EP 717: Ultimate Endurance Meets Community Spirit at Arrowhead 135

Trail Runner Nation

Ultramarathon, Fitness, Running, Community, Health & Fitness, Trail, Endurance, Trails, Sports

4.5 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 20 February 2025

⏱️ 78 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What is the toughest race in the world? According to The Nxorth, the Arrowhead 135 is a strong contender. With an average finish rate below 50%, Race Director Ken Krueger and his team have crafted an event that’s as grueling as it is rooted in old-school camaraderie and a close-knit, family-like community.

Finishers Bob Crowley and Terry Fletcher share their preparation strategies, gear tips, and experiences battling both the elements and their own limits. The discussion covers crucial topics like mental toughness, cold-weather clothing strategies, and dealing with physical challenges like blisters and trench foot. They also highlight the strong sense of community among racers and how enduring such harsh conditions fosters deep camaraderie. Listeners will gain insights into the race’s selective application process, its unique draw for returning participants, and how events like these promote personal growth and self-discovery.

Check out

Bob's VIDEO from his experience in 2025
History Expeditions and their YouTube Channel

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Unlike a lot of the races we do where you lose your stomach or you do get blisters or whatever
0:06.4	takes you down and you can recover if you have the metal and you believe this is one
0:11.6	where if you make a mistake or two too many you're not coming back.
0:16.2	You're going to have to drop out.
0:18.2	It's just too dangerous.
0:19.9	Given all the things that I've had the opportunity and privilege to do in nearly 40 years of ultra running, this event this year for me at my age given what I was doing was the hardest
0:31.2	thing I've ever taken on. Welcome to the trailhead of Trail Runner Nation.
0:49.6	Lace up your shoes because we're going to go on a run today like we do every week with
0:54.5	some interesting guests that are going to teach us a little bit more about trail running,
0:58.9	ultra running, and hopefully that translates into us becoming better human beings.
1:03.8	And today we're going to talk about one of the toughest races in the world
1:07.6	that a couple of our trail runners have done, they're going to tell us about it.
1:11.6	Stay tuned.
1:13.8	There's a lot of hydration packs to choose from these days,
1:17.0	but I'd like to suggest an alternative to wearing a vest.
1:21.0	John G makes the multi-pass sling bag.
1:24.6	It's lightweight.
1:26.0	It's weather repellent and is packed with smart storage.
1:29.9	It keeps your essential secure while you're bounding down any trail or
1:34.2	running errands around the city.
1:35.9	Need quick access?
1:37.3	The main compartment has a key loop and a drop pocket.
	...

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