Podcasts > 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer > 2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

By Tom Segura, Bert Kreischer

In this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave, hosts Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer chat with Cameron Hanes, an elite hunter with exceptional track records for deer and elk. Hanes reveals the intense fitness regimes and mental fortitude required for his successful hunting pursuits. Segura and Kreischer likewise discuss their personal transformations from unhealthy lifestyles to balancing rigorous training with a demanding touring schedule.

The podcast also explores Hanes' extreme upbringing, which fueled his demanding parenting style. The conversation examines his belief that hunting reconnects people to primal roles of providing for their families. Hanes recounts the challenges presented by both running endurance races and perilous hunting expeditions that test physical limits and mental resolve.

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2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

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2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

1-Page Summary

The hosts' personal fitness journeys and transformations

The hosts have significantly improved their fitness over time

Cameron Hanes transformed from 150 lbs to over 170 lbs to balance running efficiency and strength for hunting. Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, previously unhealthy, now commit to intense exercise routines while touring. According to Segura, this enables their demanding schedules.

Adopting fitness routines enabled managing career demands

Segura and Kreischer motivate others by showing that, despite earlier weight struggles, consistent training is achievable. Kreischer stresses intense workouts before events are crucial. Gronk emphasizes being in tune with one's body, as alcohol diminishes his athletic performance. Beyond training, Segura and Kreischer prioritize clean eating and sufficient sleep on the road.

Cameron's background, expertise, and hunting approach

Cameron's upbringing shaped his intense parenting style

Hanes admits pushing his sons to extremes physically over academics, instilling that averageness equates to failure. At age 7, his sons ran half-marathons. At 13, Hanes secretly entered his son, then 13, in a marathon to honor a dying relative; he finished swiftly.

Cameron is an elite hunter with exceptional success rates

Hanes hasn't failed a hunt since 2009, apart from once passing on a mountain lion. His 90%+ success rates for elk and deer dwarf general rates of 10-20%. Meticulous preparation, intense fitness, and mental discipline fuel his prowess.

Cameron views hunting as an essential human activity

Hanes depicts hunting as primal yet powerful, reconnecting people to providing for families. He implies modern disconnect is unnatural and hopes sharing his passion inspires others to embrace their inherent roles.

Mental and physical challenges of running and hunting

Running presents significant physical and mental tests

Kreischer and Segura share struggles maintaining paces and managing exhaustion over shorter races like 5Ks. Hanes notes efficient technique controls heart rates for endurance. Transitioning from treadmills challenged different muscle usage.

Dangerous hunts demand extreme mental fortitude

Hanes recounts harrowing bear hunts requiring resolve after imperfect shots and calmness when charged. The demanding terrain risks injury or death, which he accepts philosophically. Extensive training builds the mental conditioning for such intensity.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Cameron Hanes went from 150 lbs to over 170 lbs to optimize his running efficiency and strength for hunting. Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, who were previously unhealthy, now maintain intense exercise routines while on tour. Their commitment to fitness helps them manage their demanding schedules effectively.
  • Cameron Hanes increased his weight to balance running efficiency and strength for hunting. This adjustment helps him maintain endurance and power while pursuing game in challenging terrains. By focusing on both running efficiency and strength, Hanes optimizes his physical abilities for successful hunting expeditions. This approach allows him to cover long distances effectively and handle the physical demands of hunting.
  • Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, comedians and podcast hosts, have incorporated intense exercise routines into their touring schedules to maintain their fitness levels. This commitment to fitness helps them cope with the physical demands of their busy touring lifestyles. By prioritizing workouts and healthy habits on the road, they aim to inspire others to prioritize their health despite challenging schedules. Their dedication to fitness showcases how consistent training can be achievable even in unconventional work environments.
  • Gronk emphasizes being in tune with one's body to highlight the importance of understanding and listening to the body's signals and needs for optimal performance and health. This practice involves paying attention to physical cues like fatigue, soreness, and energy levels to adjust training and lifestyle choices accordingly. By being attuned to their body, individuals like Gronk can make informed decisions on rest, nutrition, and training to support their athletic endeavors effectively. This approach helps prevent overtraining, injuries, and burnout while promoting overall well-being and performance.
  • Cameron Hanes has a parenting style that involves pushing his sons physically to excel in activities like running and hunting from a young age. He believes in instilling a strong work ethic and mental toughness in his children through physical challenges and rigorous training. Hanes sees physical endurance and discipline as crucial life skills that can be developed through intense physical activities. His approach aims to teach his sons the value of hard work, perseverance, and pushing beyond perceived limits.
  • Cameron Hanes has achieved exceptional success rates in hunting, with a track record of not failing a hunt since 2009. His success rates for elk and deer are consistently above 90%, far surpassing the general success rates that typically range from 10-20%. Hanes attributes his high success rates to meticulous preparation, intense physical fitness, and unwavering mental discipline in his hunting approach.
  • Running and hunting present unique challenges. Running requires physical endurance and mental focus to maintain pace and manage fatigue. Hunting demands extreme mental fortitude to stay calm in dangerous situations, like facing charging animals, and physical fitness to navigate challenging terrains and endure long periods of waiting. Both activities require training and preparation to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Counterarguments

