What does it really take to optimize your ultra running performance without sacrificing your happiness and well-being? Join me, Richard Gleave, on Choose to Endure, as we uncover the hidden costs of relentless optimization in ultra running. From physical injuries to mental burnout and social sacrifices, this episode explores the high stakes of pushing your limits. Learn strategies that will help you achieve your personal bests while still enjoying a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, we offer practical advice to inspire you to run smarter, maintain your passion, and keep burnout at bay.

In the latter part of the episode, we discuss how you can support the podcast by subscribing, sharing, and leaving reviews. These actions are crucial in spreading valuable information and helping boost our show's visibility. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at choosetoendure.com and take advantage of our new fan mail feature. We emphasize the importance of balancing your running passion with daily life demands, ensuring long-term well-being and self-care. Tune in and learn how to endure, enjoy, and excel in your ultra running journey.

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Embark on a journey into the Ultraverse featuring bespoke races and nutrition designed for the ultra-endurance athlete with Chase and Casey Hammond of Ultraverse Supplements. They join me, Richard Gleave, to share their inspiring tale from passionate ultra-runners to innovative supplement creators. We uncover the secrets behind their bestseller Proxima C, along with the birth of Terminus and T30, crafted to fuel the long miles ahead. Not to be outdone, the Hammonds also pull back the curtain on their race series, featuring the grueling Hell Creek 100 and the Pure Hell 140, along with festive races that celebrate both competition and community.

Prepare to be captivated by the stories of camaraderie and the close-knit ultra-running community that thrives even in the most demanding races. The Hammonds and I talk about what goes into organizing the ultimate test of human endurance, from the intimate Summit 200, set to be the highest altitude, non-repetitive race in the U.S., to the inclusive Front Range Ultra Days in Colorado. We dive into the nuances of race day chaos, the importance of runner safety, and the joy of handing out those finisher's buckles, making every step worth the effort.

Feel the pulse of the ultra-running scene as we explore the value of supporting each other, from the trails to the finish line. Whether you're an aspiring ultra-runner or a seasoned veteran, the Hammonds' insights into nutrition and race directing offer a wealth of knowledge. And for those yearning for more than just miles, our discussions on the Hell Creek Half and 50K, Eternal Damnation, and The Sticks promise a blend of high-spirited race culture and pure endurance festivities. Tune in and gear up to conquer your next ultra challenge, fueled by passion and the right supplements.

Ultraverse:
https://ultraversesupplements.com/
https://ultraversesupplements.com/our-supplements
https://ultraversesupplements.com/our-races

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When Ultra Expeditions Race Director Christy Krchnavy  laced up her shoes to start the Cocodona 250 mile race through the rugged Arizona landscape, she carried more than just her running gear; she embodied the indomitable spirit of a back-of-the-pack ultra runner. Her story is a testament to enduring strength, recounting her evolution from a time-strapped new mother to a conqueror of monumental distances. Christy's journey illuminates the heart of ultra running—a sport where victories aren't solely measured by speed, but by the sheer grit to cross the finish line. Her candid sharing of the extreme highs and lows, from debilitating blisters to the exhilarating sense of achievement, serves as a beacon to anyone drawn to the call of the trail.

This episode takes you through the winding turns of Christy's meticulous preparation for Cocodona, underpinned by unwavering family support and a staggering 48-week training plan. The camaraderie of trail running shines through as she details how strangers became impromptu pacers, her personal cheerleaders through the night's darkest hours and her amazing crew worked efficiently and tirelessly to keep her moving through Aid Stations. Christy's creative strategies, like her "Mary Poppins" umbrella to combat the Arizona sun, not only reflect the innovation in the ultra community but also the unexpected moments of joy that can arise in the midst of struggle. Her reflection on the race as a rewarding journey, rather than an ordeal, invites listeners to reconsider their own challenges as opportunities for personal triumph.

We close the narrative on a high, quite literally, with Christy's full-on sprint down Mt. Eldon and victorious finish in Flagstaff—a scene of exuberant high-fives that punctuated the end of an epic quest. It's in these moments, shared with the community of runners, pacers, and supporters, that the soul of ultra running is revealed. Christy's anecdotes, enriched with the evocative score of "Run" by OneRepublic, beckon you to lace up your own running shoes. Whether you're experienced on the trails or just considering your first ultra, this conversation with Christy is an invitation to join a world where endurance is championed regardless of pace, and every finish line is a new beginning.  And yes. YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!

