In this conversation, Andrea Moore shares her journey from a corporate banking career to becoming an ultra runner, highlighting the importance of community, personal growth, and the transformative power of outdoor experiences. She discusses her transition during COVID, the joy of exploring new places through running, and offers advice for newcomers to the ultra running scene, emphasizing the significance of curiosity and connection. In this engaging conversation, Mandy Mullen, Andrea Moore, and Brian Passenti explore the themes of adventure, gratitude, and community within the context of ultra running. They discuss the unique experiences of participating in events like Cocodona and Dark Sky 220, the importance of being present and grateful during challenging journeys, and the significance of supporting veterans through initiatives like the Warrior Trail Foundation. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from embracing the unknown and the power of community in endurance sports.
In this episode, we sit down with the man who literally wrote the book on ultra endurance training: Jason Koop. From his new home base in France, Koop discusses his most ambitious project yet—Koop AI.
Described as "his brain in a box," Koop AI represents a massive shift in how technology interacts with athlete development. We dive deep into the philosophy behind the platform, the critical importance of quality control in automated coaching, and how the landscape of ultra running is evolving as the sport explodes in popularity. Whether you’re a data geek or a traditionalist, this conversation challenges how we think about the "human touch" in a digital world.
https://www.koopai-endurance.com/
In this episode, Coach Brian interviews Josh Coleman, who shares his journey into ultra running, the impact of grief on his life, and how running has become a source of solace and healing after the tragic loss of his wife. Josh discusses his experiences in ultra races, the importance of community, and how writing a book about his journey has helped him process his grief. He also shares insights on the challenges of ultra running and offers advice for those considering entering the sport.
Find Josh here:
https://linktr.ee/joshrunadventures
This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian Passenti sit down with Jes Parker, the founder of the innovative new enterprise, Take2Trail.com
In a sport where gear can be prohibitively expensive and environmental waste is a growing concern, Jes is changing the narrative. We dive deep into her personal journey from accidental runner to Backyard Ultra competitor, and how that path led her to create a mission-driven marketplace for gently used trail running gear.
Whether you are looking to declutter your gear closet, find affordable equipment, or just love a good underdog story, this episode explores the intersection of sustainability, mental health, and the outdoor community.
https://take2trail.com/
In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ron Aladeniyi, an ultra runner who shares his journey to the Leadville 100. They discuss the importance of community, gratitude, and personal growth in the world of ultra running. Ron reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy he finds in the journey rather than just the destination. The conversation highlights the beauty of vulnerability and connection among runners, as well as the role of fear in personal growth. Ron's aspirations for the future and his desire to inspire others through his journey are also explored.
Find Ron Here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7DgvAuEcipvm70LWIERWmd
In this conversation, Cameron Pearson shares his journey from triathlons to ultra running, highlighting the importance of community, mental strength, and preparation in endurance sports. He discusses his experiences at various races, including Moab and Tahoe, and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the running community through volunteering. Cameron also reflects on his training strategies, family support, and future goals in the ultra running world.
Join us for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation with Deborah Anderson, a competitive ultra athlete who just secured a phenomenal third-place female overall finish at the grueling Moab 240!
Deborah shares the complete story of her radical transition from a non-runner to an elite endurance competitor, starting at the age of 35. She dives deep into the high-stakes world of ultra running, discussing the intense training adjustments—including a new focus on strength training—she made in the lead-up to Moab.
In this powerful episode, Deborah opens up about the immense mental resilience required for a 240-mile race, revealing the significant weather challenges she navigated and the moment she realized she could truly "push that last little bit" to claim the podium. She also honestly reflects on a prior DNF experience and a frightening in-race grand mal seizure that led to a medical discovery (a PFO murmur) and reinforced her drive.
Discover the crucial role of community support in her journey and how her experiences continue to fuel her desire to explore her physical limits in future races. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in personal growth, overcoming challenges, and mastering the mental game of endurance sports.
Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through.
He highlights the critical role of a support crew, the continuous struggle of nutrition and sleep management during long efforts, and the importance of efficiency at aid stations. Kilian reflects on the inseparable relationship between success and failure in the sport, emphasizing that all limits are arbitrary and encouraging listeners to embrace the journey. He closes with a look toward his exciting future aspirations, including pursuing FKTs (Fastest Known Times) and the deep value of the community in ultra running.
Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause.
Dan takes us on a journey from the race’s simple, chaotic origins to its current status as a Denver running community favorite. We dive into the hilarious (and surprisingly strict) rules of the race, the growth of its popularity, and the amazing organization that benefits: Achilles International and its Denver chapter. Prepare for a story filled with ultra-running challenges, personal growth, and, of course, a lot of tacos!
Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through.
He highlights the critical role of a support crew, the continuous struggle of nutrition and sleep management during long efforts, and the importance of efficiency at aid stations. Kilian reflects on the inseparable relationship between success and failure in the sport, emphasizing that all limits are arbitrary and encouraging listeners to embrace the journey. He closes with a look toward his exciting future aspirations, including pursuing FKTs (Fastest Known Times) and the deep value of the community in ultra running.
Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause.
Dan takes us on a journey from the race’s simple, chaotic origins to its current status as a Denver running community favorite. We dive into the hilarious (and surprisingly strict) rules of the race, the growth of its popularity, and the amazing organization that benefits: Achilles International and its Denver chapter. Prepare for a story filled with ultra-running challenges, personal growth, and, of course, a lot of tacos!
Buckle Up: An Ultra Running Conversation – Exploring the Ultra Running Community
Hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian are flying solo this week to unpack their latest deep dives into the world of endurance sports. Get ready for an episode full of insights and stories from the heart of the ultra running community!