  • While intense exercise routines have benefited the hosts, it's important to acknowledge that such routines may not be suitable for everyone and can lead to injury if not properly supervised.
  • The ability to manage career demands through fitness routines is a privilege that may not be accessible to all individuals, especially those with demanding jobs that do not allow for regular exercise.
  • Motivating others is commendable, but it's essential to consider that weight struggles can be complex and influenced by factors beyond individual control, such as genetics and socioeconomic status.
  • While clean eating and sufficient sleep are beneficial, the definition of "clean eating" can vary, and some dietary restrictions might not be healthy or sustainable for everyone.
  • Cameron Hanes' intense parenting style and pushing his sons to physical extremes could be seen as controversial, and some might argue that a more balanced approach to parenting and childhood development is preferable.
  • The high success rates in hunting mentioned may not reflect the average hunter's experience and could set unrealistic expectations for others.
  • Hunting is a contentious topic, and while Hanes views it as essential, others may argue that it is not necessary in modern society and raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
  • The physical and mental challenges of running are subjective, and what is challenging for one individual may not be for another; it's important to recognize individual differences in fitness levels and abilities.
  • The mental fortitude required for dangerous hunts is not unique to hunting and can be found in many other high-stress situations, such as emergency services or military operations, which also require calmness and resolve.

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2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

The hosts' personal fitness journeys and transformations

Cameron Hanes, Tom Segura, Bert Kreischer, and Gronk open up about their experiences with weight, fitness, and the immense lifestyle changes they've undertaken to support their demanding careers.

The hosts have undergone significant physical changes and improvements in fitness over time

Cameron Hanes recounts his transformation from weighing 150 pounds in 2008 to achieving his current weight of a little over 170 pounds. Hanes describes the challenges of finding a balance between being light enough to run efficiently and strong enough to pack out the hundreds of pounds of game from his hunts. He settled into a middle ground, gaining muscle for strength but maintaining a weight that still allows him to run effectively.

The hosts previously struggled with weight and unhealthy lifestyles, but have now committed to a fitter, cleaner way of living

Tom Segura talks about how his lifestyle has drastically changed from 10 years ago. Segura suggests that his past routine was unhealthy, and maintaining such a lifestyle would make his current touring schedule impossible. Now, Segura ensures that going to the gym or for a run is embedded in his touring routine after landing in any city.

Bert Kreischer echoes this sentiment, mentioning that he worked out even at his heaviest. He now sticks to a routine of working out in the arena gym every day at 6 p.m. while on tour. Kreischer also enjoys introducing others to running, suggesting that it enhances his enjoyment of life and other activities such as watching games.

Adopting a fitness-focused routine has enabled the hosts to better manage the demands of their careers

Segura and Kreischer have become epitomes of change, encouraging others by showing that if they could engage in fitness activities despite weight struggles earlier on, others can too. Segura shares stories from individuals who've made substantial weight losses, with one person shedding 250 pounds. Kr ...

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The hosts' personal fitness journeys and transformations

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Cameron Hanes, an avid bowhunter, often hunts large game like elk and deer in remote areas. After a successful hunt, he needs to pack out the meat and other parts of the animal from the wilderness back to his vehicle or campsite. This process can involve carrying heavy loads over long distances, hence the reference to packing out hundreds of pounds of game.
  • Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer have adjusted their touring schedules to incorporate fitness activities like going to the gym or running in each city they visit. Segura ensures that exercise is a part of his routine after arriving in a new location, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his fitness while on tour. Kreischer, on the other hand, sticks to a daily workout routine in the arena gym at 6 p.m. during his tours, showing dedication to his fitness goals even while traveling extensively.
  • Gronk, also known as Rob Gronkowski, is a former professional American football player known for his time with the New England Patriots. As an athlete, Gronk emphasizes the importance of maintaining peak physical condition for optimal performance on the field. He mentions that even small amounts of alcohol consumption can negatively ...

