Barry Main is a beast!

So, it’s apropos that he won the 2022 Winter Beast of Burden 100 Mile only sixteen months after running his first ultra. 

Hear Barry explain how he transitioned from snowboarding to ultra running.  We also talk about some of his early ultras, his smashing of my Cumberland Valley AT Rim To Rim To Rim unsupported Fastest Known Time record, and of course, his epic win at the Winter Beast of Burden 100 miler in northern NY.

We finish up by talking about Barry's aggressive ultra-running plans for the remainder of 2022.

I think you're going to like this one!

PA Ultra records by age
https://sites.google.com/view/paultrarunningrecords

Barry's contact info:
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/7345356
Follow the antics of Barry, Brett and Nate on Instagram
https://instagram.com/meatballrunners

Destination Health Links:
Email:
rpm.destinationhealth@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DHpodcast
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rpm.dhpodcast/
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/5971143

This episode has three parts:

1. Summary and details about my racing results for the year, including a Daytona 100 race report.  
2. What I think contributed to my prolific and productive year
3. Tentative plans for 2022

2021 Summary 

1. Most Races in a year. Ran 11 races ranging from 1 mile to 100 miles, one 1 mile, three marathons, five 50K or similar, one 50 miler (PR), one 100 miler (PR). In 11 states, 10 of them in states I hadn’t raced in before.   Won my age group in all but one…took 3rd in the ME marathon which was one day after the NH marathon.  
2. Retook an AT KFT on my 65th birthday.  Originally set the FKT on my 60th birthday.
3. Most miles run in training....2,500+ 
4. No lost training days due to injury

Keys to a successful 2021

1. Consistently running 5-6 days per week
2. Running a lot of races
3. Strength & mobility training
4. Following a general training plan designed by Zach Bitter https://zachbitter.com/coaching
5. Deb’s support
6. CBD (without THC)

Plans for 2022

1. I plan to run my age in kilometers (66K or 41 miles) on my birthday in mid-January.  This year the run will be run on a track. Tentatively 1/15 Mechanicsburg HS 9:00 am start 
2. I would like to enter a 100 mile & 24-hour track event sometime in 2022.  The challenge will be finding an open event that fits into my schedule.  Stay tuned.
3. I also plan to run marathons and ultras in the 33 states I have yet to run a marathon or longer in. 
4. Training mileage record goal

Dr. Stephen Seiler TED Talk:
How "normal people" can train like the world's best endurance athletes
https://www.ted.com/talks/stephen_seiler_how_normal_people_can_train_like_the_worlds_best_edurance_athletes

Destination Health Links:
Email:
rpm.destinationhealth@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DHpodcast
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rpm.dhpodcast/
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/5971143

Pre-Race Planning & Practice

• Hydration/electrolyte replacement strategy-weigh before and after long run to determine water loss or use thirst as a guide.  Drink primarily fluid with electrolytes. 
• Fueling plan - 200-300 calories per hour.  Caffeine is highly recommended if you can tolerate it
• Run/walk strategy-practice!
• Drop bag (calories, chafing, blisters, stomach, clothing, shoes)

Pacing

• Have at least a rough idea of your capability to determine if your pace is appropriate
• Goal should be to run the last half as fast as the first half

Minimize weight on body

• Shoe weight
• Weight on body
• Water storage- only carry enough water to get to next aid station
• Use a waist pack, ultra running shorts, waist bottle, or handheld if possible

Minimize wasted motion
Running form - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSIDRHUWlVo

• Cadence (170+, fight under the center of gravity)
• Posture (upright, shoulders back, hips forward),       
• Arm swing (nip to hip)

Mental strategy

• Live in the moment-keep your focus on the current mile or next aid station
• Smile frequently -  https://uk.news.yahoo.com/why-eliud-kipchoge-smiles-runs-092500940.html
• Mantras/positive affirmations
• Gratitude/appreciation for your ability to participate and view the beautiful scenery
• Don’t allow negative thoughts to enter your mind

UltrasignUp Race Results:
https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Rick&lname=Martin

Destination Health Links:
Email:
rpm.destinationhealth@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DHpodcast
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rpm.dhpodcast/
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/5971143