<p>The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.<br></p><p>Join the Newsletter at:<a href="https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check Out MPP Merch </a></p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? </p><p>Check out <a href="https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Troy’s Coaching Page<br></a></p><p><br></p><p>STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  </p><p><a href="https://janji.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>JANJI</strong></a> </p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://bearbuttwipes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>BEAR BUTT WIPES</strong></a> <br></p><p>USE PROMO CODE <strong>MIDPACER</strong> FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>TRAINING PEAKS</strong></a> start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>“Failure means you found your edge—that’s where you learn.”</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Troy sits down with the one and only Gary Cantrell, better known to the trail world as Lazarus Lake. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to building the most notorious events in ultrarunning, Laz has done more than just push limits—he’s redefined them.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>What you’ll hear in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p>How Laz went from a casual runner to the creator of iconic ultras like the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra.</p></li><li><p>The origin story of Barkley and the infamous map, highlighters, and those cryptic course notes.</p></li><li><p>Why he believes failure is a feature—not a flaw—of a well-designed race.</p></li><li><p>Thoughts on what makes someone endure, when everyone else taps out.</p></li><li><p>His philosophy on community, suffering, and why the human spirit shines brightest in darkness.</p></li><li><p>The ethos behind races that break you down, only to build you back stronger.<br></p><p><br></p></li></ul><p>Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack grinder or chasing podiums, Laz’s words will hit home. His belief that every runner has untapped reserves of toughness is as brutal as it is uplifting.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Relevant Links:</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Barkley Marathons – Official Site</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://backyardultra.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Big’s Backyard Ultra</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/frozen-head" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Frozen Head State Park (Barkley’s Home)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Endurance-Artist/Jared-Beasley/9798990795822" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Endurance Artist – Book on Lazarus Lake<br></a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Partner Links: </strong><br></p><p><a href="https://janji.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Janji</strong></a><strong> - </strong><a href="http://janji.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Janji.com<br></a>A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it&#39;s gear you can trust. </p><p>Check them out at <a href="http://janji.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">janji.com</a>.</p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your order.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hyerlyte Liquid Performance</strong></a><strong> - </strong><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.</p><p>More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.</p><p>Check them out at <a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ZZmeB4qub_U?si=BGUk1qTGOB1fWUjr" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Training Peaks</strong></a> - <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/<br></a>A training app as versatile as you. </p><p>Start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://bearbuttwipes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Bear Butt Wipes</strong></a> - <a href="http://bearbuttwipes.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bearbuttwipes.com</a></p><p>Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. </p><p>Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.</p><p>Check them out at <a href="http://bearbuttwipes.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bearbuttwipes.com</a></p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your order.</p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Run Trail Life</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://runtraillife.com/<br></a>Find Official <strong>MPP Merch</strong> on RTL!!</p><p>Use code: <em>MIDPACKER</em> to double the donation from your purchase. </p><p>Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T&#39;s.</p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Freetrail</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://freetrail.com/</a></p><p>Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>ultrarunning, Barkley Marathons, Big’s Backyard Ultra, Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell, endurance, trail running, failure, mental toughness, race design, Tennessee, Frozen Head, grit, perseverance</p><p><br></p>

The Midpacker Podcast

Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows

#100 Lazarus Lake | The Barkley Blueprint, Backyard Ultras, Embracing the Edge, & Why Comfort’s the Enemy

NOV 14, 202576 MIN
The Midpacker Podcast

#100 Lazarus Lake | The Barkley Blueprint, Backyard Ultras, Embracing the Edge, & Why Comfort’s the Enemy

NOV 14, 202576 MIN

Description

<p>The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.<br></p><p>Join the Newsletter at:<a href="https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check Out MPP Merch </a></p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? </p><p>Check out <a href="https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Troy’s Coaching Page<br></a></p><p><br></p><p>STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  </p><p><a href="https://janji.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>JANJI</strong></a> </p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://bearbuttwipes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>BEAR BUTT WIPES</strong></a> <br></p><p>USE PROMO CODE <strong>MIDPACER</strong> FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>TRAINING PEAKS</strong></a> start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>“Failure means you found your edge—that’s where you learn.”</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Troy sits down with the one and only Gary Cantrell, better known to the trail world as Lazarus Lake. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to building the most notorious events in ultrarunning, Laz has done more than just push limits—he’s redefined them.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>What you’ll hear in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p>How Laz went from a casual runner to the creator of iconic ultras like the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra.</p></li><li><p>The origin story of Barkley and the infamous map, highlighters, and those cryptic course notes.</p></li><li><p>Why he believes failure is a feature—not a flaw—of a well-designed race.</p></li><li><p>Thoughts on what makes someone endure, when everyone else taps out.</p></li><li><p>His philosophy on community, suffering, and why the human spirit shines brightest in darkness.</p></li><li><p>The ethos behind races that break you down, only to build you back stronger.<br></p><p><br></p></li></ul><p>Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack grinder or chasing podiums, Laz’s words will hit home. His belief that every runner has untapped reserves of toughness is as brutal as it is uplifting.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Relevant Links:</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Barkley Marathons – Official Site</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://backyardultra.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Big’s Backyard Ultra</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/frozen-head" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Frozen Head State Park (Barkley’s Home)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Endurance-Artist/Jared-Beasley/9798990795822" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Endurance Artist – Book on Lazarus Lake<br></a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Partner Links: </strong><br></p><p><a href="https://janji.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Janji</strong></a><strong> - </strong><a href="http://janji.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Janji.com<br></a>A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it&#39;s gear you can trust. </p><p>Check them out at <a href="http://janji.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">janji.com</a>.</p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your order.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hyerlyte Liquid Performance</strong></a><strong> - </strong><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.</p><p>More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.</p><p>Check them out at <a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ZZmeB4qub_U?si=BGUk1qTGOB1fWUjr" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Training Peaks</strong></a> - <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/<br></a>A training app as versatile as you. </p><p>Start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://bearbuttwipes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Bear Butt Wipes</strong></a> - <a href="http://bearbuttwipes.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bearbuttwipes.com</a></p><p>Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. </p><p>Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.</p><p>Check them out at <a href="http://bearbuttwipes.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bearbuttwipes.com</a></p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your order.</p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Run Trail Life</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://runtraillife.com/<br></a>Find Official <strong>MPP Merch</strong> on RTL!!</p><p>Use code: <em>MIDPACKER</em> to double the donation from your purchase. </p><p>Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T&#39;s.</p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Freetrail</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://freetrail.com/</a></p><p>Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>ultrarunning, Barkley Marathons, Big’s Backyard Ultra, Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell, endurance, trail running, failure, mental toughness, race design, Tennessee, Frozen Head, grit, perseverance</p><p><br></p>