I like to run. I've learned that it really isn't about where you're going, it's about the getting there - the how, the why, the who with. This blog is just a little repository for my thoughts along the way; the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the occasional triumph.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ultra Radio Lab

I love, love, love, love this radio show. RADIO LAB is one of the best, coolest programs in any medium, and this week they've given me an excellent excuse to post a link to their show on this blog. They did a mini-show on ultrarunner Diane Van Deren. Hers is a story that's been making the rounds in the running media over the last year and half, but it's still a really interesting tale.

I met Diane, briefly, at the McNaughton Park Ultra back in 2007. I was out to run my first 50-miler, and she was one of the ambitious few attempting to complete the 150-Mile division of that race. (I finished mine in 11.5 hours, she finished hers is just under 47 hours and was the only woman to complete the course.)


Her story is not nessesarily a good representation of my experience, not only because she is a much more gifted runner than I, but also because of the affect her brain has had on her athletic pursuits. Nevertheless, it's a facsinating story, and Radio Lab always does a stellar job of presenting.
I've embeded the story in this post with the player below. (Just hit the play button). Or you can check it out on the Radio Lab Website. Give it a listen. It's worth 18 minutes of your life.



2 comments:

Chris Ⓥ said...

Never hear of Radio Lab...nice find. Thanks for posting. I remember Diane at that same MP race in 2007. I'll be at Pekin this Saturday doing the 50 miler. Way out of shape, but it'll do for a long run. Plan on tweeting from the course @chrism42k

GTI said...

Good luck this weekend, Chris! I ran a 50K 2 weeks ago in a similar out-of-shape condition, but it was a flat, gentle course, nothing like what you'll be tackling in Pekin. It's been a wet week up here, I hope the mud isn't too bad for you! (I think I can follow your tweets.)

I highly recommend RadioLab. You can download old episodes for free on iTunes.