
The Rich Roll Podcast Harvey Lewis: The 47-Year-Old High School Teacher Who Ran 450 Miles and Broke a World Record
25 snips
Feb 8, 2024 Harvey Lewis is a high school teacher and ultra-runner who recently made headlines by running 450 miles in 108 hours at Big’s Backyard Ultra. He shares insights into the mental and physical challenges of ultra-running, including dealing with sleep deprivation and the camaraderie among racers. Harvey discusses his unique coach-less training approach, motivations tied to his charity work, and charming personal anecdotes from his fiancée, Kelly, who also has ultra-running experience. Their conversation embodies resilience and the spirit of pushing human limits.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mental Game at Big's
- Harvey Lewis employed mental tactics in the final laps of Big's, sprinting to send a message to his competitor, Ehor.
- This was the first lap Harvey finished first in the entire 108 laps.
Sleep Deprivation and Hallucinations
- Harvey Lewis only got three hours of sleep before the race and none for the first three days.
- In Australia, he hallucinated intensely after 375 miles due to sleep deprivation.
Endurance Over Luck
- Harvey Lewis believes endurance, not luck, is key to ultra-running success.
- He gradually built up his ability to withstand sleep deprivation over many years.






