I've been a fat drug addict alcoholic for most of my life. All of a sudden I had beaten my alcoholism, sought help for my drug addiction and I started to run. Running has saved my life. I have been tea total for 3 years. I run.
As an ultrarunner with an autoimmune disease, I do it because I know that my time is probably more limited than most. I want to get the most out of life and see what my body can take before I no longer have that luxury.
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” -Socrates
Have you looked into going low carb and/or higher fat? Studies have shown it to help with metabolic health and autoimmune issues! Best of luck to you, friend, and prayers from me :)
All the debate here around the negative health implications of ultra running are interesting. I'm no expert but my take is two fold: 1) I'll take the quality of life and health risks associated with being very active vs the health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle any day. 2) Physical health is only one aspect. I find myself mentally healthier and happier the more I run/train/race. For me that type of benefit outweighs any unproven physical risks.
@Super Durden The health risks of ultra marathon running are far from unproven. People literally pee black sledge during the races. If we were talking about marathon running, I would agree with you. But ultra marathon running is on a completely different level.
Super Durden It’s a false dichotomy to weigh ultra running with a sedentary lifestyle, no one in their right mind would suggest doing nothing is better than someone running a 100 miles. I’ve ran my whole life - it never once crossed my mind to run more than 20 miles, ever. A hundred miles of running seems pretty novel, but it’s not the wisest thing to focus on long term. Long term ultra running is a solidified way to increase inflammation in the body.
why is it sedentary v ultra marathon type exercise? Those are two extremes. Ultra marathoners can do what they want. But the medical evidence is that it does do damage to your body. Running for 1 hour 3 to 4 times a week is probably healthier. But it's a free country.
It's also worth noting that potentially fatal health risks surrounded by things like distance running only make the headlines because they are incredibly rare. The reason we don't read "10,000 people dropped dead today aged 55 because of massive heart attacks caused by a lifetime of eating crap and zero activity" is because its so incredibly common it's sadly not even newsworthy. This means that the health risks associated with things like long distance running get a more intense amount of publicity.
So what, Aidan! Twinkies and Coke kick ass! If life is about running around like a retard to support this psychotic drive to have ideal health... screw it... I'd rather just be dead. I'll take the Twinkies and Coke and enjoy my time here, while you sweat for nothing just to make it to 90, or older. Some reward. Being old is awful. Talk to old people.
@Daniel Giummule Calm down. I wasn't being completely serious. But please... never call me a liberal. That's the most offensive thing anyone could ever say to me. A liberal? Huh? Me? No way!
@@mickobrien3156 I'd imagine it's more about achievement my friend not everything is about health, running long distances isn't really the beneficial for your body
Whenever I hear about ultra marathon runners I think about Terry Fox (Canadian hero for anyone who doesn’t know him). He ran a marathon every day for over 3000 miles in total. With 1 leg. And Cancer.
Lets not forget Zach went on a year later to break and hold the new 100 mile record on track. The man is superhuman, it's nice and humbling he considers himself "an average runner" but he is truly an animal!!!
Zach was my high school cross country coach for 2 years in 2014-2015 in Wisconsin. Great guy and absolutely an animal. He would always do our cross country workouts with us and then just keep going when we were gassed.
He is 100% right. I never ran as much as 20 miles. Most I ran was 8 miles, yet I could only run 5-6 miles on the track before wanting to quit. Having a trail is so much better mentally than a track. A track really plays games with your mind when you’re on a track, yet it’s easier to count down from the amount of rounds you need to do, which helps.
So let me understand. Ultra runners claim they are though mentally which allows them to run 100 k or wahtever but at the same time not able to run 10 miles on a track? So they not thought at all.
Peter Griffin I haven’t run into that problem... could just be due to lack of conditioning? Ive always been on my feet for work or walking from point a to point b my feet have always been calloused
Peter Griffin it’s honestly a mind set man I started at 260 only able to run 2 miles one day I just ate the pain and pushed to 5 miles now I’m putting on at least 10 a day once you run a mile past that pain you’ll not feel it anymore and the power of pushing through that pain the feeling of satisfaction to to hurt from putting in so much work that your body knows your done trust me man pushing to that 7 or 8 th mile will be life changing for you stay hard brotha wishing you luck !
Distance running is the cheapest form of therapy. Running races you don't know you can complete and reaching a stage of you don't think you can go on grows you as a person. For me it helps me connect with people that have passed like my brother, I chat with him in my mind and he gets me to the finish
I carry a photo of my dead dad in my race vest when shit gets hard looking at that photo gets me moving cause I know he watching saying get to that finish line
I did the Marathon des Sables in 2019, it was the most grueling, painful, awful, uncomfortable experience I've ever had to go through. And and the end of the finish line I had the most amount of energy and exhilaration I've ever felt in my entire life, literally was high for days after coming home.
@M. R. From your experience? I challenge you to keep moving at a 7 to 13 min mile for 4 hours much less 12, 24 or 36 hours. with 36k of elevation change..no one claims "non stop" running. elites are running 50 miles in 5 hours 100 in under 14 at elevation...yeah, no big deal because they walked a little up a 10k foot tall mountain a couple times.....lol
As a long distance runner, I feel that the folks I have run with, you have to have gone through some form of trauma and you use that fuel to do one of these runs. When I get asked this I always respond, if I can survive my traumatic childhood, running 50-200 mile races is no big deal. Does it hurt? Heck yeah but at least you know the race will end. Plus it gives you an insight into your character and who you are when you are stripped down.
