Professor Drew Mikita Interview

Drew Mikita is an addiction specialist, a trail runner, a beer geek, a psychology professor in a hippie town in Colorado, and co-owner of the highest running store in the country. Sounds qualified to enter the URP studio and chat about what makes so many of us crazy? Yep!

In a sometimes personal discussion, we talk about:

Why are so many ultrarunners former drug/alcohol addicts?
What makes us so susceptible to overdoing things?
What are the red flags (no, not trail markers!) to look out for in identifying a problem.
Why can’t we be happy with our accomplishments, instead looking to bigger, longer, and harder events?
Are we addicted to running?

Add these questions to a major life change for me, and you have one of the most important discussions I’ve had with a guest.

Episode Notes:

Drew’s running store: Vertical Runner Breckenridge

Breckenridge Running Camp

Use the code Pod15 for 15% off any store purchases, including camp registration. Sweet!

Outro Music: Heavy Things by Phish.

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18 Responses to "Professor Drew Mikita Interview"

DJ says:

February 12, 2015 at 10:00 am

Great podcast Eric. Ever think about having your wife on a show and talk through the challenges of life balance when it comes to running, work and family. Don’t know – maybe too personal – just thinking more engaging dialogue with our spouses usually ends up being more helpful for the relationship. I’m a 46 yr old father of 2 kids. My wife and I use running to bond more – have that common interest….but there’s so many other things that couples can do together to have a shared experience….

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Mike says:

February 12, 2015 at 10:42 am

Is it just my download of the podcast or were there significant technical issues going on? I’m hearing a lot of popping, clicking, and even skipping of the audio. I’m hoping it’s a bad download on my part because this is a topic I am extremely interested in, but this is quite difficult to sit and listen to unfortunately.

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  February 12, 2015 at 10:44 am
  
  Unfortunately, it’s the recording. It certainly didn’t sound like that while I was speaking with Drew, but something happened during the conversion.
  I’m working on getting better. Sorry.
  eric
  
  Reply
  1. Mike says:
    
    February 12, 2015 at 11:08 am
    
    No worries. I noticed shortly after posting mycomment above it cleaned up quite a bit so I just needed to get a little bit further into it. Great podcast btw, hits home.
    
    Reply
Chris Halbert says:

February 12, 2015 at 11:02 am

Eric, thank you for this edition of URP! It is probably safe to say that many of us, myself included, have been to this point (perhaps even more than once). The struggle is real, and it took a lot of guts to put yourself out there like that. Peace.

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1. Sara says:
  
  February 12, 2015 at 4:48 pm
  
  Couldn’t agree more with Chris, Eric. Thank you. You’re brave and you’re honest, and I love your podcast. Thank you!
  
  Reply
Anne Kermode says:

February 12, 2015 at 4:51 pm

Wow, Eric! This podcast really resonated. One of my favourites. Thanks for being so honest. I think it’s something we all deal with, finding the balance.

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Porter says:

February 12, 2015 at 4:57 pm

Thank you for this podcast and interview. I am going through something very similar myself.

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Teresa Smith says:

February 12, 2015 at 5:25 pm

Eric, Great sharing! I’m the runner (mother of one kid) in the marriage and I’ve back down my racing distance this spring to keep a good balance going. I hope to finish a 100-miler this fall but it’s not do or die. Keep us posted on the process. We related when you were injured, too.

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Trail Laddy says:

February 12, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Wow, great episode, but a tough listen too.

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Paul B says:

February 13, 2015 at 8:22 am

Balance is key and balance is hard to find for many of us. Thanks for sharing great episode

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Alicia Eno says:

February 14, 2015 at 6:22 pm

Eric, I listened to this episode intently. I am also a psychologist and I related to be able to help others well when not helping myself – racing as much as possible while hurting relationships …. Same thing occurred with me in January. I feel stronger though because of the change in racing and more importantly with my family

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Grant Nicolaus says:

February 16, 2015 at 3:30 am

Love the picture of him jumping on top of Snow King in Jackson Wy!

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Mike Else says:

February 17, 2015 at 5:55 am

Great podcast on finding the balance in life. Always remember for most mid packers that running can be a big part of our life but should not be #1. Eric, be thankful for the things you have already accomplished and the life you have. Many of us working mid pack running dudes would love to have your gig!! Keep up the great work and enjoy life!

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Mark M says:

February 20, 2015 at 3:50 pm

Eric, I hope that you are able to return to an ultra start-line sometime soon. I can imagine that training for huge events like AC100 would require too much of an investment of time and energy for a husband and father-of-little-ones. However, finding balance should not mean abstinence from something you love. I say this without judgement as no outsider can fully appreciate the dynamic and stresses of marriage and raising a family . Best wishes for you and your wife to find a place of mutual understanding and support.

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Mitch says:

February 21, 2015 at 11:31 am

Thanks Eric for being so open and honest. Great podcast and even for people who are not quite as obsessed, it’s a good warning for us to be aware of the warnings. Glad you are still going to get some short runs in. Tell your wife that we are all rooting for you guys. It’s tough, but hey, we’re ultra runners! Tough is what we do!

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Stewart says:

February 22, 2015 at 12:16 pm

Just listened to this podcast yesterday while out on a snowy (slow) trail run. I did about 7 events last year in various endurance sports whether x-country skiing, orienteering, running or adventure racing. Some of them had me gone overnight prior to the race. My girls were 11 and 12, and are equestrian athletes. I kept the balance by being there for their shows, driving the ponies around and fitting my training in around that. Nonetheless, I did train a lot and my absence was “noted”. This year, as I focus in on achieving one or two ultra (starts and finishes!) I have to dial back my events and focus in on just one or two big events while perhaps hitting a few smaller and more local events. The fact that my kids are older helps too. When they were young my activities were completely for the family… So while you may be going out less and doing fewer events, you’ll find some peace and joy from being with your gang more, and you’ll evolve to a different version of that guy your wife loves and respects, and this will fill you with joy and pride as well, trust me.

You already do so much with the podcast, I don’t think anyone questions your credentials or authenticity, running so many ultras a year won’t change that.

I think all the listeners for this podcast agree that we only want the best for you….I’m sure we also heard the desperation in your voice to get back out on the trail!

Thanks to you and Dr. Drew for a great therapy session for all of us!

S.

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Cody says:

March 6, 2015 at 3:39 pm

Eric, I appreciate you openness and willingness to include your personal experiences throughout the discussion on this difficult topic. This interview helped me consider my addictive personality and find the resolve to make change in my life. As a long time listener your podcast has helped me progress as a runner, but this episode helped me grow as a person. So thank you, and keep up the great work! Cody

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