WINNING A 354 MILE RACE & Finding Your 'Why' w/ Harvey Lewis | Rich Roll Podcast

High school teacher & elite ultramarathoner Harvey Lewis joins Rich to share wisdom on human potential, breaking records and achieving audacious dreams. To read more, and peruse the full show notes, go here👉🏾bit.ly/richroll658
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FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS
www.blakecurtis.net/
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:33 - Crushing the Ultra Running World at 45 yrs old
00:03:59 - Backyard Ultra World Champion!
00:11:51 - Lazarus Lake - The Ultra Mad Genius
00:15:41 - Harvey Ran 354 Miles in 85 Hours
00:20:21 - How Did Harvey Get Pass His Previous Record?
00:24:22 - What Does It Take to Have A Great Crew?
00:28:04 - Pushing Past Limits and Finding New Depths of Potential
00:31:52 - Ad Break
00:32:28 - Harvey Likes to Take On a Spirit Animal
00:34:58 - Can Anyone Beat Harvey's Record?
00:37:32 - Harvey Uses Music to Help with Pain and Fatigue
00:38:31 - Harvey's Nutrition During the Race
00:44:46 - Chiseling Away for 25 Years at Running
00:49:55 - Harvey's Decision to Go from Vegetarian to Fully Plant Based
00:57:57 - Ad Break
00:59:32 - Harvey's Relationship with His Students & Passion for Teaching
01:03:47 - How Does Harvey Train While Teaching?
01:07:57 - Harvey's Historical Run Routes
01:16:24 - Harvey's Challenging Childhood
01:20:06 - Running the Cleveland Marathon at 15
01:23:27 - The Challenge of Helping a Student Find Inspiration
01:27:43 - Harvey's Relationship with His Father & "Like Harvey Like Son" Doc
01:35:31 - Preparing for the Barkley Marathon
01:45:06 - Badwater 135
01:58:27 - Harvey's Day-in-the-Life for Food
02:00:44 - Fitness Advice for Getting Started - Great clip AJ
02:07:15 - What is Your Why?
02:09:28 - Closing Remarks
* * * * *
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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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[@ConnorCordell]

Here off the news of his 450 mile record… Legendary.

[@keithkilgorejr5100]

Let’s go Harvey!!! Met this guy running tri peaks in southern Cali the morning of the show. He even gave me his number and has been dropping knowledge on me since! Extremely humble

[@jassminejames210]

He's a good person

[@chrislewis9351]

@@jassminejames210 no he is not. Self centered. Only celebrates himself. Does not talk about his family or anyone else. He is a con artist. It’s all about him.

[@joe1071]

I’m betting you are a family member of Harvey

[@relrond6111]

​....... It's a podcast about him? He's being asked questions about.... Him???

[@luyi3086]

Incredible interview with Harvey Lewis! His dedication and passion for ultrarunning are truly inspiring. The victory at the Badwater Ultramarathon and the record at the Long Haul 100 Mile showcase his incredible endurance and determination. Congratulations to Harvey for his commitment and tireless spirit! A true example of perseverance and mental strength. Thank you for sharing his extraordinary experience and motivating us to push our limits!

[@aum3910]

Wow. This was my first exposure to Harvey Lewis. What a beautiful, genuine and great human 🤗🌷 so nice to know you are out there...somewhere

[@andimatt7232]

Holy smokes, this is so inspiring! Thanks to you both of you, Rich - because of you I did kick my alcohol addiction, it gave me the power to do it in my 30s!

[@jassminejames210]

Well done you

[@turkeysandwich001]

My drinking went down significantly over the last couple of years almost close to zero. I personally think it’s probably not advisable as I often wonder if am I really happy to have cut out something I used to enjoy. But I was never addicted or ever had massive intake. But well done to you.

[@joe1071]

Well done! I feel like there’s a Revolution stirring, a lot of people kicking alcohol out of their lives these days

[@andimatt7232]

thank you@@joe1071

[@justanoldfashionedrunner605]

thank you Harvey and Rich, so powerful......at 67 i feel i just got my fire lit to embark on new adventures

[@joanowens7941]

Thanks, Rich. A fabulous interview. I'm 74 and was never a runner, can barely walk, but Harvey is a great guy and a wonderful man. He shines with kindness and strength. His students, and all of us, are lucky he is in this world.