Just ran my 3rd marathon this past weekend! I’m addicted. I may not be very fast but I love it! Doing a second trail marathon in November. So excited- want to quit my job so I can run all day, but I can’t afford that unfortunately.
I’m training for my first marathon and typically stick to flat roads when training, but he makes a good point about it localizing your muscles. I’ve gotta star trail running and get the muscles used to the incline/decline variations. Great interview
Best thing about ultrarunning Ive found is the people. I always find interesting people to talk to, who've often travelled from across the world to be there. They're more chatty occasions than short distances. When I did a 24 hour race on a 1 mile loop, I was chatting to people most of the way round. Of course with ultras on trails you can end up on your own for hours so good playlists are important
Great interview, Zach. It took two years for me to see it...I was watching some UFC results with Joe Rogan commentating, which led me to this. I’m sitting in Baraboo, your old stomping grounds, as I watch.
I've never done ultra long distance but I agree, distance running sucks you in. It's addicting in a very weird way. I haven't ran competitively in 6 years but don't go more than a few days at most without running still
My wife was going for her 3rd attempt at Badwater 135 in Death Valley in July, then COVID hit and the race was cancelled. One year of training. What a let down. She's done about 170 miles in less than 3 days in Armenia and 178 miles in the Grand to Grand race over a 6 day stage race. It's insane what ultrarunners put their bodies through. And, apparently, many ultrarunners are recovering drug addicts who are looking for a new level to put their body through in terms of range of emotion. Imagine no sleep for 24-48 hours straight, constant running and eating. And in Death Valley it can get anywhere between 120 and 130 degrees.
recovering alcoholic here, this is very true. this is the safest way to get high. I'm just starting though with the running. Nevertheless, I will keep going.
I used to be a pretty good trail runner. I can say that there is almost no greater feeling than the feeling you have when you can run up a mountain or run 40 miles through the mountains and not feel tired. You start to feel like an animal, such as a deer. I still do it, but not as much as I used to....try it!
I love this thought. I'll add to this thought. There is nothing like running for several hours along a ridge of mountains overlooking fine scenery and taking it all in for 10-20-30+ miles and knowing that YOU obtained those views and that experience with your own two feet. Sure you could see the same sights in plane or helicopter or drone, is it the same really? I don't think so. You are right. You feel like an animal maybe and the natural world becomes exhilarating. It's literally an adventure that unless you have done it you don't know how ALIVE it makes you feel.
I read about the race he talks about at 08:10 in The Rise of Ultrarunners by Adharanand Finn. It was in the late 1800s that six-day race contests were held at huge indoor tracks in London or Madison Square Garden (in NY). 6 days because it was the longest you could walk or run without encroaching on the Sabbath. This reached it's peak with the Astley Belt contests in 1878 when Sir John Astley sponsored 5 international events. Crowds of over 30,000 came out to support at Madison Square Garden. Prize money was $10,000 for the winner ($250,000 in today's money) and the winner (O Leary) ran over 520 miles over the 6 days (this was at the London event). The current 6-day world record is 664 miles (1984, Yiannis Kouros)
It really is though. Had friends who were runners so I started to. First day I ren for 7 minutes and that was it. I felt shame how out of shape I was. Started running 2x a day. Before and after work. When I first made it to 2 hours but still felt like I could go on,that's when I had my first runners high. You are literarly high on life. Weird thing happens.
@@armin38822 I’m currently getting fit for the army, and I had my first runners high yesterday. I’ve only been running for 2 months. Used to do drugs in the past and it feels quite the same. I used to HATE running but now I’m addicted to it hahaha.
@@yora7261 I always say to people that the hardest part of running is the first month or even two. If you are able to constantly push trough that start you will eventually reach a point where you enjoy running more and more. I had to stop since my heels got messed up so I swithched more to gym workouts. And yes runners high is a real thing. I had the same expirence in the gym though. I was working,working,workikg but was always kinda ona the same level. Then one day I walk into the gym. After work,didn't get enough of sleep...I was lookin forward to a bad work out. But boy was I wrong. In 1 day I made a huge break trough and literarly increased the workout for the addtional 30-40 %. Felt high righ there...
Thanks for sharing this! I've done 20 marathons so far (26.2 miles) but, no ultras. I look forward to doing my first. It's just for my middle aged ego!😅(mid 50s now). Happy trails, folks! 🙂👋🏽👨🏽⚕️🏞️🏃🏽♂️
20 marathons is incredible well done 👏🏼 I’ve just got back into running for the first time in 3 years (27 years old). 10k - 53:30 13.8k - 1:12 14.05k - 1:09 19.01k - 1:38 21.13k - 1:49 22.5k - 2:00 These are my distances and times starting from March and I try get a 5k in every Wednesday doing the long distance run every Friday. Do you have any tips for someone like myself who wants to get to a marathon followed by an ultra? I’m a total novice so any advice would be great 👍🏼 The 22.5k was the longest distance and time I’d ever ran and boy did my legs feel it after 😅
There’s something about endurance.... I’m nowhere near this guy’s pace, but I can tell you there’s something mentally challenging yet so rewarding when you complete long distances. And a lot of people who’ve never run more than a few km’d don’t really get it - they can’t comprehend huge distances.
The difference in surface really does make a difference- after my first road marathon: couldn't walk for days. First trail marathon: I was completely fine because of the varied terrain, softer ground and slower pace.
I’m no ultra runner or even a great athlete. But like Joe said, it’s the accomplishment, for me. I did a few MS150 bike rides. And I’ll never forget the first one where I got injured on day 2, but pushed through the pain and finished. As soon as I got in the medical tent and got ice on my knee, I lost it and bawled uncontrollably. There’s nothing like a good cry!
Its fucking retarded. We don't bat an eye at people who are 70 lbs. overweight. But we chastise a guy who is probably only 10-20 lbs lighter than what doctors consider to be healthy. He'll probably out live all those fat people but we judge him because he's different.
The fact that his looks come off as unhealthy( to some)is proof enough that our perception of health is twisted. This is the human being that can cover 100 miles/12 hours time greater than anyone in human history. Kardashian ~era thinking.
Yiannis Kouros from Greece, was an ultra marathon runner that still holds multiple records (since the 80s) for 1,000 mile, 1,000 km and more. It's mind blowing.
The greatest ultra marathon runner of all time Yiannis Kouros didnt do any long training runs. I think he trained under 20 miles for training. He doesnt see that it is about how good a runner you are. He sees it as how strong you are mentally. Maybe that is why he was so good.
Yes! When I was doing upper Yosemite falls I kept thinking, this suck, I want to stop and then the next day, I thought well maybe I'll do it some other day..
If you really want to up your game for race day or in general cross train by sprinting stairs, start with 30 min and then move on to an hour of up and down.. non stop. Watch what happens to your runs after that. Pretty incredible.
I see distance running like being tattooed, it hurts, you suffer and you're never gonna do it again until the next day when you plan your next one. Maybe it something to do with battling though the suffering and achieving your goals being so rewarding
I'm always thinking about doing something to really push myself. But never do it. It's always a "you should do it, you can, should do it", but something's missing. It's like gravity, your normal routine is holding you into position, and you need more than just "you should do it" to break free, to get off the ground. But that seems to be a hard thing to manifest, when your norm is on the opposite end. Still possible tho.
Such a great interviewer. Able to dial it up or down depending on the person. Fear Factor probably helped in getting the timid ones to open up and the MMA probably helps with getting the loud ones to sit down, son!
I’m pretty sure I heard of some people doing like a centa-marathon or some shit where they would run a marathon every day for 100 days. And I was proud of myself for running 7kms once a few weeks ago… It’s mind blowing how tough these people are
Having done 100 miles both on track and trails - he is so right about the difference! The mental piece is huge - on track you can (and should) distract yourself and become disconnected and go on auto-pilot, otherwise everything will hurt. On trails, you have to stay somewhat present and focused on footing otherwise you'll face plant - but it provides distraction from the pain and keeps you going. Personally, the monotony of track kills me, and I don't think I'll ever do that again...
As a runner I can confirm that most people pretend it’s unhealthy so they don’t have to face their laziness. If you’re running and consuming a sufficient amount of nutritious food to go along with your activity level, most people will benefit significantly from what running offers. That all said, visually this guy looks like he needs to consume more food.
@Joe Greene Well obviously hes not lacking key vitamins and minerals because if he was he wouldnt be able to train and win the way he does. He obviously has it all covered and very well too judging by his record. He runs a lot of miles, hes going to be lean no matter what diet hes on.
You really need to do some research. As a runner I go on 10 mile runs and do speed workouts DESPITE the negative health effects. I would run longer, and I would run faster, but I care more about longevity. Maybe to you, running long distances is worth losing 10 years on your life, for me, I love it, but not more than my life. It's very bad on your heart to push your body so hard. It's recommended to not go more than 5-6 miles, and around 15 miles a week, beyond that and you are harming your body.
By the way most educated runners (not you clearly), including this guy, are well aware of how bad ultra running is for their health. They do it in spite of the negative health effects. Watch enough interviews from these guys, and all of them admit it might be good for you mentally, but it's horrible for you physically in nearly every way possible.
Chris Kelley Sorry, I am calling BS on your recommended miles/miles a week. Credible peer reviewed and scientific sources please. Never heard of such a thing. thx
In my county when we are preparing for a marathon, we do a three quarter marathon 3 weeks beforehand as a final long run. What hes talking about is pretty standard for non elites to do as part of their training.
3:53 so true, I used to get defeated by a quarter of a mile but then I joined the gym and worked out on my cardio. Then a quarter mile turned to half a mile, a mile 2, 3, 4, then 6, 7.5, 12.5 and my current p.r. is 20.5 miles non stop. When I was breaking my 12.5 mile p.r. at mile 16 I wanted to give up because my ankles we're killing me but then the pain went numb and I made it to 20 miles non stop. Now I want to train to run a marathon. 💯 I Want to be a pro boxer who wins running ironman marathons.
If you can run 20.5 nonstop then you could register for a 50k (30.1 mile) little babie ultramarathon and knock it out. Just pace yourself. It would be cool accomplishment for you.
I have run several 5-6+ hour trail runs, and one formal 36-mile trail ultramarathon. Only the elite run all of the courses. The middle-pack people like me walk (hike) all the uphills, and run only the flats and the downs. It is time on feet for most middle packers, not speed. It is never about speed. An average finish time of a 50-mile trail ultramarathon can be 14 minute miles.
