#2: Timothy Olson

Host Brad Kearns talks to ultra runner Timothy Olson of Boulder, CO—the “Conscious Mountain Ultra Runner.” Timothy, a two-time champion of the prestigious Western States 100-mile Endurance Run, is known for his evolved, mindful approach to ultra distance running and also for being one of the most prominent adopters of primal-style eating habits among elite endurance athletes.
 
This show details how Timothy’s dietary choices help him optimize fat metabolism during long workouts, improve his recovery time and improve his overall enjoyment of life. He credits avoiding his former All-American grain-based diet for eliminating his former long-term recurrent stomach distress. Amazingly, he reports that his wife Krista has been able to put her decades-long condition of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) into remission by following a primal eating strategy.
 
Timothy also discusses his unique motivations for competing at the highest level and pushing his body to the edge of human endurance—things like his appreciation for nature, the connection he feels with other ultra runners, and how running strengthens his ability to be more mindful and appreciative of all elements of daily life. This guy is onto something special with his mindset, his healthy whole foods diet, and his awesome athletic feats. Enjoy his commentary and follow him on social media by visiting TimothyAllenOlson.com


Show notes:

• 
Timothy and Brad talk about running the Western States 100 Mile Run. [00:39]
• How the endurance ultra sport community is growing rapidly. [03:11]
• Tim talks about mindfulness, love, believing in yourself, and balancing your competitiveness.  [04:52]
• Tim puts on "Run Mindful Retreats," which are places to enjoy time with other trail enthusiasts and bring meditation into your running and daily life. [08:37]
• What could you say to listeners who haven't captured the secret of being present and one with nature? [12:55]
• Tim has an avid social media presence and can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram [15:44]
• After years of poor diet, how did Tim’s transition to a paleo/primal diet affect his endurance running and his wife's Rheumatoid Arthritis? [17:33]
• How can you learn to listen to your body and find what is best for it? [30:48]
• As an ultra runner, have there been periods when Tim pushed it too hard, which required longer recovery times? [34:03]
• What coaches or schedules have helped Tim’s career? [36:04]
• Do you need to train with the same distance as the race you’re preparing for? [37:45]
• Is keeping glycogen stores full a primary goal? [43:20]
• Are other elite ultra runners into the paleo/primal lifestyle? [44:57]
• What’s happening in the ultra runner scene right now? [48:49]

Selected Links from the Episode:

Timothy’s Facebook

Timothy’s Twitter

Timothy’s Instagram

Run Mindful Retreats

Timothy Allen Olson