McKenna Marino: Finishing the Colorado Trail Race Solo at 17 | #61
✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio At just 17 years old, McKenna “MJ” Marino became the youngest female finisher of the Colorado Trail Race under race rules, completing more than 500 miles of rugged Colorado singletrack in 12 days, 8 hours, and 11 minutes. In this episode of The Endurance Studio, McKenna shares how she went from her first overnight bikepacking trip to taking on one of the most demanding bikepacking routes in the country. We talk about growing up in an endurance-focused family, discovering bikepacking, racing Pinyons and Pines, and what eventually convinced her to attempt the Colorado Trail. McKenna also opens up about one of her biggest fears going into the ride: being alone in the wilderness at night—and how nearly two weeks on the trail changed her relationship with that fear. Along the way, we get into the realities of the CTR: high-elevation passes, hike-a-bike, exhaustion, resupply strategy, Cathedral Cabins, gear choices, sleep, unexpected trail closures, and the moments when she wondered whether something might actually force her to stop. But this conversation goes well beyond bikepacking. McKenna talks about why she intentionally stays away from social media, the value she finds in disconnecting and being present in nature, how experiences like the Colorado Trail have built her confidence, and why she describes the CTR not as “life-changing,” but as life-defining. We also talk about what her friends think of her adventures, her interest in sustainability and restoration ecology, college plans, and the much bigger adventures she might pursue in the future. At 17, McKenna is just getting started. ---------------- https://trackleaders.com/ctr26 ---------------- (00:00:00) - Episode Introduction and Support Reminder (00:00:48) - Introducing McKenna and the Colorado Trail Race (00:01:32) - McKenna's Early Bikepacking Journey (00:06:59) - Family Influence and Training Support (00:09:28) - European Volunteer Work and Language Experience (00:11:57) - Pre-Race Fears and Overcoming Fear (00:16:39) - Cathedral Cabins and Family Support (00:22:20) - Moments of Doubt and Managing Fatigue (00:25:18) - High Passes, Wind, and Night Riding (00:30:33) - Gear Setup, Packing, and Sleep (00:35:10) - Future Races and Bikepacking at a Young Age (00:39:36) - Community and Solo vs. Group Experiences (00:44:23) - Maverick Stop and Sponsor Spotlight (00:50:55) - Post-Race Reflections and Confidence (00:57:34) - College Plans and Restoration Ecology (01:04:02) - Closing Remarks and Appreciation ---------------- #endurance #bikepacking