I used to live in Silverton and watched people come back from running 100 miles - through the mountains - in one day for the Hardrock. It takes a special kind of person.
there is a race known as the 'Sri Chimnoy Self Transcendent Race' that covers 3,000 miles. in order to finish within the time limit runners must complete 52 miles a day (two full marathons) for 50 straight days. the best runner in the race's history completed 3 marathons a day for 42 straight days-for his accomplishment he was awarded a t-shirt.
After about 27 miles you go to a different place in your mind, it’s a weird feeling. You don’t need to be the fittest or fastest to get to that place. It’s like free therapy.
I've been a fat drug addict alcoholic for most of my life. All of a sudden I had beaten my alcoholism, sought help for my drug addiction and I started to run. Running has saved my life. I have been tea total for 3 years. I run.
thats incredible. Keep it up!
Awesome 👏 running is life.
Nice. Do you do ultra marathons
Love this shit. Great job man
Keep running from that magic dust hitter. Gang
As an ultrarunner with an autoimmune disease, I do it because I know that my time is probably more limited than most. I want to get the most out of life and see what my body can take before I no longer have that luxury.
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” -Socrates
Damn man I’m praying it all goes good for you brotha
I'll pray for you to have more time.
Have you looked into going low carb and/or higher fat? Studies have shown it to help with metabolic health and autoimmune issues! Best of luck to you, friend, and prayers from me :)
Wow. Good for you. God speed!
He would have been one of those people in ancient times who runs with a scroll for a king or some other important person from one kingdom to another.
Casually outracing chariots yknow
Like he could be a dude named Pheidippides. Maybe he could run from Marathon to Athens then croak.
@@Slowhand871 Athens to Sparta and back first. Pretty much the Spartathlon route and back again.
@@Slowhand871 maybe we could base an event off of this tale
I'm pretty sure the kings personal letter boy would have rode horseback
All the debate here around the negative health implications of ultra running are interesting. I'm no expert but my take is two fold: 1) I'll take the quality of life and health risks associated with being very active vs the health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle any day. 2) Physical health is only one aspect. I find myself mentally healthier and happier the more I run/train/race. For me that type of benefit outweighs any unproven physical risks.
Very well put
@Super Durden The health risks of ultra marathon running are far from unproven. People literally pee black sledge during the races. If we were talking about marathon running, I would agree with you. But ultra marathon running is on a completely different level.
Super Durden
It’s a false dichotomy to weigh ultra running with a sedentary lifestyle, no one in their right mind would suggest doing nothing is better than someone running a 100 miles. I’ve ran my whole life - it never once crossed my mind to run more than 20 miles, ever.
A hundred miles of running seems pretty novel, but it’s not the wisest thing to focus on long term. Long term ultra running is a solidified way to increase inflammation in the body.
why is it sedentary v ultra marathon type exercise? Those are two extremes. Ultra marathoners can do what they want. But the medical evidence is that it does do damage to your body. Running for 1 hour 3 to 4 times a week is probably healthier. But it's a free country.
It's also worth noting that potentially fatal health risks surrounded by things like distance running only make the headlines because they are incredibly rare. The reason we don't read "10,000 people dropped dead today aged 55 because of massive heart attacks caused by a lifetime of eating crap and zero activity" is because its so incredibly common it's sadly not even newsworthy. This means that the health risks associated with things like long distance running get a more intense amount of publicity.
All the people in the comments commenting on his health are probably washing their blood pressure meds down with a Twinkie and Diet Coke right now
So what, Aidan! Twinkies and Coke kick ass! If life is about running around like a retard to support this psychotic drive to have ideal health... screw it... I'd rather just be dead. I'll take the Twinkies and Coke and enjoy my time here, while you sweat for nothing just to make it to 90, or older. Some reward. Being old is awful. Talk to old people.
@@mickobrien3156 why judge him for doing what he loves to do. Not everyone is the same.
@Daniel Giummule Calm down. I wasn't being completely serious. But please... never call me a liberal. That's the most offensive thing anyone could ever say to me. A liberal? Huh? Me? No way!
Just ate a kitkat bitch
@@mickobrien3156 I'd imagine it's more about achievement my friend not everything is about health, running long distances isn't really the beneficial for your body
Whenever I hear about ultra marathon runners I think about Terry Fox (Canadian hero for anyone who doesn’t know him). He ran a marathon every day for over 3000 miles in total. With 1 leg. And Cancer.
What a legend
yes that guy was insane
WHAT 😭😭😭😭😭
From my hometown of Port Coquitlam! Terry was a beast
TIL about a great human. Thank you
Lets not forget Zach went on a year later to break and hold the new 100 mile record on track. The man is superhuman, it's nice and humbling he considers himself "an average runner" but he is truly an animal!!!
Zach was my high school cross country coach for 2 years in 2014-2015 in Wisconsin. Great guy and absolutely an animal. He would always do our cross country workouts with us and then just keep going when we were gassed.
He is 100% right. I never ran as much as 20 miles. Most I ran was 8 miles, yet I could only run 5-6 miles on the track before wanting to quit. Having a trail is so much better mentally than a track. A track really plays games with your mind when you’re on a track, yet it’s easier to count down from the amount of rounds you need to do, which helps.
