In this conversation, Christina Couper shares her journey from equestrian to ultra runner. She discusses the parallels between horse riding and running, including the lessons learned from horses such as recovery and problem-solving. Christina also highlights the importance of perspective and gratitude in both running and life. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the fascinating world of farriers and horseshoeing. In this conversation, Christina Couper discusses her experience running the Charleston 100, an unsupported and unmarked race. She talks about the race course and navigation, as well as the unique finish line where runners sprint the last 400 meters on a track. Christina also shares her race support and crew experience, including her boyfriend acting as crew chief. She explains that her goals for the race were simply to cross the finish line and not get arrested for peeing in public. Christina reflects on running alone during the race and the different experiences of large races versus smaller, more intimate races. She also mentions her future races, including the Leadville 100, and discusses the challenges of training for elevation and altitude. Lastly, Christina talks about her boyfriend's podcast and the balance between inspiration and entertainment in her podcast listening.

Takeaways

Running and horse riding share many parallels, including the importance of recovery, problem-solving, and perspective.
The journey and process of running are just as important as the end result.
Applying lessons from one area of life, such as horse riding, to another, such as running, can lead to personal growth and development.
Gratitude and perspective are essential in navigating the highs and lows of running and life.
The world of farriers and horseshoeing is a fascinating and important aspect of horse care. The Charleston 100 is an unsupported and unmarked race, requiring runners to navigate the course using a map and turn-by-turn directions.
Christina's boyfriend acted as her crew chief during the race, providing support and aid at various points along the course.
Christina's goals for the race were simply to finish and avoid getting arrested for peeing in public.
Running alone during the race allowed Christina to reflect and be in her own thoughts, but she also appreciated the camaraderie and support of other runners.
Christina is training for the Leadville 100, a more traditional and supported race, and is preparing for the challenges of elevation and altitude.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:26 Discovering the Charleston 100
03:16 The Appeal of the Charleston 100
04:08 Unorthodox Approach to Running
05:37 Introduction to Ultra Running
06:18 Transition from Equestrian to Running
07:03 Equestrian Background
08:45 Getting into Horse Riding
09:32 Parallel Between Horse Riding and Running
11:17 Lessons Learned from Horses
12:02 Starting Running Journey
13:44 Applying Lessons from Horses to Running
15:22 The Process and Journey of Running
17:00 Choosing Running as an Outlet
19:13 Applying Horse Training Techniques to Running
20:43 Channeling Intensity into Training
21:39 Reading Nonverbal Cues in Horses and Running
23:27 Taking Care of Yourself and Horses
25:29 Navigating Highs and Lows in Running and Life
27:33 Developing Perspective through Ultra Running
29:13 Training Off Feel and Problem Solving
32:15 Gratefulness for Choosing Your Hard
36:33 Fascination with Farriers and Horseshoeing
38:53 Cost and Time of Horseshoeing
41:36 Race Course and Navigation
44:15 Unique Finish Line
46:23 Race Support and Crew
48:56 Race Goals
49:14 Unconventional Goals
51:26 Running Alone
54:00 The Charleston 100 Experience
55:17 Future Races
57:48 Training for Leadville
01:00:38 Balancing Inspiration

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