Journey Races? Embrace Adventure, Self-Reliance & Ultra Challenges

Specific to the tail-end heroes of the Ultra Universe . If you haven't had a moment to do so yet , consider heading over to your favorite podcast app . Maybe hit , follow or rate the show and , if you're getting something of value , definitely help us out , leave a review and let others know . My name's Richard Gleave . I have been running Ultras since 2017 .

I have taken on and finished numerous ultras at this point , all the way up through my current max of 220 miles , and I am very much a member unashamedly so of the back of the pack , just like many of you guys out there . Today's episode is a really cool one , one I've wanted to do for a while . It's about a special kind of race the journey race .

Now , these aren't your typical out and back or looped ultras . Journey races are usually point-to-point adventures . They often span multiple days and typically they cover pretty vast distances , sometimes through some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes that are out there for us to run through .

What really sets these races apart , though , is that they're not just about crossing the finish line . I've done a few of these , and I think , more than most , these races are about the experience . Hence the term journey run . It's about the journey . These runs are all about the sights , the people and the miles in between .

For back of the pack runners like you and I , for back-of-the-pack runners like you and I , these races are an opportunity to embrace the joy of the journey and really redefine what success looks like .

In this episode , I'm going to explore what I think makes journey races so unique the mindset needed to fully enjoy them , a few practical tips for preparing based on my own experience , and some interesting stories from the trail . So if you're ready to go , let's dive in . Who've been right where you are ?

This is the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast With your host . He's English , not Australian Richard Gleave . All right , probably makes sense to start at the beginning . So what sets Journey Races apart from your typical ultra marathon journey races apart from your typical ultra marathon ?

Well , as I said , journey races are all about adventure , which is really cool . Unlike a looped course , they usually take you from point A to point B , often through pretty remote , interesting terrain that's going to challenge both your body and your spirit .

These races are specifically designed to be an experience rather than a competition , so much so that the journey itself is considered the reward . Now there is a scenic factor involved , too . Journey races , as I said , often traverse pretty amazing landscapes .

It really runs the gamut here Mountains , deserts , forests , coastal journey runs and really everything in between isn't on how fast you can go , but it's about being in that moment , soaking in the beauty around you and being a part of that community for the time it takes you to run through and be in it .

One of the most distinctive features of journey races , though , is that there are usually absolutely , absolutely no support in the form of aid stations . Participants , we rely entirely on ourselves , along with places like shops and other people that you're going to encounter along the way . That's how you sustain yourself during the race .

Pretty interesting , no aid stations . Pretty interesting , no aid stations . So this means you've got to carry what you think you'll need on your back and then supplement it as necessary , and that's a really cool little angle to approach these races .

There are no drop bags here , think ahead about what you believe you'll need and look for pieces of gear that are going to perform multiple jobs along the way . Other considerations are you know , do you stop to eat ? Are there places open to where you can refill your water ?

Remember , there are no aid stations here , so you know you need to eat , you need to get water and you need to sleep . Should you stay in a hotel for recovery and the food ? Typically you get a nice breakfast in the morning in a hotel I can definitely attest to that one or do you keep pushing through the night ?

Journey races , I think , require really creative problem solving and logistical planning , and that's why I think in in part , they really differ from even other races of similar lengths . They also often lack cut-offs , since there are no aid stations to associate cut-offs with . That makes these events a lot more about self-sufficiency and self-determination .

It really is a true sort of choose your own adventure experience . Now , many journey races maybe most journey races are going to span multiple days three , four , five , even six days so they're going to require runners to be really adaptable and mentally tough . It's not just a test of endurance , but it really is a test of your own resilience .

They also have very much a community feel about them . These journey races quite often foster a sense of camaraderie among the participants . When you're out there for days sharing the trail with others , then the connections you inevitably end up building turn out to be pretty deeply meaningful . There is no hiding out there on one of these runs .

A great example of a true journey race would be the Swami Shuffle the 200 that I did last year and actually I'm doing again this year because it was really awesome down the Outer Banks of North Carolina town to town following the road Fantastic .

Unlike races with aid stations and structured support , this event emphasizes self-reliance and the adventure of figuring things out as you go . On the other hand , if you look at a big race like , let's say , the May race that I have coming up Cocodona 250 or Bigfoot 200 or Moab 240 , those races also offer an incredible experience and really stunning landscapes .

But they don't fall into this journey category since they have aid stations and defined structured support for runners along the way . All are incredible events , but the distinction highlights really what makes journey races uniquely challenging and rewarding . So there's also a mindset shift involved in journey racing .

You've really got to figure out how to be present in the journey . You need to shift your mindset from racing to perhaps exploring challenge the typical ultra running narrative , I think , of chasing cutoffs or podium . Instead , they invite you to slow down , take in the surroundings and focus on being present in the moment .

