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Thank you for listening today, friends! We've got a fun episode with Heidi Garner today, in which we'll learn what it's like to create artwork and merchandise for races, run a small business while navigating family schedules, and plan out an award-winning Javelina Jundred costume.
Heidi also shares some of her hard-earned wisdom with us, including the relevance of squirrels on cocaine, the evolution of her creative process, and why it's important to train in the dark. Heidi’s stories remind us that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments happen when the world goes quiet and we venture into the dark.
Heidi is an incredible artist, accomplished runners in ultras and on roads, and volunteer in the community. She isn't just an ultrarunner: she's an artist, mother, and passionate storyteller who believes that the little moments shared on the trail are what make races so special. She lives with her husband and children near the Canyons and Western States courses.
The long quote Heidi provides comes from Jenny Lawson's book How To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay.
Use the discount code Greggi15 for 15% off on Heidi's website
https://heidigarnerstudio.com/
Topics we cover include:
- Why Heidi loves night running, and how it transforms the racing experience
- Spiritual and emotional benefits of running in the dark
- How her artwork combines a love of trail running with the ultra community
- The storytelling behind custom race art and apparel
- Behind the scenes stories and memorable moments at Javelina and Western States
- The importance of community, support, and shared moments that make ultrarunning more than just a sport
- Balancing creativity, training and family schedules… even during race season
Timestamps:
02:03 - Night running as a favorite ultra feature
03:26 - The magic of running through the night
05:10 - How Heidi got into ultrarunning
06:40 - Transition from road running to trail ultras
07:41 - The trail community and trail races
10:00 - Family involvement and trail running for kids
13:20 - Heidi’s art development and connection to ultrarunning
17:44 - Creating race-specific apparel and collaborations
22:40 - The process of designing race merchandise
26:07 - How Heidi balances her creative work and running schedule
29:54 - Race planning, training, and managing life with four kids
32:23 - The importance of community and shared race experiences
36:45 - Memorable trail moments and meaningful conversations
38:48 - Small moments that create lasting memories in ultras
40:00 - Trail gifts and surprises on the trail
43:00 - Trail safety, first aid, and respecting nature
47:49 - Costumes, race antics, and fun race traditions
55:27 - Famous race moments and quirky race costumes
57:03 - Family support, community involvement, and race plans
64:19 - Upcoming events and exciting collaborations
67:40 - Costume stories, race highlights, and playful race culture
75:39 - The balance of humor, community, and trail adventure
78:35 - Connecting with Heidi on social media and supporting her work
79:01 - Closing thoughts and upcoming races
Links
- Heidi Garner Studio — Official website and shop
- Heidi Garner Instagram — Follow Heidi’s latest designs and race updates
- Western States Course Info
- Javelina Jundred
- Aravaipa Running
- Jenny Lawson
- How To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay
