#3 all about ultras Beyond the Trails. Identity, Endurance & the Ultra Family-Alexander Papadopoulos

In this episode, I am actually diving into the archives of the ROUT Talks podcast, bringing you an incredible episode that I had the honor of hosting on behalf of the ROUT Foundation back on July 20, 2021.

In this third episode of their series, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with a true veteran of the trails, a man with nearly 20 years of ultra-distance running experience, a two-time finisher of the legendary ROUT CLASSIC 100 MILES, and someone who holds a deep love for the peaks of Rodopi and Mount Olympus. Joining me all the way from just outside Virginia in the USA, please welcome Alexander Papadopoulos.

In this conversation, Alex and I cover an incredible amount of ground. We dive straight into the philosophy and the grit of ultra-running, asking the big questions:

• Identity & Culture: Is he Greek-American, American-Greek, or an American of Greek origin? And how does the ultra-running spirit differ between the USA and Greece?
• The “Why”: What drives a runner to tackle the exact same 100-mile race 10 or more times? Alex shares his deep connection with the legendary H.U.R.T. 100 in Hawaii, and we compare the unique “H.U.R.T. Family” to our own “ROUT Family.”
• The Shangri-La of Running: Why does he leave the US, the ultimate haven for 100-milers, to come race in Greece?

“We also debate a classic training question: Is it Workout (Προπόνηση) or Training (εξάσκηση)? The distinction might surprise you.”

We also get into the fun stuff: the hilarious story behind his nickname “dos huevos frios,” the moving story of the American flag he carried across the ROUT Classic finish line, and his raw thoughts on FKTs (Fastest Known Times). Plus, we talk gear, sponsorships, and his preference between the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.

Here is my conversation with Alexander Papadopoulos.