In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive into the lessons learned from Andy’s recent experience at UTMB and how they translate to building resilience as an athlete. From the challenges of fueling and sodium balance to the mental process of evaluating performance after a tough race, Andy shares candid insights into the realities of long-distance competition and what it takes to bounce back stronger.

The conversation explores the concept of durability in endurance sports, often referred to as the “fourth pillar” alongside aerobic capacity, economy, and threshold efficiency. Andy and Brian discuss how athletes can cultivate durability not just physically, but mentally, through consistent training, technique work, and maintaining a problem-solving mindset. They connect these ideas to both master skiers and competitive runners, offering practical takeaways for anyone striving to improve.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or someone signing up for your first big race, this episode highlights the importance of resilience in sport and in life. With stories from the trail, reflections on biomechanics and physiology, and a healthy dose of humor, Andy and Brian provide inspiration and actionable advice for athletes looking to push their limits and “blast” their next challenge.