What happens when a simple magazine assignment turns into a lifelong obsession?
This week, we dive into the raw, unexpected journey of one of Britain’s most respected ultrarunners, a man who didn’t start racing until his mid-30s and still climbed his way into the world’s biggest stages.

From discovering running by chance, to taking on 200-mile races, breaking iconic FKTs, and finishing top-10 at UTMB, this is the story of someone who proved that age, timing, and background don’t define your ceiling. Consistency does. Curiosity does. The willingness to keep showing up does.

In this episode, we cover:
✓ How he found ultrarunning at 36
✓ The obsession that pushed him through 268-mile races
✓ Breaking FKTs across the UK
✓ What it takes to race UTMB against the best on Earth
✓ Mental toughness, purpose, and the mindset shifts that changed everything

A grounded, honest look at how far you can go when you stop limiting yourself.

Keywords:
ultrarunning, UTMB, Damian Hall, FKT, trail running, ultra marathon podcast, running mindset, mountain running, endurance athlete, UK ultrarunner, The Spine Race, 200 mile races, adventure running, consistency, motivation, Pushing Horizons podcast

From running a sub-3 marathon to covering 115+ miles in a Backyard Ultra, today’s guest embodies endurance in every form. She brings a raw, honest look at what it takes to perform at both ends of the spectrum, from the fast, structured world of marathons to the mentally brutal loops of the ultra scene.

We talk about pacing, fuelling, and mindset across distances, what keeps her grounded when the miles pile up, and how the marathon precision shaped her ultra resilience. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or trying to push past your limits, this episode will remind you why endurance isn’t just physical, it’s deeply human.

Keywords: marathon training, backyard ultra, ultra running, endurance mindset, marathon runner, sub 3 marathon, women in ultrarunning, mental toughness, long distance running, pushing limits, ultramarathon stories, running podcast, Pushing Horizons

What happens when your body forces you to stop?
After being diagnosed with viral myocarditis, Neena, an exercise physiologist, marathon runner, and coach, faced the toughest challenge of her life — learning to trust her heart again.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash dives into Neena’s journey of recovery, resilience, and rediscovering the joy of running. From hospital visits to her comeback miles, she opens up about the physical and emotional toll of heart inflammation, rebuilding confidence, and finding purpose beyond performance.

You’ll hear real talk about:
✅ Returning to running after myocarditis
✅ Marathon training and pacing post-illness
✅ Exercise physiology insights for injury recovery
✅ Mental resilience, body awareness, and self-compassion
✅ Running for joy, not just for PRs

This isn’t about medals, it’s about courage, patience, and what it means to truly start over.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

#pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #runningpodcast #podcastforrunners #runningmotivation #comebackstory #marathontraining #viralmyocarditis #mentalstrength #runnersofinstagram #runforjoy #resilience #exercisephysiology #recoveryjourney

Katie Asmuth is more than an elite ultrarunner. She’s a mom of two, a nurse practitioner, and one of the toughest competitors in the sport. From multiple top-10 finishes at Western States to her gritty run at Leadville, Katie knows what it takes to balance family, medicine, and professional racing.

In this episode, we talk about:

✅ Lessons from Western States and Leadville 100

✅ The mental shift from chasing splits to chasing joy

✅ Balancing motherhood, medicine, and mountain miles

✅ Fueling, problem-solving, and reframing when the race gets hard

✅ Why grit and joy aren’t opposites—they’re the long game

If you’re chasing your first ultra, struggling with burnout, or just want to hear real talk from one of trail running’s most authentic voices, this one’s for you.

Keywords: Katie Asmuth, Western States 100, Leadville 100, ultrarunning, trail running podcast, elite ultrarunner, HOKA athlete, ultramarathon mindset, running joy, endurance sports

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, we dive into DNFs, comebacks, and the world of running tours with a runner who’s been shaping her community for over two decades. From faking asthma attacks in high school to finishing a 100-mile course she designed herself, her journey is anything but ordinary.

We talk about the sting of DNFs, the grit it takes to come back from stress fractures, why the 50K is the perfect racing distance, and how urban exploration on foot can be just as transformative as trail running. With nearly 30 ultras since 2020, records at Miami’s Ride the Wave 50K, and years as a running tour guide, her story is equal parts resilience and inspiration.

If you’ve ever questioned why you run, how to handle setbacks, or what it means to stay in love with the sport for the long haul, this conversation will hit home.

