Ultra-Runner Commits to Yoga
Ten years ago Brandon set what felt like an impossible goal: to run a 1.7 mile loop in the local Metroparks.
He is now an ultra-runner.
An ultra-runner is someone who runs distances over a typical marathon (which is 26.2 miles.) Due to typical running injuries, Brandon’s doctor, Rebecca Frederick Rose, suggested that he try yoga. The first class he ever went to was a Yoga 101 workshop at Inner Bliss with Daneen four years ago. That was also the first year he ran a marathon. Brandon has run 25 races since.
Yoga helps Brandon recover and prepare. He is currently in training for Leadville Trail in Colorado (100 miles) and Georgia Death Race (75 miles). These two races are highly coveted in ultra-running.
Why do you practice yoga, and how does it help your running?
“Most people forget to strengthen the mind for ultra-endurance events and only focus on the physical aspect. Yoga is where I go to strengthen the mind. To me, there is no place better. ”
When training for ultra-marathons, people often think you have to run an insane amount of miles to prepare. While you do have to run a lot, I feel like the longer the race the more mental it is to finish than physical. Most people forget to strengthen the mind for ultra-endurance events and only focus on the physical aspect. Yoga is where I go to strengthen the mind. To me, there is no place better.
I initially used yoga to help me with running injuries but as I began to practice more it became so much more than that. I enjoy yoga now just as much as running. There are numerous benefits that yoga provides to improve running. I mainly do hot power yoga classes and I feel like those prepare me well for races that are in the really hot summer months. I also just came across some research that showed exercise or physical activity in a hot environment such as hot yoga can help someone who lives at a lower altitude prepare for a race in a higher altitude, which will help with my race in Colorado later this year
When are you happiest?
When I am surrounded by people who enjoy doing the same things that I do. Either outside running on the trails all day during a race, in the gym, or in a room filled with yogis breathing, moving, and sweating together.
What’s on your bucket list?
Mostly running events—two of which I am doing this year. Georgia Death Race in March, and Leadville Trail 100-Mile run in Colorado in August. Both races are so popular you have to get in via lottery drawing. Non-running events would be going to Rome, and a yoga retreat out of the country somewhere.
What’s your favorite song, and why?
The End of Heartache by Killswitch Engage. This song has helped me get through so many hard times in my life and has carried me through low points in a race. It is always the last song on my playlist and I always have it on crossing the finish line.
What has been your biggest challenge in life, and how did you overcome it?
My weight loss. I struggled with my weight until I was 21. I was always overweight, and towards the end, I was up to almost 300 lbs at my heaviest. I was lazy, I didn’t care what I ate, you would never see my anywhere near a gym or doing anything fitness related. I was depressed and felt worthless. I finally decided enough was enough and I couldn’t live like that anymore. I decided to make a change and I failed over and over again. I quit so many times I lost count. I just didn’t want it bad enough. Finally, something clicked, and I decided that if I keep saying I will start tomorrow or the next day it will never happen. Over the course of my fitness journey, I lost a total of 130 lbs when I was at my leanest. My lifestyle is now the complete opposite of what it once was.
Have you ever made a decision that changed your entire life?
Yes, my weight loss and lifestyle change. I would not be where I am now if it wasn’t for my decision to change. It led me to my career and all of the things I currently enjoy now. Running, yoga, lifting weights, pretty much anything fitness related. This year I also became a sponsored athlete by a running nutrition company. There was a time in my life I never thought I would run a single mile let alone stand at the starting line of a 100-mile run. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to attempt a race of that distance.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated book?
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. I don’t know if it’s under-appreciated, but it is a must-read book. He is also an ultra-runner, and his story is phenomenal. One of the most motivational books you will ever read. Life-changing.
How do you stay motivated?
Not wanting to go back to the way I used to live. Keep challenging myself to try things outside of my comfort zone. The amazing instructors at Inner Bliss. Music. David Goggins.
