Episode 15: Patrick Todd - Co-Founder of Timer Guys & Endurance Athlete

Today’s guest is Patrick Todd. Patrick is an endurance athlete (notably having completed 3 iron distance triathlons and a 50k ultra-marathon) and he is the Co-Founder of Timer Guys, the premier race directing and timing company in the state of Kansas. Formed by the merger of Oz Endurance and GoRace Management in 2016, Timer Guys was created to continue to grow the running community in the Midwest and directly owns over a dozen events and works with over 150 races each year (including last year’s Boston Marathon and many 100-mile races). In this interview, we get into the impact the current Pandemic situation has had on his business, the inspiration for starting Timer Guys, all of the various tasks and responsibilities involved in making a race run smoothly, and the rising popularity of gravel grinds and ultra-marathons.

Timestamps

00:02:31 Pandemic's impact on his business and the industry

00:09:03 How he's adjusted his training due to the Pandemic

00:12:03 When was the moment that he wanted to start a race planning and chip timing company

00:22:40 Odd jobs that he worked in New York

00:24:23 Insights gained from prior jobs that helped him to form Timer Guys

00:28:40 Overview of Timer Guys and the services they offer

00:32:40 Gravel grinds

00:38:05 How many races are they typically involved in per year

00:43:30 Who are their customers

00:44:42 The importance of preparing good food for ultra-runners

00:53:52 How far out do they start planning for a race

00:56:45 Race Day as a celebration

00:58:09 Races that have gone poorly

01:01:49 Ultimate vision for Timer Guys

01:03:10 Push-back he got for wanting to start the company

01:08:57 Why he does endurance sports and coaches

01:15:56 His first 50k race

01:18:15 Rise in popularity of ultra-running

01:25:16 His driving force

01:26:41 Advice for someone unhappy in their job but isn't sure when the right time is to leave to pursue their dream