Imagine goggins when he ran the san diego 100 .. it's a circle. 118 miles that'll fuck with you
Oh hell yea. A track is so daunting because the barrier is right in front of you , but on a trail or street you keep seeing new things and pushing
@@RR-dj8rt that's my problem
So let me understand. Ultra runners claim they are though mentally which allows them to run 100 k or wahtever but at the same time not able to run 10 miles on a track? So they not thought at all.
Most i done was 12 miles in 1.48, luckily i had a beautiful 6.5km (4 mile) circuit through pristine wetlands made it alot easier.
"you gravitate to what you are good at, and then it peaks"
what a smart comment that almost passed me
"piques your interest" is what he said. Piques is different than peaks.
Long distance running does some AMAZING things but you have to do it to understand. The mindset is like being high
Alyssa Schultz bro running has changed my life... even doing 3-6 miles a day is amazing I love it
Been trying to go long distance but as soon as I hit 6 miles my feet are so blistered I can’t carry on, any tips?
Sean Mulholland same. Up to 8 miles now. Hope to do an ultra in the long term.
Peter Griffin I haven’t run into that problem... could just be due to lack of conditioning? Ive always been on my feet for work or walking from point a to point b my feet have always been calloused
Peter Griffin it’s honestly a mind set man I started at 260 only able to run 2 miles one day I just ate the pain and pushed to 5 miles now I’m putting on at least 10 a day once you run a mile past that pain you’ll not feel it anymore and the power of pushing through that pain the feeling of satisfaction to to hurt from putting in so much work that your body knows your done trust me man pushing to that 7 or 8 th mile will be life changing for you stay hard brotha wishing you luck !
Distance running is the cheapest form of therapy. Running races you don't know you can complete and reaching a stage of you don't think you can go on grows you as a person. For me it helps me connect with people that have passed like my brother, I chat with him in my mind and he gets me to the finish
@James Abbott Named my last run "Therapavement" on Strava. Totally agree. That's beautiful. Your bro's cheering you on towards that finish line!
I carry a photo of my dead dad in my race vest when shit gets hard looking at that photo gets me moving cause I know he watching saying get to that finish line
I did the Marathon des Sables in 2019, it was the most grueling, painful, awful, uncomfortable experience I've ever had to go through. And and the end of the finish line I had the most amount of energy and exhilaration I've ever felt in my entire life, literally was high for days after coming home.
Damn
Love runners' high
Ive done some ultra long walks, unprepared haha.
The only effect it gave me was stinging legs so that I couldnt sleep.
As an ultra runner, I can tell you it changes you...you never know how much you have in you until you run 12 to 24 hours.
Masochism
daniel nobel nah
Let's be honest. Ultra runners walk a lot of the race. Stop bullshitting like u run 12 hrs nonstop.
M. R. Some of the race is walked and run at a slow pace but most people aren’t going to run for 4 hours let alone 12
@M. R. From your experience? I challenge you to keep moving at a 7 to 13 min mile for 4 hours much less 12, 24 or 36 hours. with 36k of elevation change..no one claims "non stop" running. elites are running 50 miles in 5 hours 100 in under 14 at elevation...yeah, no big deal because they walked a little up a 10k foot tall mountain a couple times.....lol
everyone is talking about negative comments but i don't see any
You have the most teenage-like account i ever seen. "Brain power" with a picture of Tyler Durden. Don't want to insult you, just mentioning.
@@gabrielalfaia8154 you caught me!
That’s because you’re an ass face.
Cool down, grandpa
As a long distance runner, I feel that the folks I have run with, you have to have gone through some form of trauma and you use that fuel to do one of these runs. When I get asked this I always respond, if I can survive my traumatic childhood, running 50-200 mile races is no big deal. Does it hurt? Heck yeah but at least you know the race will end. Plus it gives you an insight into your character and who you are when you are stripped down.
I relate to you man
Me too* beginner Runner.
Just thought it was me
They should include this in the olympics
Too long
Hell yeah.. And instead of that small Ironman, there should be one full.
yes right?
I think it's only a matter of time before they include 100k race. It's the next logical thing after marathon.
Great idea!
Just ran my 3rd marathon this past weekend! I’m addicted. I may not be very fast but I love it!
Doing a second trail marathon in November. So excited- want to quit my job so I can run all day, but I can’t afford that unfortunately.
Lol I’m feeling the same way
I’m training for my first marathon and typically stick to flat roads when training, but he makes a good point about it localizing your muscles. I’ve gotta star trail running and get the muscles used to the incline/decline variations. Great interview
Best thing about ultrarunning Ive found is the people. I always find interesting people to talk to, who've often travelled from across the world to be there. They're more chatty occasions than short distances. When I did a 24 hour race on a 1 mile loop, I was chatting to people most of the way round. Of course with ultras on trails you can end up on your own for hours so good playlists are important
Joe Rogan invite Killian Jornet please :)
Yess
Ran up Everest ..2x in a week..
No
Or better yet, Jim Walmsley!
Maria Valdez shut up
Zach Bitter is an incredible athlete and guy. Really fun to follow his races and keto advice.
Amazing! Glad you have people like him in to show their greatness.
The dude is extraordinarily humble
A mental strength to just keep going and going .. These people are incredible!