Ultra Expeditions:
https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/
https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/run

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Get ready to elevate your ultra-running game as your host Richard Gleave takes you through an exclusive reveal of what's in store for the second season of Choose to Endure. Kicking off on May 31st, we're venturing beyond the finish line to uncover the lesser-known facets of the sport. Picture this: you're slogging through mile 50, and you wonder, 'How does sleep—or lack thereof—impact my performance?' Well, we're digging into that, bringing on experts to discuss how z's can make or break your race. And that's just the tip of the iceberg; we'll be embracing the full ultra experience with insights on nutrition, strength training, and more stories from the back of the pack that prove endurance is about more than just clocking miles.

This season, it's not just about my musings as your steadfast English host—I'm lining up a roster of ultra-runners and the brains behind boutique businesses that are the lifeblood of our tight-knit community. From a sneak peek into a brand I swear by to interviews that span the globe, we're bringing the UK and international ultra-running scenes to your doorstep. Imagine the thrill of exploring new terrains and cultures for your next ultra challenge! Plus, anticipate a special episode where we pass the mic to a trail or ultra group, giving you a fresh take and sparking that fire in your belly to keep pushing, one step at a time. Stay tuned for a season that will not only fuel your passion but equip you with the knowledge to tackle any distance—whether you're a seasoned veteran or lacing up for your first ultra.

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You asked, so here it is!! Embark on a short BONUS journey with me, Richard Gleave, as we explore the parallels between ultra running and life's myriad challenges. Through the lens of a perennial back-of-the-pack runner, we'll uncover the deep philosophical connections that make enduring a force for empowerment, resilience, and profound personal growth. As I reflect on my personal quest since 2017, tackling distances up to 220 miles, I'll share why the act of enduring transcends the physical realm, becoming a metaphor for life's obstacles and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Our conversation extends an invitation to embrace the mindset that challenges are not roadblocks, but rather opportunities to forge a stronger, more adaptable self. Together, we'll examine how the hardships faced on the trail can lead to illuminating insights and transformative experiences that shape us far beyond the finish line. Whether you're an ultra marathoner or have yet to hit the trails, this episode is your call to action to harness the principles of endurance in every facet of life, emerging with a renewed sense of strength and the ability to face future challenges with grace. Join us for the season opener of Choose to Endure, and learn to navigate the unpredictable terrain of life with the tenacity of an ultra runner.

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Ever wondered how the body and mind recover after a grueling 100-mile ultra marathon? Kurt LaCroix and Scott Weidenbacher, ultrarunning powerhouses, join us to unravel that very mystery - sharing their contrasting post-race recovery experiences after the Red Dirt Ultra. Their insights into the Louisiana trail, from its looping course to the unpredictable elements that runners face, will arm you with the know-how to tackle your next ultra challenge or simply leave you in awe of their endurance feats.

As we tread the mental pathways of ultra marathons, we unveil the essence of partnerships forged on the trails. From the support of pacers to the exhilarating rush of beating cutoff times, Kurt and Scott illuminate the psychological landscape shaped by determination, adaptability, and the occasional dose of humor when navigating the night's terrain. Listen to stories of camaraderie and strategy that reveal why an ultra marathon is as much a test of mental fortitude as it is of physical endurance.

To cap off this episode, we celebrate the community bonds that are the backbone of the ultra running world. Discover how the unwavering support of crew members and friendships formed in the throes of competition can carry you across the finish line. We also probe strategies for staying active and agile as our bodies age, the importance of a compelling 'why' for embarking on these distances, and the energizing power of the right trail anthem. Tune in for heartfelt tales and tips that resonate with every step of your running journey.

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As your ultra-endurance companion, I have weathered the storm of race cancellations alongside you, feeling the sting of lost opportunities and hard work seemingly evaporate. Together on this journey, we open the conversation on the multitude of reasons why our cherished races are sometimes halted—extreme weather, health hazards, and the tangle of permit processes. It's a rollercoaster of safety concerns, community ties, and the often overlooked nuances of race organization that bring us to the starting line—or in some cases, stop us before we can even take off.

