While winter has basically been a no show in Minnesota this year, there are places where hearty Minnesotans are currently braving the elements. We Do This For Fun holds one of those people dear to our hearts- Leah Gruhn.

For the second year in a row Leah’s racing the ITI1000 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a grueling 1000 mile race. While we didn’t get a chance to chat with her before she began, we’ve been following her little dot on Trackleaders.

From the race organizers:

“Only the most experienced, rugged and intrepid competitors dare to attempt the ITI 1000, the world's longest and toughest winter race.”

As we think about Leah we wanted to revisit a podcast recorded last year with Leah and her husband Jere. 

Visit wedothisforfun.com to follow Leah’s progress in real time as she nears the end of this demanding race.

@leahgruhn, @itialaska -1000 miles by bike during the unforgiving Alaskan winter.

We welcome husband and wife ultra-athletes Jere Mohr and Leah Gruhn for a candid conversation about training, nutrition, planning and the community that surrounds the world of winter cycling and specifically the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI). Stories from the trail, tips for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, and inspiration for anyone looking to challenge themselves with new activities outdoors or anywhere else. Resources, connections and a sincere invitation to anyone who wants help with their next challenge. Check out the documentary that features Leah +Jere- 40 below, the toughest race in the world.

Ultra-endurance athlete Kate Coward (1st Female Bike, 2023 Arrowhead 135!) sends a vocal love letter to fellow cyclist, Leah Gruhn, who embarks on the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 1000 on February 26, 2023. Kate’s big love, respect and admiration shows us what women uplifting women looks like.

Follow Kate kate_coward_athlete and Leah leahgruhn.

Races mentioned:

Winter ultras: Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 1000 (@itialaska) , Arrowhead 135 and Tuscobia Winter Ultra

Other ultra-bike races: DAMn and UNBOUND Gravel

Stephanie Pearson is a freelance writer, contributing editor to Outside magazine, and author of "100 Great American Parks," published by National Geographic. As one would expect, we talk about her travels, outdoor gear and her super cool assignments. Stephanie reveals she’s much more than a writer about places, but a writer who believes she has a responsibility to the natural world. When, where and how much we travel are questions infused into her work given the impact of travel on the planet.

Watch for Stephanie’s feature in National Geographic this March or April!

Follow her @stephanieapearson

Kate Coward is a champion athlete who’s won the grueling Iditarod Trail Invitational, among other competitions. She’s also a coach for others pursuing similar feats of endurance and strength. She talks about pushing herself to her full potential and also the agony of accepting defeat. Follow her on Instagram at @Kate_Coward_Athlete.