Great interview, Zach. It took two years for me to see it...I was watching some UFC results with Joe Rogan commentating, which led me to this. I’m sitting in Baraboo, your old stomping grounds, as I watch.
I've never done ultra long distance but I agree, distance running sucks you in. It's addicting in a very weird way. I haven't ran competitively in 6 years but don't go more than a few days at most without running still
My wife was going for her 3rd attempt at Badwater 135 in Death Valley in July, then COVID hit and the race was cancelled. One year of training. What a let down. She's done about 170 miles in less than 3 days in Armenia and 178 miles in the Grand to Grand race over a 6 day stage race. It's insane what ultrarunners put their bodies through. And, apparently, many ultrarunners are recovering drug addicts who are looking for a new level to put their body through in terms of range of emotion. Imagine no sleep for 24-48 hours straight, constant running and eating. And in Death Valley it can get anywhere between 120 and 130 degrees.
Bad water is hard core. That and the Barkley absolutely blow my mind
I can tell you from personal experience, that no, most ultramarathoners are not drug addicts, you just fucking made that up.
recovering alcoholic here, this is very true. this is the safest way to get high. I'm just starting though with the running. Nevertheless, I will keep going.
@@gregh2367how’s it going
I used to be a pretty good trail runner. I can say that there is almost no greater feeling than the feeling you have when you can run up a mountain or run 40 miles through the mountains and not feel tired. You start to feel like an animal, such as a deer. I still do it, but not as much as I used to....try it!
I love this thought. I'll add to this thought. There is nothing like running for several hours along a ridge of mountains overlooking fine scenery and taking it all in for 10-20-30+ miles and knowing that YOU obtained those views and that experience with your own two feet. Sure you could see the same sights in plane or helicopter or drone, is it the same really? I don't think so. You are right. You feel like an animal maybe and the natural world becomes exhilarating. It's literally an adventure that unless you have done it you don't know how ALIVE it makes you feel.
What was your diet like?
I read about the race he talks about at 08:10 in The Rise of Ultrarunners by Adharanand Finn. It was in the late 1800s that six-day race contests were held at huge indoor tracks in London or Madison Square Garden (in NY). 6 days because it was the longest you could walk or run without encroaching on the Sabbath. This reached it's peak with the Astley Belt contests in 1878 when Sir John Astley sponsored 5 international events. Crowds of over 30,000 came out to support at Madison Square Garden. Prize money was $10,000 for the winner ($250,000 in today's money) and the winner (O Leary) ran over 520 miles over the 6 days (this was at the London event). The current 6-day world record is 664 miles (1984, Yiannis Kouros)
Thanks for sharing this awesome discussion!! Amazing to see that its still applies today!!!!
I started off with a 24 hour run and said I'd stop after that and literally two months later tried my first 100 miler lol
Joe: "When you get runners high it's like a small hit of DMT"
😂😂
It actually is. I ran so long I could hear the elements give praise to The Creator
It really is though. Had friends who were runners so I started to. First day I ren for 7 minutes and that was it. I felt shame how out of shape I was. Started running 2x a day. Before and after work. When I first made it to 2 hours but still felt like I could go on,that's when I had my first runners high. You are literarly high on life. Weird thing happens.
@@armin38822 I’m currently getting fit for the army, and I had my first runners high yesterday. I’ve only been running for 2 months. Used to do drugs in the past and it feels quite the same. I used to HATE running but now I’m addicted to it hahaha.
@@yora7261 I always say to people that the hardest part of running is the first month or even two. If you are able to constantly push trough that start you will eventually reach a point where you enjoy running more and more. I had to stop since my heels got messed up so I swithched more to gym workouts. And yes runners high is a real thing. I had the same expirence in the gym though. I was working,working,workikg but was always kinda ona the same level. Then one day I walk into the gym. After work,didn't get enough of sleep...I was lookin forward to a bad work out. But boy was I wrong. In 1 day I made a huge break trough and literarly increased the workout for the addtional 30-40 %. Felt high righ there...
Thanks for sharing this! I've done 20 marathons so far (26.2 miles) but, no ultras. I look forward to doing my first. It's just for my middle aged ego!😅(mid 50s now). Happy trails, folks! 🙂👋🏽👨🏽⚕️🏞️🏃🏽♂️
20 marathons is incredible well done 👏🏼
I’ve just got back into running for the first time in 3 years (27 years old).
10k - 53:30
13.8k - 1:12
14.05k - 1:09
19.01k - 1:38
21.13k - 1:49
22.5k - 2:00
These are my distances and times starting from March and I try get a 5k in every Wednesday doing the long distance run every Friday. Do you have any tips for someone like myself who wants to get to a marathon followed by an ultra?
I’m a total novice so any advice would be great 👍🏼
The 22.5k was the longest distance and time I’d ever ran and boy did my legs feel it after 😅
There’s something about endurance.... I’m nowhere near this guy’s pace, but I can tell you there’s something mentally challenging yet so rewarding when you complete long distances.
And a lot of people who’ve never run more than a few km’d don’t really get it - they can’t comprehend huge distances.
The difference in surface really does make a difference- after my first road marathon: couldn't walk for days. First trail marathon: I was completely fine because of the varied terrain, softer ground and slower pace.
@@My_Garmonbozia so which is it?
Love the conversation!
