Digital Social Hour: Surviving the Beer Mile - Nick Symmonds' Record-Breaking Experience

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Nick Symmonds
Release Date: October 19, 2024

1. Reflecting on Olympic Journeys (00:00 - 09:53)

Nick Symmonds opens the conversation with a heartfelt reflection on his Olympic experiences, contrasting his feelings and performance between the 2008 and 2012 Games. He shares:

"I'll always look at '08 really, like, with huge nostalgia because it was my first Games. That's the moment that makes you an Olympian." (00:00)

Nick emphasizes the significant difference in his mindset between the two Olympics. In 2008, it was his inaugural experience, filled with nerves and the thrill of becoming an Olympian. By 2012, he was more prepared and confident, reaching what he describes as the "pinnacle of his career" by running his fastest time at the highest level.

"I really proved who I was as an athlete in that moment." (09:49)

2. Taking a Break: Mental Reset from YouTube (00:25 - 03:32)

Nick discusses his decision to take a six-month hiatus from his YouTube channel, a decision driven by boredom rather than burnout.

"This was just pure boredom. I'd made all the stuff I wanted to make... I needed to just take a break before I could come back and start creating again." (01:05)

He reveals that during his break, he is already planning a significant project:

"It's a project I've been working on for 10 full years and it all culminates in June. So I'll be filming it and dropping it July 1st." (02:37)

3. Embracing New Challenges: Mountaineering and the Seven Summits (03:30 - 26:38)

Transitioning from running, Nick delves into his passion for mountaineering. He outlines his ambitious goals of climbing the highest peaks in all 50 states and completing the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent.

"I just need to climb Boundary Peaks, not far from you. That's Nevada's highest." (26:03)

Nick candidly shares his self-doubt and the rigorous training involved:

"I don't think I have what it takes to get to the top of this mountain." (36:20)

He discusses the physical and mental demands of mountaineering, including surviving extreme conditions on Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

4. Athletics and Health: Training, Injuries, and Philosophies (05:00 - 33:35)

Nick provides an in-depth look into his training regimen and his unique approach to health and supplements.

"I won't even take Tylenol. I won't even take a multivitamin. I hate medicine." (04:59)

He recounts past injuries, including double knee surgery in college and an ankle injury in 2016 that ultimately led him to withdraw from Olympic trials.

"I gave everything I had in that race, and I was a personal best by almost a full second." (17:40)

Nick emphasizes the importance of genetics combined with hard work, stating:

"You have to have some genetic gift. So... you have to be genetically gifted, and then you have to work off to, as I called it, like, realize the gift." (31:02)

5. The Beer Mile: Record-Breaking Experience (22:24 - 23:35)

Nick delves into his infamous Beer Mile experience, where he set an American record by completing the challenge in 5:19 seconds shortly after the 2012 Olympics.

"For those that don't know what the beer mile is, you drink a beer from an unmodified 12-ounce can or bottle. Then you run a lap, and you gotta do that four times." (22:24)

He reflects on the physical toll of the event and the adrenaline rush that allowed him to perform exceptionally despite the alcohol consumption.

"I didn't feel the alcohol at all because it's not enough time, you know? And you're just full of adrenaline." (23:11)

Nick candidly shares the challenges and the aftermath of attempting the Beer Mile, advising against it despite its seemingly fun premise.

6. Running Stories and Experiences: Trials and Triumphs (27:07 - 35:50)

Throughout the podcast, Nick shares various running anecdotes, highlighting both his achievements and the unexpected challenges he faced. From getting lost during a long run at Red Rocks to the camaraderie of training with elite groups like the Oregon Track Club Elite and the Brooks Beasts, Nick paints a vivid picture of his life as a professional runner.

"What could be more fun than being outdoors with your friends?" (33:38)

He emphasizes the importance of team support in training, contrasting it with the solitary nature of individual workouts.

7. Entrepreneurship: Founding Run Gun and Moving On (33:53 - 34:43)

Nick discusses his entrepreneurial venture, Run Gun, a company he founded and led as CEO for seven years. He shares his experience of building the company and his strategic decision to step down, allowing him to pursue new passions.

"I just want to keep pursuing my passions until I die." (34:43)

8. Life Philosophy: Continuous Pursuit and Retirement Thoughts (34:43 - 35:50)

Nick introduces the Japanese concept of Ikigai, meaning "reason for being," to discuss his approach to life and career. Rejecting the traditional notion of retirement, he advocates for a life of continuous pursuit of passions, whether they are professional endeavors or personal hobbies.

"There shouldn't be the idea of retirement in our vernacular. Like, what are you gonna go to next?" (34:43)

He envisions a future where he seamlessly transitions from one pursuit to another, ensuring lifelong fulfillment and engagement.

9. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Projects (35:50 - End)

As the podcast concludes, Nick shares his excitement about his upcoming YouTube project focusing on mountaineering. Scheduled for release on July 1st, the video promises a cinematic portrayal of his attempt to conquer Denali.

"You can go check me out on Instagram or nicksimmons.com but you're not gonna see anything for a few months." (35:57)

Nick leaves listeners with an inspiring message about following one's passions and embracing continuous growth and challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability: Nick's journey illustrates the importance of adapting to new challenges and finding resilience in the face of setbacks.

• Balanced Approach to Health: His minimalist approach to supplements and medicine underscores a commitment to natural health practices.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founding and successfully running Run Gun showcases his ability to excel beyond athletic pursuits.

• Philosophical Outlook: Embracing Ikigai and rejecting retirement reflects a forward-thinking mindset focused on lifelong fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

• "I get to see the world. I made some money, I made some friends. I just had such an incredible time doing what I love." (17:48)

• "Continuous pursuit and volunteering... I just want to keep pursuing my passions until I die." (35:39)

For more insights and stories from Nick Symmonds, stay tuned for his upcoming YouTube release on July 1st, detailing his mountaineering adventure on Denali.