Why do we really run, when the race is over, the PRs fade, and no one’s watching?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons, Ashish sits down with endurance athletes James and Milton to go deep into the mental side of ultra-running, trail running mindset, and the emotional grind of long-distance running.

From James’ 1,000+ day run streak to Milton’s pursuit of a sub-4 50K ultra marathon, we explore what happens when goals fall short, how to train through burnout, and why consistency matters more than speed. This conversation isn’t about medals, it’s about resilience, discipline, and the lessons you only learn on the trail.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, starting your first ultra marathon, or looking to fall in love with running again, this episode delivers honest, unfiltered insight on why we keep showing up.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• The mental battle of long ultras

• Redefining failure and success

• Balancing ambition with sustainability

• Burnout, discipline, and running streaks

• Trail vs. road running mindset

• The beauty of the running community

• Mantras, low points, and pushing through

• Why ultra-running is more than just distance

Primary:
ultra-running, trail running, running podcast, running mindset, long-distance running, mental toughness, endurance running, sub 4 50K, run streak, James and Milton, running consistency, Pushing Horizons podcast

Secondary:
trail vs road running, training burnout, mental strategies for runners, backyard ultra, ultra marathon motivation, how to train for a 100K, running community, DNF recovery, run for purpose not time, mantras for racing, pacers in ultras, dealing with race failure