Not every race ends at the finish line.
Some end with a decision.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into the realities of ultrarunning beyond results. We talk about building mental strength through failure, learning from DNFs, and why knowing when to stop can be just as powerful as pushing through.

This conversation covers the full picture:
mindset under pressure, fueling and nutrition, training through uncertainty, racing in extreme environments, and running with purpose through charity-driven events.

An episode about resilience, self-awareness, and the strength that’s built in the dark moments most people never see.

Perfect for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone navigating hard seasons while still choosing to move forward.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we explore what happens when joy, not ego, becomes the driving force behind running.

This conversation dives deep into the mental side of ultrarunning, including DNFs, burnout, loss of motivation, and the pressure to constantly perform. We talk about why some races fall apart despite perfect preparation, how life context affects performance, and why stepping back can sometimes be the strongest move forward.

This episode is for runners who have questioned their love for the sport, struggled after a tough race, or felt disconnected from why they started running at all.

Topics covered:

• Running through joy vs running to prove something

• DNFs, burnout, and emotional recovery

• Why mindset matters more than fitness over long distances

• Community, perspective, and long-term sustainability in running

• Finding meaning beyond results and finish lines

🎧 A raw, honest conversation for runners who want to stay in the sport for the long run.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, running mindset, DNF recovery, endurance mindset, trail running podcast, running motivation, mental toughness, joy in running, pushing horizons podcast

What keeps someone going when the race stretches beyond 100 kilometers, the body starts to fail, and quitting would be the easy option?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we explore what it really means to find joy inside suffering. This is a deep, honest conversation about ultrarunning, long-distance racing, and the mindset required to stay calm when things go wrong.

We talk about UTMB, Hardrock 100, Tor des Géants, multi-day racing, pressure at the front of the pack, and how to stay grounded as expectations rise. Beyond races, this episode dives into purpose, identity, resilience, and why joy still matters even in the hardest moments.

This one isn’t about glorifying pain.
It’s about understanding it, working with it, and learning how to keep going without losing yourself.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, trail running, endurance mindset, UTMB, Hardrock 100, Tor des Géants, women in ultrarunning, mental toughness, endurance psychology, long distance running, mountain running, resilience, pushing horizons podcast

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, I sit down with Alyssa Clark, one of the most accomplished endurance athletes in ultrarunning today.

From breaking the 24-hour barrier at HURT 100 to winning Moab 240 and standing on podiums at some of the toughest races in the world, Alyssa’s journey is not about shortcuts or hype. It’s about patience, durability, and learning how to stay present when things get uncomfortable.

We talk honestly about endurance mindset, how to tell the difference between pain and danger, recovery beyond the physical, training for 100-mile and 200+ mile races, handling DNFs, and why being brave sometimes means starting without knowing how it will end.

This conversation is for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone chasing the edge of their own potential.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, endurance mindset, ultra marathon training, women in ultrarunning, 100 mile race, 200 mile ultramarathon, Moab 240, HURT 100, trail running podcast, mental toughness, recovery in ultrarunning, pushing limits

What does it really mean to earn every mile?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, I sit down with Anthony Costales, an elite ultrarunner who has stood on major podiums while balancing a full life outside the sport. Teaching, coaching, family, and still showing up day after day to compete at the highest level.

We talk about the reality behind long-distance running. The mental swings inside hundred-mile races. Lessons from Western States and CCC. Why consistency beats talent. Why curiosity matters more than confidence. And why there are no shortcuts in endurance.

This conversation isn’t about hype or results alone. It’s about discipline, patience, setbacks, recovery, and choosing hard things on purpose.

If you care about endurance, mindset, and the human side of ultrarunning, this episode is for you.

🔑 KEYWORDS

ultrarunning podcast, anthony costales, trail running, endurance mindset, western states 100, ccc utmb, elite ultrarunner, long distance running, mental toughness, running consistency, endurance training, balancing life and running, pushing horizons podcast

What does it really mean to choose hard things on purpose?

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most accomplished endurance athletes of our time to unpack the mindset behind extreme challenges. From solo ocean crossings to back-to-back ultramarathons, this conversation goes beyond achievements and into intention.

We talk about fear, discipline, mental fatigue, purpose-driven endurance, and why doing difficult things isn’t about proving anything to others. It’s about knowing yourself, serving something bigger, and showing up when quitting would be easier.

If you’re into ultrarunning, endurance sports, mindset, or building resilience through discomfort, this episode will hit home.

Keywords: endurance mindset, ultrarunning podcast, choosing hard things, mental toughness, purpose-driven endurance, extreme endurance athlete, resilience, discipline, pushing limits

What does it really mean to belong at the front of the pack?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, I sit down with elite ultrarunner Lotti Brinks to talk about the journey from showing up unsure, to racing with confidence against the best in the world.

We dive into her breakthrough performances, including major ultra wins, course records, earning a Golden Ticket, and racing at Western States. But more importantly, we talk about the mental side of elite racing, handling pressure, executing on race day, and learning to trust your training when it matters most.

This episode is for runners chasing improvement, confidence, and that feeling of belonging, whether you’re racing your first ultra or lining up at the front.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, trail running, elite ultrarunner, Western States 100, Golden Ticket racing, mindset in ultras, endurance running, women in trail running, Pushing Horizons podcast, long distance running, confidence in racing

What happens when you stop waiting and start committing?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we talk about the journey from triathlon to marathon running, the leap from half marathon to the full 42.2 km, and what it means to set a goal that actually scares you.

With Stockholm Marathon as the first full and another marathon planned later in the year, this conversation dives into training volume, mindset shifts, fueling, gear choices, and the mental strength required to keep going when things get hard.

This episode is for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone standing at the edge of a big goal, wondering if they’re capable.

Because most of the time, you already are.

Keywords:
marathon training, first marathon, Stockholm Marathon, endurance mindset, triathlon to running, long-distance running, fueling strategy, running motivation, mental strength, pushing limits, endurance podcast