Altitude & Attitude: Andy Glaze on Ultras & A Book in the Making

He's back! This week on the Dirt and Vert Podcast, we're honored to sit down once again with the one and only ultra runner, Andy Glaze. And let me tell you, he’s been busy!

Andy takes us on a wild ride through his latest adventures, from the mind-bending Cocoa Monster to the epic Arizona Monster 300. He gets real about the challenges of solo racing, the crucial art of recovery, and the logistical chaos of preparing for these massive events. We dive deep into his unforgettable experience at Leadville, tackling the brutal reality of altitude sickness and the incredible atmosphere of its aid stations.

But this episode is about so much more than just miles. Andy opens up about the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book, sharing how storytelling connects us and why mental preparation is just as important as physical training. We also talk about the rise of young athletes in the sport and how involving family makes every finish line even more meaningful.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about balancing a demanding job with an even more demanding passion, proving that with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Glaze and His Races

02:46 The Cocoa Monster: Concept and Execution

05:27 Challenges of the Arizona Monster 300

08:10 Solo Racing: The Mental and Physical Struggles

11:22 Planning and Preparation for Ultra Races

13:56 The Experience of First-Year Races

16:56 Post-Race Recovery and Foot Care

19:33 The Impact of Weather on Racing

22:26 Cocadona: The Final Challenge

25:00 The Evolution of Cocadona and Its Challenges

30:02 Navigating Change in Sedona

31:41 The Impact of Nature on Racing Regulations

32:38 Experiencing Cocodona 250

33:24 Family Adventures and Running

38:20 Inspiring the Next Generation of Runners

40:07 The Challenge of Leadville

46:42 The Journey of Writing a Book

55:38 The Anticipation of Andy's Book Release

57:38 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Firefighting

59:46 Balancing Work and Running

01:04:21 Injury Prevention and Running Longevity

01:07:01 Mental Strategies for Tackling Big Races

01:09:17 Exploring the Southeast and Overcoming Fears