Ryan Hall's Blog, page 186

7 Reasons Why a Running Camp is Exactly What You Need Right Now

Photo: Courtesy of Eleven Salomon Running Experience

Already taking into account the cost of gear and race registrations, the idea of attending a running camp may sound gratuitous. Then again, if running is your favorite hobby, sanity-saver or a way to keep the doctor away, a “runcation” may be exactly what you need. Think of it as a chance to get better at the sport you love, a way to meet interesting people (or connect with family and friends) and enjoy a vacation with a fitness twist.

Here’s seven reasons why you should consider a running camp or runcation with examples to inspire you.

RELATED: 6 Adult Running Camp Escapes to Recharge Your Running

Learn something new

Reading about different running techniques in a book, magazine or online is one thing. But learning in person from trained instructors makes for a more meaningful and impactful learning experience. Not only do you learn from the pros, but watching others and practicing as you learn also gives you the opportunity to understand techniques and ask questions as you go.

If you want to run with less effort, are injured or just stuck in a plateau, it may be time to shake up your running form. At the ChiRunning Retreat (June 25-30, $865 for tuition, meals and dormitory accommodations) at Kripalu in Stockbridge, Mass., ChiRunning Founder Danny Deyer and certified instructors share the ChiRunning principles of good biomechanics imbued with the wisdom of T’ai Chi. From going faster with less effort and the possibility of resolving lingering injuries, this program is for runners of all ages and abilities.

Go someplace exotic

Photo: Courtesy of Northern Iceland Mindful Running Retreat

Registering for a running camp or runcation is a no-stress way to run while traveling—you get to explore someplace interesting and the trip organizer(s) handle the details. You may have to figure out your own flight, but that’s easy compared to determining running routes, lodging, transportation and food in a foreign land, especially if you don’t speak the language.

In addition to guided runs, instructional sessions, gourmet meals, whale watching and a massage, the ladies-only, Northern Iceland Mindful Running Retreat (August 17-21, 2017; $6,800 per person double occupancy) includes a pre-trip training program, assistance with travel plans and a detailed list of what to pack. Daily runs average 5-9 miles a day along pristine trails, with afternoons and evenings spent enjoying delicious food, spa treatments and enlightening, run-centric programs.

Push yourself

It’s easy to get in a rut—whether you lost your running verve, are getting slower or think you need a push, a running camp is the perfect opportunity to break out of your comfort zone in a safe way. Whether you want to learn how to tackle technical trails and run at altitude or focus on your technique and stride it out with other like-minded folks, there’s a camp for you.

The Eleven Salomon Running Experience (June 22-25, $2,100 for early bird registration) brings running enthusiasts together with experts from Team Salomon in the laidback mountain town of Crested Butte, Colo., for four days of running and relaxing. According to the website, if you can run 6 miles, you’ll enjoy this program. In addition to daily runs and talks, chef prepared meals, and resort accommodations, attendees have time to explore Crested Butte. Optional activities include bike rides, climbing, massages or a night out on the town.

VIDEO: Getaway at a Luxurious Trail Running Camp in Colorado

Go on an adventure

Esplanade Traverse, Photo: Bruno Long

If the idea of a point-to-point run sounds intriguing, but the logistics seem overwhelming, you aren’t alone. For example, those grand supported adventures professional athletes often enjoy, but seem largely unattainable for the rest of us.

Magi Scallion, the race director from the Golden Ultra in British Columbia, agrees. Which is why she organized the helicopter-supported, Esplanade Traverse (July 16-21, $2,000 CAD—roughly $1,535 USD—includes guides, helicopter transport, lodging and meals) through Canada’s Esplanade mountain range. Billed as “adventure with a touch of luxury,” runners are transported to the starting point by helicopter, then run from location to location, with gear carried on by the helicopter—meaning plenty of trail running with no roughing it.

Expand your mind and recharge in a weekend

Rarely do you have an entire weekend to run. Runs are usually fit in between kids’ sporting events and activities, cutting the grass—again–and social commitments. So spending a weekend in a beautiful place, with the opportunity to rest, run and even expand your mind is the treat you didn’t know you needed.

