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.

Join Coach Brian and Jonathan Levitt, host of the popular podcast "For The Long Run," for a deep dive into the dynamic world of trail running and endurance sports. In this insightful conversation, they explore the remarkable evolution of the outdoor industry, Jonathan's unique career path, and the powerful role of community in shaping the sport.

From the history of iconic events like the Leadville race to the rise of professionalization, this episode uncovers the trends that are driving the future of endurance. They discuss the vital connection between athletes and brands, the importance of building trust with audiences, and the growing focus on sustainability. Jonathan also shares his personal goals and what's next on his racing calendar. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just curious about the fitness industry, this episode offers a captivating look at how passion, purpose, and community are changing the game.

Get ready to lace up your shoes and dive deep into the world of ultrarunning! In this inspiring episode of "Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation," cohosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with the remarkable Walter Handloser. Walter shares his incredible personal journey of completing 100 one hundred-mile races—a feat that once seemed "stupid" but evolved into something "amazing."

From transformative weight loss and his athletic awakening, to the lessons learned from his first marathon and the leap into ultra marathons, Walter's story is a testament to unwavering mental strength and motivation. Discover the unique challenges of tackling 100-mile races, the adventure of iconic events like Vol State and Heart of the South, and how he found "beauty in the struggle." Walter recounts his audacious quest for 50 100-mile finishes in a single year, culminating in his monumental achievement of 100 total finishes. This conversation is packed with insights on nutrition, the vital role of community, and his perspective on the future of ultrarunning. Whether you're an experienced endurance sports enthusiast or just curious about what drives someone to run further than most can imagine, this episode promises adventure and inspiration.