This past summer, I received a Facebook message from a local running legend and supporter of our Vincennes Historical Half Marathon, Chris Haaff. This message ended up leading me to the experience of a lifetime. Chris forwarded me a map and an article that spoke about Mike Wardian, a marathon and ultra-marathon runner, and his journey running across America while raising money for World Vision.
Mike wore a GPS tracker while running so that his followers could keep up with him, and that morning it showed he was going to be running through my hometown of Vincennes, Indiana! Chris recommended that we try to meet up with him- an idea I was all over.
My brother, Joe, and I traveled down Old Highway 50 where we saw Mike running along a country road. We parked the car on the side of the road and jogged up to him just to offer him a sweat towel and a few words of motivation. After jogging and chatting for a few minutes, Mike invited us to join him and I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
This was an experience of a lifetime in my mind. Mike is not only an extremely successful athlete, but must be an interesting person for accepting a challenge like running across the United States. I knew I couldn’t pass up getting to join him for a part of his journey, while also getting the chance to get to know him.
The only problem- Joe didn’t have his running shoes with him, only his Crocs. This wasn’t my problem for a couple reasons, a) Crocs aren’t really my look and b) I had my running shoes. I kept running only to leave Joe to make the decision of picking me up later or joining barefoot. I think we all know the obvious decision anyone would make… join barefoot.
We set off down the road, along Route 50, the highway Mike navigated across America on. We chatted about a little bit of everything… running, traveling, pizza, business, life and more. He told us about his trip so far- the good, the bad, the distractions. I loved hearing his stories of the people he’s met and the experiences he had along the way.
What was cool to me was that he seemed genuinely moved and inspired by each of them. Mike was completing a challenge that caught the eye of the country, but somehow remained humble, focused and genuinely present. Joe dropped off at 4 miles and I finally called it in at 9.
Sun burnt, thirsty and exhausted- feelings I had while he trekked on for 30 more miles for the day (every day he had a goal of at least 50 miles). Mike left me more inspired and motivated than ever to not only challenge myself to explore what I’m capable of, but to do so with the intentions of making a difference. As I knew it would be, joining Mike Wardian on his journey across America was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Exclusive Interview with Ultra-Marathon Runner Mike Wardian: Insights on Running, and Challenges
After reflecting on this day and reconnecting with Mike, I had some questions I wanted to ask to round out my personal experience and to also offer motivation and guidance for our Vincennes Historical Half Marathon runners! Get to know Mike a little more with me-
How long have you been running and how did you get into it?
MRW: my top 3 challenges have been:
1) 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents & setting a Guinness World Record.
2) Running Across the USA
3) Running the entire Israeli National trail and setting the fastest time ever.
What motivated you to run across America?
MRW: I had a few motivations for running across the United States, I wanted to raise money for charity and we changed over 2,500 lives by raising over $125,000 for World Vision USA and their clean water projects and I wanted to achieve a 20 year dream. When I started running I thought some day I would love to run across the USA and as life happened it kept getting pushed back so in 2020 I decided to make it happen and I had to plan and get ready for 2 years.
What are/were your top 3 memories?
MRW: My favorite running memories have been:
1) Qualifying for the USA Olympic Trials 3 times
2) Representing team USA in the 50k & 100k world championships & winning medals
3) Setting a World record with our son in a jog stroller
Regarding running across the USA:
1) Meeting amazing people
2) Sunrises in new places
3) Seeing my family and friends at the finish
How did you talk yourself out of low points during your journey?
MRW: I just kept thinking this is your one opportunity. Don’t blow your chance. This is your dream. Go get it.
What did you look forward to most on your runs?
MRW: I looked forward to the unexpected and adventure. I never knew what or who the day would bring so I just embraced being out there.
What did you listen to while you ran?
MRW: I listened to over 30 books from classics to vampire teen dramas. I also listened to Apple Music so basically everything and i listened to “Thunderstuck” by AC/DC everyday.
How did you keep yourself motivated?
MRW: I wanted to get in 50+ miles every day. I was never unmotivated.
What is your best advice for beginning runners?
MRW: Be consistent, being consistent in better than being fast or running long. Make running a part of your life and you will be amazed where it will take you.
What is your best advice for competitive runners?
MRW: For competitive runners, always compete against the best people you can find. Don’t be afraid to be the worst person in the group. You will get better. Check your ego. Learn and improve.
What do you feel like are the biggest benefits of running?
MRW: Running is freedom to me. Running makes everything better.
Run down the block or run across America- like Mike said, “Running is freedom.” Clear your mind, move your body and challenge yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to!
Thank you for everything Mike.
Learn more about Mike and how to follow along with him at https://www.mikewardian.com/!
