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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS

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.

Reply

Please use real name. Anonymous comments will be deleted. Thanks.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.