During the Weekend Body+Soul Transformation seminar (April 28-30, $448 for dormitory accommodations), shaman and healer Brant Secunda and winning Ironman triathlete Mark Allen guide participants through the principles outlined in their book “Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.” While not specifically a running camp, there is plenty of time for running and yoga, plus you’ll hear from Allen himself about his legendary training and racing breakthrough and how to get faster by slowing down. They also offer a program in Santa Cruz, Calif., in February.

Get Race Ready

Face it, training for a race can be a lonely road. Luckily, many large races have training programs, and local events often have running groups. Or you can go to a camp specifically tailored to your race distance.

For those with the Boston Marathon on their calendar, The McMillan Running Boston Marathon Prep Camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., (February 17-20, $599) will have you raring to race. Throughout the four-day weekend, the program includes runs, course-specific tips, race nutrition and more, plus entry into the Arizona Half Marathon to test your fitness eight weeks out from the big day.

Train Like (and With) an Ultrarunner

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Mountain Ultrarunning Camp

There are so many elements to running an ultra—the distances, fueling, crew, training for crazy terrain—that newbies and experienced ultrarunners alike can always learn something new. Discussion boards and forums certainly help, but, once again, the best way to improve is often through immersion—even better if it’s with others well-versed in the sport.

And that is why Geoff Roes founded the Alaska Mountain Ultrarunning Camp (July 20-26 with special guest Joe Grant, $1,575 including lodging, meals and five days of guided running) in Juneau, Alaska. With long days on technical trails (think lots of vertical) exploring the Tongass National Forest, this is where to go if you’re training for a 100-mile race. “Running an ultra is certainly possible if you are not enjoying it, but 99 times out of 100 it’s going to go a lot better if you are,” says Geoff Roes, camp founder and 2009/2010 Ultrarunner of the Year. “We really try to send people home feeling like they have learned some things to help them more thoroughly enjoy their next race or next long run.”

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You’ve Blown Your New Year’s Resolutions, Now What?

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Proclamations, promises, and lofty goals come fast and easy in the waning hours of Dec. 31. Yet, early January enthusiasm tends to take a big dip about the same time you’re eyeing a tasty box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. You may also find yourself reaching for the potato chips more often than your running shoes. Don’t despair. First, enjoy one or two chocolates (but perhaps not the entire box). Then read our collection of insights from a nutritionist, a coach and a sports psychologist—no, this is not the beginning of a joke– about how to be your best runner self. Spoiler alert: all three agree that flexibility is essential!

RELATED: 8 Tips to Stay Motivated Throughout the Year

Nutrition
Don’t sweat the small stuff

According to Torey Armul, a registered dietitian and board certified specialist in sports dietetics based in Columbus, Ohio, one of the biggest reasons that diets fail is because they feel too restrictive, or they don’t jive with your busy lifestyle. A healthy diet still allows room for flexibility, imperfection and your favorite foods occasionally. Choose a realistic approach to eating well the majority of the time, staying active and not sweating the small stuff.

Focus on more

A smart approach is to focus on what you can eat MORE of—consume more fruits and vegetables, healthy omega-3 fats, beans, legumes, seeds, nuts and whole grains at every meal, recommends Armul. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, have high nutrient density but low caloric density, so you can actually eat more food at each meal. Plus, it feels less restrictive than focusing on the foods you shouldn’t eat.

Protein, fiber and fat

Each meal should have three components: a protein, a fiber, and a healthy fat. “These nutrients are ideal for optimal health, athletic performance, weight control and fullness after a meal,” Armul says. Before enjoying your first bite of a meal, she recommends taking a quick scan of your plate to see if you’ve checked all three boxes. Snacks should have two of the three to truly fill you up between meals and provide fuel for workouts.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Improve Your Daily Diet and Eat Cleaner

Training
Switch up the stimulus

When someone plateaus, falls off the fitness wagon or is otherwise discouraged with how their training is going, more often than not it’s because their training has gotten too repetitive, stale and boring, says Mario Fraioli, head coach of Ekiden. Take a break from your usual routine and mix in different workouts for new challenges. For example, if you’re sick of slogging through a long run on Sunday, try a tempo run, which is lower volume but higher intensity; or if running around in circles at a track every Tuesday night is making you crazy, try a hill workout instead.