Keywords: Ultra running, DNFs, comebacks, 100-mile race, 50K distance, urban running, trail running, running tours, Miami Ride the Wave 50K, Tampa running community, endurance mindset.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, host Ashish Pant sits down with ultrarunner Killian Korth to explore what it truly means to embrace the process over the outcome. From DNFs in past years to chasing down Michael McKnight’s 2019 record, Killian’s story is a reminder that failure is not final, it’s fuel.

We dive into the ultra mindset, how to turn setbacks into stepping stones, and why saying yes to the hard moments matters. Whether you’re a runner, endurance athlete, or simply navigating life’s challenges, Killian’s journey offers lessons on resilience, patience, and growth.

🔑 Keywords: ultrarunning, Killian Korth, Pushing Horizons podcast, ultra mindset, DNF recovery, mental strength, Michael McKnight record, endurance running, process over outcome, running motiva

Chris Minto didn’t grow up a runner, he built himself into one. At 46, overweight and embarrassed to even jog in public, he started with daily walks alongside his son. Four years later, he’s a 3:35 marathoner, chasing Boston, and preparing for a 50-mile run on his 50th birthday.

In this episode, Chris shares how brick by brick, with patience and persistence, he transformed his life. We dive into the mental battles of starting late, the power of consistency, and how his journey inspired his wife, son, friends, and coworkers to lace up too.

This is proof: it’s never too late to start, never too late to change, and never too late to inspire.

Keywords:

• building a runner

• running transformation story

• marathon training journey

• starting running late in life

• 50 mile ultra training

• weight loss running story

• marathon PB improvement

• Boston qualifier goal

• pushing horizons podcast

• running inspiration stories

From the farms of Zimbabwe to the biggest stages in ultra running, Emily Hawgood has built her career on one simple habit: saying yes to opportunities. In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into Emily’s journey, her early days running with her family, her transition to the U.S., and the mindset that’s carried her to multiple Western States top-10 finishes, UTMB starts, and course-record wins.

Emily opens up about presence on the start line, the importance of community, faith, and the lessons the mountains have taught her. We talk about fear, resilience, process goals vs. podium goals, and what it really takes to thrive at the highest level of the sport.

If you’re an athlete chasing your own limits, or simply looking for inspiration from one of the most grounded and joyful voices in the ultra community, this conversation is for you.

Keywords: ultra running, Emily Hawgood, Western States 100, UTMB, ultra marathon, trail running, endurance mindset, pushing limits, Zimbabwe runners, women in endurance sports, elite ultrarunner, community in running

She made history as the first Mexican and first Latina to conquer the world’s five toughest deserts: 1,250km across Namibia, Gobi, Jordan, Antarctica, and Atacama. Each race was a six-day, self-supported suffer fest with brutal heat, altitude, and isolation. Just four weeks later, she stood on the start line of Cocodona 250, one of the hardest ultramarathons in the U.S.In this episode, we dig into what it really takes: the mental toolkit that carries you through when the body is wrecked, the strategies for fueling and hydration under extreme conditions, how she handled sleep deprivation and hallucinations, and why she believes women are built for endurance. We talk setbacks, like the melted shoe that forced a DNF at Cocodona, and what it means to come back stronger with a plan to finish sub-100 hours.This is raw, unfiltered ultra running, proving that women can do hard things, and showing what happens when you chase adventure beyond your comfort zone.Keywords: ultra running, endurance athlete, Cocodona 250, desert racing, women in ultra, mental toughness, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, fueling strategy, proving women can do hard things#ultrarunning

Seven months ago, Pushing Horizons: Step by Step was just a dream. Now, with Season 1 in the books, I look back at the conversations that carried me through my own ultra race.

From Lucy Bartholomew on burnout and resilience, Harvey Lewis on chasing longevity, Megan Eckert on pushing past limits, Eszter Csillag proving it’s never too late, Jessie reminding me that quitting is forever, and Peter Mortimer showing that late starts can still lead to big dreams, every elite taught me something I carried on race day.

But it wasn’t just the legends. Everyday warriors like Dante Dugan, Cody, Lindsey, Harry, Shelby, Jenni, Elesa, Kevin, Angus, Bobby, Milton, Val, James, Bo, Erin, and so many more proved that grit, community, and persistence are what truly push us forward.

This finale isn’t just a recap, it’s my ultra race, told through the voices of Season 1.

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, running stories, marathon training, ultramarathon motivation, running community, elite runners, ultra journey, backyard ultra, Harvey Lewis, Lucy Bartholomew, Eszter Csillag

What does it take to keep moving when your body is broken, your mind is screaming to quit, and the trail still stretches on for hundreds of miles?

