Worlds Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji: Travis and Mark "Mace" Macy-R4R 217

Mark “Mace” Macy and his son, Travis competed in the Worlds Toughest Race. Except their story goes deeper to make it more motivating, powerful, and inspiring than any other competitor in the race. Mace was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago, and Eco Challenge Fiji was potentially his last race. Being a legendary adventure racer who had competed in many Worlds Toughest Race events before, Mace knew he could handle the toughness aspect, but how would his mind and body handle the challenges of pushing to the limit. This conversation with Travis and Mark involves going over the race, but then so much more about dealing with the challenges of Alzheimers, which currently affects one in ten Americans over 65 and is expected to affect 14 million Americans by 2050.   We talk about the reality of having this challenge come up for their family, and how Mace thought it would never happen to him, being the epitome of health and fitness. Mace gives his advice for people who are working through the challenge of Alzheimers and both Mark and Travis have advice for family members to be supportive. We talk about the grieving process that is occurs upon diagnosis. How it is natural and normal to experience that feeling. And Mace, keeping the fun always, tells us a funny story from the race. This episode covers a serious topic, but these two remain upbeat and positive. A great lesson for life, and one I am proud to share on this podcast.   Resources: Travis Macy Instagram Travis Macy Twitter My Runner's Connect Travis Macy Episode Angelo Poli from MetPro Episode   Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Metpro, and Go Be More for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!  Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off. Go here to learn more.   I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I’m excited to share MetPro’s newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use.  This isn’t a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best.  Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer!   The black owned business for this episode is Go Be More, a brand with the reminder to chase your dreams. The founder is Jon Rankin, a motivational speaker, Olympian, and kidney disease survivor. The Go Be More brand represents more than just comfortable clothing. It is a wedding ring for your personal goals. It’s a motivator, a constant reminder, and a physical representation of your commitment to be who you were meant to be.  Go and check out their website here where you can check out their merchandise, podcast, blog, and their Just One Challenge. And start to make that difference in chasing your dreams!   Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Travis and Mark, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.