Meet Coach Frank Mencin and Hear About His Lake County High School Cross Country Program and Life After His Dynasty Grit, Guts and Determination: The Leadville Race Series Podcast

Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet the best coach in America, Coach Frank Mencin. Frank knows all about digging deep, sacrifice, commitment and has found his own inexhaustible will of grit, guts and determination.

As the conversation begins, Frank talks about his journey in competitive running, beginning in high school. In 1979, he ran a marathon in Eugene, Oregon and qualified for the Olympic trials the year it was boycotted in Moscow. Following the retirement of the current coach, Frank began coaching the cross country team at Lake County High school in Leadville. His focus on running shifted from his own practice to coaching other promising young athletes in the sport. He learned lots from former coach Dick including how to manage endurance in the high altitude. Of the twenty Conference Championships Frank’s teams competed in, they won sixteen and placed second in the remaining four.In June of 1991, Frank took an opportunity to become an elementary principal, where he remained for 8 years before moving up to the high school. He treasured his experience at the schools and recalls the supportive parents and opportunities which were offered to him.

Then, Frank talks about the Leadville 100 MTB and his surprise at the sheer amount of die-hards it attracts. Aside from being a great healthy activity, the race also generates a substantial economic benefit for the town of Leadville. It offers something for everyone: physically and emotionally. Frank gives listeners a little insight into his cycling training regimen. He was a Nordic skier in college and still practices the sport today as cardio and upper body training during the winter, when biking is nearly impossible. Frank believes that life, much like cycling, is a test every day. Good nutrition, training and sleeping are a recipe for success in the race.

A large hurdle for many of the Leadville participants is the altitude. Even coming from Denver, which is considered high altitude, Leadville doesn’t compare. Frank shares a few preparation tips that have helped him become accustomed to this factor. He recommends everyone develop a personal plan based on their own goals and fitness levels. He urges people to start a training program at least 6-8 months in advance and test themselves out in the mountains to get used to the terrain. Higher altitudes require more rest and recovery time. Additionally, he says you should train in all different elements as the weather during Leadville can be unpredictable. The most important thing is to be prepared and know how to deal with the elements. In closing, Frank encourages listeners to take a chance with Leadville, no matter how old you are, accept the challenge and believe in yourself.

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