On this week of the Any Given Runday Podcast, we chat with Gavan Hennigan (@soulogav on Instagram), an extreme ultra runner and adventurer who has gone from early struggles with addiction in his youth and subsequent rehabilitation journey to transitioning from recreational sports to extreme adventure sports along with balancing that with living and working as a commercial diver, which mentally prepared him for endurance challenges that we talk about in this episode.

In detail, we discuss two of Gavan's most significant challenges:

Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a gruelling solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. Labeled the World's Toughest Row, Gavan would row up to 19 hours a day along this 5000km trek that took 49 days to finish.

And the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail, which took him over 24 days to complete.

We discuss the logistics, gear, environmental challenges, and mental toughness required for the race, along with the historical context and importance of the Iditarod Trail. Gavan then shares his personal experiences, encounters, and strategies during the race, including facing severe cold and isolation.

This inspirational episode is a must listen.

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