[@brianclark641]

I signed up for my first ultramarathon…100K outside Las Vegas in April…thanks for inspiring me to do something I’ve never done before

[@pinkraes]

I was privileged to meet Harvey through my nephew. What a great guy he is. He is such an accomplished runner, but so humbled. When I think that I can’t do something, I think of what Harvey has done, and it gives me that extra push I need. Thank you for the friendship, Harvey-Matt

[@johannesklein7064]

It must be so cool to have him as a teacher in highschool

[@mathieudube6907]

After watching this interview I am pondering Laz's two biggest races. I consider Big's to be the exact antithesis to Barkley and together they encompass the full spectrum of the ultra movement. Bigs eliminates almost all risk ractors for failure outside of the human condition. It is simply about human resilience and the competition between athletes. The Barkley seems to have very little competitive focus between athletes but instead suffercates the participants with the very real risk factors of the natural world. Weather, terrain, visibility, navigation and time limits give the participant countless excuses for failue. But at the heart of both races is the common theme of human spirit and the pursuit of overcoming almost insurmountable odds to be victorious.

[@munyika96]

very well said!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

As an ultra runner I can tell you, while ultra marathons are physically tough, the mental side is the hardest part.

[@hordboy]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Harvey and spending a day with Laz. Two very interesting and authentic souls.

[@michelletorres308]

Harvey is super cool! So enthusiastic and full of gratitude and life.

[@jklfds85]

Harvey really showed some real class when he refused to judge what other runners eat. Way to go! 👍 Great example!

[@ckellimackie8540]

Amazing record by Harvey! Congrats!!! Check out the Victorian Pedestrians (Early day ultras). In particular George Littlewood and the Astley belt 6 day ultras. Littlewoods record of 623 miles stood for nearly 100 years until Greek running legend Yiannis Kouros broke it by running 635 miles. He then broke his own record in 1991 achieving 664 miles... A record that still stands today 🙏 All the best! CK.

[@josephdouglas4214]

So good, beautifully presented and what a treat to see and feels Harvey's positivity. Super inspirational. I think I need to take the plunge from vego to vegan.

[@jearanio_19]

BOTH OF MY FAVORITE PERSONS IN ONE SHOW🤧🤧🤧

[@lauren4434]

why couldn't I stop listening to him? I think because he's so human, and humble.... wow.

[@stephaniewaskoenig1387]

I am loving that you guys are also celebrating the arts! Went to a liberal arts college in Ohio so absolutely connecting with this talk, it’s making me smile from ear to ear (I am a vegan ultra runner as well, so this just ticks all the boxes for me!)

[@shartmann2008]

If he's a Bengals fan, so am I... this year anyway. What an inspiration... the running commute is so cool.

[@tireguy6524]

About 3 hours ago I ran into Harvey in the parking lot of the Grande Cache Recreation Centre, while we were both on our way to get our race kits for this years "Canadian Death Race". He walked over to me in the parking lot and introduced himself, we chatted for a bit and afterwards I decided to Google him to figure out exactly who he is. He is an incredibly humble and friendly guy.

[@donnybeal2135]

What a great human being. I am an instant fan of his

[@rajsingal1158]

Great talk Rich. This guy is amazing.

[@dtaylor4200]

Harvey is a true inspiration. Changed how I look at my training

[@kramkalisthenics]

Harvey is so inspiring! I've been whole foods plant-based *vegan* for 33+ years. I'm not only fit at 65, I'm getting stronger, on no meds/peds/trt and all my parts work. Pro tip to non-vegan ultra athletes: 38:36

[@becac.832]

Im not a runner so I’ve never heard of him but what a classy bloke.

[@albertoduqe]

Absolutely legendary.

[@nockee]

What a great human being.

[@michaelfibich9504]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Harvey a couple of times. He is definitely a bright shining flame in this world. I’ve seen how a small dose of his energy has been magnified through the people he interacts with. -Pebbles

[@MorganChristianNMProud]

Met Harvey at Run Rabbit Run 2021 at his aide station, just such a nice guy!!

