Andy Farina Realized a Dream a Few Months After Suffering His First DNF

Today I am welcoming Andy Farina back to the show, almost a year to the date after we first spoke.

Andy Farina on the Trail

In case you missed our first chat, Andy was told at birth that he may never be able to walk.

Needless to say, he continues to do much more than the doctors ever thought would be possible.

A “Run”gineer

Andy is an engineer by trade, and as such he really enjoys the analytical aspect of our sport.

Being on the other side of 50, Andy feels he needs any edge he can get. That means he dives into analyzing what he needs related to fueling, hydration, and training.

Not only does Andy find himself calculating before races, but he also has to readjust mid-run.

If he doesn’t have a plan in place before his race, it can really throw Andy off!

Today’s episode is sponsored by:

Testing the limits

Shortly after our first talk, Andy attempted his first 100-mile race.

And that race din’t go as planned.

Andy rolled his ankle in the first mile and rolled it several more times in the next 20.

While Andy didn’t quit, he did miss cutoff at mile 69 and was pulled from the race.

Many lessons were learned on that day, so while the race didn’t finish as Andy had hoped it was not a total loss.

Those lessons and that experience served Andy well just a few months later, when he successfully finished his first 100-miler!

Andy Farina, 100 Mile Finisher!

Fall down seve, get up eight! #runchat #runlife Click To Tweet

The Value of a Strong Mantra

The first 50 miles of the Iron Horse 100 were a struggle for Andy. Andy began intense focus on just putting one foot in front of the other.

Early on, Andy focused on his “one foot in front of the other” mantra.

Quitting was never an option for Andy. There were times when he asked himself the question of whether he should call it day, but he never seriously considered giving in.

In addition to having his mantras for his 100-mile race, Andy also relied on the support of others to keep him going. Support was  huge factor in the race, everyone from the people texting him before and after the race to the saftey runner running with him.

Many of his running friends, both local and online, offered much support in the build up to the race.

Connect with Andy on Facebook, Instagram and, Twitter

Want to see Andy’s coaching options? Head over to his Website!

Mentioned in the episode

• Pinhoti trail 
• Western States
• Iron horse 100 miler

As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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