ZenduranceNow: Comfortably Uncomfortable, Not Another Running Story

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

What we’re watching, reading, and listening to

Sean and Meghan talk about the media they are currently enjoying including what they are reading, watching, and listening to. Meghan immediately triggers Sean with her choice of reading material and later triggers him again with a discussion about masculinity in media. They discuss the merits of Ted Lasso and masculinity as portrayed in sporting media. After a lively discussion about toxic masculinity the discussion shifts to music and what we are both listening to. Even though Sean is not actually reading anything he shares about a recent purchase for leisure reading when he gets through with Western States. They wrap up with a discussion of the podcasts they are listening to.
 
Outtake Song: "Death Wish," Jason Isbell
 

Mental Health and Sport (Replay)

Our very own Sean Meehan is running Western States 100 mile in California today! Please send him great energy, mojo, prayers, well wishes- whatever works for you.
Sean and Meghan talk mental health and fitness. This includes: the connection between mind and body and the stigma that exists around mental health and how this is changing as education becomes more prevalent. The importance of empathy and compassion while dealing with mental health is stressed. Meghan and Sean discuss some of their personal experiences dealing with those with mental health problems. They also discuss the impact of COVID on mental health and how exercise can help alleviate many of the issues that arise from mental health problems and ways to incorporate exercise into our daily lives to improve emotional well being. While exercise can generally be healthy there is certainly issues that exist with disordered exercise. Learning to be comfortable in one’s own skin and not to be defined by a single aspect of one’s activity. Fellowship and community are helpful with combating issues associated with depression and other mental health disorders. Feeling not alone. Get outside and talk to someone if you are struggling, it may be what saves your life.
Outtake Song: "In the Mirror," The Interrupters 

Our Favorite Trail Couple

Meghan and Sean talk with Matt Shinn and Hannah Hawley. Matt and Hannah met while Matt was thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. They are now married and share a love for the outdoors. The conversation starts off with shared experiences at The Endurance Society’s Infinitus races that took place 2 weeks ago in Vermont. The conversation continues with thru hiking adventures and past and future including stories from their honeymoon on the Pacific Crest Trail. Matt’s talks about where he’s from, his training, and his future FKT plans. Hannah tells us about her outings at Tuckfest and plans to get more people out on the trails. The conversation wraps up with silly things and animals we’ve all seen on the trails. 
If your interested in checking out Matt: https://www.instagram.com/hikertrashmatt/
Or Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhawley/
Outtake Song: "Walking Slow" Animal Years

Anyone Know An Arborist?

Sean gets hit in the head and seeks an Arborist to tell him he's not at fault. Meghan discusses her love of horror movies. Sean discusses Gleaming the Cube and Dr Giggles. The discussion moves into summer plans, camping in Acadia and trying to fit all of the fun into life. Sean discusses how race lotteries in December start to influence the summer family calendar. And Sean hates dogs  and denies his family canine love and companionship. 
 
Outtake song: "Folsom Prison Blues" Johnny Cash

Stress!!

Sean and Meghan talk STRESS. They discuss how they deal with stress and how stress manifests in their lives. Sean discusses his training as both stress relief and an increased source of stress. Meghan and Sean discuss being introverted or extroverted and its role in stress manifestation and management. Meghan shares a story about how kids can ruin the best laid plans. Digression go into records and concerts and other musical nonsense.
Come see Meghan this week! Meghan will be racing and supporting ZenduranceNow Team Members. Check out https://www.endurancesociety.org/infinitus  Come and support or cheer or both! 
Outtake Song: "Violet" Hole

Race Planning and Preparation - where do I start???

Sean and Meg sit down to talk about getting to and from races and how to prep and travel. Sean provides an initial race recap of Traprock 50k and intro to the race season. The discussions set out on how to pick and choose crew and pacers and what expectations should be for both support team and racer. Sourcing from personal experiences they go over what works and what hasn’t. They discuss the importance of redundancy and planning for the worst while hoping for the best. Their experience and stories range from 200+ mile trail races, adventure races, bike races, and obstacle races. Traveling locally vice across or out of the country. If you have thought about how to best logistically plan your race this podcast can probably help.
Outtake song: "What's My Age Again," Blink 182
 
 

Coach John Harris Talks Life, Injuries, & Mental Health

Meghan and Sean welcome Coach John Harris to the podcast. John is a long time member of the ZenduranceNow crew. He is a Navy Veteran, coach, podcaster, cancer survivor, and all around solid human. We discuss trauma, endurance sports, exercise, and recovery. John delves into how he came into sport and his identity within it and how it is evolving as he is healing.
To connect with John:
www.teamE4E.com and https://www.facebook.com/teamE4E
Outtake song: "Half Drunk Under a Full Moon," The Fratellis

Under Pressure! Working through Performance Anxiety

Before you start singing Queen and Bowie sit down with Sean and Meghan as they discuss pressure. Speaking from both personal experiences in life, racing, and in professional capacities they walk through some common manifestations of personal anxiety. The delve into how they address issues within themselves and while coaching. As a bonus Meg has Sean do some breathing exercises used to lower anxiety. It might be exciting to the listener as it creates a pseudo ASMR session, or not. Now don’t be confused there is plenty of side tracking and tangential conversations along the way. Kick back and “just relax” with our little podcast.
Outtake Song: Sturgill Simpson, "Keep it Between the Lines"