Ford Smith Interview

Think back to when you were 17-years-old. Do you remember what your life was like? Can you imagine yourself running ultras? Ford Smith is not only competing in ultras, but running like a freaking jack rabbit – taking a 5th place finish at Bandera 100K. We talk with Ford about running ultras from the teen point of view – the challenges, lessons learned, training schedule and aspirations. Although he’s young, he’s already wise beyond his years. Listen up – you just might learn a thing or two. Enjoy!

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One Response to "Ford Smith Interview"

Phil Shaw says:

January 31, 2014 at 11:21 pm

I’ll admit this podcast stirred some jealousy. I wish I could be 17 again. I also ran my first 100 miler at age 17, then kept it up for the last decade. This past summer I celebrated my 10th finish at Cascade Crest 100. I’m not even 30, but I’m nostalgic for my initial days of ultrarunning and wish I could be 17 like Ford to start the whole journey over.

Finishing a 100 miler is a powerful experience at any age. I suspect the power of that experience is magnified with youth, as it has even more years to affect the trajectory of one’s life. A typical teenager is feckless, confused, unsure of what to do next. Long distance running effectively eliminates many uncertainties: train, move forward, finish the distance. I remember being acutely aware of this clarity while discovering ultrarunning as a teen. Running at that age helped me find a way to define, or confirm, who I am. It taught me the runners’ refrain: I do difficult things. At some point this weekend, when Ford knows he’ll finish his first 100 miler, I hope he recognizes the moment and savors it.

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