E49: Never Finished | Karl Meltzer's Quest for 100 100's

"Just blink and the damn thing will be over" - Karl Meltzer

Running is hard. The RUNEGADE Podcast helps.

Each episode, we set off to explore the human connection with running and endurance sport, through conversation, big stories, guest interviews and our own experiences - we're your hosts Mark Prociw and Todd Marentette.

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: Thrive Protein and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.

Episode 49: Karl Meltzer, The Speedgoat, is a RUNEGADE

From the slopes to the podium: scum-bagging, de-fizzing Red Bulls, a signature running shoe, to his latest quest of racing 100, 100 Milers - it's a story that can only be Karl.

Karl Meltzer is a legendary figure in the world of ultrarunning, renowned for his record-breaking performances on some of the world's toughest trails.

We welcome back the Speedgoat, who holds the record for the most 100-mile race wins. The conversation dives deep into Karl's journey in ultra-running, his experiences over the decades, and the mental and physical challenges he faces as he approaches his goal of completing 100 hundred-mile races. Karl shares insights on how running has shaped his life, the importance of listening to one's body, and the mental strategies he employs during races.

The conversation shifts towards the future of ultra running, with Karl expressing his thoughts on the rise of 200-mile races and the increasing professionalism in the sport. He shares his aspirations for his 100th 100-miler, contemplating whether it will be at Hard Rock or Wasatch, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey rather than succumbing to external pressures.

Karl offers valuable advice for new ultra runners, encouraging them to respect the distance and focus on their own experiences rather than comparisons with others.

Takeaways:

• "Running has definitely shaped my life."
• "If it's in your blood, you don't know how to stop."
• "The satisfaction of doing it is what makes me happy."
• "I just want to enjoy life now at this point."
• "It's all so much in your head." "If you just put in your head that this will be over, you can get it done."
• "Respect the distance. It's hard. It's not just because you run a marathon."
• "The real heroes of ultra running are not the guys that win all the time. It's the rest of the people."
• "It doesn't always get worse. You can feel like shit at mile 20, but you can come around if you keep yourself together."
• "It's not a selfie contest. It's not a buffet. It's not a social media look at me