Christina Couper: Choosing Your Hard and the Charleston 100

The Adventure Jogger

In this conversation, Christina Couper shares her journey from equestrian to ultra runner. She discusses the parallels between horse riding and running, including the lessons learned from horses such as recovery and problem-solving. Christina also highlights the importance of perspective and gratitude in both running and life. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the fascinating world of farriers and horseshoeing. In this conversation, Christina Couper discusses her experience running the Charleston 100, an unsupported and unmarked race. She talks about the race course and navigation, as well as the unique finish line where runners sprint the last 400 meters on a track. Christina also shares her race support and crew experience, including her boyfriend acting as crew chief. She explains that her goals for the race were simply to cross the finish line and not get arrested for peeing in public. Christina reflects on running alone during the race and the different experiences of large races versus smaller, more intimate races. She also mentions her future races, including the Leadville 100, and discusses the challenges of training for elevation and altitude. Lastly, Christina talks about her boyfriend's podcast and the balance between inspiration and entertainment in her podcast listening.

Takeaways

Running and horse riding share many parallels, including the importance of recovery, problem-solving, and perspective.

The journey and process of running are just as important as the end result.

Applying lessons from one area of life, such as horse riding, to another, such as running, can lead to personal growth and development.

Gratitude and perspective are essential in navigating the highs and lows of running and life.

The world of farriers and horseshoeing is a fascinating and important aspect of horse care. The Charleston 100 is an unsupported and unmarked race, requiring runners to navigate the course using a map and turn-by-turn directions.

Christina's boyfriend acted as her crew chief during the race, providing support and aid at various points along the course.

Christina's goals for the race were simply to finish and avoid getting arrested for peeing in public.

Running alone during the race allowed Christina to reflect and be in her own thoughts, but she also appreciated the camaraderie and support of other runners.

Christina is training for the Leadville 100, a more traditional and supported race, and is preparing for the challenges of elevation and altitude.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 Discovering the Charleston 100

03:16 The Appeal of the Charleston 100

04:08 Unorthodox Approach to Running

05:37 Introduction to Ultra Running

06:18 Transition from Equestrian to Running

07:03 Equestrian Background

08:45 Getting into Horse Riding

09:32 Parallel Between Horse Riding and Running

11:17 Lessons Learned from Horses

12:02 Starting Running Journey

13:44 Applying Lessons from Horses to Running

15:22 The Process and Journey of Running

17:00 Choosing Running as an Outlet

19:13 Applying Horse Training Techniques to Running

20:43 Channeling Intensity into Training

21:39 Reading Nonverbal Cues in Horses and Running

23:27 Taking Care of Yourself and Horses

25:29 Navigating Highs and Lows in Running and Life

27:33 Developing Perspective through Ultra Running

29:13 Training Off Feel and Problem Solving

32:15 Gratefulness for Choosing Your Hard

36:33 Fascination with Farriers and Horseshoeing

38:53 Cost and Time of Horseshoeing

41:36 Race Course and Navigation

44:15 Unique Finish Line

46:23 Race Support and Crew

48:56 Race Goals

49:14 Unconventional Goals

51:26 Running Alone

54:00 The Charleston 100 Experience

55:17 Future Races

57:48 Training for Leadville

01:00:38 Balancing Inspiration

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