Altitude & Attitude: Andy Glaze on Ultras & A Book in the Making

He's back! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down once again with the one and only ultra runner, Andy Glaze. And let me tell you, he’s been busy!Andy takes us on a wild ride through his latest adventures, from the mind-bending Cocoa Monster to the epic Arizona Monster 300. He gets real about the challenges of solo racing, the crucial art of recovery, and the logistical chaos of preparing for these massive events. We dive deep into his unforgettable experience at Leadville, tackling the brutal reality of altitude sickness and the incredible atmosphere of its aid stations.But this episode is about so much more than just miles. Andy opens up about the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book, sharing how storytelling connects us and why mental preparation is just as important as physical training. We also talk about the rise of young athletes in the sport and how involving family makes every finish line even more meaningful.This is an honest, powerful conversation about balancing a demanding job with an even more demanding passion, proving that with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart, anything is possibleChapters00:00 Introduction to Andy Glaze and His Races02:46 The Cocoa Monster: Concept and Execution05:27 Challenges of the Arizona Monster 30008:10 Solo Racing: The Mental and Physical Struggles11:22 Planning and Preparation for Ultra Races13:56 The Experience of First-Year Races16:56 Post-Race Recovery and Foot Care19:33 The Impact of Weather on Racing22:26 Cocadona: The Final Challenge25:00 The Evolution of Cocadona and Its Challenges30:02 Navigating Change in Sedona31:41 The Impact of Nature on Racing Regulations32:38 Experiencing Cocodona 25033:24 Family Adventures and Running38:20 Inspiring the Next Generation of Runners40:07 The Challenge of Leadville46:42 The Journey of Writing a Book55:38 The Anticipation of Andy's Book Release57:38 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Firefighting59:46 Balancing Work and Running01:04:21 Injury Prevention and Running Longevity01:07:01 Mental Strategies for Tackling Big Races01:09:17 Exploring the Southeast and Overcoming Fears