Podcast Summary
Discover functional drinkware and holistic wellness products: Camelback's new vacuum insulated Thrive Drinkware keeps beverages secure, Boncharge's infrared sauna blanket offers easy, effective wellness benefits, and an ultrarunner's 450-mile achievement inspires us to push beyond our limits.
Functional and good-looking everyday essentials, like Camelback's new vacuum insulated Thrive Drinkware, can make a significant difference in our daily lives. Camelback, known for their hydration backpacks, now offers leak-proof and vacuum-sealed drinkware, ensuring beverages stay secure during on-the-go activities. Boncharge, another sponsor, provides evidence-based holistic wellness products, such as an infrared sauna blanket, which offers the same benefits as a traditional sauna but with lower heat and easier setup. The discussion also highlighted the determination and resilience of an ultrarunner who completed an unprecedented 450-mile race in 4.5 days, reminding us of our own capabilities to go further than we think.
Experience new challenges for mental and physical growth: Immerse in unique events for personal growth and improved health, including intense sauna sessions and cold plunges, and test endurance with races like Biggs Backyard Ultra.
Immersing oneself in new experiences, such as participating in a unique running event like Biggs Backyard Ultra, can provide significant mental and physical benefits. The energy from the community and the challenging environment can lead to positive momentum and personal growth. The combination of intense sauna sessions and cold plunges, for instance, can improve both physical health and mental well-being. Although attending such events may require effort and time commitment, the rewards can be substantial. Biggs Backyard Ultra, in particular, is a race that tests one's endurance and resilience, as every runner must cover 4.167 miles every hour for 24 hours to complete 100 miles. This self-serving yet inspiring concept was brought to life by Laz Lake, who drew motivation from his high school days and has since become a legendary figure in the world of ultrarunning.
The Enigmatic Creator of Big's Backyard Ultra: NASA scientist's son Lazarus Lake defies stereotypes with his innovative hourly-based ultra-running event, attracting over 20,000 participants and inspiring a global following, while maintaining a humble, generous spirit and a dream of giving $1,000,000 to charity.
Lazarus Lake, the enigmatic figure behind the ultra-running phenomenon known as the Big's Backyard Ultra, defies expectations. With a background as a NASA scientist's son, a perfect ACT score, and a history of coaching local sports teams, Lazarus challenges the stereotype of a backwoods survivalist. His unique, hourly-based race format, which has spread globally and gained popularity during the pandemic, is a testament to his innovative spirit. The backyard ultra, which started as a local event, has now attracted over 20,000 participants and more people completing 100-mile races in this format than all others combined. The race's simplicity and gamified nature make it accessible to a wide audience, and the live streaming coverage adds an exciting new dimension to the ultra-running experience. Despite his intellectual accomplishments, Lazarus maintains a humble, generous spirit, with a dream of giving $1,000,000 to charity. His unique blend of intellect, generosity, and innovation continues to captivate and inspire the running community.
Jesse Hansen's Instagram Stories Spark Global Attention for 2021 Spartathlon Race: Runner Jesse Hansen's constant promotion on Instagram stories created a global phenomenon for the 2021 Spartathlon ultra race, inspiring a record-breaking number of participants and capturing mainstream media attention.
The 2021 Spartathlon ultra race, which took place from September 24 to 27, gained significant global attention due to the unwavering enthusiasm of runner Jesse Hansen. Hansen's constant promotion on social media, particularly Instagram stories, sparked a groundswell movement that drew people from all over the world, many of whom had no prior connection to ultra running. The race, which had no frills, prize money, or mainstream sponsors, captured the imagination of the world, leading to mainstream press coverage on CNN and The Guardian. The unique race format, which caused a continual build of interest as more people tuned in each day, was compared to a Christopher Nolan movie or even the ultra distance version of Squid Game. Hansen himself completed the 450-mile race just before 7 a.m. on October 25, and his accomplishment was made possible in part by the efforts of other runners, particularly a young Canadian Ukrainian runner named Eeyore, who made it to 450 miles and pushed Hansen to finish. The race saw a record-breaking number of runners go over 300 miles, demonstrating the ripple effect of each runner's success pushing others further.
A tough competition against Laz during the Canadian Death Race: Mental resilience and determination were crucial in a grueling 107-lap race, with the winner focusing on time management, short naps, and strong determination to edge out a rival.
