stage race in 2019 in the women’s open team category. She is excited to get back to racing in 2021. Some of her favorite places to run include Switzerland, The Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. She is excited to explore Zion National Park, Moab, and Arizona in the coming year. You can find her on Instagram @randi_whitley and Facebook: Randi Whitley Questions we ask Randi include: Take us back to your early days. How did you get your start in running and/or athletics? Tell us a little bit about your path into trail running and the ultra scene. Congrats on finishing first at the TransRockies 6-day stage race in 2019 in the women’s open team category! What was this experience like? You travel quite a bit! How have you navigated this time without many races and the ability to travel? What are some lessons you’ve learned from your experiences traveling and favorite places you’ve been / trails you’ve run? During SRC, we talk a lot about embracing our strength, body image, and mental well-being. Is this something you have ever been challenged with, and if so, how have you found ways to help? You’ve started a pretty awesome community / IG account (Women of Running) and speak to the role. Can you speak more on this, your group runs, and the role that community plays in running? What does your life look like outside of running? And/or what is currently making you thrive? Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? What does being “Strong” mean / look like to you? Be sure to register for our Virtual Race Series, happening July-August 2020! https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Portland/WhyIRunVirtualRaceSerieswithStrongRunnerChicks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strong-runner-chicks/support

In this episode we speak with Florian Neuschwander an inspiring German runner who just set the World Record for fastest 50k on a treadmill! Plus coach Angie shares tips on how to stay fit when you are isolated at home. And we hear from a MTA coach living with his family in China under home isolation since January. Interview with Florian Neuschwander On February 27th Florian set the new treadmill 50k World Record by running a 2:57:25 in Red Bull Athletes Performance Center in Thalgau, Austria. The previous record was held by Mario Mendoza and before him by Michael Wardian. He is a 2:20 marathoner, winner of the TransRockies 120 mile stage race, the Sean O’ Brian 100k, Wings For Life Run, Essen Marathon, and Rennsteiglauf 73k. In this conversation we ask him about why he became a distance runner, how running in the Rockies compare to the Alps, his Prefontaine tattoo, and his awesome treadmill World Record. Also Mentioned in This Episode Florian’s online links. Instagram | Facebook | Run with the Flow The “Social Distancing” Run of 2020, in honor our un-run races. Registration is open. MTA Coaching Services, we train athletes all over the world. On-Running Shoes -experience what running on clouds feels like. Magic Spoon Cereal -Breakfast cereal with with 0 sugar, 12 grams of protein, and only 3 net grams of carbs in each serving! The post Interview with Florian Neuschwander, Treadmill Champion appeared first on Marathon Training Academy.

Katie Arnold has taken "a million steps on a crooked path" to get her to here.  She is the 2018 Leadville 100 Trail Running Champion at 46 years old and is the author of the incredible book and memoir, Running Home.  She is also a contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine. She is the creator of a monthly column for Outside called “Raising Rippers” and it's all about raising adventurous kids.  Katie's foray into ultra-running didn't happen until her 40s.  In fact, her first marathon was "by accident" while interviewing Dean Karnazes for an Outside Magazine article. She ran next to him with her audio recorder as she interviewed him.  Not only is Katie now an elite ultra-runner, but she has many accolades including Leadville 100, 2018 Jemez Mountains 50 Mile, 2014 TransRockies 3-Day Trail Run, Jemez Mountains 50K, the Mount Taylor 50K. She has also won the Angel Fire 100k twice and set the course record. Her writing extends past her book and Outside Magazine.  She has appeared in The New York Times, ESPN the Magazine, Marie Claire, Runner's World, Elle, and Men's Journal, among many others. Topics Discussed in the Podcast  Working for Outside Magazines from the 90s to the present day losing her father and impending, all-encompassing grief Value of time, especially when it becomes knowingly shortened insight into dealing with grief difference between fear and anxiety some of her views on raising adventurous children running for joy versus external validation of competition smile and flow mantra the legacy she wants to leave behind Listen Now     Resources Get Katie Arnold's book: Running Home Katie and all of her articles at Outside Online Her most popular column on Outside: Don't Let Sports Hijack Your Life Follow Katie on Twitter Follow Katie on Facebook  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Support the Show If you would like to support the growth of my show, I'd love your contribution on.  Patreon.  The current production of this free show is primarily supported out of my own pocket and a small portion is covered through the donations on Patreon. With my Patreon page, you can donate directly to the show which will help me cover the costs and help it grow! Even 4 bucks a month- the cost of one coffee per month helps a LOT! Thanks, I really appreciate your support!         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't Miss an Episode: Subscribe!                                                                   

Anne and Lauren uncover events of the second half of Transrockies while drinking champagne and champagne flavored 'Bang!' brand energy drink. Pinkies up!

