Episode 38: Devon Yanko - Leadville Trail 100 Champ - on Recovery and Prevention

Focus

Devon Yanko shares her strategic approach to maintaining focus during the Leadville Trail 100. She emphasizes the importance of staying internally motivated and not getting caught up in the race's early stages, focusing instead on her own pace and effort level 1. Devon's strategy involved encouraging fellow racers, which helped her stay positive and focused on her goals 2. She explains, "I knew that part of the terrain was conducive to that," highlighting her awareness of the course and her ability to capitalize on her strengths 3.

   

Challenges

Handling both mental and physical challenges is crucial in ultra races, as Devon demonstrates through her experiences. She recounts a moment of dizziness due to altitude, which she overcame by reframing it as a "plot twist," allowing her to maintain a positive mindset 4. Devon's ability to push through difficult sections, like the last 13 miles of the race, showcases her resilience and strategic use of competition to fuel her motivation 5. She describes the ultra running experience as "like a life in a day," where overcoming multiple "walls" is part of the journey 6.

   

Victory

Winning the Leadville Trail 100 was a significant achievement for Devon, marking a career highlight. She describes the emotional last mile, where the realization of her victory brought immense joy and a sense of fulfillment 7. Reflecting on her journey from a basketball enthusiast to an ultramarathon champion, Devon acknowledges the unexpected path her career has taken and the satisfaction of achieving a long-held dream 8. "It's really cool to have won it," she remarks, underscoring the personal and professional significance of this victory.