ZenduranceNow: Comfortably Uncomfortable, Not Another Running Story

Meghan and Sean talk about Life, Stress, and Entertainment

Sean has been dealing with some illness and injury that most likely resulted from his lack of recovery after an intense racing season. Pivot to "What to Watch." Meghan discussed the movie "Nyad" on Netflix and how it really inspired her. Sean’s discussed "Welcome to Wrexham" on Hulu. They next discuss recent events in endurance sports including issues that with Ironman / UTMB and Harvey Lewis’s record setting performance at Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra.
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Outtake Song: Joni Mitchell, "Woodstock"

Coach Sam Preps for his BIG RACE

Coaches Meghan and Sean talk with Coach Sam prior to his run at Javelina Jundred 100 mile race in Arizona. After a brief talk about what Sam’s plans are to successfully execute we get into how Sam approaches his "taper" also known as pre race prep and chill. Sam takes us through his weeks prior to the race and how he deals with the drop in running mileage. Sean and Meghan offer their personal insights into how they deal with tapers and the effects from tapering. The conversation shifts to how Sam plans to deal with post race blues if they come up. Sean spends some time explaining how he loses his mind after a race. We all express the feelings of gratitude that accompany a race finish for all those that were a part of the journey. We close by sending Sam off with good vibes to conquer his race in the desert.
Outtake Song: Hothouse Flowers, "I Can See Clearly Now"

Success as an Older Athlete

ZenduranceNow Coaches Meghan, Sean, and Sam discuss training older athletes. The discussion ranges from hormones, bone density, supplements, and just general health. They address modifications in training protocols for older athlete and how strength and mobility become a bigger focus to stimulate and regulate hormone changes. The discussion also clarifies needs based on gender. Sam recommends Joe Friel’s Fast After 50. We also mention Stacy Sims and the information contained in her books Roar and Next Level.
Sponsor: www.HelloThematic.com For 1 free month use Promo Code: FA11PROMO
Outtake Song: "Shooting' Dirty Pool," Replacements
 

The Day Meghan Crash And Almost Died, Part 2

Meghan and Sean talk in depth about the bike crash that almost killed her in June of 2006. This is a very special and emotional episode for Meghan. Sean delves into the physical, mental, and emotional sides of Meghan's trauma. They talk in depth about what happened during and immediately following the crash. Meghan shares how this has reshaped her self perception from a physical and emotional perspective. Sean asks Meghan how she grew through the experience, the setbacks, and the surgeries. Sean also asks Meghan about her lowest points during her continued recovery and how things began to improve. Lastly, they discuss how this experience forced her to grow as an athlete and coach.
Outtake Song: "Tiny Light," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

The Day Meghan Crashed and Almost Died, Part 1

Meghan and Sean talk in depth about the bike crash that almost killed her in June of 2006. This is a very special and emotional episode for Meghan. Sean delves into the physical, mental, and emotional sides of Meghan's trauma. They talk in depth about what happened during and immediately following the crash. Meghan shares how this has reshaped her self perception from a physical and emotional perspective. Sean asks Meghan how she grew through the experience, the setbacks, and the surgeries. Sean also asks Meghan about her lowest points during her continued recovery and how things began to improve. Lastly, they discuss how this experience forced her to grow as an athlete and coach.
Outtake Song: "Falling or Flying," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Sean’s ”failure” and what he learned from it

Meghan and Sean discuss Sean’s first "Did Not Finish" aka DNF. Sean recently DNF’d at Jigger Johnson 100 mile in the White Mountains. Sean shares his mindset going into the race, and how the wheels came off the bus. Meghan also digs into why what may seem like a failure sometimes is not. And how those failures actually make for stronger athletes. They finish up the conversation with the idea of “chasing dragons”.
Outtake Song: "Codefendents," Defcons

The Humble King of the White Mountains Phil Carcia, part 2

Meg and Sean sit down and talk with Philip Carcia. Phil is an avid hiker best know for his hiking “projects” in the Whites of New Hampshire. After a brief introduction we discuss his motivations for his experiences as a long distance hiker. His “practice” and vision was drastically changed with the death of his father. Sean and Phil discuss how the death of their parents has changed their perspectives when it comes to the lowest moments while pushing their physical and emotional limits on the trail. Phil discusses his most recent experience in the Whites on a full moon traverse of the Presidential Range. Phil then discusses the two biggest projects he has taken on in the Whites: the single season White Mountain Guide and the single year Grid. He dives in depth to his first two failed attempts at the single season White Mountain Guide and what changed on his third go round. We talk more about what he’s been working on, FKTs, and what plans he has for the future. 
If you are interested in learning more about what Philip is up to or his photography and videography you can find him here:
http://www.findingphilip.com/ 
Or on all popular social media platforms @findingphilip
Outtake Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Tears for Fears

The Humble King of the White Mountains Phil Carcia, Part 1

Meghan and Sean sit down and talk with Philip Carcia, the Humble King of the White Mountains. Phil is an avid hiker best know for his hiking “projects” in the Whites of New Hampshire. After a brief introduction we discuss his motivations for his experiences as a long distance hiker. His “practice” and vision was drastically changed with the death of his father. Sean and Phil discuss how the death of their parents has changed their perspectives when it comes to the lowest moments while pushing their physical and emotional limits on the trail. Phil discusses his most recent experience in the Whites on a full moon traverse of the Presidential Range. Phil then discusses the two biggest projects he has taken on in the Whites: the single season White Mountain Guide and the single year Grid. He dives in depth to his first two so-called "failed" attempts at the single season White Mountain Guide and what changed on his third go round. We talk more about what he’s been working on, FKTs, and what plans he has for the future. If you are interested in learning more about what Philip is up to or his photography and videography you can find him here: http://www.findingphilip.com/
Or on all popular social media platforms @findingphilip
Outake song: "Mother's Little Helper," Rolling Stones

Chasing Dreams at Western States 100 mile race

Coaches Meg, Sean, and Sam sit down and talk about Sean's goal of 10+ years... Western States 100 mile. Coach Sam was also in California for the Western States as he was supporting his daughter Sophia. This is a story about working towards and committing to a goal. This being the 50th Anniversary of Western States made the journey all the more sweet for all involved. Sean explains in brief the history and importance of this 100 mile race before they both dive into their experiences in California.
 
Sean and Sam reflect upon their experiences in the mountains of California traveling from Tahoe to Auburn on the Western States trail as seen from different sides of the race. The challenges of a runner and crew/pacer are different but both require adaptation and preparation to be successful. They discuss some of what went into making the race successful on both sides of the journey.
 
Outtake Song: Goose, "Hungersite"
 

Marshall Collins the O.G. of Running

Meghan and Sean sit down with Meghan’s father Marshall Collins on his birthday and talk running from his perspective. He shares with us humbling stories and humor, beating Amby Burfoot only to realize Amby was at a distinct disadvantage, trying to beat legendary Patti Catalano, and unfortunately sharing the same track as Olympic medal winner Rick Wohlhuter. We dive into his thoughts on the Boston Marathon, Meghan as a Cross Country racer, and kids at and in races. He shares with us his thoughts on the sport today and trail and ultra running vs. road and marathon running. He leaves us with a beautiful memory of his favorite run. *Note: Marshall had COVID during the recording of this episode so please excuse the coughs and occasionally connection difficulties