The Uphill Goat - A High Performance Podcast

Doing more doesn’t always mean making progress. Erika Coleman returns to explore how athletes, entrepreneurs, and high achievers can pursue ambitious goals without sacrificing their health, relationships, or sense of self.

Erika and AJ discuss the difference between direction and destination, why effort is a poor measure of success, and how to choose the right-sized challenge for your current capacity. They also unpack when to push versus recover, how to use AI without outsourcing the struggle that creates mastery, and what separates a challenge state from a threat state when the pressure is on.

This conversation offers a healthier, more sustainable way to think about achievement—one focused not only on what you accomplish, but on who you become along the way.

Brazilian racing driver Luiz Cordeiro says racing is like “playing chess at high speed.” Every move demands total focus, split-second decision-making, and the courage to act before an opportunity disappears.

Luiz joins AJ Conover to share his journey from rental karts to professional car racing, endurance competition, and driver coaching. He explains what separates a fast driver from a winning one, how racers balance aggression with control, and why losing often teaches more than winning.

They also explore the surprising physical demands of karting, the financial realities of building a racing career, Luiz’s creative approach to earning sponsorships, and how cycling helped him rediscover competition after stepping away from the track.

This is a conversation about speed—but even more about discipline, resilience, calculated risk, and giving everything you have to the pursuit that calls you.

Most athletes chase performance, but few understand the mental and spiritual power that fuels it. Christian Allen, pro trail and marathon runner, reveals how his faith and mindset transform his training, recovery, and race day — even with four kids and a part-time business.In this exclusive conversation, Christian shares the behind-the-scenes of pushing limits in the mountains, avoiding injuries, and maintaining balance amid chaos. Discover his unique strategy of visualization, goal-setting, and positive affirmations—practices that keep him at the top of his game and grounded in purpose. From his fourth-place finish at uphill Worlds to aiming for Olympic trials, his story challenges everything you thought was possible for endurance performance.

You'll explore:

• How faith guides Christian through setbacks and triumphs in racing and life
• The specific mental routines that turn dreams into reality, including writing goals around the house and strategic visualization
• Practical tips for balancing training and family, from managing sleep to leveraging support systems
• The importance of tiered goals and accountability in achieving at your limits
• Why perseverance, belief, and joy are the true keys to sustained endurance success

Why does this episode matter? Because understanding the inner game unlocks true potential. If you're striving for your best—whether on trails, roads, or in life—you'll find actionable insight that rewires your mindset and boosts your confidence. Christian’s story is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and intentional performance, perfect for athletes, coaches, or anyone chasing a higher version of themselves.

Tune in to learn how a few simple mental shifts can elevate your training, sustain your motivation, and deepen your purpose—so you can crush your goals with joy and conviction.

Follow Adam @adamleeburns

Most runners dream of breaking barriers — but Adam Burns did something almost unimaginable in less than two years. After only a year and a half of running experience, he became the fastest person to run across Utah—covering over 415 miles in just 9 days while battling extreme fatigue, injuries, and brutal conditions. His story isn’t just about endurance; it’s about transforming despair into purpose and proving that with grit, you can redefine your limits. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re capable of more, Adam’s incredible journey will push you to believe in the power of mental strength and relentless action.

In this episode, Adam takes us behind the scenes of his record-breaking run, from setting a seemingly impossible goal to navigating injuries and mental hurdles along the way. He shares raw insights on how he fueled his insane daily mileage—eating 9,600 calories a day, from Chick-fil-A sauce and ground beef to endless candy—and how he kept going through sheer grit. You’ll discover the mental strategies that get him out of bed at 5 a.m., the importance of setting goals that scare you, and why suffering is the secret weapon in ultra running and life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone battling your own mental demons, Adam’s perspective on pushing through adversity will resonate deeply.

Why do most people underestimate what they’re capable of? Because they never push past the point of discomfort. Adam’s story highlights how mental resilience—not just physical ability—is the key to extraordinary achievement. His mission to raise funds for suicide prevention through running underscores the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. If you’re craving motivation, seeking a new perspective on perseverance, or looking for lessons on setting goals that actually challenge you, this episode is your blueprint for unlocking unstoppable resilience.