Join us as we recap key takeaways from the US Trail Running Conference, focusing on the crucial discussions around partnerships, sponsorships, and the ongoing movement for greater inclusion and diversity in the sport.
We share our personal experiences at the grueling Moab 240, detailing the unique perspectives gained from pacing and the incredible community spirit on display. We'll even touch on Killian Korth's triple crown record-shattering performance and the ultimate test of camaraderie and grit that is Big's Backyard Ultra.
Also on the docket: the essential role of training plans and coaching for improved performance, the ever-evolving landscape of ultra running gear, and a powerful discussion of the documentary '1000 Miles to Sobriety,' highlighting the profound connection between ultra running and the journey to sobriety. Plus, hear our take on the high-stakes world of the Hard Rock Lottery registration.
Whether you're training for your next big race, curious about the endurance world, or looking for inspiration, this episode highlights the passion, community, and personal challenge that defines ultra running.
In this engaging conversation, Mark Vega shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering motorcycle accident and two strokes to becoming a passionate ultra runner. He discusses the transformative power of running, the importance of community support, and his emotional experiences during his first marathon. Mark emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue one's passions, especially for those over 60. He also shares his love for adventure motorcycling and caring for snakes, highlighting the joys of life beyond running. The podcast aims to inspire older athletes to continue challenging themselves and embracing life.
This week, join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen as they dive into the wild world of ultra running with special guest Paul James Johnson! Get ready for a thrilling ride as Paul shares his incredible journey from marathons to tackling epic 200-mile races.
Ever wonder what it's like to run for days with little to no sleep? Paul spills the beans on the sleep deprivation, mental challenges, and the surprisingly irrational thoughts that pop up during these grueling events. But it's not all suffering! Paul also reveals how community support and a little help from his family transform these solitary endeavors into shared adventures.
You'll get the inside scoop on his secret training weapon (hint: it involves a paddle and a small plastic ball), plus some serious talk on nutrition, smart pacing, and the pure joy of running. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or just curious about what it takes to go the distance, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and practical tips. Tune in and get ready to run wild with us!
Join coaches Brian and Mandy Mullen as they sit down with ultra runner Andrew Kelly to dive deep into his incredible journey. In this episode, Andrew shares how he went from a daily running streak of nearly 2,000 days to conquering some of the world's most challenging races, including the Badwater 135.
Discover how sobriety profoundly impacted his performance and mental health, and hear his unique perspective on the differences between the ultra running communities in the UK and the US. Andrew also opens up about his personal training regimen, the importance of community support, and his ambitious plans for future races.
Whether you're an endurance athlete or just looking for some inspiration, this episode offers a powerful look into the mindset of a dedicated runner who has transformed his life one step at a time.
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tonya Olson, a physical therapist and expert on ultra running foot care. She dives deep into why proactive foot health is a non-negotiable for ultra runners, not just a post-race afterthought.
Dr. Olson shares crucial insights on preventative care, common foot issues, and the absolute necessity of a dedicated foot care kit. She explains how a little knowledge about your feet and the right products can make or break a race. We also tackle the surprising lack of education around foot care in the ultra running community and how taking a curious, proactive approach can lead to better performance and fewer injuries.
Whether you're training for your first 50K or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a comprehensive guide to keeping your most important tools—your feet—in top shape.
Get ready for a deep dive into the world of endurance sports photography on this episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation. With cohost Mandy still busy cleaning up cones, we're thrilled to welcome guest host Jeff Iosa to join Coach Brian.
This week, Brian and Jeff sit down with renowned ultra-running photographer Anastasia Wilde. Anastasia shares her incredible journey, from a traditional photography career to becoming a leading figure in the ultra-running space. She offers a unique look at the challenges and rewards of capturing athletes' stories in some of the most remote and demanding locations on the planet.
Listen in as they discuss the logistics of race photography, the business of being a freelance photographer, and the strong sense of community that defines the sport. Anastasia also opens up about her personal journey and how the human connection behind the lens drives her passion.
Whether you're an ultra-runner, a photographer, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and grit behind the lens.
In this episode of Buckle Up, Rachel Downey shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, detailing her experience at the Leadville Trail 100. She discusses overcoming significant health challenges, the importance of support from crew and pacers, and her strategies for nutrition and hydration during the race. Rachel reflects on the emotional aspects of race day, her mental resilience during night running, and her future plans in the sport.
Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen welcome ultra-runner Jordan Moon to this episode of Buckle Up. They discuss all things running, from tackling the grueling Leadville Trail 100 to Jordan's remarkable journey of running across America.
Hear how Jordan pushes his own limits and builds the mental resilience and perseverance needed to go the distance. They also get into the vital role of family support, the challenges of intense training, and the emotional highs and lows that come with endurance sports.
Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to set ambitious goals and discover the power of the running community.
Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen for a powerful conversation with ultrarunner Kendra Kettelhut. In this episode, Kendra opens up about her incredible journey to the legendary Leadville Trail 100, sharing how this challenging race has become her "second home."
You'll hear Kendra's honest reflections on the pivotal role sobriety and personal growth have played in her running. She dives deep into the magic of the Leadville community, the importance of acclimatizing to the high altitude, and the strategies she's honed for race day. Kendra also shares her perspective on the transformative power of a supportive community and the critical role of a good coach in navigating both the physical and mental demands of ultrarunning.
Whether you're training for your next big race or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers a firsthand look at the dedication, resilience, and heart it takes to conquer the mountains and find your true self in the process.