#163: Redemption & Rice Krispie Treats For Ultra Runner's 277 Miles Across Georgia

Run The Race

Two years after failing big in his attempt to run across Georgia solo, he succeeded this time at running and walking 277.2 miles from Jekyll island to Columbus GA. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race" to hear inspiring stories like his, people talking about fitness and faith. (2:13) Runner Kevin Schied talks first about how and why he started running 13 years ago, in his early 40s while working a desk job and wanting to lose weight - graduating from 5Ks to ultramarathons on trials. He says it's never too late to get started, and has advice and how to do that smartly. We also talk about knowing the difference between injury and aches or pains, for newer or experienced runners. (11:30) One month ago, he was one of the 3 people that finished the solo Run Across Georgia event, finishing 1st place! It ended up being more than 280 miles in less than 5 days, about 8 times the distance he made it in 2021. We talk about his daily mileage strategy...training for this...sleeping a few hours at a time in the back of a truck...mind games when running so much by himself in the dark...how vital his CREW was...and how a runner behind him was a good push. As for equipment, (26:36) good running shoes are crucial, but they had to be doctored or cut. In a parking lot in the middle of Georgia, he also talks about the surgery done on his foot, blisters. What was the emotions for him and his team as they crossed the finish line? For one, he just wanted to sit down...and eat too, Along the way, distractions helped. And he had more fun (and foot pain) than he expected! Will he do it again? (35:10) Mental toughness is important for a lot of things in life. Kevin talks about pushing through in running and life, even when it hurts. Nutrition is crucial too, as he took in too much sodium at the start of RAG that led to major ankle swelling. Adversely, lots of rice krispie treats were key to his success! (41:29) Finding other people to motivate you is also very helpful, people like Jennifer and Lisa that crewed Kevin in his journey across GA. He likes group running with others better. Now, Kevin has some new speed and distance goals. After the chat, I share some reflections from a young soldier who made it more than halfway in the Run Across Georgia, but learned a lot about himself and Christ along the way. And I close the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.