Perfect for anyone ready to challenge their perceived limits and turn impossible goals into reality. Whether you're navigating personal struggles, chasing ultra endurance goals, or just looking for a dose of real inspiration, Adam’s relentless spirit and honesty will leave you more determined than ever. Prepare to be inspired to run your own race—whatever that may be—and never lose hope.

What keeps someone riding for life while others quit after a few months?

In this episode, I sit down with cyclist and content creator Nic to talk about the mindset behind enjoying cycling, building an authentic community, and learning to “ride your ride.”

We discuss:

• How Nic got into cycling through his dad
• Why the cycling community is unlike any other sport
• Building a social media following without chasing followers
• The balance between performance and enjoyment
• The dangers of comparison—on the bike and in life
• Trends in cycling, gear, and content creation
• Why challenging your limits matters

Whether you’re a new cyclist, an experienced rider, or simply someone trying to enjoy the journey a little more, I think you’ll take something away from this conversation.

If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another cyclist.

Follow Nic:
Instagram: @cyclist.nic

Follow The Uphill Goat:
Instagram: @2percentperformance

Most companies kill their best growth channels by scaling too fast.

Nadia Ruiz reveals the counterintuitive timing strategy behind her record-breaking marathon runs and how the lessons she learned during the Everest Marathon can transform your own approach to success — whether you're chasing a fitness goal, a career milestone, or personal resilience.

Follow her here: Instagram

In this gripping episode, Nadia shares the raw reality of running the Everest Marathon, navigating extreme altitude, brutal terrain, and her own physical and mental limits. She uncovers the hidden power of slow, deliberate progress and how your ability to show up, day after day, separates the champions from the quitters. You'll discover her unique approach to altitude adaptation, the importance of patience in peak achievement, and why embracing vulnerability can unlock true strength.

We break down Nadia’s inspiring journey from her earliest marathons at age 14, her obsession with collecting experience over results, and the mental toughness required to persist through loss, trauma, and doubt. She reveals the mindset tools that helped her beat the odds, including her daily gratitude practices, the significance of consistency over speed, and her fearless pursuit of longer, harder challenges. You'll learn how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones and why resilience is built one small step at a time.

Why does knowing your limits matter? Because aging as an athlete doesn’t mean slowing down — it means evolving and embracing new stages of possibility. Nadia’s story is a powerful reminder that performance is as much about mindset as physical ability, and her lessons are essential for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to give up. Regardless of your goals, her journey invites you to see setbacks as opportunities and to live with purpose beyond the finish line.

By sharing her struggles with addiction, grief, and mental health, Nadia exemplifies vulnerability and authenticity — qualities that make her a true inspiration. She reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always hope, and sometimes reaching out to a stranger can be the most crucial step toward healing. If you’re seeking resilience, courage, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly push your boundaries, this episode is your catalyst.

Perfect for endurance athletes, high performers, or anyone looking for motivation to face life’s steepest climbs — both on and off the trail. Nadia's story demonstrates that the real race is against your own fears and limitations, and the finish line is where your transformed self awaits. Hit play and discover how to turn life's toughest moments into your greatest victories.

Why this works: The opening lines immediately present an intriguing insight into the episode's core—using Nadia’s Everest Marathon experience as a metaphor for success and personal resilience. The body emphasizes specific lessons, challenges, and transformations, building curiosity while highlighting concrete tactics. The closing reinforces the emotional and practical value, encouraging listeners to take on their own "mountains" with a new mindset. The copy balances storytelling, technical insights, and emotional appeal to maximize engagement and curiosity.

Follow Hannah at: https://www.instagram.com/hannahgshell/

Most gravel racers hit tough conditions — Hannah Shell reveals how she triumphed through relentless mud, soaring water crossings, and brutal weather at Unbound. Her gritty race story, captured during her sixth attempt, exposes what it really takes to push through adversity and finish strong, even when everything’s against you.

If you’re a cyclist who longs to race at the edge, this episode will reshape your approach. Hannah shares her unconventional tactics for handling mud, water, and unpredictable weather, plus the key mental shifts that keep her committed when fatigue and doubt strike.