This week we are chatting with the awesome North Carolina Ultrarunner Jacky Hunt-Broersma after her recent adventure taking on the TransRockies Stage Race. In 2001 a cancerous tumor was discovered on a nerve in Jacky's foot. One week later she had her leg amputated. A decade and a half later she decided to become a trail runner. Now she's paving the way for other amputees to get out onto the trails and enjoy this great sport! She's gone from non-runner to ultra-runner all while workshopping how to make blade work best on the trails. As she's increased in miles and difficult terrain (I've ran in North Carolina...that's some rocky and rooty country!), she's proven the people who have told her that she "shouldn't trail run" wrong. Now Jacky's fresh off a 6 day stage race where she ran over mountain passes and competed at some serious altitude. On this episode we chat about how ultra-running has shifted her mindset, what she finds by challenging herself over difficult terrain, and how she has combated her own self doubt along with the people who have told her "she shouldn't", "she can't" or "she won't be able to", whom she has proven that she "should", "can", and "will." Jacky is awesome and super inspirational!! You will find a bunch of excellent takeaways in this episode! Thanks for listening!! MORE FROM JACKY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NCRunnerJacky/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCrunnerjacky Women's Running Article: https://www.womensrunning.com/2019/06/get-inspired/shes-blazing-a-trail-for-other-amputees_102592 Ultrarunning Magazine Article: https://ultrarunning.com/featured/blue-collar-runners-jacky-hunt-broersma/ MORE LIKE A BIGFOOT: Subscribe and Review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/like-a-bigfoot/id1160773293?mt=2 Soundcloud Archives: https://soundcloud.com/chris-ward-126531464 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/likeabigfoot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likeabigfoot/

WE DID THE THING. Anne and Lauren talk about Transrockies Stages 1-3 and the Beer Mile.

Ileana has made it to her big goal of running the TransRockies race and today we have our last coaching call before the run! Enjoy the show!

Annie and Lauren have booked a lot of shenanigans for themselves this fall and the first one is almost upon us: TRANSROCKIES.

Today's episode of The Extra Mile features two awesome trail runners, Margaret and Randi, who first caught my attention through their amazing trail running photos on Instagram. It turns out, they're not only exceptional runners with exceptional Instagram feeds, but they also have exceptionally big hearts. Through running, Margaret and Randi have been raising money for various causes, primarily the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Their inspiration for the cause is a young boy named Connor who at 9 years old has battled Leukemia 4 times. Thanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Connor has been able to receive cutting-edge treatment.  Margaret and Randi also started the community and Instagram account Women of Running (@womenofrunning) with the goal of building and celebrating a community of women runners. They are currently training for the TransRockies multi-day 120 mile adventure race. We went on a stunning running in Denver, Colorado with a gorgeous view of the Rocky Mountains. I'm not going to lie, although it was a flat run, I was definitely feeling the altitude. But I was thrilled to chat with them and hear their story of coming together and why they run for causes. They have just the adventurous spirit and appreciation of health that I absolutely love. A big thank you to Margaret and Randi for taking some time to run with me. Be sure to check them out on Instagram: Margaret: Runner4Cake Randi: RunItLikeRandi Women of Running

Winner of 2018 Leadville 100. Author. Mom. Writer. Katie Arnold is a contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine, where she worked on staff for 12 years. She created and launched the popular Raising Rippers column, about bringing up adventurous kids, which appears monthly on Outside Online and has grown to become one of the site’s most popular blogs. Her 2014 story "Don't Let Youth Sports Hijack Your Life" was one of the most-read posts on Outside Online. Her 2018 essay in Outside Magazine, “Want a Strong Kid? Encourage Play, Not Competition,” was nominated for a National Magazine Award in service journalism. In addition to Outside, her stories have appeared in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, ESPN the Magazine, Marie Claire, Runner’s World, Elle, and Sunset, among others. Her long-form profiles have been named runner-up in The Best American Sports Writing 2008 and nominated for a Western Publishing Association magazine award, and her essays have been anthologized in Woman’s Best Friend, Another Mother Runner, and P.S. What I Didn’t Tell you. She is co-author of the blog Writing from the Nest., and she edited the photography book, Rio Grande: An Eagle’s View, published by WildEarth Guardians. Katie has been awarded prestigious literary fellowships at the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming and the MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire, where she was named the Robert and Stephanie Olmsted Fellow in 2016. She has been featured on NPR Weekend Edition Sunday, as well as on Ultrarunner Podcast and the Upaya Zen Center Podcast, among others. She has three times been a guest lecturer at Colorado College’s “Writing Wild: Literary Journalism of the Outdoors” course, and teaches writing workshops exploring the link between movement and creativity. An elite ultra runner, Katie is the 2018 women's champion of Leadville Trail 100 Run, where she finished 11th overall in field of more than 700 runners. She won the 2018 Jemez Mountains 50 Mile, 2014 TransRockies 3-Day Trail Run, Jemez Mountains 50K, the Mount Taylor 50K. She is two-time overall champion and course record holder at the  Angel Fire 100K. Katie is a sponsored athlete for GU Energy Labs and Balega Socks. As part of her ongoing effort to encourage young athletes, she founded a children’s trail running club, gives motivational talks, and coaches girls’ lacrosse in Santa Fe. Katie lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, Steve Barrett, their two daughters and two dogs. In her spare time, she likes to ride her bike, ski, go on river trips, hike, write fiction, and read. A restless and fledging student of Zen, she is slowly learning to sit still, but she’s happiest outside in motion. As the poet Mary Oliver once said, “I don’t like to be indoors.” Running Home is her first book. Follow Katie Arnold The Book: https://katiearnold.net/the-book  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/katiearnold/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/raisingrippers  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiearnoldauthor  Web:   www.katiearnold.net  Writing: https://www.outsideonline.com/1746806/katie-arnold  ======================  Request to Join the FREE Meredith Atwood Community & Coaching https://meredith-atwood-coaching.mn.co/ ======================  Buy Meredith’s Books: The Year of No Nonsense https://amzn.to/3su5qWp Triathlon for the Every Woman: https://amzn.to/3nOkjiH =======================   Follow Meredith Atwood & The Podcast on Social: Web: http://www.swimbikemom.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/swimbikemom   =======================  Want to Connect?  Email: same24hourspodcast@gmail.com =======================  Credits: Host & Production: Meredith Atwood Intro: Carl Stover Music Copyright 2017-2020, 2021 All Rights Reserved, Meredith Atwood, LLC

Anne and Lauren are in the thick of training for Transrockies, Barkley Fall Classic, and a newly solidified fall event.

Margaret Spring has been a dedicated runner since she was kid chasing after her oldest brother. These days, people are busy trying to chase her. This remarkable woman picked up trail running five years ago. She fell head-over-heals for the sport while trying to make sure she didn't do that, literally, on the rocky and challenging downhills. A few weeks ago Margaret has a breakout performance by finishing third in her age group at the Leadville Marathon, sharing the podium with Kara Goucher. Margaret isn't just fast and tough, she is running for a purpose far greater than herself. Learn more about this, and many other topics, in this episode. You can find Margaret's TransRockies for a cure page at: https://pages.lightthenight.org/rm/DenverL19/TransRockiesforaCure. UCAN delivers smarter energy powered by SuperStarch to help you finish stronger. Olympians Meb Keflezighi & Dathan Ritzenhein, pro runner Sarah Sellers and more than 40 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers rely on UCAN to fuel their training. Save 15% on UCAN products with code RAMBLINGRUNNER. Visit www.generationucan.com/ramblingrunner to save. Is your recovery holding you back from taking it to the next level as an athlete? That’s where TuneUP CBD comes in. TuneUP was born out of this need for a line of quality CBD products geared to the needs of athletes. Right now, they have a special code for the listeners of this podcast with code RAMBLING for 10% off orders at www.tuneupcbd.com. A big thank you to Megaton Coffee for making great tasting coffee with twice the caffeine and fueling the Rambling Runner Podcast. Learn more at www.megatoncoffee.com and use “rambling” at checkout for to get your first bag of coffee of your subscription plan for only $5. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It was an honor and a privilege to speak with Katie Arnold, one of the best writers and runners in the country, for this episode. Her new book Running Home: A Memoir had an immediate and profound effect on me in many ways. An elite ultra runner, Katie is the 2018 women's champion of Leadville Trail 100 Run, where she finished 11th overall in field of more than 700 runners. She won the 2018 Jemez Mountains 50 Mile, 2014 TransRockies 3-Day Trail Run, Jemez Mountains 50K, the Mount Taylor 50K. She is two-time overall champion and course record holder at the Angel Fire 100K. Katie is a sponsored athlete for GU Energy Labs and Balega Socks. Katie is a contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine, where she worked on staff for 12 years. She created and launched the popular Raising Rippers column, about bringing up adventurous kids, which appears monthly on Outside Online and has grown to become one of the site’s most popular blogs. Her 2014 story "Don't Let Youth Sports Hijack Your Life" was one of the most-read posts on Outside Online. Her 2018 essay in Outside Magazine, “Want a Strong Kid? Encourage Play, Not Competition,” was nominated for a National Magazine Award in service journalism. In addition to Outside, her stories have appeared in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, ESPN the Magazine, Marie Claire, Runner’s World, Elle, and Sunset, among others. Her essays have been anthologized in Woman’s Best Friend, Another Mother Runner, and P.S. What I Didn’t Tell you. You can learn more about Katie at https://katiearnold.net. The Rambling Runner Podcast is presented by Mercury Mile. You can get a box of high quality apparel and goodies that all runners will love at www.mercurymile.com and save $10 by using promo code “ramblingrunner10” at checkout. Is your recovery holding you back from taking it to the next level as an athlete? That’s where TuneUP CBD comes in. TuneUP was born out of this need for a line of quality CBD products geared to the needs of athletes. Right now, they have a special code for the listeners of this podcast with code RAMBLING for 10% off orders at www.tuneupcbd.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Kevin McDonald is the race director for the Transrockies 6 & 3 day run across the Colorado Rockies which I did five years ago. I will be running it again in August this year. Kevin is an Ironman finisher and is now training for his first ultra at Bryce Canyon. Follow Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houda44/ Receive 25% off at by https://www.rocksrootsandruts.com becoming a supporter of my channel on https://www.patreon.com/cjayemedia Have a question or comments? I like to hear from you! E-mail me: https://www.cjaye.com/contact/