During the Canadian Death Race in Alberta, the speaker faced a tough competition against Laz, who finished 2 hours ahead of him despite their similar physical abilities. The race, which involved climbing several mountains, tested both their endurance and mental strength. The speaker managed to emerge victorious by focusing on being hyper-calculated with his time during the final stages of the race, taking short naps to recharge, and maintaining a strong determination to keep going. A notable moment occurred during the penultimate lap when the speaker sprinted off the line to send a message to Laz that he was still in the race. Despite this, Laz put in a strong effort and almost caught up, but the speaker ultimately finished first in the 107-lap race. The mental resilience and determination displayed by both runners highlight the importance of mental fortitude in endurance races.
Mental focus and determination in endurance races: Despite physical exhaustion and lack of sleep, determination and mental focus helped the speaker set new records in endurance races.
Determination and mental focus played a significant role in the speaker's success in endurance races, even when faced with challenges such as lack of sleep and physical exhaustion. The speaker shared personal experiences of pushing through tough times, including during the race where they went for three days without sleep, and how they were able to finally get some rest and recharge on the fourth night. The speaker also mentioned the importance of preparation and practice, but in the moment of the race, their unwavering determination was the key to their success. Additionally, the speaker shared a past experience in Australia where they faced similar challenges with sleep and set a new world record despite the obstacles. Overall, the speaker's message emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and perseverance in achieving goals, even when faced with adversity.
The human body and mind's extraordinary capabilities during ultra-running: Ultra-running pushes limits, leading to hallucinations, but also extraordinary experiences. Sleep deprivation significantly impacts hallucinations. Squarespace simplifies website creation, and AG 1 offers essential nutrients for energy.
Ultra-running pushes the human body and mind to their limits, leading to extraordinary experiences. The runner in this discussion reached 375 miles but had to drop out due to sleep deprivation and dehydration. Afterward, he encountered intense hallucinations, a result of his brain releasing DMT. Despite the hallucinations, he remained aware and unscared. This experience, though challenging, left him considering the possibility of running through it again. Meanwhile, Squarespace offers an easy and affordable solution for creating a beautiful and customizable website, enabling individuals to launch their businesses with ease. Additionally, consistently incorporating AG 1 into one's daily routine can provide essential nutrients and energy, even when dietary choices may not be optimal. Despite the runner's sleep deprivation during the ultra-running event, he did not encounter hallucinations, indicating that the extent and duration of sleep loss significantly impact the occurrence of hallucinations. This discussion highlights the remarkable capabilities of the human body and mind when faced with extreme challenges.
The human capacity to endure is greater than we believe: Through years of building endurance and pushing past perceived limits, we can achieve feats we never imagined possible.
The human capability to endure and push beyond perceived limits is vastly greater than we often believe. Harvey, an ultra-runner with decades of experience, shared his experience of running for over 200 miles in a race, a feat he could have never imagined when he started running ultras at 20. He described entering a dreamlike state during the race, where his thoughts were uncontrollable, and time seemed to distort. This experience was not a result of luck or genetics, but rather the result of years of building endurance and the ability to endure sleep deprivation. Harvey's journey shows us that our mindset and belief in our capabilities play a significant role in what we can achieve. No matter what our pursuits, we are capable of going much further than we imagine.
Setting personal goals and pushing beyond them leads to unexpected achievements: Through dedication, focus, proper training, nutrition, and self-awareness, setting personal goals and pushing beyond them can lead to significant improvements and unexpected achievements, even as you age.
Setting personal goals and continuously pushing yourself beyond them can lead to unexpected achievements, even as you age. The speaker in this conversation shares their experience of envisioning themselves as a slower marathoner, but through dedication and focus, they were able to improve their time significantly. They also express the possibility of continuing to set new goals and potentially breaking through even further. Additionally, the importance of proper training, nutrition, and self-awareness in endurance events is emphasized, as small oversights can have significant impacts on performance.
Proper Nutrition and Training for Endurance Racing: Consuming easy-to-digest foods, practicing in extreme conditions, and focusing on protein intake and efficient digestion are key to performing well in endurance races without digestive issues. Recovery and conditioning are also essential.
Proper nutrition and training play a crucial role in endurance racing, allowing athletes to perform at high levels for extended periods and minimize the risk of digestive and physical issues. Harvey Lewis, an experienced ultrarunner, shares his experience of consuming large amounts of calories during the 4.5-day, 350-mile race, Big's Backyard Ultra, without encountering digestive problems. He attributes his success to practicing consumption of various easy-to-digest foods, including plant-based options, in extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, Lewis emphasizes the importance of protein intake and conditioning the body to digest food efficiently. Recovery is also crucial, with athletes adapting to more frequent racing and shorter rest periods.
