Jason Hardrath was named one of the 20 most inspirational ultrarunners of 2021. After a car accident in 2015 derailed his triathlon career, he had to reevaluate his future in competition. But with an extraordinary dedication to rehabilitation and proving his doctors wrong, he was able to resume running.
Jason has earned well over a hundred Fastest Known Times (FKTs) and was a 2021 FKT of the Year top 10 finalist. As an adventurer and ultrarunner he has shifted his focus to a new project, completing “infinity loops” around the 7 highest volcanic summits in the world. Jason was inspired by the volcanoes he climbed around his home near Klamath, Oregon, throughout his recovery process.
Jason’s adventures are unique in the skills they require and the terrain that they cover, combining ultrarunning distances over elevations that can rise well above 18,000 feet. His most recent movie on YouTube, Journey to Infinity, documents his incredible story on the first of the seven volcanic peaks, Mexico’s Pico di Orizaba.
Our conversation today highlights Jason's story and his current and future adventures, including:
Jason's story is a fascinating and inspiring one - enjoy!
Links & Resources from the Show:
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194. Coach Kevin Carr on Functional Training, Multiplanar Exercises, and Movement Quality
193. Running and Identity: How Endeavorun CEO Jake Tuber is Making a Comeback and Navigating Uncertainty
192. Dr. Stacy Sims On Female Physiology and Training Differences Between the Sexes
191. Icon Dean Karnazes on the Future of Ultras, His Competitive Drive, and His Advice to You
190. New Coaching Call! How to Train For Your First Hilly Trail Race
189. Former LA Lakers Strength Coach Tim DiFrancesco on Why Runners Must Get Strong
188: Harness the Power of a Growth Mindset with Professor Alison Pope-Rhodius
187. Get to Know the Coach: An Interview with Strength Running Founder Jason Fitzgerald
186. The Physiology of Altitude: What Training at 10,000 Feet Does to Your Body
185. Ultrarunner Candice Burt on Running 800 Miles, Hallucinating, and Discovering Yourself
184. How to Engineer a Marathon Breakthrough: A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call
183. Dr. Duncan Simpson on Brain Training and Why Focus is the Top Mental Skill
182. Tension, Impact Force, and Energy Return: A Running Technique Masterclass
181. Trail Runner Magazine’s Zoe Rom on Environmental Justice and Why it Matters
180. Pro Dana Giordano on Betting on Yourself, Taking Risks, and Making Running More Fun
179. Dr. Caitlin Alexander on Long-Term Injuries, Self-Treatment, and Disrupted Motor Patterns
178. Are Minimalist Shoes For You? Xero Shoes CEO Steven Sashen on the Promises of Minimalism
177. How to ‘Make the Leap’ and Create Your Next Performance Breakthrough
176. Unlocking Dominance: Exploring Ethiopia’s Running Culture with Professor Michael Crawley
175. Injury Expert Jay Dicharry on the 4 Physical Skills Needed for Pain-Free Running
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