Schedule a date

If you end up doing most of your training alone, it can be easy to bag a workout when you’re feeling tired, the weather is less-than-ideal or the day just gets away from you—Fraioli is a coach and a runner, so he knows such things! To combat the apathy, he encourages clients to schedule runs and workouts—especially those they have a hard time getting excited about—with a friend or training partner. Keep each other accountable. It can be easy to bail on yourself but when a good friend is waiting outside your door before the dawn to log some miles, it’s a lot harder to stay in the house.

RELATED: 9 Ways to Improve Your Fitness for the Year

Mental Toughness
Win with wiggle room

“We often set goals thinking we are going to be perfect and that life will run smoothly,” says Dr. Jeffrey Brown, best-selling author of “The Runner’s Brain” and a Harvard Medical School psychologist. “Hindsight proves us wrong every time.” Brown encourages athletes to allow flexibility when needed. Fitness goals aren’t supposed to create anxiety or feelings of failure. Goals and training plans usually include some wiggle room, and, as Brown noted, you’re still moving when you wiggle!

Set goals, goals and more goals

Set a new goal every week or every month, or even every day. “Meeting one goal will spur you on to meet the next,” Brown says. “Kind of like building up steam, but this time you’re building up sweat.”

Once you have goals, redefine them

You will be smarter about yourself and your fitness habits the more you work at it. Which means, it’s imperative to revisit and redefine target goals as the year progresses. “One of your goals should be to make your goals more attainable, but still challenging, affirming, motivating, and customizing your effort, all in one punch,” Brown concludes.

RELATED: Is Your Mental Game Keeping You From a Time Goal?

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Picky Bars Debuts New Flavor “Chai and Catch Me” in Cute Ad

Photo: Courtesy of Picky Bars

Picky Bars just debuted their newest flavor, and did so by releasing this incredibly cute video ad. Jesse Thomas, one of the founders of the Oregon-based energy bar company and professional triathlete, appears in the ad with his young son, Jude, who grabs the new bar and runs off with it while performing a myriad of outdoor sports. Meanwhile, the giggling youngster is chased by a cyclist, climber, skier, and then finally caught in the arms of his father. It’s a clever visual for the new flavor’s name, “Chai and Catch Me,” in which Jude adorably repeats throughout the video.

The ingredients and recipe for Chai and Catch Me were hand-selected and crafted by co-founder Lauren Fleshman. The new flavor contains a blend of hazelnut and almond butter in the base with sweet additions of maple and vanilla that are balanced by chai-inspired spices (cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger), which also boast a host of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.

The final product is now available online at pickybars.com and will soon be available in select Picky Bars retail locations, including REI, and other natural grocery and sports specialty retailers across the country.

RELATED: Picky Bars Collaborates with Elyse Kopecky to Develop New Fuel Products

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Neely Spence Gracey Wins Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon

Photo: Photorun.net

In the dawn before Sunday’s Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon, Neely Spence Gracey broke out a black marker and printed three words on the top of her left hand.

Attitude. Believe. Commit.

The ABC’s, she calls the message.

“I want the attitude right from the beginning that this is a race. Stay focused,” she said. “Believe I could do it. Believe in my training. Believe in myself. And when things get hard, know I committed to this.”

On a picturesque morning that began with temperatures in the mid-60s, the self encouragement worked wonders as Spence Gracey immediately sped to the front of the women’s race, winning in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 2 seconds.

For the 26-year-old from Boulder, Colo., it’s the second fastest half marathon of her career, exceeded only by her 1:09:59 at Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia in 2015.

“The goal was to come out and run a hard effort,” Spence Gracey said. “And I accomplished that.”

Tori Tyler of Oakland, Calif., finished second in 1:18:25.

In the men’s half marathon, Jack St. Marie of San Diego broke the tape in 1:09:04. David Smith of Houston took second in 1:10:19.

Spence Gracey is coming off an impressive 2016 season. She made her marathon debut last year at Boston, finishing ninth overall and as the top American in 2:35. She came back in November to place eighth at the New York City Marathon in 2:34:55.

After New York, she took two weeks off, enjoying a European cruise with her husband. The break has agreed with her.

She won Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona last month in 1:12:39. In defending her title at New Orleans, Spence Gracey bettered last year’s time by three minutes and 18 seconds.

“By taking time off, my fitness has definitely come around faster,” she said.

