Episode 29: Mario Mendoza, Increasing Access to Running, Treadmill World Records, Community Outreach, Using his Platform to Effect Change

06/18/20 • 51 min

In this episode of the Art and Science of Running podcast, we visit with world record holder, runner, pastor, community builder and recent 100K and 50K Treadmill World Record setter, Mario Mendoza @mendozarunner Mario was recently a part of the Chaski Challenge during which eight world records were broken on treadmills around the world. Mario was joined by former podcast guest and fellow Bend resident, Max King @maxkingor

World Records for a Cause

Earlier in 2020, Mario set a new 50K Treadmill World Record in front of a gym full of students and community members in Madras, Oregon. Madras High School is made up of a diverse population including 1/3 Native American, 1/3 Hispanic, and 1/3 Anglo. Madras is a community that Mario and his wife have invested in.

Mario didn’t choose to run in the most ideal setting to break the previously held world 50K record. He knew that it would require more work and effort and fitness to achieve the goal at altitude and in a crowded gym without air conditioning, but his reasons for wanting to set the record outweighed his desire for an easy mark. Mario wanted to inspire others. He specifically wanted the kids and community that he has worked with to have a reason to hope and an example of what is possible.

Change Takes Time, Patience, Commitment, and Investment

Mario knew early on that he wanted to try and set the world record in Madras, but he also knew that it would take time to build enough rapport in the community for it to have any meaning. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

Similarly, Mario knows that racial tensions in America are real. He has lived them on a regular basis. And yet he knows that the path to change will take time. It will require individuals investing in building personal relationships. It will take love and patience. It will take hope. Mario has hope in a brighter future.

Running to Build Bridges

Mario, Max, and Renee all live and train in Bend, Oregon. They recognize that there is a need in their community to diversity and increase access to running for all people. They dedicated their record setting runs to a camp that they organize to offer opportunities for kids throughout Central Oregon of diverse backgrounds to come together and learn with and from one another.

Read here to learn more about the Central Oregon Youth Running Camp.

There wasn’t enough time to discuss all of the good work that Mario is doing in his community. Mario is using his platform for good. Please watch the video below learn more. Please share Mario’s story.

Previous Episode

Episode 28: Zach Bitter, 100 Mile Treadmill World Record, Fat Adaptation, Metabolization, and Periodization, Adjusting Training and Racing Plans, Coaching, etc.

In this episode of the Art and Science of Running podcast, we visit with multi world record holder, Zach Bitter @zachbitter. Zach recently set a new 100 mile and 12 hour treadmill world record and already held the track and trail world records for the 100 mile distance. One thing that made this particular world record unique (apart from being a world record) is that Zach coordinated a very elaborate live stream production of the entire run which brought in prominent voices in the sport including former Art and Science of Running guests, Dr. Tommy Rivers Puzey @tommy_rivs, Geoffrey Burns Ph. D. @geoffreyburns, Jamil Coury @jamilcoury and Art and Science of Running podcast co-host, Jacob Puzey @jacobpuzey.

In addition to former guests from our show, the 12+ hour livestream also included endurance legends such as Ultramarathonman, Dean Karnazes @ultramarathon, Six-Time Ironman Champion, Dave Scott @davescott6x, former 100 mile treadmill world record holder, Dave Proctor @daveoutrunsrare, overall Big’s Backyard Ultra champion, Maggie Guterl @maggatronsruns, Western States and UTMB Champion, Courtney Dauwalter @courtneydauwalter, and podcasters Eric Schranz @UltraRunnerPod and Ian Corless @Talkultra and many more.

Adapting and Adjusting Training & Racing

Like many, Zach had specific races for which he was preparing. Then, the coronavirus changed everything. Zach knew he was fit and figured he might as well use it. After setting multiple American and World Records at the 100 mile distance on trails and the track, Zach knew that he would one day want to attempt a 100 mile treadmill record. With the recent race cancellations due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Zach figured that this year was as good as any to test himself on the treadmill. He and his wife, elite ultrarunner Nicole Bitter @nkbitter, turned their home in Arizona into an indoor arena for a 12 hour livestreamed sufferfest on the treadmill. In addition to being on-site crew, coordin...

Next Episode

Season 2: Episode 1 Catching up with Malc & Jacob, London Marathon, Tommy Rivs, RunScribe, Running Gait Instructional Videos, Education, etc.

We kick off our second season of the Art and Science of Running Podcast reconnecting hosts Jacob Puzey and Malc Kent from across the pond. Jacob is in Canada. Malc is in the UK. They’ve each had the opportunity to record new episodes. They’re excited to share these episodes in the coming weeks.

Jacob and Malc preview future episodes including one we recorded with London Marathon runner Up, Sara Hall. They also summarize and provide an update on Jacob’s brother, Tommy Rivers Puzey. Tommy joined us for episode 11 of season one of the Art and Science of Running podcast. For more information about the various initiatives to support Tommy and his young family, please visit https://linktr.ee/jacobpuzey

Malc shares some changes taking place in his role at RunScribe including the pro user course. For more information, please visit https://runscribe.com/courses/pro-user-course/

All of this and more in this episode of the Art and Science of Running Podcast.

Intro and outro music GOIN 4 A WALK by Dallin Puzey.

Please listen, subscribe and rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in future episodes.

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