Have you ever charmed your way into love while chasing horizons on foot? Christopher McDougal, author of "Free to Run," joins us with tales that sprint through the intersections of romance and running. He recounts the serendipitous beginnings of a 25-year marriage, born from a temporary job swap and a proposal interception, against the backdrop of his life now in Hawaii. His approach to training—mixing hill sprints with long runs—might just have you rethinking the way you lace up your sneakers.

As we touch on the seasonal dance of training, rest, and indulgence, McDougal draws parallels between grizzly bears and athletes in off-season hibernation. He shares insights on Kenyan marathoners' diets and the need for personal downtime, mirroring the solitude sought by endurance elites like Courtney Dauwalter. The conversation takes a turn through McDougal's literary journey, where he debates stepping away from the running narrative to dive into the uncharted waters of competitive body surfing, likening its nascent allure to ultra-running's early, less commercialized days.

Body surfing's minimalist joy, the evolution of trail running gear, and the rich stories behind ultra races—this episode is a mosaic of endurance sports culture. McDougal muses on the possibilities of monetizing bodyboarding and the protective nature of its community against the riptides of fame. We wrap up over 500 episodes of adventure, misadventure, and heartfelt stories, reflecting on the colorful cast of past guests and the vibrant life of an author who continues to push the boundaries of endurance, in print and in the Pacific surf. Join us for a ride through the waves of life and laughter—all while keeping your running shoes (and maybe even your surf fins) at the ready.

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