It seems that a successful career in running has always been Spence Gracey’s fate. Her father, Steve Spence, won the 1992 Olympic Marathon Trials, then finished 12th at the Barcelona Games. Spence Gracey was born on the day her father ran the 94th Boston Marathon.

She has become a Rock ‘n’ Roll regular, her blonde ponytail sashaying from side to side at the front of the women’s field.

“My favorite part of Rock ‘n’ Roll is the awesome energy,” she said. “It relaxes the environment. Everyone’s here just to have a good time. I really enjoy coming and getting to be a part of the party.”

The 13.1-mile route passed southern mansions and dipped below massive oak trees. Beads hung from trees and trolley-car wires—as one would expect in the Big Easyjazz—while the music from curbside bands filled the air.

Between Saturday’s 5K and Sunday’s 10K, half marathon and marathon, more than 20,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes hit the streets of New Orleans.

In the men’s marathon, Clay Emge of Tyler, Texas, took first in 2:34:15. Hannah Cooling won the women’s marathon in 2:50:28.

On a course that’s nearly ironing-board flat, Spence Gracey got a kick out of a sign late in the race that read, “This is the last hill.” But she showed her grit and focus. Her final mile was her fastest: 5:09.

Spence Gracey is passing on a spring marathon this year, hoping to set a personal record in the half marathon. She’s targeting a fall marathon, most likely in Berlin or Chicago.

As for inking the words attitude, believe and commit on her left hand, that began last month with her Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon victory:

“I’m trying to take my running to the next level,” she said. “It’s the little details that help make that happen. It’s something to remind me why I’m doing this. When sometimes you question yourself on the course.

“Those words are important. They remind me to stay focused, stay engaged in the moment. It helps me get that little extra out of myself.”

PHOTOS: Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Race Day

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Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Race Day Photos

More than 20,000 runners took part in the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon & 1/2 Marathon starting with a brand new 5K on Saturday in City Park. The streets of the Big Easy were turned into a 26.2 mile block party as runners helped themselves to king cake and Jell-O shots along the course in one of Runner’s World’s most fun marathons. Local favorites, Big Freedia and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band entertained and celebrated runners at the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert series at the finish line festival. Neely Spence Gracey repeated as the first female in the half marathon finishing in 1:11:02 Jack St Marie took first for the men with 1:09:04. In the marathon, Clay Emge crossed first in 2:34:15 with Hannah Cooling topping the podium for the women in 2:50:28.

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Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans 5K Photos

The inaugural Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans 5K presented by Brooks took place this morning in City Park kicking off race weekend in the Big Easy. For the first time ever, the Carnival season event featured a Remix Challenge with two days of running continuing to Sunday where the marathon, half marathon, and 10K will take runners on a scenic tour of New Orleans.

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World Premiere Tickets for “BOSTON” Marathon Documentary to Go On Sale

After the release of a teaser trailer almost a year ago, the first feature-length documentary film about the Boston Marathon is finally coming to theaters. “BOSTON,” produced by LA Roma Films and directed by Jon Dunham, the award-winning filmmaker of the “Spirit of the Marathon” films, will tell the rich story of the Boston Marathon from its beginning in 1897 to present day. The film will chronicle the growth, change, triumph and tragedy of the iconic race, demonstrating how it has both reflected and catalyzed social change.

The world premiere will take place on One Boston Day, April 15, two days before the 121st running of the Boston Marathon, at the Boch Center Wang Theater. Tickets for the general public go on sale on Feb. 4, and can be purchased here for an exclusive first viewing of the film. A portion of every ticket sold will go toward supporting the creation of a new Boston park, named in honor of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. For more information on the park or to donate, go to their CrowdRise page.

If you’re unable to attend the world premiere, “BOSTON” will be released in cinemas across North America on April 19.

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Fuel Tips and Recipes to Get You Through Winter

Neely Spence Gracey's Sweet Potato Crust Recovery Quiche. Photo: Courtesy of Neelyruns.com

It’s the coldest time of year, but runners are resilient in getting in their training. Some pride themselves on shoveling lanes off a track, while others build mental strength on a treadmill. With freezing temperatures, cold rain, and snow (in most, but maybe not all parts of the country), it’s a little challenging to get out the door, let alone worry about post-run nutrition. It’s more tempting to sit by the fire. However, taking the time to care about nutrition will help you recover quicker and get out the door easier. Below are three winter nutrition tips to help you fuel well, and a couple recipes to warm your bones after a chilly run.