Another episode of IRUN4Ultra's Podcast what a powerhouse of a guest did we had! Anna Frost, or Frosty as many know her as, is a passionate runner with many interests... and since 2004 she has managed to combine two of those passions....running and travelling....and turned them into a very successful career. Anna has set many records and gotten many wins under her belt. To name a few she won and set records at TNF 50mile Championship, Table Mountain Challenge in south africa, Everest Marathon, TransVulcania – La Palma, Bear100, Nolans 14, Snowman Trek to name just a few. She has also won many prestigious races like the Coastal Challenge – Costa Rica, Hardrock100, Leadville 1/2 Marathon, Speed Goat 50km, and Transrockies....the list is long! In addition, Anna prides herself on being more than just a runner, but a woman of many passions and she spoke to IRUN4Ultra about them. Photo Credit: Merrell #irun4ultra LIKE/COMMENT/SHARE/FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i... Website https://irun4ultra.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/irun4ultra/?... Instagram https://www.instagram.com/irun4ultra/ Twitter https://twitter.com/irun4ultra Vimeo https://vimeo.com/irun4ultra

Wow, we've got an inspiring episode today on BBR.Allie joins David to speak with National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and ultrarunner Mirna Valerio, who is helping redefine what being an athlete means.Despite enduring body shaming and racism, her message spread through her blog Fat Girl Running and she has inspired others with her running achievements in some of the toughest events in the US running and ultrarunning calendar.In this episode, you'll discover:How David's running club is the most diverse running club in London (this may not be quite true)Why she moved from the city to the country and started on the trailsHow a heart health scare got Mirna back into runningWhy you need to make Yoga Booty Ballet part of your lifeWhy you need a mantra if you're worried about running your first raceWhy being a good runner is nothing to do with speedHow running the Boston Marathon was painful... seriously painfulHow Mirna "spoke" to the trail on a 50km... and it rewarded her with an injuryWhat Mirna learned from her "epic failure" on the Transrockies (and how she's attempting it again)Why Mirna first started her blog (and how it exploded in popularity)Before the interview, David and Allie discuss the important question of whether you can ever have angry reggae.Discover more about Mirna in this documentary on Youtube "The Mirnavator": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5-CSQcYeXk BTW, something goes very wrong at the end of this episode.Our world-class technical production skills mean it's covered up brilliantly though, so you'll barely be able to tell... Bad Boy Guarantee.If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE to get every episode delivered to you before everyone else.Join the conversation! If you want to request a guest or chat about this episode with like-minded drunk runners then head over to our Facebook Group, answer three questions either correctly or hilariously and we'll realise you're not a spam robot and add you in!You can also follow us on Twitter, Jody is @Ultrarunnerjody, David is @DavidHellard and the joint account is @BadBoyRunning1You can also email us letters@badboyrunning.com Lastly, don't forget to subscribe! FYB!

