Ep. 023 - Lessons From Mid State Mile

2025-08-25

Lessons from the Mid-State Mile: Embracing Challenges and Self-Reflection Host Nathan Hicks reflects on his experience participating in the Mid-State Mile, a challenging trail race with a 1.1 mile loop and 340 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop. He discusses the importance of goal setting, the traps to avoid when facing hard tasks, and balancing various life responsibilities. Nathan underscores the significance of individual experiences over mere knowledge, the futility of comparison, and the value of enduring hardship as part of personal growth. Listener feedback and reviews are encouraged to make the podcast better. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

Lessons from the Mid-State Mile: Embracing Challenges and Self-Reflection

Host Nathan Hicks reflects on his experience participating in the Mid-State Mile, a challenging trail race with a 1.1 mile loop and 340 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop.

He discusses the importance of goal setting, the traps to avoid when facing hard tasks, and balancing various life responsibilities.

Nathan underscores the significance of individual experiences over mere knowledge, the futility of comparison, and the value of enduring hardship as part of personal growth. Listener feedback and reviews are encouraged to make the podcast better.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

01:52 Reflecting on Mid-State Mile Experience

02:21 Podcast Introduction and Listener Feedback

04:49 Explaining Mid-State Mile

07:38 Race Day Preparations and Challenges

16:39 Three Traps of Facing Hardships

30:32 The Value of Voluntary Hardship

32:54 Recap of the Three Traps

33:30 Why I Quit Running

39:58 Balancing Life and Goals

45:03 The Comparison Trap

50:42 Final Reflections and Takeaways