In this episode, we dive deep into the brutal world of ultra-running with one of the sport’s toughest competitors. From the Arizona Monster 300 to the Barkley Fall Classic and Moab 240, today’s guest is chasing the hardest races on the planet, not for comfort, but for growth.

We talk about the lessons of suffering, the discipline of Optimized Fat Metabolism (OFM) fueling, the mental game required to endure, and what it really means to choose hard things in a world that’s built for convenience.

If you’ve ever wondered how far the human spirit can go, this conversation will light a fire under you.

Keywords: ultra running, ultramarathon, trail running, ultra endurance, Bigfoot 200, Barkley Fall Classic, Moab 240, Arizona Monster 300, Peter Mortimer podcast, Pushing Horizons podcast, mental toughness, fat adapted fueling, OFM diet, endurance athlete, running mindset, suffer better.

What does it take to turn personal pain into purpose? In this episode of Pushing Horizons, we sit down with an athlete who wasn’t prepared for the Ironman or ultras, but chose to do them anyway, and in the process discovered what’s possible when you go all in. His story is one of resilience, community, and finding strength where most would quit.

Through raw honesty, passion, and an unstoppable mindset, he shares how endurance sports became more than just races, they became a way to raise money, help others, and honor a deeper purpose.

If you’ve ever doubted what you’re capable of, this conversation will light a fire in you.

Keywords: Ironman, ultramarathon, endurance athlete, running podcast, triathlon training, mindset, purpose, motivation, pushing limits, sub-11 Ironman, ultra running, resilience, mental toughness, endurance mindset.

When 61-year-old mother of five, Ann Ongena, crossed the Hardrock 100 finish line after 47 hours and 53 minutes, she wasn’t just finishing a race, she was redefining what endurance means.

In this conversation, we dive deep into her decade-long pursuit of Hardrock, the mental battles that come with pushing through exhaustion, and what keeps her chasing difficult things when most people would stop.

This isn’t about being the fastest, it’s about refusing to quit.
A story of grit, patience, and relentless willpower from a woman who proves that real endurance goes far beyond the finish line.

🎙️ Pushing Horizons: Step by Step: stories from runners, dreamers, and relentless minds redefining the limits of human endurance.

Keywords:
endurance, ultrarunning, hardrock 100, ann ongena, mental toughness, trail running, ultramarathon, running inspiration, older athletes, strong women, mindset, resilience, long-distance running, ultra endurance, motivation, never too late, final finisher, pushing horizons podcast, running stories, grit, determination, runners over 50

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, I sit down with ultra runner and pacer Claire to talk about what it really means to run at the back of the pack. Claire has taken on massive challenges like Race to the King 100K, Endure 24, and Castle to Castle 100 miler, but her story is about more than distance.

We dive into:

✅ What it’s like to represent the back of the pack

✅ Lessons from pushing through long nights and low points

✅ Gear and nutrition wins (and disasters)

✅ Why pacing others can be more powerful than chasing personal bests

✅ How running changes you, on and off the course

This episode is a reminder that every finish line matters, whether you’re first, last, or somewhere in between.

Keywords: ultra running podcast, back of the pack running, marathon motivation, ultra marathon training, running mindset, endurance sports, pacing stories, slow runners inspiration, why we run, mental toughness in running

What does it take to run 250 miles through heat, rain, mud, sleep deprivation, and self-doubt? In this episode, I sit down with ultrarunner Shelby Farrell, who has taken on Cocodona 250, fastest known time (FKT) attempts, and more brutal challenges in the world of ultra-endurance.

Shelby opens up about:

This conversation isn’t just about ultrarunning, it’s about resilience, mindset, and what it really means to chase your limits.

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, Cocodona 250, ultramarathon, Shelby Farrell, FKT, trail running podcast, mental toughness, ultra endurance, running mindset, Pushing Horizons Podcast

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Steps, we sit down with world-class ultrarunner Harvey Lewis, teacher, plant-based athlete, and record-breaking endurance legend.

Harvey has:

✅ Finished the Badwater 135 in Death Valley 14 times

✅ Run for 108 hours nonstop, covering 450 miles at Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra

✅ Represented Team USA at multiple 24-hour world championships

We dive into his lowest moments, highest breakthroughs, and why he keeps returning to the toughest races on Earth. Harvey shares his philosophy on pain, grit, and finding joy in suffering, and how running connects to activism, teaching, and living a meaningful life.

Keywords: Harvey Lewis, ultrarunning, Badwater 135, Backyard Ultra, endurance sports, running podcast, plant-based athlete, mental toughness, pushing limits, mindset

From a 2:53 marathon debut to 17 Ironmans, World Championship qualifications, and a 2nd overall finish in his first 80K ultra, this episode dives into the mindset and strategies behind elite endurance performance.

