Leadville 100: How Zoë Rom's Self-Compassion and Identity Shifts Led to a Running Breakthrough

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

How does a runner go from self-described bench warmer to podium finisher at one of the most renowned 100 milers in the world?

Zoë Rom is a writer and journalist based in Carbondale, CO.

She’s the host and producer of The Trailhead Podcast and Your Diet Sucks, and author of the book “Becoming a Sustainable Runner.”

And she was the second female finisher at the 2024 Leadville Trail 100 Run!

Listen to this episode to hear about:

• A race day recap of Zoë’s 2nd female finish at Leadville
• The difference in her mindset compared to her previous Leadville DNF: embracing her multifaceted self, creating space, sharing goals, and running purely for herself
• Mental strategies and flexible plans that helped her roll with the punches
• What it felt like to know she was in second place mid-race, and mutual support with women’s first place runner Mary Denholm
• Goals for the future and why a clear vision matters

Stay connected:

• Zoë on Instagram: instagram.com/carrot_flowers_z
• Zoë’s book with Tina Muir, Becoming a Sustainable Runner: www.becomingasustainablerunner.com
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

Other FTLR episodes with Zoë

• 282. Tina Muir and Zoë Rom: Running for Life, Community, and Planet https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rjg8YvpyYUD3LYPwHkR7i?si=253d4925591b4e67

• 117. Failure Makes You a Better Athlete and Human https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yCYgO6UMhaSQ2Bc2psAxC

This episode is supported by:

• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at ⁠www.boulderthon.org⁠.
• 2Before: Get a performance boost with New Zealand Blackcurrant berries. Use code FTLR for 30% off of multi-serve and 20 packs over at www.2before.com.
• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR for 15% off your pair at ⁠⁠https://alnk.to/3ybGCzH⁠⁠.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support