Counterarguments

  • While the hosts' dedication to fitness is commendable, it's important to note that not everyone has the same resources, such as access to gym facilities while traveling or the ability to maintain a high protein diet, which can be more expensive.
  • The narrative of transformation might inadvertently pressure individuals to pursue similar physical changes, which may not be suitable or sustainable for everyone, given that each person's body is different and may respond differently to exercise and diet.
  • The focus on weight as a measure of fitness can be misleading, as it doesn't always correlate with health or physical ability. Other factors like body composition, mental health, and overall well-being are also important.
  • The stories of significant weight loss can be inspiring, but they may also overshadow the importance of modest, consistent lifestyle changes that can also lead to substantial health benefits.
  • Emphasizing the importance of being in tune with one's body is valuable, but it's also crucial to acknowledge the role of professional guidance, such as from dietitians and personal trainers, in safely and effectively achieving fitness goals.
  • While the hosts promote a clean eating habit, it's important to recognize that t ...

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2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

Cameron's background, expertise, and approach to fitness and hunting

Cameron Hanes, a highly experienced hunter with an exceptional rate of success, has an intense approach to fitness and parenting, driven by a background marked by hardship and the desire to excel.

Cameron's childhood and parenting shaped his drive for excellence and mental toughness

Cameron Hanes admits to pushing his sons to extremes, valuing physical achievement over academics in an effort to avoid mediocrity. He has instilled in them that being average is akin to failing. At times, this has led his children to feel that having a regular job would be a form of failure. Even when they were as young as seven, Hanes's sons were participating in half-marathons, emphasizing the development of physical endurance from an early age. In one particularly intense example, Hanes entered his 13-year-old son in a marathon under the pretense that he was 16, aiming for him to complete it in honor of his dying grandfather. His son finished in a remarkably quick 3 hours and 30 minutes, a testament to the rigorous physical discipline Hanes champions.

Cameron is a highly accomplished and experienced hunter, with an exceptional success rate

Hanes boasts a nearly flawless hunting record, having not gone on a hunt without killing an animal since 2009, with the lone exception of a mountain lion hunt where he chose not to kill. He contrasts his high success rate with the fact that the general success rates for hunting elk and deer are about 10% and 20%, respectively. Hanes attributes his hunting success to meticulous preparation, intense physical fitness, and mental discipline. He has shared hunts with notable individuals like Joe Rogan, who on his first bow hunt with Hanes killed a bear. Through his storytelling, Hanes captures the essence and the adrenaline of hunts, such as a challenging but successful grizzly hunt or bear hunts in Alberta where they could legally take two black bears.

Cameron sees hunting as a primal, essential human activit ...

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Cameron's background, expertise, and approach to fitness and hunting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Cameron Hanes has a parenting style that emphasizes physical achievement over academics, believing that pushing his sons to excel in endurance activities from a young age builds mental toughness and resilience. He instills in them the mindset that average performance is not acceptable, aiming to cultivate a strong work ethic and a drive for excellence. Hanes's approach to parenting is rooted in his belief that challenging physical activities help prepare his sons for life's difficulties and instill a sense of discipline and determination. By exposing his children to rigorous physical challenges early on, he aims to shape them into individuals who are capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving success through hard work and perseverance.
  • Cameron Hanes entered his 13-year-old son in a marathon under the pretense that he was 16, aiming for him to complete it in honor of his dying grandfather. This action was meant to challenge his son physically and emotionally, pushing him to excel in a demanding situation. The incident showcases Hanes' intense approach to parenting and his belief in the importance of physical endurance and mental toughness from a young age. It reflects Hanes' philosophy of instilling a drive for excellence and pushing beyond perceived limits in his children.
  • Cameron Hanes's exceptional hunting success rate, where he consistently kills animals on his hunts, stands in stark contrast to the general success rates for hunting elk and deer, which are typically around 10% for elk and 20% for deer. This significant difference highlights Hanes's skill, preparation, physical fitness, and mental discipline in achieving successful hunts compared to the average success rates in hunting these specific animals.
  • Cameron Hanes sharing hunts with notable individuals like Joe Rogan is significant because it showcases his influence and reputation within the hunting and fitness community. Joe Rogan, a popular podcaster and outdoors enthusiast, adds credibility to Hanes' expertise and experiences. Their shared hunts also provide a platform for Hanes to reach a wider audience and share his passion for hunting. This colla ...

