Dr. David Horton Interview

Okay you ultra running newbies, listen up! Dr. David Horton joins URP to discuss ultra running’s past, present and future. Dr. Horton has been there and run that before today’s young guns could say, “Gu- Gu-ga-ga”. Having run ultras across the span of four decades, including Appalachian Trail speed record, Pacific Crest Trail speed record, and third fastest transcontinental run, Dr. Horton isn’t showing sign of slowing down and is setting his eyes on yet another adventure.

www.extremeultrarunning.com
Dr. Horton’s Races:
Holiday Lake 50K
Promise Land 50K
Hellgate 100K

Journey Films: The Runner: David Horton’s 2,700 Mile Run of the PCT

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9 Responses to "Dr. David Horton Interview"

CeanCean says:

November 21, 2013 at 6:02 am

Body Found Eric!

Father Day 2011 I was running the backroads of Western Ohio, trying to get my last long runs in before my 3rd marathon.

I was 14 miles into my 17 mile run when I saw a pile of motorcycle gear deep in a ditch (15 feet down) alongside a farm field. As I got closer I realized that it wasn’t a pile of gear. It was a motorcycle and rider lying in the ditch. I climbed down to him while hollering to get his attention. There was no response and he was cold when I got to him.

I called 911 and waited for the paramedics, police, and volunteer firefighters, it seemed like the whole department showed up. After 20 minutes of talking with police they said I could go. The paramedics cleaned the blood off my hands from when I checked for a pulse. I was hoping that one of the 20 people that arrived would offer me a ride back to the campsite but they didn’t, and I didn’t ask. Running the last 3 miles was weird. I can still see him like it was yesterday.

Now every long run I scan the ditches and underbrush expecting to find another.

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Chris Melvin says:

November 22, 2013 at 8:32 am

Awesome episode. Dr. Horton’s perspective is refreshing. “You want to be a runner run, a biker bike, a swimmer swim.” Glad I’m not the only one working at becoming unwimpy. As one of the guys that didn’t make the cutoff at MMTR, I agree the cutoffs should be left alone for that race. I was undertrained and paid the price. Won’t happen again.

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konrad says:

November 22, 2013 at 9:29 pm

Thank you for interviewing Dr. Horton! I consider the fact that he knows my name and recognizes my face to be such a huge honor! His races have a special, special, feeling. I can’t describe it. I cut my ultra teeth at his races and they’re such special memories.

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SCottieB says:

December 5, 2013 at 1:21 pm

As usual, the Onion has this news covered:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/nations-joggers-sick-of-finding-dead-bodies,2145/

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Andrew says:

January 22, 2014 at 6:41 am

I’m new in the world of running, only been running for about 3 years. What i’ve found is that i love the challenges of the ultra distance. This podcast was probably the most insightful thing I have heard since I began running. Dr. Horton laid it out beautifully, no sugar coating, basic “suck it up” facts about running.
Being new to the sport I read about this “shoe does this blah blah blah” or “you’ve got to have this GPS watch blah blah blah”. What I learned from this podcast is that i need to put one foot in front of the other and just listen to my body…..and no bitching like a little girl. One final note, while i respect anyone who chooses not to drink, beer it always better then ice cream. Props to the Mcmenamins Terminator Stout!

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  January 22, 2014 at 7:38 am
  
  Thanks Andrew. Doc Horton is certainly a good guy to listen to, yes, even despite his teetotaling.
  He’s got opinions, they’re thought out, and whether or not you agree with them (I disagree with him on a lot), they’re well thought out and respectful.
  Have you listened to Bozanich? He’s another old schooler with a “no excuses” attitude after 40+ years of running ultras.
  
  Reply
  1. Andrew says:
    
    January 22, 2014 at 9:12 am
    
    Thanks for the advice, i’ll give him a listen.
    
    Reply
2. Marjorie says:
  
  May 15, 2014 at 6:01 pm
  
  I think that little girls are incredible strong, and are rarely “bitching”. As a female runner in a male dominated sport, sayings like this grate on me.
  
  Reply
andy says:

April 3, 2017 at 10:16 am

this guy is an arrogant knucklehead calling jamil coury and gary robbins johnny come lateys these guys are new barkley directors, i run ultras myself volstate 500k etc. anybody can do whatever you do, you would be surprised. too many people nowadays think they are gods give to this sport, everyone should shut up with their blogs and just do there thing. andy

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