Rock Bottom to Ultra Triumph | Beyond The Finish Line Guest: Derek Sprau
In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line with Joe Hardin, hosted on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network by Run Tri Bike, we meet Derek Sprau—ultra runner, father, and living proof that endurance sports can rebuild a life from the ground up. Derek Sprau’s running journey isn’t one of chasing podiums; it’s one of survival, self-discovery, and spiritual revival—one trail run at a time.
His story begins in the shadow of 9/11. The chaos of that time pushed Derek to find solace in running, and in 2008, he crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon, his first major race. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to endurance sports and kicked off a diverse career in the running and triathlon world—one that included helping to grow the now-famous Hot Chocolate 5K/15K series.
A Life Derailed—and Rebuilt Through Running
Derek’s path wasn’t a straight line. Marriage, fatherhood, career changes, and eventually divorce pushed him into a spiral of unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol. But the trails were always there, waiting for him. When he needed to reclaim his life, running was the vehicle.
Instead of following a structured training plan, Derek leaned into intuitive running. What began as casual trail jogs soon morphed into long-distance adventures—like an unplanned 27-mile run on New Year’s Eve. That spontaneous spark lit a fire, leading Derek to sign up for a 50-mile race and, eventually, to set his sights on the Mohican 100.
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The Shift to Intuitive Training
For many endurance athletes, training is about strict schedules and numbers. Derek flipped that script. After a minor injury sidelined him temporarily, he realized the power of listening to his body. He embraced intuitive, heart-led training, allowing recovery, movement, and effort to ebb and flow with life’s demands.
This approach not only reignited his love for running—it helped him push farther than ever. The Thumb Ultra, with its brutal conditions of cold, wind, and sand, tested him. And he thrived, finishing strong, beating the “beat the sun” challenge, and craving even more distance.
Fueling the Body and the Soul
Derek’s approach to running doesn’t stop with miles logged. He’s passionate about strength training, not just for performance, but for longevity and injury prevention. His nutrition? Rooted in local, whole foods and influenced by a homesteading lifestyle. He credits his supportive wife and family-centered nutrition habits—like raising chickens and sourcing real food—as part of what fuels his endurance.
His dream? To run all 11 U.S. National Scenic Trails, totaling over 18,000 miles. More than just an athletic feat, it’s a way of life—exploring nature, connecting with his family, and deepening his understanding of what it means to truly live beyond the finish line.
Beyond Racing: A Life of Intention
Joe and Derek’s conversation reminds us why we run. It’s not for medals, or even for miles—it’s for meaning. Derek’s vulnerability about his lowest points makes his victories even more powerful. If you’re an endurance athlete questioning your path, this episode will reignite your why.
Tune in to the full episode of Beyond The Finish Line with Derek Sprau—available now on Run Tri Bike’s YouTube channel.
Share it with a training buddy who needs a reminder of why they started.
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