Justin and Robbie recap their experience at the Tanana River Challenge, a race that perfectly captures what running in Alaska is all about. Tough conditions, wild terrain, and the kind of mental resilience that only comes from pushing through long miles in the cold.
Race morning started at a bitter -18°F, setting the tone for the day. The first 17 miles were surprisingly runnable and allowed runners to find a rhythm early. But like many ultras, the race quickly changed character. The final 16 miles turned into a grind with rougher conditions, tired legs, and the kind of miles that test mindset just as much as fitness.
In this episode Justin and Robbie also talk about Robbie’s Alaska experience, joining a local group run, and getting a taste of the running culture in the Interior. From the brutal cold to the camaraderie on the trail, the Tanana River Challenge became more than just a race. It became a reminder that ultras are about problem solving, adapting to conditions, and staying mentally strong when the day gets hard.
In this episode we talk about
Robbie experiencing Alaska
Joining a local group run
Starting a race at -18°F
17 runnable miles followed by 16 tough miles
Why mental resilience matters in long races