Ultra geeks rejoice! We're joined once again by our "This Month in Ultrarunning" partner in crime, Phil Vondra, for an in-depth preview of UTMB. Phil and I recap a fantastic week in Colorado, including Leadville (2:00), Pike's Peak (15:30), and Transrockies (21:00), plus other news and results from the ultra world (24:00), before we go deep on everything happening in Chamonix, including results from TDS and our look at the contenders for OCC, CCC, and UTMB (32:45).LinksTonight's beer: the Other Half Nelson + MosaicKoop's Leadville writeupMountain Peak Fitness' photos and videos from Leadvilleirunfar's UTMB mens' and womens' previewsIntro music: "Fine Line" by the BloodlettersOutro music: "When I Was Still Young" by Yard Sale

The craziest sh*t that happened in running this week: Leadville 100 - Rob Krar & Katie Arnold, Dave Mackey's Leadman, Grand Slam Update, Pikes Peak Marathon Recap - Megan Kimmel Course Record & Dakota Jones Fastest Descent, VF Crop Moving To Denver, Waldo 100k 2018 Recap, Habanero 100 2018 Recap, Transrockies, Dan Lawson & Jogle Attempt, #LazCon Update, Casey Neistat 100+ Mile Week, Alex Nichols & Quartz Testing, Corey Bellemore Beer Mile DQ, REI's Unsung Heroes OF Ultramarathon, FKT's - High Lonesomoe Loop, Whitney Mountaineer Route, Jim Walmsley & Humphries Peak, Women's Book Month. Subscribe! Help Support This Channel: www.patreon.com/mountainoutpost & www.mountainoutpost.com

Welcome to episode 72 of the Final Surge podcast where today we welcome runner and coach Jacob Puzey. Jacob and I have a great conversation about his early running career and how those experiences and the coaches he worked with influenced who he is today and how he coaches. Jacob was the top Canadian male in Boston in 2017, is the 2016 and 2017 Canadian Road 50K National Champion and has a great coaching resume. Jacob's business Peak Run Performance is teaming up with Final Surge in the coming weeks to offer new coaching services in several languages, so watch out for that.     Could you give our listeners your background on how you started running back in the day? Middle school basketball player Did not come naturally had to work at it 10th grade started running year round How did the high school career and running career after high school go? Qualified for Oregon XC State Meet as a senior Tough Oregon high school area Ran against a lot of future D1 college runners Ran for a Junior College who was defending national JC champion 2 National Championships for JC When did you make the transition into coaching? Took 2 years off after junior college Started training for marathon Developed a love for it again Went back to finish college and did some youth coaching at middle school and high school You have coached high school runners and ultra runners. What are the foundational principles you take in your coaching philosophy that would be applicable to all runners? Stamina, speed strength, need to work on all of them Nutrition and skills would be emphasized by event I know from your bio you took over some high school programs that did not have a history of success and you created state championship programs. What did you do to turn around and build those programs? Did not try to make wholesale changes Go in and listen and learn about cultures of team Winning traditions in other sports so was easier Get them to buy into potential in that sport Competed against the great teams All coaches have influences that have an impact on them as coaches. Who are some of the influences who have impacted your coaching philosophy? Middle school, high school coaches, college coaches Learned different training philosophies from hs/college coaches  Greg McMillian, Joe Vigil What does the typical athlete you are coaching these days look like, what is their experience level and distances they are training for? From Millenials waiting tables to executive empty nesters All distances Coached people who raced on all 7 continents last year You are going to be releasing some coaching very soon on Final Surge, how is it you ended up on Final Surge as your coaching platform? While living in Flagstaff ran with some NAZ Elite Guys Heard about NAZ Blogs Worked for Greg McMillian Did not look at it until was ready to launch something Liked easy syncs Right vision behind company ((((30))))What can people expect to find in your packages? Multiple languages Speak the same language as athlete Every coach speaks at least two languages Tailored training plans and 1-0n-1 coaching How many coaches do you have? 4 with a nutritionist Coaches have experience in several countries to understand unique differences You have 4 coaches that work on your team, what events do you focus on? All surfaces, all distances, all disciplines Road and trails Stage races Tailor training to person There are many tools runners use. GPS watches, heart rate monitors, HRV readings, Power Meters. What type of technology do you use? All of it and as little as possible Trail and ultra a lot of metrics thrown out the window Run by feel Like that they are available in Final Surge You have a lot of running accomplishments, you were the top Canadian male in Boston this year and a lot of success in Ultras. One of your accomplishments is the 50-mile treadmill record you set. When I saw the video this was the first time I had heard of you. How hard was that to run on a treadmill for 5 hours? Was easier than thought Started just below world record pace but found himself going faster Was originally thinking of going for 50k record Didn't expect it to be an hour quicker Do you use a treadmill often? Yes, in Calgary it is cold Wear microspikes 4-6 months a year when outside Boston training did a lot of treadmill miles When need good footing will use treadmill when cold You ran the TransRockies with your brother, for those who do not know what the TransRockies is can you tell them and what it was like doing with your brother? 6 Day stage race 8500-12k feet elevation If run at team you all need to be within 2-minutes of each other   Final Surge 5 questions in under a minute Favorite endurance/running book? - Once a Runner Current trainers you are wearing? - Altra Paradigm Favorite race? - 50k-50miles (3-6 hours) Favorite recovery meal or recovery drink? - Steak, salted chocolate covered almonds Your favorite workout - Georgetown 400's Resources PeakRunPerformance.com Instagram PeakRunPerformance Twitter @teampeakrun Twitter @JacobPuzey

