In this episode, Ryan interviews Becca Windell about her recent achievement of getting a golden ticket at the Black Canyon race and her upcoming participation in the Western States race. They discuss the last mile of the Black Canyon race, the excitement of getting the golden ticket, and the cost of participating in Western States. Becca also shares her early running experiences with her grandpa and how she got into cycling before transitioning back to running. They also touch on the differences between the running and cycling communities. Becca shares her journey of getting back into bike racing, transitioning to trail running, and discovering ultra running. She discusses the importance of belief and confidence in running, as well as the lessons she has learned from her coach, David Roche. Becca also reflects on the influence of her grandfather and the gift of having a great grandparent. She talks about dealing with a significant injury and her dream of running Western States. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about Chicago food preferences and fandom.Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:30 Unconventional Interview Style00:54 Congratulations on Getting the Golden Ticket02:31 Thoughts During the Last Mile03:14 Planning for Western States04:05 The Golden Ticket Experience04:52 The Cost of Western States05:27 The Evolution of Western States Entry06:15 The Privilege of Running Western States06:44 The Competitive Nature of Black Canyon07:45 The Experience of Black Canyon08:23 The Golden Ticket Prize09:00 The Support of Aerovipa09:58 The Cost of Western States Entry10:09 The Golden Ticket Experience11:22 Introduction to Running12:08 Early Running Experiences with Grandpa13:11 Rediscovering Running with Josie20:11 Transition from Cycling to Running21:12 Finding Joy in Running22:39 Comparison of Running and Cycling Communities25:11 Introduction to Cycling26:26 Involvement in Underground Alley Cat Bike Racing28:39 Reactions to Becca's Bicycle Gang30:28 Getting Back into Bike Racing31:08 Lessons from Underground Bicycle Gang33:08 Transition to Trail Running34:37 First Ultra Races35:50 Approach to First 50K36:28 Break from Racing and Wildlife Research37:28 Returning to Running and Discovering Ultra Running38:19 Building Confidence and Belief in Running40:28 Lessons from Coach David Roche41:20 Importance of Using the Brain in Athletics43:35 Grandfather's Influence and Wisdom45:05 The Gift of Having a Great Grandfather46:15 Dealing with a Significant Injury51:07 Dreaming of Western States56:49 Goals for Western States59:00 Chicago Food Preferences01:00:11 Chicago Bears Fandom01:00:29 Existential Dread and CreditsSupport the Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theadventurejoggerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices