Rod Farvard, an elite ultra-trail runner, is living proof that only the sky is the limit for someone who is 100% committed to achieving his goals. Before signing a professional sponsorship agreement with HOKA in August 2024, he used to run 120 miles a week while working full-time as a Senior Account Executive in a high-tech company. Running two demanding careers at a time would be a mission impossible for most, but not for Rod, who excelled at both. Imagine, he finished on the winner's podium of this year's edition of the Western States, the most acclaimed ultra race in the USA, while he still had his regular 9 to 5 corporate job! If he managed to pull off such an outstanding performance when ultra running was just his »side business«, what can we expect now when he can finally immerse even more deeply into the training process? If you want to hear his secret to success and all the juicy details about his double lifestyle, you don't want to miss this episode! What are his goals for the next season? Why does he currently prefer the Western States race to UTMB? Is he living his dream life right now and what are his tips and tricks for trail amateurs? Last, but not least – will he ever move to Europe and become a true UTMB legend? Rod Farvard BLOG: https://www.rodfarvardultra.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rod.farvard/ #trail #ultra #pro #run #hoka #lifestyle TIME STAMPS 0:00 – Who is Rod Farvard? 0:56 – Magical 2nd place on Western States 1:40 – Considering a blogging carreer? 2:35 – When HOKA calls you AKA am I dreaming? 04:13 – 9 to 5 job VS. being a professional athlete 5:55 – How does it feel having HOKA as your boss? 6:35 – Is it »profitable« to be on the podium at Western States race? 07:40 – 500.000 eyes on you 09:00 – What's all the hype about Western States? 11:33 – What it has in common with Boston Marathon? 13:00 – Fingers crossed for Hardrock 100 Lottery Draw 14:20 – When you choose trail running over succesful corporate job 18:40 – Good morning Europe, Rod is comming! 19:27 – How to beat your own record for almost 2 hours? 21:00 – How 11th place at Western States changed Rod's carreer? 23:40 – A complete mental shift 24:00 – Western States in less than 14 hours? 24:55 – Why is the first aid station a crucial one? 26:57 – Full power from the first step on 28:35 – Ultra trail running is all about science 29:50 – Western States VS. UTMB preparation 34:30 – Testing the race conditions in advance is a game changer 35:10 – Pacers at the Western States 37:00 – Missing pacers at UTMB? 38:00 – Boosting up the carbs at CCC 41:00 - Carbs loading: 11 to 12g per kg of body weight 41:20 - Breakfast before the race 43:10 - Learning the race strategy the hard way 44:14 – Zombie mode in Chamonix 46:50 – When ego ruins your race 48:50 – Why the sweat test? 51:08 – The stress on aid stations 54:00 – UTMB requires a lot more patience than Western States 54:45 – Always loyal to NEVERSECOND® nutrition 55:30 – 3 bottles per hour 56:15 – Vectiv PRO 2 shoes for Western States 57:20 – Tecton X 2.5 shoes for CCC 01:00:20 – Favourite race so far? 01:01:40 – The hardest race for Rod? 01:02:25 – How many miles per year? 01:03:30 – Training strategy 01:04:40 – The last race of the season: Mallorca UTMB 01:06:10 – Moving to Europe one day? 01:07:20 – What European races are on Rod's bucket list? 01:08:30 – Cheat meals don't exist! 01:09:55 – Big plans for 2025 01:11:00 – Tapering before the most important races 01:12:05 – 120 miles in a preparation week 01:13:10 – 2 strength trainings per week 01:13:50 – Regeneration 01:14:40 – Time for Trivia questions!