#62: Ultra Couple Takes On Cancer & Long Races (453 miles in a dome)

Running a 100 mile race is hard, but both of my guests this week have done it well, and now they're in another race - one against cancer. I start this episode with a rapid recap of an event for which they are race directors that I took part in (2:40) called #onemileatatime, a 24 hour trail running event in Griffin Georgia where I lasted 8+ hours and ran my longest distance ever so far: 35 miles, some in the rain, burning 5000 calories. (7:08) Kevin & Annie Randolph help lead Revolution Running, putting on around 10 races each year, including the latest one I mentioned above, where he actually finished 2nd place with 75 miles. He talks about the weather/conditions/trail and format of #onemileatatime on a 1.05 mile loop, how it's like last man standing with a twist, and how a friend who passed away from cancer inspired the name. Athletic Annie, who's run 50+ ultras or more than a marathon, (14:40) is now battling breast cancer, saying God is with her every step. She opens up about how being an ultra runner has helped her during the chemo treatments, plus how continuing running is helping her survive. (18:07) She talks about cancer and faith, this crisis driving her to God vs. times in the past when she's tried to do things on her own. In the "Fast Four" rapid fire questions, (20:00)we learn about their car jobs, being race directors, workouts besides runs, living with gratitude, and mission work in Bosnia. (27:15) We dig into their running adventures, including Kevin doing 453 miles in 6 days inside a dome! But why? How wife motivated him to not stay in bed too long, and he saw amazing athletic feats, but the cost for him was 3+ months of zombie-like fatigue afterwards. We also chat about (32:27) how they transitioned to ultra running on trails and if the training is the same. Difficult times vaulted Annie into her first marathon and 50K, saying she loves a challenge and it helped her with emotional suffering, eventually winning 1st place female at a brutal 50 mile trail race in Georgia. How does she acclimate to heat and humidity, heading into the summer? She shares her secret. They discuss what it's like (40:14)on race days for race directors and getting back to those after a difficult 2020 of canceled races due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of their favorites is the Stinger 6-24 hours one on a track, where one man qualified for world competition. They love seeing people, of all skill/running levels, achieve their goals! (48:04) This married couple also dive into how God and Love connect to their running and life together. They both fight back tears in discussing how they help each other. But as for crying during races, they have different philosophies on that, unless it involves coyotes, (55:45) Running for causes is also very important to them. You can sign up for the Sunshine Endurance one next month, with proceeds benefiting this couple and their medical bills. It has 6 & 12 hour options, virtual or in person at a 2 mile loop in Locust Grove GA. They're thankful for support from family, friends and the running community! (1:02:20) I close it out with "Food for Thought" segment on exercising during cancer treatment, "Parting Gift" inspiration from college basketball coach who fought cancer Jimmy Valvano, and a prayer. Thanks for listening! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.