In this episode of Enduring Minds, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Evan Birch dive deep into the mindset behind ultrarunning with psychologist and ultra trail athlete Landon Hildebrand.

This conversation sets the tone early with honesty as Jason reflects on a tough DNF, Evan talks about rebuilding after injury, and Landon immediately normalizes the vulnerability every endurance athlete faces.

The episode explores themes central to the podcast, mental health, identity, resilience, and personal growth, through Landon’s powerful stories about overcoming childhood challenges, embracing imperfection, and learning to trust himself on and off the trails. Together, they challenge the “death before DNF” culture and highlight why sustainable training, emotional awareness, and self-compassion lead to stronger, healthier athletes.

Listeners will gain insight into evidence-based coaching, the psychology of long-distance running, and how endurance sports mirror the messiness of being human. Landon also shares why human connection—not algorithms—makes therapy meaningful, offering lessons every athlete can carry into their next run or race.

If you’re an endurance athlete seeking motivation, authenticity, and mental clarity, this episode brings wisdom you can feel in your stride.

🎧 Tune in, lean in and become more vulnarable.

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Keep Connected:

• Run Tri Bike on Instagram
• Run Tri Bike on Threads
• Evan Birch on Instagram
• Landon Hildebrand on Instagram
• Approach Psychology on Instagram