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.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultrarunning veteran Tim Vail. Tim takes us through his incredible journey, from his early love for running and triathlons to conquering the iconic Western States 100. He dives deep into his meticulous endurance training regimen, sharing insights on how he prepares his body and mind for the most demanding races.

Discover the critical role of nutrition strategies in Tim's success, as he discusses his personal experimentation to find what fuels him best on the trail. Tim also highlights the profound importance of the running community and unwavering family support in his endeavors, revealing how these connections provide motivation and camaraderie.

Hear firsthand about the challenges Tim has faced mid-race, from battling mental fatigue to refining his nutrition approach. He shares invaluable lessons learned about overcoming challenges and pushing past perceived limits. Looking ahead, Tim gives us a peek into his future race plans, including the daunting Ouray 100, and discusses his ambition to inspire others in the sport.

This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone interested in ultra running, personal growth, and the power of human endurance.

Episode Highlights:

• Tim's path from triathlons to becoming an ultra runner.

• Conquering the Western States 100 and its significance.

• The crucial role of nutrition strategies in endurance.

• The vital support of the running community and family support.

• Insights into overcoming challenges and building mental resilience.

• Preparing for high-altitude races like the Ouray 100.

"I just want to see what I can do. I want to push my body to my limit. I just want to get to the finish line."

Don't miss this captivating conversation that delves into the heart of ultra running, personal limits, and the journey to the finish line!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shea Aquilano, who recently tackled the formidable Western States 100! From her beginnings in soccer to finding her stride in trail running during college, Shea shares her unique path to becoming a competitive ultra runner.

In this episode, Shea dives deep into the supportive community surrounding trail running, the critical role of nutrition in her performance as a plant-based athlete, and the meticulous race preparation required for such an epic event. She opens up about the significant challenges she faced during the Western States race, particularly a tough battle with her quads, and how she pushed through.

Discover how Shea's family, especially her race-veteran mother, has fueled her passion. You'll also hear her valuable advice for aspiring runners: find your "why" and embrace the joy of the sport. Shea's insights into overcoming setbacks and her future aspirations in the ever-growing ultra running world are not to be missed.

Whether you're an experienced ultra runner or just curious about the sport, Shea's story will motivate and inform.

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in this episode of Buckle Up as they dive deep into the world of ultrarunning with special guest Matt Scoletti. Get ready for a dynamic conversation that covers everything from the electric energy MCing brings to endurance events to the grit required to overcome challenges like running a 5x Ironman.

Matt shares his compelling personal stories, offering insights into the mindset needed to push through pain and the profound personal growth that comes from tackling monumental feats like the 5X Ironman. Discover the vital role of community and teamwork in the running worl.

Beyond the physical, this episode explores how sobriety can be a powerful motivator for a healthier lifestyle, the importance of being present in the moment, and how every step on the running journey offers valuable life lessons. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or just curious about the limits of human endurance, Matt's journey of adventure, motivation, and self-discovery will inspire you to find your own "next level."

In this engaging conversation, Kilian Korth shares his journey from being a collegiate swimmer to becoming a prominent figure in ultra running, particularly highlighting his experience at the Tahoe 200. He discusses the challenges he faced, including breathing issues known as 'Tahoe lung', and how he adapted his training and nutrition strategies to overcome them. Kilian also reflects on the evolution of ultra running, the importance of a holistic approach to training, and his life outside of running, including his passion for writing and storytelling. The conversation provides insights into the mental and physical demands of ultra running and the community surrounding it. In this conversation, Kilian discusses the evolution of ultra running, particularly the rise of 200-mile races and the increasing competitiveness of the sport. He shares insights into his mental resilience during races, the importance of pacers, and the motivation derived from sibling rivalry. Kilian also reflects on his recovery process post-race, training strategies for upcoming events, and his love for Colorado's 14ers. The discussion highlights the excitement of competition and the impact of live streaming on the sport's popularity.

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in a powerful conversation with ultra-runner Steve Sammut Nurminen as they dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, from training techniques and recovery strategies to the often-overlooked post-race blues.

Steve shares his inspiring journey, including running for a cause and taking on incredible treadmill challenges, while emphasizing the profound impact of community and social media for positive engagement. Discover how a strong mindset and a supportive network are crucial for overcoming personal obstacles and finding joy in every stride. You'll hear about the importance of appreciating smaller achievements and making training enjoyable, not forced. Get ready to be motivated by stories of resilience and the incredible power of the running community!

Steve: https://www.instagram.com/movewithsteve/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8qR6WoeaPveCqVaI-pWNiw Run Wild Movie: https://youtu.be/umn9wNiEeCs?si=axeW4VQ3CyEs_AxW

Get ready for an empowering discussion on running, personal growth, and the power of connection! Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with special guest Suze Kandler for "Embracing the Challenge: Suze Kandler's Running Story." Suze shares her remarkable journey from novice to aspiring ultra-runner, offering invaluable insights into how a powerful mindset and robust support systems have been instrumental in her success. From the importance of community in overcoming challenges to the strategic training that's preparing her for the Never Summer 60K, this episode unpacks the holistic benefits of running. Suze's emphasis on finding joy in the process and her "I am a runner" declaration will resonate with anyone looking to improve their health, build confidence, and discover the transformative impact of setting audacious goals.

Join Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen on this episode of Buckle Up as Brian prepares for the challenging Old Dominion 100 ultramarathon, a key race in his pursuit of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Get an inside look at his meticulous race strategy, aiming for a sub-24-hour finish and that coveted buckle. They share practical insights on endurance running, from strategic training peaks for summer races to invaluable "gas station tips" for ultrarunners embracing the "dirtbagging" lifestyle. The conversation also delves into Brian's exciting new coaching role at Glenwood Springs High School, highlighting the enduring power of the running community. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or just curious about the sport, this episode offers a unique blend of race preparation, travel anecdotes, and the spirit of the ultrarunning world.