Canyon Woodward's Unconventional Path | Learning by Doing, Community Organizing, & Humanity's Interdependence
About this episode
Canyon Woodward is pro trail runner for Patagonia from Franklin, NC. Canyon has proven himself to be among the most consistent long-course athletes in America, finishing top five at three golden ticket races in a six-month timespan: Javelina Jundred (3rd), Black Canyon 100k (4th), and Canyons 100k (5th). Carrying a lot of fitness and competitive momentum, Canyon will be a factor at Western States later this month -- a goal he's been chasing for several years.
But Canyon is much more than just a talented runner. He's made his career working in politics and community organizing where he's fought for his values in the public domain – things like rural communities, environmentalism, and conservation, which we discuss at length in the episode.
Also part of our conversation is Canyon's recently signing with Patagonia – the iconic outdoor brand that takes a leadership role in the industry and globally around the things that Canyon cares about – the collision of his running career and his career as an environmentalist and activist coming together is an exciting new partnership. This is his first appearance on the podcast.
Topics:
– Canyon's fascinating childhood and ppbringing
– His education and discovering his knack for community organizing
– Getting into politics and running a 100% positive campaign
– the political power of rural communities
– Of course we explore the origins of his running prowess
– the value of learning by doing
– Consistency and Success in Racing
– Navigating Sponsorships and The new Partnership with Patagonia
– Preparing for Western States
– The Pacer Debate in Ultra Running
– Goals for Western States
– And a lot more
Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front -- The poem recited at the end of the episode
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