Ep. 019: Running 200 Mile Ultra Marathons with Thumbtacks in his Shoes w/ Faruk Garibovic
- Ryan Snaadt
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Building Unbreakable Grit: What Des Moines Business Owners Can Learn from a 240-Mile Ultra Runner
In the world of Des Moines business and marketing, we often talk about "the grind." We discuss the long hours, the persistence required to scale a startup, and the mental fortitude needed to navigate a shifting economy. But what does "grit" actually look like when pushed to its absolute physical limit?
On a recent episode of the Rhymes With Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sat down with Des Moines local Faruk Garibovic, known online as the "Thumbtack Runner." Faruk isn’t your average athlete. He is an ultra-marathoner who tackles 240-mile races and, in a move that sounds like a fever dream to most, trains with thumbtacks and Legos in his shoes.
While the physical feats are staggering, the conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Garibovic offers a masterclass in mindset that every Iowa business owner and marketer needs to hear.
The "Thumbtack" Philosophy: Why Discomfort is a Competitive Advantage
One of the most viral aspects of Faruk’s story is his training regimen. He told Ryan Snaadt that he dumps thumbtacks into his shoes before six-mile runs. Why? To callus his feet and his mind.
For a Des Moines marketer, the lesson here is profound. In a world of automated tools and AI, it is easy to seek the path of least resistance. However, Faruk argues that seeking out "micro-pains" prepares you for the macro-challenges.
"If I can endure that pain for as long as I can, when it comes race time, it’s not going to be difficult," Faruk explained.
In business, this translates to "stress-testing" your systems before you need them. Whether it’s cold-calling when your pipeline is full or tightening your budget when revenue is high, intentional discomfort builds the "calluses" necessary to survive a market downturn.
From Roosevelt High to a Mark Wahlberg Movie: The Power of the Side Hustle
Many local entrepreneurs know the struggle of balancing a "day job" with a passion project. Faruk’s background is a testament to the diverse talent pool right here in Central Iowa. A graduate of Roosevelt High School and DMACC, Faruk works as a carpet cleaner by day while pursuing two seemingly opposite dreams: ultra-running and professional acting.
Faruk shared with Ryan Snaadt that he recently landed a role in an A-list movie starring Mark Wahlberg. For Iowa business owners, this is a reminder that the most "gritty" employees often have rich, multifaceted lives.
Why Des Moines Business Owners Should Value Multidisciplinary Talent:
Adaptability: Actors and athletes are trained to pivot and perform under pressure.
Perspective: Faruk’s experience in the Atlanta film industry brings a "big city" work ethic back to the Des Moines metro.
Discipline: If someone can run 100 miles on a weekend, they can likely handle a high-stress project deadline on Monday.
Navigating the "Dark Rooms" of Business and Athletics
One of the most poignant moments of the interview occurred when Ryan Snaadt asked about the mental "wall"—the moment when your brain tells you to quit.
Faruk recalled a moment during the Moab 240 (a 240-mile footrace through the mountains of Utah) at mile 53. It was dark, he was exhausted, and the negative self-talk began. A fellow runner gave him a piece of advice that serves as a perfect mantra for any struggling business owner:
"Be grateful for the pain you are feeling, because no one else is feeling exactly what you are."
In marketing, we often get frustrated when a campaign fails or a competitor outspends us. Faruk’s perspective suggests that we should lean into that frustration. That pain is a signal that you are doing something 99% of people aren't willing to do.
Marketing Lessons from the Ultra-Running Community
Ryan Snaadt and Faruk discussed how the ultra-running world has exploded in popularity, largely due to figures like David Goggins. This growth offers three key takeaways for Des Moines marketers:
1. Authenticity Over Everything
People initially accused Faruk of faking the thumbtacks. He didn't argue; he invited people to watch him do it. In your local marketing, don't just tell people you have the best service—show the "behind the scenes" of the hard work that goes into it.
2. The Power of Community
Even though Faruk runs "solo dolo" without pacers, he thrives on the connections made at aid stations and through social media. For a business in Polk County, community engagement isn't just a "nice-to-have"; it’s the fuel that keeps you going when the "race" gets long.
3. Patience and Pacing
Faruk noted that anyone can run 100 miles if they have the right pace. Business growth is the same. Many Des Moines startups fail because they "sprint" too early and burn out. Sustainable success requires understanding your "physical capability" (or cash flow) and pacing accordingly.
The "Triple Crown" of Iowa Running: What’s Next for Faruk?
Faruk isn't slowing down. He revealed to Ryan Snaadt a staggering upcoming schedule:
Moab 240: A 240-mile mountain race in October.
Iowa 100-Miler: Only two days after Moab, featuring 14,000 feet of climbing.
Jester Park 100: A race right here in the Des Moines backyard.
This level of ambition is what drives the Des Moines economy forward. Whether you are a carpet cleaner, a filmmaker, or a tech founder, the message from this episode of Rhymes With Odd is clear: The only limit is the one you haven't callused over yet.
Final Thoughts for Local Leaders
As Ryan Snaadt wrapped up the interview, it became clear that Faruk Garibovic isn't running away from anything; he is running toward a version of himself that is unbreakable.
For the business owners and marketers of Des Moines, let this be your challenge: What are the "thumbtacks" in your business that you’ve been avoiding? Instead of seeking comfort, try seeking the callus.
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