Warm Up

Start slow. Just like your car needs to warm up and get the frost off the windows, your body needs to warm up before it can get moving. When you let your body warm up properly, it can metabolize quicker and more efficiently. It signals your body to burn fat first, before burning through glycogen stores. This is great training for the marathon! If you usually take 20 minutes to warm up for a workout, try running 30 minutes instead. Or, on an easy run, if you warm up in a mile, give it two to three more miles.

Drink Up

It’s easy to not feel as thirsty when it’s cold. Who wants iced water when they are stepping out into ice cold temperatures? However, drinking water is still important for quick recovery and, yes, it is still possible to become dehydrated when it’s cold! Dehydration causes stiff muscles, and with cold temperatures, you’ll feel extra stiff without taking care of hydration early in the day.

Fuel Up

While it’s tempting to take a hot shower right away and forget recovery, plan ahead instead. Bring warm clothes to change into post-run and stash a thermos of homemade hot chocolate with whole milk. Make sure to get in a 200-calorie snack of carbs and protein; it will speed up the recovery process.Then after you warm up and take a shower, you’ll have time to prepare a proper meal.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Improve Your Daily Diet and Eat Cleaner

Recipes

Neely Spence Gracey, a top U.S. distance runner, trains in Boulder, Colo., where winters can get very snowy and cold. But, she’s investing time in fueling well and taking care of nutrition. Below is a recipe from her blog that her readers love.

“This delicious meal is great for any time of day,” Gracey writes in her blog. “Protein packed, full of iron, vitamins, and calcium-rich nutrients to boost your post-workout recovery.”

Sweet Potato Crust Recovery Quiche

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato (or two smaller ones) sliced very thin
4 pieces of cooked bacon
8oz chopped and sautéed mushrooms
1 bag (5 ounces) fresh spinach
4 eggs
½ cup milk (or substitute)
¼ teaspoon red pepper salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese divided

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Thinly slice sweet potatoes and place in an oiled pie dish creating a circular pattern to cover the whole bottom and sides. Spray with oil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to med/high and cook the bacon. Using bacon drippings, sauté mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add in spinach, cover, and turn off heat.

3. In a bowl, combine all other ingredients and half the cheese. Add in the cooked mushrooms and spinach. Pour egg mixture into the baked sweet potato dish.

4. Sprinkle remainder ½ cup of cheese on top and crumble bacon, turn oven up to 375, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let stand a few minutes to cool before serving.

RELATED: Healthy Recipes from Shalane Flanagan’s Cookbook “Run Fast. Eat Slow.”

This next recipe is from Sara Hall, a top U.S. distance runner and wife to Ryan Hall, who says her family loves to fuel with fish. It’s anti-inflammatory, full of omega-3s, and a great balance of protein and carbs. This dish is her recommendation for a nutritious winter meal.

Alaska Halibut Stew with Fennel and Orange

Serves 4

Ingredients: 

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion, peeled and sliced
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced crosswise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, unsalted
1 to 2 teaspoons salt, (if desired)
1 teaspoon garam masala
4 Alaska Halibut or Cod fillets (4 to 6 ounces each), fresh, thawed or frozen
2 medium oranges, peeled and segmented
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 small French baguette, sliced, (if desired)

 

Directions:

1. Lightly coat the bottom of the Dutch oven or stockpot with olive oil. Turn heat to medium-high. Add and sauté the onion, fennel and garlic until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt and garam masala. Cook, covered, an additional 5 minutes over medium heat.

2. Rinse any ice glaze from frozen fish under cold water; place fillets in stockpot, submerging them in the sauce; top with orange segments. Cover and cook 4 to 5 minutes for frozen seafood or 2 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Turn off the heat and let seafood rest in liquid for 5 minutes. Sprinkle on dill. Serve stew with baguette slices.

RELATED: 5 Delicious Recipes to Help You Recover and Rebuild

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A Runner’s Evolution

To evolve as a runner, one must overcome challenges and be strong in the face of adversity. As an accomplished marathoner, Dell Miller knew this—and yet he had no idea what that truly meant until Jan. 25, 2015. On that day, adversity came in the form of meningococcal disease.