I’m no ultra runner or even a great athlete. But like Joe said, it’s the accomplishment, for me. I did a few MS150 bike rides. And I’ll never forget the first one where I got injured on day 2, but pushed through the pain and finished. As soon as I got in the medical tent and got ice on my knee, I lost it and bawled uncontrollably. There’s nothing like a good cry!
Amazed by all the negative comments on his 'looks' . He is who he is.
Fit-shaming is the new fat-shaming.
Its fucking retarded. We don't bat an eye at people who are 70 lbs. overweight. But we chastise a guy who is probably only 10-20 lbs lighter than what doctors consider to be healthy. He'll probably out live all those fat people but we judge him because he's different.
@@ardruma Fat shaming isn't really a bad thing. You should be ashamed of being fat.
The fact that his looks come off as unhealthy( to some)is proof enough that our perception of health is twisted. This is the human being that can cover 100 miles/12 hours time greater than anyone in human history. Kardashian ~era thinking.
Yiannis Kouros from Greece, was an ultra marathon runner that still holds multiple records (since the 80s) for 1,000 mile, 1,000 km and more. It's mind blowing.
Transcendental Ultra Series
5:04 hitmarker
you should change your yt name to Hitmarker Mark and just find moments in videos that sound like hitmarkers lol
About to run my first 60 k , taking notes. Hope I don’t die after this event
How did it go mate
Denas V died🤷🏻♂️
just did mine, you won't die :)
Tim Soekkha he’s gone bro...
Hello?
My dad told me about 6 day bicycle races, in Chicago. This brings back the recall of it.
I’m 40 and have just got into it’s running. It works well with martial arts because it takes a big mental push to get through it.
Joe “there’s something about distance” Rogan
Nicholas Cage Lmaooo
Joe asks good questions.
Idk why everyone here is so negative! Inspiring interview and interesting guest
JJ M maybe because no one wants to look like a marathon runner
The internet brings out people who complain about literally everything.
if you want to be a weak ass pussy go ahead I'm not looking like him
Because being negative is easy.
My cardio improved just by watching this video.
I thought Courtney was bad ass by doing 100 mile in 17 hours and this dude does it in 11 hours 19 minutes ! He’s insane ,
Holy shit I doubt I could even bike that fast
Holy Shit, that's insane....It's around 14 km/hrs, that's fast man. I huff and puff and totally out of breath after running 3 kms at this speed.
No way?!?!
Really?
That's Matrix level!!
Pretty sure Courtney was on trails though thats a huge difference.
@@jay-cg8ri you can't compare the 2, doing 100 mile on a track is not even remotely comparable to trail running
Did my first ultra (50k) in 6 hours 12 minutes in May 2019! Not the fastest but can outlast most!
Goodshit that sounds fast as shit
@@seanburke4622 thats 31miles so not fast.................i think youo thought he said 50 miles
That’s pretty slow
Good job man! Did mine in 3 hours 28 minutes. I'm in great marathon shape so don't be fooled by my time lol
The greatest ultra marathon runner of all time Yiannis Kouros didnt do any long training runs. I think he trained under 20 miles for training. He doesnt see that it is about how good a runner you are. He sees it as how strong you are mentally. Maybe that is why he was so good.
That's some David Goggins shit, right there! Damn, all runners are enlightened...
Yes! When I was doing upper Yosemite falls I kept thinking, this suck, I want to stop and then the next day, I thought well maybe I'll do it some other day..
If you really want to up your game for race day or in general cross train by sprinting stairs, start with 30 min and then move on to an hour of up and down.. non stop. Watch what happens to your runs after that. Pretty incredible.
Podcast hasn't even ended and this is already up...
Lets get this guys heart rate. 32bpm?
I see distance running like being tattooed, it hurts, you suffer and you're never gonna do it again until the next day when you plan your next one.
Maybe it something to do with battling though the suffering and achieving your goals being so rewarding
Bro how do they have synchronized swimming in the Olympics but not this?
the event would be 12 or 24 hours of people just jogging, its not really suited to the Olympics
Biden is president 😂
I'm always thinking about doing something to really push myself. But never do it. It's always a "you should do it, you can, should do it", but something's missing. It's like gravity, your normal routine is holding you into position, and you need more than just "you should do it" to break free, to get off the ground. But that seems to be a hard thing to manifest, when your norm is on the opposite end. Still possible tho.
Such a great interviewer. Able to dial it up or down depending on the person. Fear Factor probably helped in getting the timid ones to open up and the MMA probably helps with getting the loud ones to sit down, son!
Awesome dude 😎 and Altra make amazing trail running shoes 🤘😎
I’m pretty sure I heard of some people doing like a centa-marathon or some shit where they would run a marathon every day for 100 days. And I was proud of myself for running 7kms once a few weeks ago…
It’s mind blowing how tough these people are
David Goggins
Goggins, David
Patriot Gains David Motherfucking MOAB finishing Goggins
Boat crew 2 checkin in.
They don't know me son !
box of mini doughnuts crew checkin in.
Having done 100 miles both on track and trails - he is so right about the difference! The mental piece is huge - on track you can (and should) distract yourself and become disconnected and go on auto-pilot, otherwise everything will hurt. On trails, you have to stay somewhat present and focused on footing otherwise you'll face plant - but it provides distraction from the pain and keeps you going. Personally, the monotony of track kills me, and I don't think I'll ever do that again...