Today we’re digging into stage racing a bit. I’ve had many friends that have run TransRockies and just rave about the communal experience and fun vibe that it brings to the sport, but never experienced this myself. Aside from running, Transrockies puts on 6 other events, both run and ride, all with an epic destination and experience in mind. So today we’re delighted to have Aaron McConnell, the CEO of Transrockies, to discuss his events, what they bring to the community, and why everyone should go big.   

Episode 142 of Talk Ultra brings and we bring you a full and in-depth interview with Damian Hall who was first Brit, first Vet and 12th overall at UTMB. We also speak to Elisabet Barnes about her training and racing at altitude at the 2017 Transrockies. The show is co-hosted by Kurt Decker.

The dust has settled and Coach Chad, Jonathan and Nate share their final thoughts on Singletrack 6. Topics covered in this episode: - How to travel to a race on a budget - The effects of a concussion - How to recover from a concussion - Ideal bike setups for cross country racing - What is the best bike for technical XC racing - How to decide between a hardtail or full suspension MTB - What your pace has to do with cramping - How to ramp TSS for a stage race - Marginal gains for Hydration Packs - Does heat training pay off? - Daily pacing for a stage race - The logistics of a stage race - Tire choices for the interior of BC - Should you use a hydration pack for XC racing? - Marginal recovery gains during a stage race - How to recover from a stage race - How MTB recovery differs from road recovery

A Buckle; The Crew at the Finish; Recording; sportin RIO gear; Shredding >DanO shares stories of running, exploring, sitting on logs, and going further than you have ever gone before. Margaret also joins us to talk about what it's like to crew for a baller like Dan. Along the way, we learn a little about what got Dan running and how a DNF at Leadville helped him gain perspective that contributed to a finish Burning River 100. We also find out what really attracted Margaret to Dan in the first place.  Episode LinksDanO on StravaTransRockiesBurning River 100 Monkey Run TrailsKrudco Skate ShopIAMLesher PhotographySPONSORS Josh Stratton LMT - A licensed massage therapist who knows the treatments that runners need. Located in Winton Place. Tell him you heard the podcast and use the code "Meatball" when booking during October for $15 off a 60 minute massage!  Rochester Running Company - A new running store located on Mt. Hope Avenue in College Town.  Focused on being a social hub for runners, RRCo offers free group runs, and a cool place to hang out. Additionally, their Facebook page is full of hustle and bustle with many pop up runs or running related activities constantly being discussed and organized.Stop in and let'em know you heard about it here. While you're there, pick up a fancy Podcast shirt.Rochester Running Company. Run Our City. Together. Special Guest: Dan Ostrander.

Ryan Ghelfi is in the house to chat all about his recent win at TransRockies as well as Pine To Palm 100 this past weekend! He's had quite the summer!

I am joined again by the always awesome, Brandon Wood, aka The Gearist. Let's have some fun!

Max King is a force to be reckoned with at any distance from a 3K to 100K and beyond. He has placed 1st in some of the most competitive races in the world from the Transrockies 6-Day Stage Race to the IAAF World Mtn Running Championships while still able to produce blistering speed at the shorter distances.  Our host Richard Diaz, asks, how he does it and what's in store for the New Year.