Ultramarathon Legend Connie Gardner Discusses Her Career with Dr. Leo Running Expert and Zach Goulet

Mind Body Marathon

In this episode of the MindBodyMarathon podcast, Dr. Leo discuss ultra-distance running with Connie Gardner, a local legend with American records, and Zach Goulet, a rising ultramarathoner. The conversation begins with Connie's background, highlighting her transition from collegiate rowing at the University of Massachusetts to running marathons since she was 17.

In this conversation, the speakers share personal experiences related to running, particularly focusing on the benefits of running for mental clarity and focus, especially for those with ADHD. One speaker recounts how they avoided trouble in school by running before classes, which helped calm their mind and improve concentration. They discuss how physical activity, like running, can help children and adults alike channel their energy and focus better.

The discussion then shifts to ultra-distance running, with one speaker reminiscing about their early experiences in the ultra-running community, particularly their first races, including the Buckeye Trail 50K and the Mohican 100. They reflect on the low-key nature of early races and the camaraderie among participants, contrasting it with the more commercialized races today.

They also honor Leo Lightner, a respected figure in the ultra-running community, who encouraged them to pursue longer distances and guided them in their running journey. The speakers express nostalgia for the simpler times of running events and the supportive environment fostered by early ultra-runners. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of running and the strong community it creates.

The conversation touches on the history of ultra-marathons in Northeast Ohio, with the speaker noting that iconic races like the Mohican 100 have been around for decades. They discuss the evolution of these events, including the differences in course designs over the years, and the camaraderie among runners.

As the discussion progresses, they highlight their proudest moment—competing in the World 24-Hour Championships in Poland, where they aimed to break personal records. This experience encapsulated their dedication to ultra-running and represented a significant milestone in their athletic career. Ultimately, the conversation celebrates the challenges and rewards of ultra-distance running, the personal nature of the sport, and the enduring sense of community among runners.

In a discussion about ultra-distance running, Connie reflects on her journey and the pivotal role that coaching and strategic thinking have played in her success. She emphasizes how she has often downplayed her achievements, particularly in the context of the 24-hour races, which she considers her forte. Connie recalls how a coach, Matt Woods, helped her understand the importance of pacing and nutrition, specifically breaking down the goal of running 145 miles in a 24-hour race into manageable segments.

Connie shares her experience of aiming for the American record during a race in Texas, motivated by financial incentives and a desire to support her family. Despite facing challenges such as extreme heat and feeling unwell, she persevered, focusing on the mathematical calculations of her pace to keep herself on track. The countdown from the race director as she approached the record was a pivotal moment, reinforcing her determination to succeed.

Connie shares her experience of achieving an American record in ultra-distance running, recounting the moment she crossed the finish line and thought she had set the record. She initially celebrated but later learned from the race director that her time was just shy of the actual record, which led to disappointment, especially as there were complications with the prize money. Despite her frustration, she remained determined to break the record again, although it took her ten years to get close.

Connie shares her experience of running with Lance Armstrong in the Grand Canyon, recalling how he joined her and her friends for a training run down the Havasu trail. The article about this adventure was featured in Trail Runner magazine, highlighting how the ultra-running community welcomed Lance after his controversial past. Connie describes Lance as a great guy who often spoke about his family, and she appreciated his candidness, including his humorous comment about hating bikes. The conversation transitions to their run, which was roughly 50 miles round trip. Connie's brother Jim acted as their driver, dropping them off early to avoid any issues with permits. As they ran, they encountered a dead horse, which led Connie to feel uneasy about the treatment of animals by the mules used in the canyon.

In this conversation, Connie Gardner shares insights about her upcoming book titled "My Kind of Stupid," which reflects on her experiences in ultra-running and the various races she has participated in. She discusses her perspective on races like the Vermont 100 and her participation in a six-day race in Milwaukee, emphasizing that while some might find these events impressive, she sees them as part of her unique journey rather than a major accomplishment.

Connie explains her approach to racing, highlighting her preference for shorter races over extended ones like six-day events. She recounts the history of ultra-running and how she has participated in a significant number of ultra-marathons, winning many of them, yet often feeling detached from the accolades and awards.

The conversation transitions to the challenges of balancing her passion for running with parenting and life responsibilities. Connie reflects on how she fits her training into her busy life and the mental escape running provides, particularly in breathtaking locations like the Grand Canyon. She emphasizes the importance of appreciating the beauty of such places before undertaking challenging physical feats.

As they wrap up the discussion, there is excitement about the release of her book in the coming months, which promises to delve deeper into her experiences and mindset in the ultra-running world. The conversation captures the spirit of adventure, the challenges of high-performance athletics, and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits.