In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, I sit down with ultra runner and pacer Claire to talk about what it really means to run at the back of the pack. Claire has taken on massive challenges like Race to the King 100K, Endure 24, and Castle to Castle 100 miler, but her story is about more than distance.

We dive into:

✅ What it’s like to represent the back of the pack

✅ Lessons from pushing through long nights and low points

✅ Gear and nutrition wins (and disasters)

✅ Why pacing others can be more powerful than chasing personal bests

✅ How running changes you, on and off the course

This episode is a reminder that every finish line matters, whether you’re first, last, or somewhere in between.

Keywords: ultra running podcast, back of the pack running, marathon motivation, ultra marathon training, running mindset, endurance sports, pacing stories, slow runners inspiration, why we run, mental toughness in running