[@rayvaughan123]

Fantastic interview. Harry is very humble like Courtney. I believe he will conquer Barkley this year. Boggles my mind how Harry was not the #1 ultra runner of the year.

[@tracybrusman9538]

Wow! So inspiring! Thanks for being here!

[@TiberiuStandUp]

This is AWESOME! Harvey Lewis is amazing, I love this guy! A beast of a runner!

[@dic2504]

Loved this one!! I listened to the podcast & then had to come and watch it on KZbin. So very inspiring. What a wonderful human being!

[@musicjewell9329]

Watching this inverview backwards kinda funny how far he has come in 2 yrs. His second interview was amazing with his finance

[@claudieharris9046]

What a great human being, Harvey is !! Listening to him was fascinating. Thanks for this awesome interview !!

[@gorillajuice5272]

I understand they cram food and try to sleep with the remaining time at the end of the hour, but what about using the bathroom? What happens if you are mid poop when the whistle is going off? How can you take the time to eat/sleep AND poop?

[@nrbeck1]

Harvey!!! I am doing my first backyard in Ohio March 19. Woop! You are a savage.

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Harvey, You are an inspiration to me and so many others I know. I will be running my 66th ultra this coming February 13th. Like yourself, I can’t believe what I have accomplished. This in itself is a blessing that keeps me going !!!!!

[@nikkihobson5632]

So inspiring! What a wonderful thing to listen to this morning. Thanks, as always, for an incredible bunch of people.

[@videos-gl2qq]

I'd love to watch the AT run documentary they talk about "Like Harvey Like Son". Anyone know where it can be found?

[@kamilagulbicka1038]

Amazing podcast! I wait for Scott Jurek!

[@kellicardaras2805]

Wonderful, inspirational man! I noticed faster recovery during marathon training on a plant based diet, too. I hope he writes a memoir.

[@rizzomatt]

Play interview Rich. That 2 hours went by in the blink of an eye.

[@dudeinthecrowd]

Great talk and the guest is full of infectious energy for sure! Thank you for the podcast, Rich Roll! :)

[@secure777]

Great podcast , thanks for all the good info🤟🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼.

[@marrunslow3815]

What a great interview. Harvey is such a positive representative of all that is great in teaching, learning and life exploration!! Great questions too Rich. Always a pleasure to hear your blogs 👍🏼

[@andreahorsch286]

Oh man, role model!! Also, love the Southern Ohio representation--much love from Athens

[@davidfecteau2966]

What a great interview. Would love to meet this guy

[@SendingStache]

have been so excited for the chance to hear harvey on your show! listening now!

[@sunnysidey]

Fantastic interview! Harvey is beyond inspiring. Thank you 🙏

[@markstubbs5051]

Unreal. Rich - love ya work and book mate.

[@msdaus14]

Love these stories.

[@stephenmathes1]

awesome interview, Harvey is the real deal...what a great human

[@iiwiiGaming]

Truly incredible interview

[@samanthaa3564]

Super inspiring!

[@Movtail]

Awesome can't wait to listen

[@0Mallos0]

yeeeeeaaaah! i was waiting on that one since harvey said you guys recorded it😁

[@alanrobertson3172]

What an amazing guy.

[@drmhynes]

Two legends chatting. #Awesome

[@vincentdc211]

I saw Harvey on the trails at Longhaul running my first 100 miler. Really cool guy.

[@BlackDembelMP]

Amazing race!

[@nataliejones8500]

Go Harvey GO!

[@gokulpnair]

Inspiring

[@jbzen1]

Beyond excellent! Where can we find the doc?

[@lunchboxpictures5672]

Brilliant

[@seanmac5093]

This guy is the exception. Most ultra runners I know have broken bodies by their 50's. Admire the tenacity, grit, and commitment. But it comes at a steep price for most folks.

[@Cqualey1]

With his disposition one could do just about anything. With victim disposition one can do just about nothing.

[@secondyaya]

Can't find the full dcumentary film of "Like Harvey, Like son". Can anyone direct me to where it's possible to play the entire film?