The rare bacterial infection consumed Dell’s body suddenly and wholly. Doctors pinned his chances of survival at about 15 percent. After several days in the Intensive Care Unit of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the prognosis was still grim.

Lying in the hospital bed, fighting for his life, Dell realized his marathon training had nothing to do with completing 26.2 miles; it was for this moment. All those times he overcame challenges en route to a marathon finish were preparation for the biggest challenge of all—survival.

In an effort to save his life, Dell made the difficult decision to cast aside infection by casting aside his legs. Doctors performed an immediate double below-the-knee amputation. He survived—but was it worth it?

“For me, sports and life go hand-in-hand,” Dell recalls of his post-surgery struggle. To remove his legs was to remove his identity as an athlete. Confined to a wheelchair, Dell longed for the energy and vitality he could only find on the race course. When he was finally released from the hospital more than two months after that fateful day, he felt broken—physically, mentally, and spiritually. To feel whole again, Dell vowed to return to running.

But first, he needed to learn to walk.

When outfitted with a pair of prosthetic walking legs, Dell assumed his body would match his brain, which was raring to run again. What he got instead was a long, arduous process filled with trying—and failing—to take just one step.

Months later, one step became three. With more time and work, three steps became 10. It took practice, iteration, and refinement, but the evolution of Dell Miller, the athlete and the man, was taking place.

With a grant from Challenged Athletes Foundation, Dell received a set of prosthetic legs specially designed for running, and he has begun reclaiming his identity as a runner. The process will no doubt be tough and filled with setbacks, but Dell has determined that the next phase of this evolution will end with competing in marathon events the world over. For Dell, the biggest challenges yield the greatest transformation.

“Understanding limitations and how to overcome them is something I deal with on a daily basis,” Dell asserts. “I live on hope, I believe in miracles, and I bet on the odds. I was given a second chance at life, and I refuse to waste it.”

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Glen Avery, the Oldest Participant to Complete the World Marathon Challenge

Glen Avery, bib # 3, battles the elements in Antarctica. Photo: Courtesy of World Marathon Challenge.

Marathoner extroardinaire Michael Wardian may have claimed the fastest average marathon time (2:45:56) at last week’s World Marathon Challenge, but he isn’t the only participant to achieve a record title. At age 66, Glen Avery became the oldest participant by a couple decades to both attempt and complete running seven marathons on seven different continents in seven days.

How did he do it? You could say that the now retired technology librarian from New York had been training for this grueling event ever since he started running long distances. Since the age of 51, Avery has ran a total 85 marathons and 28 marathons around the world, having ran a marathon on each of the seven continents twice during that time already. For the World Marathon Challenge, though, he would have to accomplish the same feat, except in only a week.

“It’s the kind of challenge where I thought, ‘I want it to be hard enough so I have to really work for it,’ and I want to be able to say I did something just extraordinary but doable,” Avery remarked about his motivation.

Competitor.com had originally spoken with Avery last summer when he first shared his motivations to participate in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge. By then he was in the midst of completing the 23 marathons he would end up running this year, including a four-marathon/four-day series at an altitude of 6,000 feet, as well as the seven-state Appalachian Series, in order to prepare his body and mind for the WMC.

RELATED: Running Around the World in 7 Days

Along with Avery, 31 other runners also completed the challenge (with one runner having to drop out early due to injury). They ran through a range of varying and extreme environments from Antarctica first, to Puntas Arenas, Chile (South America), then Miami (North America), across the Atlantic to Madrid (Europe), then Marrakech (Africa), on to Dubai (Asia), and finally Sydney, Australia.

“The World Marathon Challenge was the ultimate energy allocation problem,” Avery said about his running strategy in environments ranging from the hostile cold of Antarctica to the 100-degree heat in Dubai. “Those conditions forced me to pace myself and run smart.”

For Avery, though, the most impressive aspect of the race was the supportive network among those 31 runners who ran with him and would shout encouragement to each other as they crossed the finish line.

“The camaraderie during this event was very intense. The main goal for the group was for everyone to finish the Challenge—no matter their time,” Avery explained after completing the challenge. “I feel blessed to have been part of this group of individuals possessing unique and fascinating stories.”

RELATED:  Michael Wardian Tells How He Shattered the World Marathon Challenge Time Record

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