Counterarguments

  • While physical achievement is valuable, academics can also play a crucial role in a child's development and future success.
  • Pushing children to extremes in physical activities could potentially lead to burnout or injury.
  • A balanced approach to parenting that includes both physical and intellectual development might be more beneficial for children in the long run.
  • A nearly flawless hunting record does not necessarily reflect ethical hunting practices or consideration for wildlife conservation.
  • Hunting, while primal, is not essential for everyone, and many people lead fulfilling lives without engaging in hunting.
  • Modern society offers various ways to connect with nature and provide for one's family that do not involve hunting.
  • Instilling the idea that being average is akin to failing could create undue pre ...

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2 Bears 5K Champ Cameron Hanes | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

The mental and physical challenges of activities like running and hunting

Bert Kreischer, Tom Segura, and Cameron Hanes discuss the mental and physical rigor of running and hunting, spotlighting the difficulties and techniques involved in mastering these challenging activities.

Running, even at shorter distances, presents significant physical and mental challenges

During a conversation on running a 5K race, Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer share their struggles with maintaining a steady pace and managing high heart rates. Kreischer describes pushing through the last mile "flying," while Segura recounts aiming for a sub-nine-minute mile towards the end. They highlight the competitive nature and the cognitive endurance required to run such a distance. Kreischer also acknowledges the mental challenge of beating younger, leaner runners, and the humbling experience of being overtaken by unexpected participants like someone in a mascot suit.

Cameron Hanes elaborates on the progression from 5K to longer distances and the importance of mental strength in overcoming the physical demands of distance running. He emphasizes the need for efficient technique to manage heart rate and endurance, mentioning how even small things like facial expressions can draw on energy reserves.

Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura share their challenges in transitioning from treadmill to outdoor running, noting the different muscles involved and the anxiety of a race start. Both men focus on the satisfaction of finishing strong, despite Segura emphasizing the difficulty of running at an easy pace for cardiovascular improvement.

Hunting, especially for dangerous game like bears, requires immense mental toughness and physical preparedness

Cameron Hanes shares his harrowing hunting experiences, particularly with bears, where undeterred resolve and split-second decisions were critical. He recounts the tension of following a blood trail after an imperfect shot at a grizzly and the life-threatening scenario of being charged by wounded bears. These encounters required immense mental focus, precise mo ...

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The mental and physical challenges of activities like running and hunting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Running a 5K race involves a competitive atmosphere where participants strive to achieve their best performance. The cognitive endurance required entails mental strength to push through physical discomfort, maintain focus, and strategize during the race. Competitors need to manage their pace, monitor their heart rate, and stay motivated to overcome challenges and reach the finish line. The mental aspect of a 5K race is as crucial as the physical aspect, demanding resilience and determination to tackle the distance effectively.
  • Differentiating between brown bears and grizzlies is crucial in hunting due to their distinct behaviors and habitats. Brown bears are typically found in coastal regions and are larger in size compared to grizzlies. Grizzlies, on the other hand, are more common inland and are known for their aggressive nature when threatened. Understanding these differences helps hunters prepare for encounters and choose appropriate strategies for each species.
  • Cameron Hanes' philosophy of accepting risks in hunting, even to the point of death, refle ...

Counterarguments

  • While running a 5K does involve physical and mental challenges, some may argue that with proper training and pacing strategies, these challenges can be significantly mitigated.
  • The transition from treadmill to outdoor running can be seen as an opportunity to engage with different terrains and environments, which can enhance the running experience rather than just present challenges.
  • Mental toughness is indeed crucial for hunting, but some may argue that ethical considerations and the impact on wildlife populations are equally important aspects of hunting that should be discussed.
  • The narrative that hunting dangerous game requires resolve and calm under pressure may be countered by the argument that modern hunting equipment can give hunters a significant advantage over the animals, potentially reducing the level of danger involved.
  • While efficient technique is important in running, some might emphasize the role of genetics and natural ability in an individual's running performance.
  • The difficulty in differentiating between brown bears and grizzlies could be seen as a reason to exercise caution and perhaps avoid hunting them, rather than accepting the risk as part of the practice.
  • Accepting the risks of hunting to the point of death may be criticized as an unnecessary extreme, with some advocating for safer, non-lethal wildlife interactions.
  • Th ...

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