#151- Mercedes Siegle Gaither - Ultra Runner / Biologist / Colorado State Forestry Service
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Mercedes Siegle Gaither - Ultra Marathon Runner, High Endurance Athlete, Biologist, Colorado State Forestry Service. Mercedes is a high endurance athlete who runs trail ultra marathons, and backcountry backpacking in her spare time. Mercedes grew up in a little town, where she developed her love for the outdoors. She received her BS in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. While working towards her undergrad degree, she studied symbiotic relationships in Belize, and plant ecology and management in Australia at the University of Newcastle-Callaghan. Mercedes then received her MS in Forestry from Mississippi State University. After graduating, she worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming and Colorado. She then accepted a position as the Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. Afterwards, she returned to Colorado to work as a Wildlife Biology Technician for the Southwest Conservation Corps and Bureau of Land Management in Canon City, CO. Now, she's a Forester for the Colorado State Forest Service where she works to educate landowners about wildfire mitigation, enhancing wildlife habitat, and forest stewardship. Mercedes Siegle Gaither joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss, ultramarathon running, mountain life, training in altitude, biology, forestry, nutrition & much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on the show, events, and episode drops.
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Ultimate endurance, unyielding perseverence, and picturesque natural landscapes; these are just a few of the characteristics that make ultra-marathon running an appealing pursuit for athletes worldwide. As guests on The Mountain Side Podcast Episode 151, Mercedes Siegle Gaither shared her experiences as a high-endurance athlete.
Meet the Extraordinary Guest
Mercedes Siegle Gaither is a professional ultra-marathon runner, biologist, and an ardent advocate of fervently pursuing your passion. Her dedication to her chosen endeavors truly exemplifies the "Team Quit Your Job" mantra she promotes — a powerful call to follow your passion relentlessly.
In Mercedes’ case, she has successfully managed to balance a flourishing career in biology, working for the Colorado state forestry service, with her passion for long-distance running in the most challenging terrains nature offers.
Navigating An Ultra-Marathon
Ultramarathons are often associated with mind-over-matter tenacity, and Mercedes’ approach to her athletic endeavors epitomizes this concept. Striking a balance between mental clarity, physical endurance, and adequate nutrition is vital in her pursuit of ultimate athletic achievement.
One key aspect of ultra-marathon running is navigation. This is especially crucial when an ultra-marathon route involves complex terrains and trail alterations. Mercedes explains the importance of familiarizing oneself with flagging and considering race variables while training to prevent unfortunate incidents. Despite potential challenges, such as misplaced flagging or inadvertent route alterations, the ultra-marathon community generally operates on a foundation of trust and good faith.
A Step Towards Greater Inclusion
Mercedes also highlighted the inspiring story of her friend, Zach Friedley. Despite being an above-the-knee amputee, Zach has pushed boundaries in the ultra-running sphere using a prosthetic blade. This remarkable runner has become an advocate for greater inclusion in the sport — a testament that the determination to run ultramarathons transcends physical obstacles.
The Future of Ultra-running
With numerous races spread across the globe and growing interest in this demanding sport, the ultra-running landscape is continually evolving. Mercedes expresses her desire to encourage more individuals, particularly women, to embrace the ultra-marathon challenge, creating a more inclusive and supportive community.
Breaking personal records, navigating challenging routes, embodying resilience and determination — the world of ultra-marathon running is undoubtedly a relentless pursuit of passion. Mercedes Siegle Gaither's experiences as an athlete in this intense sport serve as a powerful testament to the strength of human endurance, and the unlimited potential that lies within our pursuit of passion.
In the world of ultra-marathon running, each trail blazed is an embodiment of sheer perseverance, inviting us all to step outside our comfort zone and journey through the peaks and valleys of our potential.
The lessons we learn from athletes like Mercedes Siegle Gaither reaffirm the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” And what greater stage to embody this adage than the ultra-running community — a collective of resilient individuals carving out their paths in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.