Season 3 Episode 19

Built for the Long Game

DJ Fox has become one of the most respected endurance athletes in ultrarunning.

After winning World's Toughest Mudder, setting the Colorado Trail West-to-East Fastest Known Time (FKT), and finishing on the podium at Cocodona 250 in 2026, DJ joins Pushing Horizons to share the mindset behind his success.

We discuss his life-changing illness that led him to running, leaving a secure corporate career to chase endurance sports full-time, winning a world championship, surviving multi-day adventures, and the lessons learned from running one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

DJ also breaks down his 10-hour improvement at Cocodona 250, the importance of crew and pacers, overcoming setbacks, and why he believes success comes from committing to the process rather than chasing outcomes.

If you're training for an ultramarathon, marathon, trail race, or simply looking to build resilience and discipline, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

Keywords: DJ Fox, Cocodona 250, ultrarunning podcast, trail running, ultramarathon, endurance athlete, World's Toughest Mudder, Colorado Trail FKT, Cocodona 250 podium, ultra endurance, endurance mindset, running podcast, trail running podcast, endurance coaching, 200 mile race, mountain running, adventure running, resilience, mental toughness, Pushing Horizons.

Season 3 Episode 18: Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line

What happens when something that defines you comes to an end?

After an incredible 1,202-day running streak, James McDonald made one of the hardest decisions of his life: to stop running every day.

In this episode, James opens up about ending the streak, recovering from injury, finding his identity beyond consistency, completing his first 100-mile ultramarathon, and dealing with the disappointment of a recent DNF.

We also dive into ultramarathon training, fueling strategies, recovery, coaching, race planning, mental resilience, and why enjoying the process matters more than chasing finish lines.

Whether you're training for your first marathon, an ultramarathon, or simply trying to stay consistent in life, this conversation offers valuable lessons on discipline, balance, setbacks, and long-term growth.

Topics covered:

• 1,202-day running streak
• Why he chose to end it
• Identity beyond running
• First 100-mile ultramarathon
• Learning from a DNF
• Ultrarunning mindset
• Recovery and injury prevention
• Marathon and ultra training
• Nutrition and race fueling
• Mental resilience and consistency
• 
  

If you enjoy conversations about ultrarunning, endurance sports, marathon training, resilience, mindset, and pushing your limits, subscribe and follow Pushing Horizons: Step by Step for a new episode every week.

Keywords:
ultrarunning, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 100 mile ultramarathon, running streak, 1202 day running streak, marathon training, ultramarathon training, endurance running, trail running, running podcast, ultrarunning podcast, endurance podcast, running motivation, mental resilience, consistency, discipline, DNF, overcoming failure, recovery, injury prevention, race nutrition, race fueling, endurance mindset, first 100 miler, Thames Path 100, MK24, James McDonald, Pushing Horizons, Pushing Horizons Podcast, marathon runner, endurance athlete, long distance running, running community, running inspiration, ultra runner interview, mental toughness, sports podcast, trail runner, adventure running

A year can change everything.

The last time Cody Poskin was on the podcast, he had just finished his first Cocodona 250. He crossed the finish line in 8th place after battling blown quads, brutal climbs, and the biggest challenge of his running career.

This year, he came back.

🥈 2nd Male
🥉 3rd Overall

More importantly, he finished 13 hours faster.

In this episode, Cody breaks down exactly what changed—from smarter training and race execution to sleep strategy, nutrition, crew support, and the mindset required to compete at the very front of one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

We also talk about learning from failure, becoming a professional athlete, chasing the Cocodona title, and why he's convinced his best race is still ahead of him.

If you love ultrarunning, endurance sports, or simply hearing what it takes to become better year after year, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• Cocodona 250 race recap
• How Cody improved by 13 hours
• 2nd Male & 3rd Overall finish
• Sleep strategy and pacing
• Nutrition mistakes and lessons
• Crew and pacers
• Mental resilience
• Becoming a professional ultrarunner
• What's next after Cocodona

Keywords: Cocodona 250, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, endurance running, 250 mile race, Cocodona podcast, Cody Poskin, running podcast, ultra endurance, race strategy, trail runner, endurance mindset, mountain running, long distance running.

In Season 3 Episode 16 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Nepali ultrarunner Jeevan Lama to explore his incredible journey from the trails of Nepal to some of the world’s toughest mountain ultras.

Jeevan shares how running helped transform his life, keeping him away from destructive habits and giving him purpose through the mountains. The conversation dives into his experience racing UTMB events, the brutal technical terrain of the Alps, and his unforgettable battle at Tor des Géants (TOR), a 330km ultra through the Italian Alps.

They discuss suffering, race strategy, nutrition, mental resilience, and what it means to represent Nepal on the global trail running stage. Jeevan also shares his vision for growing trail running in Nepal and inspiring the next generation of mountain athletes.

Keywords: Jeevan Lama, Tor des Géants, TOR, UTMB, ultrarunning, trail running, Nepal trail running, mountain running, endurance sports, ultra marathon podcast, Pushing Horizons

In Season 3 Episode 15 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Peyton for an honest conversation about injuries, setbacks, marathon struggles, and the mindset required to keep moving forward.

Peyton shares how her running journey began, the transition from shorter distances to long-distance racing, and the lessons she learned through recurring injuries and burnout. She opens up about the emotional side of being sidelined, the pressure of chasing personal records, and why sometimes the hardest part of running isn’t the miles — it’s staying mentally strong when things go wrong.

They also discuss half marathon and marathon training, endurance building, fueling strategies, avoiding the dreaded marathon bonk, and why consistency matters more than perfection.