Success in a journey race at least for us , towards the back of the pack isn't going to be about your pace or finish time . I think it's more about completing the course on your own terms , allowing yourself to pause , take photos , enjoy the view , enjoy the experience and there's going to be struggles , so embrace them .

Every journey race has its highs and lows . Like other ultras out there , instead of fighting those tough moments , try to lean into them , because they are part of the story you end up telling yourself and others later . And also make sure you celebrate the little victories , whether that's reaching the top of a climb or spotting a beautiful sunrise .

Let's say , on a beach after you've had a horrendous night through driving , rain and wind and it's getting close to freezing and you're shaking , close to hypothermia , I can tell you from personal experience is an absolutely beautiful sight , and that's really when I realized that this is why I'm out there not to finish , but to explore places that I haven't been

before and maybe would never go back to again and experience moments like that . All right , some practical tips for tackling a journey race . As I mentioned before , journey racing requires , I think , a little bit of a different approach when it comes to preparation and strategy .

So here's a few hints to help you potentially succeed , as you might plan your own journey race . I touched on it earlier Make sure you plan your gear wisely . Journey races require you to carry more gear . You're going to probably need a bigger pack . You're going to need to include extra food , extra clothing and probably some navigation tools .

Make sure you invest in a comfortable , well-fitting pack and make sure you test it full of the gear you're going to use on long runs . There are no aid stations , there are no drop bags in this , so you've got to take with you whatever you think you are going to need for that specific race in that specific location , with that specific weather .

You've got to have all that ready to roll in advance . Also , make sure you train for self-sufficiency , so practice fueling and hydration strategies that are going to work for you .

Be prepared to manage your needs between sort of pseudo aid stations , gas stations , or there seem to be a lot of dollar generals floating around that you can use in that guise , but these can be further apart than in traditional ultras and the distance between them can vary wildly . Sometimes have them , sometimes don't . So you're gonna .

You've got to be prepared for that and understand that going in , you've also got to be able to adapt your pacing strategy . So journey racing is about consistency , definitely not speed . Make sure you start conservatively . Focus on maintaining a sustainable effort over 3 , 4 , 5 , even more in some cases days . Also , make sure you are good with being alone .

Prepare mentally for some solitude . Journey races invariably include really long stretches where you may not see another runner . Make sure you're okay with that , you have a plan for that and that you can embrace that solitude as an opportunity to reflect and be mindful . And then , lastly here , make sure you have a plan for sleep .

You can't get through multi-day racing like this without sleeping somewhere somehow , whether you choose to take regular naps , dirt naps , stay in a post office or a bathroom or perhaps run to a hotel each day , thus giving you a defined starting and stopping point which , I can tell you , really helps mentally along the way , whatever it is , you need to have a plan

and it needs to be adaptable . Mid-race there are no defined sleep stations here . You get to choose your own , when and where you're ready . All right , so to wrap up , here are my key takeaways about journey races . Feel free to go out and look up your own . I think these are a tremendous way to race and much underrated .

Number one journey races are very much about the experience , not just the finish line . They're going to challenge you to embrace the adventure , take you to places you've never been before , allow you to be in that place for a significant amount of time and find joy in every mile . Number two shift your mindset from racing to exploring .

That's going to allow you to be more present and savor that journey , even during the tough moments which you will have . Number three preparing for a journey race requires careful planning , self-sufficiency and a willingness to adapt to the unexpected , so make sure you're ready for that .

And number four the stories and connections you can make during a journey race are often the most rewarding part of the experience . If you've been considering signing up for a journey race , or if you've never heard of one before and now you're intrigued , definitely go out there and look for some . I encourage you to go for it .

These events really do offer a unique opportunity to push your limits , to connect with nature and discover what you are truly capable of . You are truly capable of , so . If these strategies resonate with you and you're ready to take the next step in your journey , keep the conversation

going . Don't forget to subscribe to the show . That way , you get notified every time a new episode drops and if you're enjoying what you hear , follow and leave a review . That would mean the world to me .

Your support helps grow the podcast , helps connect it to more runners in this amazing ultra community and spreads the word to those who could benefit from the information that we're sharing . You can find me on Instagram and Facebook at Choose to Endure , or visit us anytime at choosetoendurecom .

I really love hearing from you , whether that's just to say hello , suggest a topic or share your story . You can also email me directly at info at choosetoeenjoycom , and I will tell you , interacting with listeners , just like you , is one of my favorite parts of doing this show . It makes my day every time I see an email come in and it's somebody reaching out .

So until next time , make sure you run long , check out some journey . Runs , run strong and keep choosing to endure . We'll see you next time .