In this episode, I have Eric Kienle back on after one year, this time as the champion of the last man standing at the Mid-State Mile. During this interview, we drilled deep into what Eric truly learned in the past four years from the Mid-State Mile and how it has not only made him a better ultra-runner but more importantly a better person. If you would like to learn more about Eric and his journey as a runner, go back to Episode #27 in my podcast.
Below is an excerpt that Eric wrote from his experience after winning the Mid-State Mile.

"I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more.”The Mid-State Mile 2023. I walked away the last person standing, and a new Course Record with 121 loops, 133.1 miles, 41,120ft of gain/loss, for a total time of 41 hours and 20 minutes. This was my 4th year at MidState, and 3rd year of really understanding what it takes to be “out there” for a long time. This race is truly magical. The amount of growth and self-improvement that comes out of its participants is unmatched. I have grown so much over the years with this race from completely clueless, to ego-driven maniac, to being served a piece of humble pie, to being the last runner standing. I approached this race very differently this year, and I tried to simplify it as much as possible. 'How far can I possibly go when there’s an aid station every mile?' That was what I played in my head over and over in training. I also learned to be a listener and not a talker. Actions speak louder than words. I chose not to post about goals, or talk about what I planned to do at MidState. I will work harder than anyone else out there, and results will happen organically. MidState is a game of patience and preventative maintenance. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I cooled before I was hot. I took salt before there were cramps. I drank before I needed it. Rinse and repeat. I stayed present and repeated things in my head to keep me present. I’d say 'Who am I in this pain? Who am I at my level of existence of my soul, and energy in the universe? I am not my physical appearance, and my body is not mine. The body is merely a vehicle. The vehicle feels pain, but the soul does not. The soul is driving this vehicle.' I stayed present this entire race. I listened to my coaches and crew. All I had to do is go, and I did. I am so grateful for this race. Thank you to everyone who helped me on this journey."

Follow Eric on Instagram: @erickienle
You can follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina04/or by going to my website at:  www.johngrdina.com
If you feel compelled to donate land for my future ministry, please email me at [email protected]
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GEAR THAT I USE FOR RUNNING:
SHOES: NorthFace https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/mens/mens-footwear/mens-trail-run-c213281/mens-vectiv-infinite-2-shoes-pNF0A7W5M?color=FM9
Saucony Guide https://www.saucony.com/en/guide-15/
UNDERWEAR: Xoskin https://www.xoskin.us/  20% Discount- Code: truesupporter 
WATCH: Coros Pace 2 Watch https://coros.com/pace2
HEADLAMP: Fenix https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hl18r-t-rechargeable-headlamp
SOCKS: Xoskin https://www.xoskin.us/ and Bombas (running) https://bombas.com/collections/mens-performance-socks
ANTI-CHAFING: Salty Britches https://getsaltybritches.com/

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