You’re a beast for even doing that once , I’m training for my first marathon
right now
That sounds so boring 😂
Its the ability to sustain suffering and not break - proves a lot to yourself about what you're capable of
running saved my life.
Zach is a beast
What an educated, fascinating guy, very interesting
... David .... Goggins (crowd cheers)
This guy is amazing...excellent podcast!
As a runner I can confirm that most people pretend it’s unhealthy so they don’t have to face their laziness. If you’re running and consuming a sufficient amount of nutritious food to go along with your activity level, most people will benefit significantly from what running offers. That all said, visually this guy looks like he needs to consume more food.
@Joe Greene Well obviously hes not lacking key vitamins and minerals because if he was he wouldnt be able to train and win the way he does. He obviously has it all covered and very well too judging by his record. He runs a lot of miles, hes going to be lean no matter what diet hes on.
You really need to do some research. As a runner I go on 10 mile runs and do speed workouts DESPITE the negative health effects. I would run longer, and I would run faster, but I care more about longevity. Maybe to you, running long distances is worth losing 10 years on your life, for me, I love it, but not more than my life. It's very bad on your heart to push your body so hard. It's recommended to not go more than 5-6 miles, and around 15 miles a week, beyond that and you are harming your body.
By the way most educated runners (not you clearly), including this guy, are well aware of how bad ultra running is for their health. They do it in spite of the negative health effects. Watch enough interviews from these guys, and all of them admit it might be good for you mentally, but it's horrible for you physically in nearly every way possible.
Chris Kelley Sorry, I am calling BS on your recommended miles/miles a week. Credible peer reviewed and scientific sources please. Never heard of such a thing. thx
@@chriskelley7097 Dude, what are you talking about? 15 miles a week is what primary school kids do.
This guy is a machine
Joe fascinated Rogan
like fighters, these guys are a different breed
To be fair, he doesn't look any worse than regular marathon runners.
Marathon runners don’t look bad though
Thats a hard ass lifestyle
*David Goggins has entered the chat*
Read, the body and mind are a unit.
In my county when we are preparing for a marathon, we do a three quarter marathon 3 weeks beforehand as a final long run. What hes talking about is pretty standard for non elites to do as part of their training.
3:53 so true, I used to get defeated by a quarter of a mile but then I joined the gym and worked out on my cardio. Then a quarter mile turned to half a mile, a mile 2, 3, 4, then 6, 7.5, 12.5 and my current p.r. is 20.5 miles non stop. When I was breaking my 12.5 mile p.r. at mile 16 I wanted to give up because my ankles we're killing me but then the pain went numb and I made it to 20 miles non stop. Now I want to train to run a marathon. 💯 I Want to be a pro boxer who wins running ironman marathons.
If you can run 20.5 nonstop then you could register for a 50k (30.1 mile) little babie ultramarathon and knock it out. Just pace yourself. It would be cool accomplishment for you.
I have run several 5-6+ hour trail runs, and one formal 36-mile trail ultramarathon. Only the elite run all of the courses. The middle-pack people like me walk (hike) all the uphills, and run only the flats and the downs. It is time on feet for most middle packers, not speed. It is never about speed. An average finish time of a 50-mile trail ultramarathon can be 14 minute miles.
That sounds like a good pace in a trail for 50 miles
I did 44km trail. Missed a path and did 2km more in trail marathon. Fun stuff
Never gonna do this but ill watch
Ran 4.2k last week and felt like I had just done 3 laps of earth
Its true ...a flight of stairs is a marathon when we are unfit. And 26 miles is possible when we are fit .
Traditional velodrome bikes do not have brakes Joe. And only one speed/gear. They are as light as possible and built for speed.
Those eyes have seen a lot of running
Fascinating interview. The technical planning of every level is intense!
nice pog
3:20 I get that feeling with a hangover but fair enough
A bit late here, but have you guys ever seen a high school or college Cross Country team, or Googled Eliud Kipchoge?
I used to live in Silverton and watched people come back from running 100 miles - through the mountains - in one day for the Hardrock. It takes a special kind of person.
Where is the full interview
His favorite word is *'Fascinating'*
You should interview some of the Barklrey Marathon finishers.
Come to AZ and do the Cocodona 250. My goal for next year.
Joe Rogan gets it. His questions and interest in this sport is admirable. I wish he’d have Anthony Kunkel on
there is a race known as the 'Sri Chimnoy Self Transcendent Race' that covers 3,000 miles. in order to finish within the time limit runners must complete 52 miles a day (two full marathons) for 50 straight days. the best runner in the race's history completed 3 marathons a day for 42 straight days-for his accomplishment he was awarded a t-shirt.
-"for his accomplishment he was awarded a t-shirt." LOL
Actually way back in the day, New York had the New York 1000 and was seeing who could do 100 miles a day for 10 days. This is some awesome stuff!
I’m only on my third bodybuilding show but it’s the same. Morning after both first and second show I quit. I was in the gym by lunch 😂
I’m prepping for a marathon right now . Shit is hard . Longest I ever did was 14 miles
After about 27 miles you go to a different place in your mind, it’s a weird feeling. You don’t need to be the fittest or fastest to get to that place. It’s like free therapy.
Joe should totally get Lazarus Lake on, the Barkley Marathons is probably the most gruelling in the sport, and Cantrell is a fascinating guy
Did the pct and at only 2 yr apart and I am ready to do the pct again