Discover the behind-the-scenes decisions that fueled her 23rd place finish and second in wildcard standings, unlocking her shot at the Grand Prix.

We also delve into her journey — from late start to professional gravel racer, navigating the challenges of racing as a privateer, and managing a demanding schedule with a supportive partner. Hannah’s insights into equipment choices, training hacks like lactate clearance efforts, and fueling strategies provide a blueprint for race-day success. She tackles topics like overcoming imposter syndrome and how to keep passion alive in the sport when burnout tries to set in.

Why does gravel appeal to women more than other disciplines? Hannah breaks down the accessible entry, community-driven vibe, and the evolution of racing formats that foster inclusivity and camaraderie. Whether you're considering your first gravel race or chasing your next podium, her story underscores that with grit, preparation, and a love for the ride, greatness is within reach.

This isn’t just a race report — it’s an inspiring masterclass on resilience, technique, and mindset that will leave you motivated to attack your next challenge. Perfect for ambitious cyclists, privateers, and anyone seeking to elevate their gravel game. Tune in to harness the secrets behind racing through the mud, water, and mental hurdles — and come out on top.

Dirty Dan is an ultra-endurance cyclist, bikepacker, and adventurer who has completed a Triple Everest, raced the Tour Divide multiple times, ridden across Africa, and recently set a fastest-known-time riding from Canada to Mexico.

In this conversation we explore the mindset behind pushing limits, embracing curiosity, dealing with suffering, and finding joy in difficult challenges.

Some of my favorite takeaways from this episode:

- It always gets better.

- Your limits are personal.

- Curiosity is more powerful than pressure.

- Adventure doesn't have to be extreme to be meaningful.

- The best challenges teach you who you are.

This was one of my favorite conversations about endurance, growth, and living intentionally.

What does it take to push through pain, chase a big goal, and still be satisfied when you achieve it?

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Ames to unpack his quest to break the 60-minute barrier on American Fork Canyon before leaving Utah. We dive into the physical challenge of the effort, the mental battle of suffering, and what it feels like to finally achieve a goal you've been chasing for years.

But the conversation quickly goes deeper.

Chad shares how moving to Utah changed his perspective on happiness, why living in the world of "what ifs" can keep you stuck, and the mindset shift that helped him find fulfillment right where he was. We talk about cycling, endurance, marriage, personal growth, goal setting, and the surprising connection between suffering and satisfaction.

Whether you're chasing a KOM, building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to enjoy the journey a little more, this conversation is packed with lessons on commitment, perspective, and becoming the person you're capable of being.

Topics include:

- Chad's sub-60-minute American Fork Canyon effort

- Pain, suffering, and endurance performance

- Why goals matter (and how to avoid tying your happiness to them)

- Escaping the "I'll be happy when..." trap

- Finding fulfillment wherever you are

- The power of consistency over perfection

- Cycling, Strava, and balancing ambition with enjoyment

- Commitment, and choosing your direction in life

In this episode of The Uphill Goat, I sit down with professional cyclist, coach, and sports psychology expert Charlotte Backus to talk about the mental side of performance, elite cycling culture, burnout, nutrition, identity, and what actually helps athletes improve long-term.

Charlotte shares her experience racing at a high level, the realities of chasing performance, and the lessons endurance sports can teach us far beyond the bike. This conversation goes much deeper than training zones and FTP numbers — it’s about mindset, pressure, resilience, and learning who you are both in and outside of competition.

We also dive into:

- The psychological side of endurance sports

- Burnout and identity in elite athletes

- Common mistakes amateur cyclists make

- Nutrition and fueling

- What separates great athletes from good ones

- Women’s cycling and performance culture

- Building a healthy relationship with ambition

This episode is presented by 2% Performance — topical sodium bicarbonate cream designed to help athletes perform at their best without destroying their stomachs.

Check out 2% Performance and use code UPHILLGOAT at checkout for a discount on your first order:

2PercentPerformance.com

Follow Charlotte:

https://www.instagram.com/charlottebackus/

Follow 2 Percent Performance:

https://www.instagram.com/2percentperformance/