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Michael Wardian's journey into the running world is somewhat unique for a man who is a multiple time "Ultra Runner of the Year" recipient. Michael was a Division 1 lacrosse player for Michigan State University and had the grand idea of running the Boston Marathon shortly after graduation. However, Michael had never ran competitively before. Naturally this made him unaware that you actually had to qualify for the race. In hopes for qualifying for the race he decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon. In his first marathon EVER, Michael qualified for Boston and ran a 2:54 in just his second competitive race.

Years later he stands as one of the most decorated ultra runners around the world. He has the fastest average time for an individual who has run seven marathons in seven continents in seven days. He has won the 50km, 50 Miler, and 100km U.S. championship through-out his career.

Earlier this year he ran the Quarantine Backyard Ultra where he accumulated 262 miles over the course of 63 hours and he did it off of NO SLEEP. He is sponsored by Hoka, T-Mobile and is a coach alongside other elite runners and coaches for Chaski Endurance Collective.

Outside of running he enjoys playing chess and like many of us he plays in multiple fantasy football leagues.

In this episode we discuss:

How his running journey began
How he stays healthy and the importance of strength training
How he was able to push through in the Quarantine Backyard Ultra
The power of a support group
Self-limiting beliefs and why you should set big goals
How he wants to run across the moon
The importance of putting yourself into a position to fail

Accomplishments

2004, 2008, 2012 Marathon Olympic Trials Qualifier

2008, 2009, 2010 U.S. 50km Champion

2008 U.S. National 100 km Champion

2011 U.S. 50 mile Champion

Fastest AVG time for 7 marathons 7 continents 7 days

Marathon PR 2:17.49

Michael's Sponsors | Hoka, T-Mobile

Follow Michael Warden on Facebook | Instagram

36. Setting A Big Audacious Goal With Michael Wardian