Durability - December
Better late than never - by the Juniper Lab
November was a fun month with a couple fun podcasts, new AZT records both on foot and bike, and so much more. I also went out to The Running Event in Austin to check out the new nutritional products coming out and it was a blast. That episode will appear in the newsletter next month.
Matt Graham and Jeff Garmire at the Grand to Grand Ultra podcast.
I’ve known Jeff and Matt for a long time from hiking and film projects. Garmire set an FKT on the Arizona Trail the same year I attempted and failed. Matt and I met via friends in common, did a film shoot for Hyperlight together, and then we all spent a week in Kanab, UT filming and running the G2G stage race. The podcast was a fun recap and I appreciate them taking the time, especially Jeff who had just finished race directing and was operating on zero sleep.
Tryptophan
Not really sure what sparked my interest this month in the amino acid tryptophan. Maybe it’s Thanksgiving and everyone thinks they’ll fall sleep driving if they consume turkey but then I did a bunch of research on it and found how it affects sleep and can be useful for endurance athletes due to reduced feelings of pain and better quality of sleep. It’s a cheap amino acid and if you’re having trouble sleeping or deal with chronic pain it may be a useful supplement. Read more in the study here.
Physical Therapy
Personal one here but I did a small shoot with PT Meghan Slavin in Phoenix and then did some physical therapy with her to keep things strong as I build mileage for Across the Years and in to some big goals for next year. Check out out video and visit her if you’re in Phoenix. She’s an ultra runner herself and understands high mileage athletes with goals. I have about 4 weeks until Across The Years so happy to have her assistance here.
I also spent a week in the Utah / Arizona desert with some friends and filmed the Grand to Grand Ultra. Check out the film below.
Podcasts
Justinas Leveikas and the AZT 800. Justinas was a super fun podcast with a great attitude. Really fun dude with a crazy time on the Arizona Trail.
Nick Fowler Self Supported on the Arizona Trail Podcast
Random thoughts on my mind
How do sunglasses affect melatonin production?
Ancient humans and modern humans have different lifestyles so should our diets reflect that?
Enjoy the podcasts!