Navigating the emotional terrain post-cancellation, we'll traverse the path of keeping the running flame alight. I'm here to share the camaraderie found in mutual disappointment, the solace in volunteering, and the unexpected joy in setting new goals or embracing virtual races. We'll unpack strategies to maintain a positive mindset, from rediscovering your running 'why' to spicing up your routine with cross-training and other exercises. By reframing these moments as opportunities rather than falling victim to online negativity and finger pointing, we uphold our love for ultra-running, ensuring that when faced with the next starting line, we're ready to run with even greater passion.

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Prepare to be captivated by the sheer grit and tenacity required for backyard ultras, as I guide you through the raw and transformative world of this unique race format. Imagine stepping into a competition where the end is as uncertain as the limits of your own endurance, a challenge that Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell designed not just to test physical stamina, but to probe the depths of mental fortitude. This episode peels back the layers of what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the relentless cycles of a looped course, where each hour resets the clock and only the last runner standing claims victory. Alongside tales of camaraderie that blooms in the trenches of shared struggle, you'll gain insights into the strategies that make or break champions in this ultimate test of willpower.

With every recount of the night laps, the meticulous management of recovery and nutrition, and the unyielding pursuit of one more loop, you'll feel the pull of the backyard ultra community—a band of runners who turn competition into a celebration of human spirit and collective triumph. There's no need to be an elite athlete to join this party; the backyard ultra graciously extends its invitation to anyone with the heart to toe the line. So tune in and let the stories of personal breakthroughs, the infectious festival atmosphere, and the growing global network of enthusiasts inspire you to consider where your own boundaries lie—and just how far you're willing to push them.

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Ever felt like the last few miles of an ultra were battling not just your body, but your mind? I'm Richard Gleave, and together with counselor and ultramarathon aficionado Shannon Mick, we unravel the mental labyrinth of ultra running. We're taking you through a journey of mind over marathon, revealing how a shift from a fixed to a growth mindset isn't just psychobabble—it's your secret weapon to outlast those daunting distances. In this deep dive, Shannon gifts us with strategies to turn self-doubt into self-belief, embracing the grind as a chance to emerge more resilient.

Ultra running isn't just about the legs; it's about the stories we tell ourselves with each stride. As I share from my own trove of experiences, we'll show you how mindfulness can be more than a trendy term—it's the glue that holds your mental game together when the going gets tough. We talk about the power of SMART goals to cut through the fatigue fog, keeping you razor-focused on the why behind each step. Let's transform those monotonous miles into moments of zen together.

Running is more than a solo sport; it's about the shared sweat and solidarity. In this episode, we celebrate the back-of-the-pack heroes and dissect the essence of community within the ultra scene. We navigate the emotional rollercoaster of setbacks, and instead of dwelling on the dips, we plot the comeback. It's about setting goals that stretch you, finding strength in your fellow runners, and making the journey back from injury or a tough race not just possible, but part of your growth story. Tune in and tap into the collective endurance of our trail-blazing tribe.

Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching:
https://finishstrongermindsetcoaching.com
https://linktr.ee/finishstrongermindsetcoaching/

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Trekking poles: essential gear or just extra bulk and stress? That's the question we tackle head-on as we traverse the divisive subject of pole use in ultra running.  With a landscape as varied as the runners who cross it, we investigate the myriad of ways these slender staffs can boost your performance, offering propulsion, reducing leg fatigue, and lending stability across challenging terrains. Yet, it's not just about the benefits. We weigh in on the potential downsides, such as cumbersome handling and the etiquette debate stirring among the ultra community.  Join us for an exploration of top models from Black Diamond to Harrier and gain insights that could very well change your next race day strategy.

The journey doesn't end at picking the perfect set of poles. Strap in as we share anecdotes and advice on integrating these tools into your ultramarathon plan, detailing the art of snacking mid-stride and the nuances of sizing and grip for ultimate efficiency. Discover personalized techniques to minimize energy waste, and learn how to marry the rhythm of your poles with your footsteps for a dance that could lead you across the finish line. As we celebrate the grit and tenacity of the ultra running world, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join our community, where endurance is more than a physical feat—it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to conquer mile after mile.

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Choose to Endure:
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