Harvey Lewis - Nice Guys Finish Last

Today we're honored to share a very special interview with the great Harvey Lewis, one of the world’s top ultrarunners of all time. (Also, like Courtney Dauwalter in our last episode, one of the nicest.)

Harvey is not only an accomplished runner but also a dedicated high school teacher at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.

He runs to work every day on what he calls his "run commute," and I had the incredible opportunity to join him on one of those runs—from his home all the way to his school, winding our way through Cincinnatti and Kentucky, over and back across the beautiful Ohio River.

In this episode, we’ll talk about Harvey’s journey as an ultrarunner, including his record-setting win at Big's Backyard Ultra, where he ran an astounding 454 miles over 4 and a half days.

We’ll dive into what drives him to push beyond physical limits, and his approach to inspiring others to live healthy, active lives. 

After relistening to and reflecting on this interview, I think that what comes through the most is not just what Harvey has to say, but how he says it. He truly has a passion, not just for running, but for inspiring and helping others—whether that’s other runners, people that he passes on the road, his fellow competitors in a race, his students or animals.

When we finished our run commute, I had the chance to meet with some of Harvey's students, and I asked them what it’s like to have such an extraordinary person as their teacher. I'm grateful that they allowed me to share their responses, which will give you a real sense of the impact Harvey has, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Of course, I'm also grateful to Harvey for such a memorable run and for sharing so much with us.

And, of course, we're all grateful to our partners at Brooks Running. 

For over a century, Brooks has been propelled by a never-ending curiosity with how humans move.

It drives their every decision and every innovation.

Because they believe movement is the key to feeling more alive.

And we’re all moving towards something.

It could be the top of a mountain, a first-ever 5K, or peace of mind after a stressful day. 

So… let’s run there.  

With gear and experiences specifically designed to take you to that place.

Whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, a finish line, a cure for Parkinson’s, more ethical treatment of animals, or first period government class at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.

Let’s run there. 

Head to BrooksRunning.com to learn more.