Episode 2: Ultras, Under-Recovered vs. Over-Trained, Jersey Shore, and the Importance of Strength for Recovery

jogging, run, sport

During this episode, I re-connect with an old high school cross country friend and competitor Rich Airey. Rich is a three time top 20 finisher at the Leadville 100 Trail Run.  In 2018 he finished 16th in 20:44:37, 2017, 14th in 21:08:22 and in 2014 Rich was 7th in 19:27:15, his first attempt at the distance.

We delve into Life on the Jersey Shore, his transition to Ultra Marathons, the different between under-recovered vs. over trained, why mom was right about vegetables, memories at Cross Country camp and a few other thoughts on life.

BIO on Rich:

In high school Rich earned all county, conference and state accolades in cross country, wrestling and track & field, running 4:28 and 9:41 for the 1600m and 3200m respectively.  After a year at Springfield College and one at Ocean County Community College with a runner-up finish at the JUCO national cross country championships Rich earned a scholarship to Monmouth University.

During his time at Monmouth University under the tutelage of Joe Compagani, Rich earned all conference honors in several events including the 1998 steeple chase championship at the Northeast Conference.  In addition to All-East honors in cross country, Rich qualified for the IC4A’s in the DMR and the 10,000m holding the school record in the later for several years.

Upon graduation Rich moved into the coaching ranks.  Starting at the high school level Rich’s athletes received notoriety at the local, state and national level.  While coaching at the high school level Rich coach over 30 high school All-Americans at several individual distances and team relays.

Like many, Rich was bitten by the Crossfit bug early in its inception and saw it’s potential benefits for running.  By 2010, Rich had moved to California to work with CrossFit Endurance teaching their two day seminar.  It was during this time that Rich began running ultra marathons.

It was in 2011 at the 20 in 24 that Rich took the low mileage, more strength & conditioning approach in his preparation.  Although a solid run of 84.5 miles he failed to complete the entire 24 hours.  Shortly after Rich created RunningWOD to share his approach to training and racing.

RunningWOD is an amalgamation of three decades of training and competition.  An approach to running with enjoyment and longevity being priority number one.  Through nutrition, balance, stability, strength, intensity and volume come results.

Where to find Rich on the Intra-Webs:

www.blacksheependurance.com

[email protected]

Instagram @blacksheependurance

http://runningwod.com 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/strength-training-runners_n_4638967.html

http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/runners-strength-training/

http://downmagaz.com/fitness_magazine/4681-competitor-june-2011.html

More from this show

rest-and-recovery-podcast-logo
Don't miss a moment! Join the Rest & Recovery Podcast email list to receive the latest content before everyone else!

How the Podcast can Help You

On The Rest & Recovery Podcast, you will learn from some of the foremost professionals and experts on the best ways to help you rest & recover. My hope is that you can bring your best self to life in your fitness pursuits, marriage, or as a parent to ensure your one life is lived well. The idea of the podcast came from a personal mission to help bring my best self to all things in my life.

My initial goal was to improve on my fitness pursuits as an endurance runner. However, as I began to examine the various components of my life, I realized some of the challenges started with some bad habits dating back to my 20’s. I would just keep going to work, college, and into late nights with friends with little sleep or consideration for the effects it was having on my body, mind, and spirit. It would always catch up with me and I would end up sick. This didn’t really stop over the years…the burn-out…it just occurred for different reasons.
Yes, I matured…a little… yet now I was married and a growing family with 3 little girls, a corporate job and still trying to pursue endurance sport’s goals. Up until a few years ago, I burned out in every way possible - physically and emotionally and mentally to the point I went into a season of ambiguity, indifference under performance devolving into depression. Since then, I have been on a journey to reclaim my life for myself and my family. This helped me learn about a variety of influencers that can help enable the proper level of rest and recovery to ensure I could show up with strength and stability.

My hope is my personal discovery story, along with the people from all walks of life discussing the various approaches, will lead you to the proper rest and recovery. So join me in the journey to learn how to live this one life to the fullest!