The Importance of Movement in Recovery: Moving after intense physical activities, even if it's just a slow walk, is crucial for recovery and overall well-being. Incorporating movement into daily routine, whether through high-intensity workouts or simple walks, is essential for our bodies.
Movement, especially after intense physical activities like ultras, plays a crucial role in recovery and overall well-being. The speaker shares his personal experience of the importance of moving, even if it's just a slow walk, the day after a race. He emphasizes that not moving can be more painful than moving. The speaker also mentions his personal running streak, which he maintains by running a slow mile the day after a race. He believes that movement is essential for our bodies, whether it's through high-intensity workouts or simple walks. The speaker also values walking, especially when training for big races, and incorporates it into his training routine. He also mentions the benefits of walking with friends and how it can be an effective way to build up to a big race. The speaker's training is not structured with a coach or a definitive plan, but rather flexible and adaptable to his schedule and mood. Overall, the importance of movement, especially after intense physical activities, is a key takeaway from the discussion.
Balancing planning and enjoyment in ultra running: Successful ultra runners plan intentionally but also embrace the joy and adventure of the sport, allowing anyone to grow into a strong runner with dedication and love.
Successful ultra runners like the speaker and Courtney Dauwalter approach their sport with a balance of intentional planning and enjoyment of the experience. They have weekly and race-specific plans, but also prioritize their love for running, people, and nature. Despite their competitive nature, they value the adventure and fun of the sport, even if they're not at the front of the pack. The speaker emphasizes that anyone can grow into a strong runner with dedication and a love for the sport, regardless of their past experiences or perceived limitations.
Harvey's Unique Spirit Animals: Ultra-running is more than physical endurance; it's about love for community, nature, and pushing oneself. Harvey's unique experiences, discipline, and 'killer instinct' set him apart. His spirit animals, including the honey badger, Mongolian horse, and monarch butterfly, represent his resilience and ability to defy expectations.
The drive and determination in ultra-running goes beyond just the physical ability to endure long distances. Harvey and Courtney, like many ultra-runners, share a love for the community, nature, and the challenge of pushing themselves. However, what sets Harvey apart is his unique combination of experiences, discipline, and the hidden "killer instinct" that keeps him going even when things get tough. Harvey's spirit animals, including the honey badger, Mongolian horse, and monarch butterfly, represent his ability to defy expectations and keep going despite seemingly insurmountable odds. The monarch butterfly, in particular, is a reminder of the tiny, fragile thing that can go all the way from Canada to Mexico, embodying the magic and resilience that Harvey brings to his ultra-running adventures.
Using an alter ego to boost performance: Imagining and embracing an alter ego can provide a psychological boost, helping individuals push through challenges and find new energy and focus during difficult tasks. Support from others can also play a crucial role in maintaining a positive mindset and belief in one's abilities.
Having a strong alter ego or character can significantly boost performance and help individuals push through challenges. This was evident in the speaker's experience during an ultra-marathon, where stepping into the persona of Wolverine helped him find an extra gear and overcome fatigue. The psychological benefit of this transformation was powerful, providing a new energy and focus that helped him keep going even when his body was tired. Additionally, the support and encouragement from his crew members played a crucial role in maintaining his positive mindset and belief in his ability to be the last person standing. Overall, the use of imagination, creativity, and the power of positive reinforcement can be game-changers in achieving personal goals and overcoming obstacles.
Exploring the Depths of the Mind through Physical Discomfort: Through challenging physical experiences, we can reach a state of deep relaxation and acceptance, unlocking new dimensions of the mind and human capacity.
The speaker describes a transformative experience during a boxing session, where he reached a state of profound relaxation and acceptance despite the physical discomfort. He compares this experience to exploring the depths of the mind, beyond the typical conversation around endurance activities. The speaker also expresses a desire to continue pushing past comfort zones and discovering what lies beyond. In a different context, the speaker shares his appreciation for the convenience and benefits of using Plunge's hot and cold therapy tub and sauna, which he uses daily for improved physical and mental well-being. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of exploring new experiences, whether physical or mental, to discover new dimensions of the human capacity.
The mind-body connection in endurance racing: Understanding the balance between mental determination and physical rest is crucial in endurance racing, allowing individuals to push their boundaries while appreciating the human capacity for resilience.