This episode is for every runner who has ever struggled, doubted themselves, or wondered if setbacks were holding them back.

Topics covered:
Running motivation, marathon training, half marathon PR goals, injury recovery, mental health, endurance, race fueling, bonking, consistency, discipline, resilience, runner mindset.

Keywords: running podcast, marathon training, half marathon training, half marathon PR, marathon mindset, injury recovery, running injuries, endurance training, race fueling, marathon bonking, mental toughness, running motivation, runner mindset, consistency in training, long distance running, overcoming setbacks, resilience, road running, running community, Pushing Horizons podcast

In Season 3 Episode 14 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Kaylee Frederick for a powerful conversation about endurance, discipline, mental resilience, and chasing seemingly impossible goals.

At just 21 years old, Kaylee has already built an extraordinary ultrarunning resume. She ran her first ultra at 14, completed her first 100 miler at 16, and became the youngest athlete to start Badwater 135, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

In this episode, Kaylee opens up about her journey into ultrarunning, the brutal physical and mental demands of Badwater 135, elite 24-hour racing, race strategy, pacing, fueling, and the discipline required to perform at the highest level.

But this conversation goes deeper than race results.

Kaylee also shares her struggles with self-worth, identity, mental health, therapy, and the difficult process of learning that performance does not define who you are.

This is a raw and inspiring episode about human potential, suffering, growth, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when things get hard.

Topics covered:
• Ultrarunning
• Badwater 135
• 24-hour racing
• Endurance mindset
• Mental toughness
• Race strategy & fueling
• Discipline vs motivation
• Mental health in sport
• Identity beyond performance

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, Badwater 135, Kaylee Frederick, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 24 hour race, endurance athlete, mental resilience, running motivation, trail running podcast, ultra running mindset, endurance sports, Pushing Horizons podcast

What happens when a powerlifter decides to run 200 miles?

In Season 3 Episode 13 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Grace Gilliam / Wakaii Chahatngan Tukon to explore a journey built on resilience, discipline, and relentless self-belief.

From growing up in a remote village with no cars or electricity, to becoming a Spartan racer, GORUCK athlete, powerlifter, and Mammoth 200 Endurance Run finisher, her story is extraordinary.

They talk about:

• Finishing Mammoth 200 while battling severe asthma
• Combining heavy lifting with ultrarunning
• Why strength training matters for endurance athletes
• Mental toughness during extreme suffering
• Learning to move with purpose through life’s obstacles

This is a conversation about choosing hard things and discovering what you’re truly capable of.

Keywords

ultrarunning, Mammoth 200, endurance sports, powerlifting, Spartan Race, GORUCK, mental toughness, trail running, resilience, 200 mile race, ultramarathon podcast, running motivation, strength training for runners

Timothy Bass returns to the podcast after completing one of the most demanding goals he has ever set for himself, running 5,111 miles in a single year.

In this episode, we look back at the physical and mental challenges of maintaining 100-mile weeks, what it took to stay consistent without a single rest day, and the lessons he learned about discipline, recovery, family, and identity.

We talk about the difference between motivation and drive, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how running continues to shape him as a father, husband, and human being.

This is a powerful conversation about commitment, resilience, and what happens when you choose to keep going long after the excitement fades.

Keywords: running podcast, long distance running, marathon training, ultrarunning mindset, discipline, consistency, mental resilience, fatherhood, endurance sports, Timothy Bass

What does it take to keep showing up for decades?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Junko Kazukawa, a breast cancer survivor, coach, and one of the most experienced endurance athletes in the sport.

From completing Leadville 100 ten times to racing UTMB, Western States, and Tor des Géants, Junko has spent years pushing her physical and mental limits. But her story goes far beyond race results.

We talk about overcoming cancer, finding purpose through endurance, dealing with DNFs, aging in sport, the difference between pain and suffering, and why she continues to chase finish lines at 62 years old.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when life gets difficult.

• Discovering ultrarunning after cancer

• Leadville 100 and racing 100-mile ultras

• UTMB and lessons from failure

• The psychology of suffering

• Aging and longevity in endurance sports

• Training smarter for long-term success

• Why purpose matters more than motivation

• What keeps her running after decades in the sport

ultrarunning, endurance sports, Leadville 100, UTMB, Western States, Tor des Géants, breast cancer survivor, running podcast, ultramarathon, trail running, resilience, mindset, endurance athlete, women in ultrarunning, aging athletes, ultrarunner interview, long distance running, running motivation, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons

Topics CoveredKeywords

What does it take to stay competitive after more than two decades in the sport?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with elite ultrarunner Addie Bracy to discuss longevity, adaptation, setbacks, and the constant pursuit of improvement.

From her early days in running to competing at some of the biggest ultramarathons in the world, Addie shares lessons learned from both success and disappointment. We dive into aging as an athlete, burnout, confidence, race-day execution, coaching, fueling, mental resilience, and why curiosity remains one of her greatest strengths after 25 years in the sport.

This conversation is a reminder that growth doesn't stop when you reach the top. Sometimes the challenge is learning how to keep evolving.

Topics Covered:

• Ultrarunning longevity
• Western States and elite competition
• Aging in endurance sports
• Mental resilience during tough races
• Fueling and race execution
• Coaching and athlete development
• Learning from bad races
• Staying motivated after decades of running
• Adaptation and continuous improvement
• The future of ultrarunning

Keywords:

ultrarunning, trail running, Addie Bracy, Western States 100, endurance sports, ultra marathon, trail runner, running podcast, endurance mindset, ultramarathon training, coaching runners, female ultrarunner, running longevity, 100 mile race, trail running community, Pushing Horizons Podcast