Welcome to Episode 50 of the Eat for Endurance Podcast! Today we have a real legend in the endurance world - Dr. David Horton. You may already know of “Horty” if you are well versed in your ultra running history, or if you happen to have run one of the many many races he has directed. Or maybe you’ve heard of something called “Horton miles,” one his signature quotes, like “It never always gets worse,” or read about him in Scott Jurek’s book, “North.”
If not, David is a Professor of Health Sciences at Liberty University, the Race Director of Hellgate 100k and Promiseland 50k, and an accomplished ultra runner (now ultra endurance cyclist after knee replacement surgery). He started ultra running in the late 1970s, and since then has competed in over 160 ultras with 40 wins, including in the iconic JFK 50 and Hardrock 100 mile runs. David also is one of 15 finishers of the infamous Barkleys Marathon. He set speed records on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Coast Trail, and ran one of the fastest times across America. He has spread his passion for running and endurance sports to so many of his students and other athletes over his 43 years of teaching, and I give him credit for inspiring me to enter my first 50 miler (JFK 50) right after we met back in 2015.
We had a very impromptu but great conversation that spanned a variety of topics - nutrition of course being first and foremost but we got into plenty of other stuff that I think you’ll enjoy. He has a wonderful sense of humor, is known for speaking his mind, and was really fun to have on the show.
So without further ado, please enjoy my conversation with ultrarunner, professor, and Race Director, Dr. David Horton.
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