The mind and body connection during endurance races can be complex. The mind may want to keep pushing, but the body eventually surrenders and requires rest. The 31100 race in Queens, New York, is an example of a long-distance running event where participants aim to self-transcend by running around a city block until reaching 3,100 miles. This spiritual pursuit has deep roots in New York City's running culture, with figures like Sri Chinmoy influencing notable runners. However, committing to such an event requires significant time and resources, making it a considerable undertaking for those with full-time jobs or other commitments. Ultimately, the balance between mental determination and physical rest is crucial in endurance racing, and understanding this dynamic can lead to a deeper appreciation of the human capacity for pushing boundaries.
Running fuels Harvey's teaching passion: Harvey, a dedicated runner and teacher, values the physical, social, and self-actualization benefits of running, and plans to continue influencing students through new projects.
For Harvey, running and teaching are two integral parts of his life that nourish each other. He has built a strong loyalty towards his current brand, Newton, and would consider taking a leave of absence instead of fully retiring from teaching. His reasons for running go beyond just the physical benefits; it also provides social connections and a sense of achievement. He aims to use his influence to impact more students, either through creating a program or a running travel TV show. Despite facing criticism, Harvey is driven by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, including the physical, social, and self-actualization aspects of running.
Discovering Meaning Through Nature and Giving Back: The speaker finds joy and connection through collecting pebbles, experiencing nature, and giving back to his community, believing in their spiritual power to improve both himself and others' lives.
The speaker finds meaning and connection through collecting pebbles from his running shoes, experiencing the natural world, and giving back to his community. He believes in the spiritual power of these experiences and the impact they have on both himself and others. Additionally, he is passionate about promoting health and wellness, particularly in areas where resources are limited, and strives to be a role model for others. Ultimately, he sees his personal journey as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and improve the overall quality of life for those around him.
Understanding personal motivations for endurance races: Exploring the complex reasons behind pushing oneself in endurance races can lead to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the human spirit.
The drive to push oneself to extreme limits in endurance races can stem from various motivations, including the social aspect, love for nature, and the desire to raise funds for a cause. However, there might be deeper reasons that propel individuals beyond these goals, possibly an inherent belief in their abilities and a desire to explore their physical and mental limits. These motivations can be complex and multifaceted, leading to different experiences and emotions during the race. Ultimately, the journey towards understanding one's why can lead to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the human spirit.
Teamwork and unity lead to remarkable achievements: Effective teamwork and unity can help surpass records and make the journey more efficient, even during challenging experiences like long-distance races.
Effective teamwork and unity can lead to remarkable achievements, even during challenging experiences like long-distance races. The speaker shared a memorable experience of running in a cohesive group, which not only made the journey more efficient but also added a strategic element to their progress. This sense of camaraderie resulted in a significant milestone for the team, surpassing a previous record by 22 people, seven of whom were part of their group. While the speaker acknowledged that Harvey, a significant figure in her life, can be evasive at times, she emphasized his genuine desire to make a positive impact on others' lives as his primary motivation. Their unique relationship, despite the distance between them and their different training styles, has never been hindered by his commitment to running.
Balancing Life's Challenges with Running and Support from Community: Despite juggling teaching, caring for his mother, and maintaining a long-term relationship, the person finds resilience and determination through ultrarunning and the connections he forms with others.
The person being discussed leads a multifaceted life, balancing teaching, running, caring for his mother, and maintaining a long-term relationship. Despite the challenges, he finds connections and support from those around him, which enables him to persevere through difficult situations. The person's involvement in ultrarunning serves as a metaphor for his resilience and determination, as he pushes through adversity and finds strength in the connections he forms with others, even when they're running in different places. The person's ability to execute races despite less-than-ideal training situations highlights his remarkable resilience and adaptability.
Harvey's unique approach to training and racing: Harvey's intuitive mindset and focus on psychology set him apart from others in his field, allowing him to celebrate achievements and use setbacks for growth.
Harvey's unique mindset and tenacity separate him from others in his field. His approach to training and racing is intuitive and not regimented, focusing more on psychology than specific routines. He celebrates every achievement, no matter the outcome, and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. The discussion also highlighted Harvey's experience with ultrarunning and the challenge of depth perception during long races. Despite the difficulty, Harvey remains determined and unyielding, embodying the spirit of a honey badger rather than a monarch. This mindset has served him well in his races, allowing him to push through adversity and maintain a positive attitude.
Finding meaning beyond yourself: Finding a reason greater than yourself can help push through challenges and maintain a positive mindset, as seen in racing experiences, coaching, and the international success of Squid Game.
Finding a reason greater than yourself can help you push through challenges and keep you motivated, even when things don't go as planned. This was evident in the speaker's experience at the Biggs race, where despite finishing third, they found joy in contributing to Phil Gore's world record and learning valuable lessons. Similarly, in coaching, encouraging athletes to focus on something outside of themselves can help them persevere during tough times. The international phenomenon of Squid Game also showcases this idea, as the show's massive success inspired Netflix to create a reality version of the game. The speaker's involvement in this project, which they couldn't discuss until now, further highlights the power of finding meaning beyond oneself. Overall, these experiences demonstrate the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and finding motivation in unexpected places.
A woman unexpectedly joins a reality show based on 'Squid Game': A woman with a background in endurance sports applies for and participates in a reality show inspired by 'Squid Game', experiencing the surreal nature of TV production and finding fulfillment despite manipulation and isolation.
A middle-aged woman named [Name], who was not a big TV watcher but was drawn to the psychological thriller "Squid Game," unexpectedly applied for and was cast in the largest reality show in TV history, which was based on the original series. With a prize pot of $4.56 million, the show involved extensive background checks, psychological evaluations, and isolation of contestants before filming. The challenges were simulated as closely as possible to the show without the dying part. [Name]'s background in endurance athletics helped and hindered her during the competition. The experience was surreal, and she was recognized by her students and others in her community after the show's release. Despite the disorienting nature of reality TV and being manipulated on camera, she found the sets to be amazing and felt fulfilled by the experience. The show, which was filmed in London, became a global success on Netflix, and [Name] even considered applying for season 2 but ultimately decided against it.
Harvey's approach to dealing with lazy people: Harvey motivates and encourages the lazy positively, especially with children and students. With close friends, he uses a passive-aggressive method to gently push them out of their lazy habits. McConaughey and Heder were suggested for casting due to their quirky and dynamic performances.
Harvey, being a compassionate and encouraging person, handles lazy people in his inner circle by using a subtle, nudging approach. He tries to motivate and encourage them positively, especially when dealing with children or students. However, when it comes to close friends, he uses a more passive-aggressive method to gently push them out of their lazy habits. As for casting Harvey in a Hollywood movie, both Matthew McConaughey and John Heder were suggested due to their quirky and dynamic performances. McConaughey's energy and ability to transcend different characters were seen as fitting for Harvey's unique personality. Overall, Harvey's approach to dealing with lazy people and his quirky nature make for an interesting and inspiring figure.
Balancing darkness and light for personal growth: Write down your goals, find accountability, and start routines for physical and mental well-being to unlock full potential and drive positive change.
Running and setting achievable goals are key to unlocking our full potential and driving positive change in our lives. The discussion highlighted the importance of finding the right balance between darkness and light within ourselves, as represented by figures like a younger Billy Bob Thornton and Ron Howard. To help those who struggle with change, the end of the year and setting new goals is an ideal time to start. Establishing routines, such as yoga or meditation, can provide powerful benefits for both physical and mental well-being. However, taking the initial action to start a new routine is often the biggest challenge. Instead of waiting for motivation, it's essential to make a commitment to ourselves and show up consistently, even when we don't feel like it. By putting our goals down in writing and finding accountability, we can create a sense of purpose and drive towards growth in various areas of our lives.
Action leads to motivation and growth: Taking action, even when not motivated, leads to personal growth and success. Emotions follow actions, not the other way around.
Developing the reflex to take action, even when we don't feel motivated or excited about it, is crucial for personal growth and success. Mood follows action, not the other way around. This can be particularly important for educators looking to inspire students and expand their learning experiences through immersive, experiential situations. These types of experiences can create a powerful emotional connection and set the trajectory for future growth. It's not always easy to welcome discomfort and uncertainty, but the rewards can be significant. As Harvey Irons once said, "action first, thoughts, feelings, and perceptions follow."
Impacting Lives Globally: The Rich Roll Podcast inspires listeners in over 100 countries to make positive changes in their lives through engaging conversations with guests, sponsor support, and community engagement.
The impact of the podcast extends far beyond the hosts and guests, reaching listeners in over 100 countries. The conversation between Rich Roll and his guests resonates with people around the world, inspiring them to make positive changes in their lives. The podcast's success is a team effort, with the support of sponsors like Camelback, and the dedication of the production team. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by signing up for the newsletter, supporting sponsors, sharing episodes, and purchasing related merchandise and books. The podcast continues to inspire and make a difference in people's lives, creating a global community of individuals striving for personal growth and positive change.
