In this episode, Alex and Meredith have author and ultra-endurance cyclist Meaghan Hackinen on the podcast. Meaghan shares her experience in the formidable Tour Divide race, an intense 4,300-kilometer ride from Banff, Alberta to the Mexico border, in which she won the 2024 women’s division. Meaghan shares her journey from bike commuting and roller derby to long-distance cycling, and discusses essential aspects of race preparation including managing sleep, nutrition, and the mental hurdles of extended events. She emphasizes community-building within the sport, highlights women's contributions to ultra cycling, and outlines her upcoming plans for the Arkansas High Country race. Meaghan's reflections encapsulate resilience, adaptability, and a zest for adventure.— Cycling Adventures and Community Events— Journey into Ultra Cycling— Nutrition and Training for Ultra Cycling— Indoor Training and Endurance Strategies— Challenges and Adjustments During Races— Mental and Physical Struggles on the Road— Post-Race Recovery and Reflections— The Intersection of Cycling and Creativity— Future Plans and Women's Participation in Ultra Cycling— Upcoming Races and Community EngagementResources Mentioned in This Episode:· Follow Meaghan on Instagram @meaghanhackinen (https://www.instagram.com/meaghanhackinen/)· Check out Meaghan’s Website (https://meaghanhackinen.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYAeVIV_9xEal7KZKH-KD_vIh1yXLMv8p4jg6e9ec-Yb2ymCsMmSRSStFo_aem_EE4AKLKC0agfjchMevoi0g)· Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race by Meaghan Hackinen (https://bookshop.newestpress.com/products/shifting-gears-coast-to-coast-on-the-trans-am-bike-race)· South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels by Meaghan Hackinen (https://bookshop.newestpress.com/products/south-away-the-pacific-coast-on-two-wheels?_pos=1&_sid=57e501174&_ss=r)· Cranbrook Gravel Grind (https://anythinggoeseventseries.com/cranbrook-gravel-grind-as-good-as-gold/)· Watch Ride the Divide (https://tubitv.com/movies/578087/ride-the-divide?start=true&tracking=google-feed&utm_source=google-feed)· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Adventure, Endurance, and Giving Back with The Queen of Pain: Rebecca Rusch (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afternoon-snack/id1511052873?i=1000666104100)────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services (https://tacticmethod.com/en-us/pages/services/#what-we-offer)Learn More About Us Here (https://linktr.ee/tacticnutrition) and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG (https://www.instagram.com/tacticnutrition/)!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list! (https://omniform1.com/signup/v1/625dd0132ab6d4bab47b7394_6284204858d81ef6acc1bedd.html)