[@BrunoSpellanzon]

1:40:00 amazing idea Rich! ahhaha that would be fun hhahaha

[@RTaranto118]

Great interview! Just want to correct: Mt Whitney is the highest point in the Continental US, NOT the highest point in North America.

You need Lazarus on here to complete the Trio with Harvey and Courtney!

[@PTSTEH20]

This podcast is awesome but one thing I can never wrap my head around is why western people who are Vegan climate health and well-being enthusiasts who do yoga and stuff to better their lives and think going to India the number 1 polluted continent is a good idea!! I would take a trip to Pakistan over India any day of the year

[@Sampozsik333]

Heyyy yoooo 88 county's in Ohio come to NW OH and let's run in Lucas County !

[@rrsp253]

Superman

[@powidel2118]

May I ask what green shirt you are wearing here?

[@eddiesanjurjo6265]

How can you can compare the distance to other things?

[@IvicaOS]

Rich what shirt is that? Is it “shacket”. 🤓

[@bignige]

I wonder where he gets his protein from? (snigger)

[@MichaelMankong]

Sweet

[@Roslagsbanan2011]

Hi there, tried to find a place where i can stream " Like Harvey like son" but no sucess. Has anyone found it ?

[@secondyaya]

No, I'm also hunting for it.

[@sean-patricksmith4567]

If you're not first, you're last ricki bobbi!

[@stefanemanuelsson2201]

Everyone but the winner dnf's. Hilarious :D

[@rockannie]

only RR could say, "you pooped out at 240" and ...well, that's all. 🤣🤣🤣

[@tstatus1206]

If you're not first, youre last and didnt even finish. Lmao

[@anjilala]

This is interesting for me. Unfortunately switching to a vegetarian and then vegan diet in my 20s destroyed my health.At 58 I am now carnivore and my body is very happy. So I wont be going back to plant based but I respect that it works exceptionally well for Harvey. I dont personally suscribe to meat destroying the planet. If that was the case the millions of bison that inhabited America before Europeans wouldnt have left the rich abundant topsoil and beautiful environment that existed before their natural population was decimated. I personally blame highly processed, packaged, & transported foods. (And western toileting that sends everything that comes from the earth down the toilet) Anyway great respect 🙏

[@AmaiJanice]

Mentally strong guy..inspiring athlete Meat is not as evil as far as health goes. I produce vegan products,, my customers are vegan but I see a disconnet and lack of critical thinking among this community.. Meat is bad but junk vegan meat is good? it is the crap that is eaten with meat that produces really bad outcomes I am a former practicing RN. RN's of my generation were never poster children for health The stress alone can easily be a precursor to stroke. Hilde Larsen 56 years old.. just stroked out and died, she was obsessed with cleanses juicing fasting......so there you go.

[@tdtdtd1826]

Run less to have more hair😂😂😂

[@steampunk1022]

Kinda rude, he gave me an F on my federalist essay 😡

[@dudeinthecrowd]

Why do these people wear a T-shirt with VEGAN word on it? If I like meat, should I put Meat-lover or Meat-eater?

[@SendingStache]

i don't see why not! you should do whatever makes you happy!

[@HeibesHealth]

Hey, I’ve seen people with a t-shirt that just says “BACON” on it, so why point the vegan one out? I don’t see a difference.

[@dudeinthecrowd]

@@SendingStache That is a good answer! Thanks!

[@catsteinhilb2880]

…because there are some people who don’t believe athletes, and particular Ultra endurance Athletes can perform as Vegan. It’s his preference, it’s like a team affiliation. You should absolutely wear “meat eater” should you so desire.

[@jassminejames210]

@@catsteinhilb2880 so true you need meat to be an elite athlete

[@doddsalfa]

Nothing wrong with running thousands miles just don’t confuse it with fitness or a good health

[@doddsalfa]

@@danzacjones let’s hope that right

[@lauren4434]

hmmmm, right.

[@negrman66]

Sounds like your projecting because you’re jealous

[@doddsalfa]

@@negrman66 no I’m just better informed about nutrition and fitness science than you

[@michalnovak1709]

You are ignorant. This man is running everyday and eating one of the healthiest ways he could and you say he is not fit or healthy? Try running sub 2:30 marathon you fitness guru :)