Podcast Guest “It's a long road” is the runner, ultramarathoner, businessman and author, the Greek-American Konstantinos Karnazis, otherwise known as “Ultra Marathon Man”.
Dean Karnazes has been named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world and has competed in some of the most important matches around the world.
The Greek-American long distance legend and world bestselling author has pushed his body and mind to unimaginable limits. In 2006 he ran fifty marathons, in fifty US states, in fifty consecutive days, he has won the World Ultramarathon Championship twice, in 2005 and 2008, he ran 4,800 kilometers in 75 days (Disneyland Los Angeles – New York) running every day approx. 80 km, in 2004, covered 238 km in 24 hours on a treadmill and has run continuously 563 km, a distance equivalent to more than 13 marathons, without sleep, in three days.
Also, the list goes on since among his achievements as an internationally recognized ultra-endurance athlete, his participation in road races on all seven continents impresses and stands out, his finish in the 217-kilometer Death Valley ultramarathon in temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, race which in 2004 also won him the completion of a marathon at the South Pole in a temperature of 40 degrees below zero.
Karnazi's popularity in the US is also reflected by the fact that during Obama's presidency, Michelle Obama invited him to the White House in 2011, as part of an effort to get young children more active to avoid one of the biggest problems in the country, obesity.
He has received countless awards, while he has also written books about his experience through ultramarathons. His books are on the New York Times lists, while "Uppermarathonodromos" was the seventh best-selling sports book worldwide in 2005, and has been translated into dozens of languages.
With Dean Karnazi, we will look at moments from his rich athletic career, his writing and how it has influenced runners around the world.
Podcast Interview Highlights “It's a long road” with Konstantinos Karnazis.
13:00 Normally and what I usually do, is to give the floor to my guest by explaining to us who he is and what he does, so the audience will be more familiar with him. This time things are a little bit different. My guest is Dean Karnazes and only by mentioning your name we all know who you are. In fact, I could say I need a whole episode just mentioning all the great achievements you have succeeded in all these years of your extraordinary career.
16:35 So, Dean where are your parents from and how often do you visit Greece?
18:38 Personally I have read all your books, at least the ones that I know and have been published here in Greece. How many books did you write?
19:05 The first one the Ultra Marathon Man, motivated me so much that I started running Ultra Marathons.
19:56 In fact I know that you have already said that “I love surfing, rock climbing, cycling – all that stuff. But it's just amazing that I can inspire people with my running. It's humbling, really.”
21:08 The second one is my favorite one and I can easily say that I fell in love with your book the Road to Sparta. I would highly recommend all the listeners to read this book, well not only this but all of your books, but especially this one as I said is my favorite one, because you combine the Greek history with your adventure to run from Athens to Sparta.
23:27 Also I was surprised because all these hours of running your fuel loading was based on fruits and ingredients that the ancient Greeks would also find in a similar way. How did you come up with this idea to run in a similar way the ancient Greeks did?
26:23 You wrote “I had set out to find Pheidippides, and in the process I found myself.
27:13 Ok we all know your remarkable list of running accomplishments—including running an ultramarathon across Death Valley in 50-degree heat, running to the South Pole in -40 degrees, and running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days and in so many other races but would you consider Spartathlon one of the greatest Ultra races in the world?
28:33 The third one which I have recently read is the Runner's High – My life in motion. Let's talk about your book. Can you please give us a brief summary about your book and what inspired you to write this book?
30:02 What is your favorite part in the entire book, which one is your favorite chapter, what is it all about and why?
30:55 The first section of this book says that Endurance doesn't sleep. What do you mean by this?
31:32 Of course there are a lot of interesting things you can find in your latest book, but personally I've picked some quotes from the book that spoke to me. Would you like to comment on each of these quotes?
31:45 Running an ultra is simple? all you have to do is not stop
32:08 I didn't run to live longer? I ran to live fuller.
32:43 Beating others was never a primary motivation.”
33:52 Since I mentioned the quotes here are some of your famous quotes and I would like you to comment on these. Well if someone searches on the internet he can find a lot of interesting things you have said, but personally I picked up some of them. You've said “I've raced on all seven continents at least twice. I've probably run thousands of races. But the single race that I'm most proud of is a 10K. Yes, a 10K. I ran it with my daughter on her 10th birthday.”
34:53 You've said something that I'm pretty sure applies to all runners. “I think I have some of my clearest thoughts when I'm out running.”
35:45 Any goal worth achieving involves an element of risk.
36:45 If you just go out there and run 100 miles, it breaks down a lot of barriers in terms of self-imposed limitations.
38:55 , I want to get back to where it all started, for people who don't know the story and going back years ago to your 30th birthday. Can you please tell us how and when did you become a runner? OK, I know there is a funny story behind this question and the audience would love to hear it.
42:28 How is your daily routine?
43:55 You said you don't like or you avoid sitting on a chair or on a couch. You don't sit at all during the day. Sitting to you is the devil.
44:15 I know you have a great dietary motto: “Real food forms the basis of my diet? if it comes from a plant, I eat it, if it's made in a plant, I don't.". Do you want to tell us some things?
45:45 How important is nutrition for runners?
46:45 Do you follow a specific nutrition plan before important races?
47:27 And what about coffee? Are you a big fan?
47:52 Do you consider the strength training as Vital for Marathon and Ultra-Marathon runners?
48:32 Does strength training improve and the running performance as well?
49:04 Give us some tips for strength training.
50:48 Do you ever get injured?
51:08 How much is the percentage of your body fat?
51:28 Can lowering your body fat percentage help you achieve your best run time?
52:37 Why are ultramarathons so special and what is this that makes you run long distances?
54:05 Is consistency important and can this improve you as a runner?
54:51 Do you think that running is part of who we are as humans?
55:00 What has been your most challenging race to date?
55:55 Do you ever wonder if we really have limits?
56:09 What motivates Dean Karnazes to keep running?
56:38 In your new book, you are touching the element that you are getting old and you are not as fast as you used to be. How do you face the new reality?
57:40 Did you ever count or do you know how many marathons and Ultra-Marathons you have run in your 30 years' career?
58:00 Did they ever ask you to sign a book or to give an autograph while you were racing?
58:32 What advice do you have for first time Marathon and Ultra-Marathon Runners?
59:16 Which is your favorite place to run?
01:00:55 You inspire a lot of people around the world but who inspires you?
01:04:00 What makes you superhuman, and what keeps you going?
01:04:40 What's next for you?
01:05:55 Do you want to say some things how you are helping everyday runners experience the magic and legacy of running in Greece?
Can you share more about your latest running project with launching Greek Running Tours? Running in Greece
01:08:33 Why run a marathon?
01:09:40 In a few days on 25th of March the Greeks are celebrating their independence day. Do you want to wish or say something?
Konstantinos Karnazis
https://ultramarathonman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ultramarathon/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/DeanKarnazes/
KEY BOOKS
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