We cover training for Ironman and ultra marathons, how to balance speed with endurance, the role of coaching, fueling, and recovery, and what it really takes to perform at the highest level. This is a conversation about consistency, resilience, and learning to enjoy the journey instead of chasing pressure.

Keywords: Ironman training, ultra marathon, endurance coaching, marathon PR, recovery strategies, race mindset, triathlon, consistency in training.

Ultra running isn’t just about distance, it’s about confronting fear, pain, and self-doubt head-on. In this episode, we sit down with endurance athlete Jessi Morton-Langehaug, who has tackled some of the world’s most brutal events, including the Arizona Masters 300, Tahoe 200, and the legendary Badwater 135.

Jessi shares how she turned a Lyme disease diagnosis and personal struggles into fuel for her running journey, why she seeks out races that scare her, and the mental strategies she uses when everything falls apart.

Whether you’re a marathoner, an aspiring ultra runner, or just curious about the mindset behind running hundreds of miles, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, problem-solving, and redefining what’s possible.

👉 Tune in to hear how Jessi proves that sometimes the scariest races bring out the strongest version of ourselves.

Keywords: ultra marathon, Badwater 135, Tahoe 200, Arizona Masters 300, mental strength, problem-solving, endurance running, trail running, ultra running podcast, pushing limits

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Kasia shares a story that redefines resilience. From surviving cancer to enduring an eating disorder so severe she sometimes went to bed unsure she’d wake up, Kasia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Told she could never run because of asthma, she’s now clocking marathons, 80K solo runs, and setting her sights on an Ironman. Kasia opens up about recovery, mindset, and what it means to live without limits.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or wondered if you could come back from rock bottom, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Keywords: cancer survivor, eating disorder recovery, endurance athlete, marathon running, Ironman training, mental toughness, inspirational podcast, running motivation, women in endurance sports, pushing limits

Six days. 603 miles. A world record that redefines the limits of human endurance. In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with one of the toughest ultrarunners on the plane, a runner who doesn’t just chase finish lines, she chases the breaking point.

From shattering the six-day world record to placing 2nd female and 8th overall at the legendary Badwater 135, she’s faced heat, climbs, and competitors that would crush most. We talk about training for multi-day events, fueling under extreme conditions, mastering the mental game, and pushing beyond the imaginable.

If you want to understand true grit, relentless will, and what “No Quit” really looks like, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, Badwater 135, six day race, endurance running, world record ultra marathon, long distance running, mental toughness, running motivation, extreme endurance athlete, Pushing Horizons podcast.

What drives someone to run three major marathons in three weeks? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, we talk with a marathoner who has completed all six World Marathon Majors and is heading into Chicago, Amsterdam, and New York City this fall, not for the PR, but for the experience.

We dive into why running doesn’t have to be about chasing times, how to balance training with joy, and what it means to stay injury‑free while running back‑to‑back races.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

✅ How to run marathons without burning out

✅ The mindset shift from chasing pace to chasing joy

✅ Balancing recovery, rest, and long-term running goals

✅ The emotional high of crossing major marathon finish lines

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, aiming for a BQ, or running just for the love of it, this conversation will remind you why we lace up in the first place.

Keywords for SEO: marathon training, World Marathon Majors, Chicago Marathon 2025, Amsterdam Marathon 2025, New York City Marathon 2025, running mindset, injury prevention for runners, marathon journey, running motivation

What drives someone to run for days, covering over 300 miles, with no set finish line in sight? Backyard ultras push athletes to their absolute limits, physically and mentally.

In this episode, we dig into how a runner with zero background went from his first marathon to winning some of the toughest backyard ultras in the world, including Bob’s Big Timber and Capital Backyard Ultra. Learn how he built endurance, embraced pain, and mastered the relentless loop-by-loop grind required to be the last one standing.

Whether you’re an ultrarunner, training for your first 100 miler, or looking for the mindset to tackle big goals, this conversation breaks down what it takes to keep going when everything tells you to stop.

Keywords: backyard ultra, ultramarathon podcast, mental toughness running, endurance athlete story, running mindset, ultra training tips, last man standing race

From thinking a sub 3 marathon was impossible… to making it her new baseline. Meghan shares the mindset, training, and heartbreak behind her 2:59:38 marathon, powered by plant-based fueling, 130+ km weekly mileage, and relentless drive.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons, we go deep into the life of a high mileage, plant-based runner chasing down big goals, including the Berlin Marathon.

🏃‍♀️ Topics covered:

✅ How Meghan trained for a sub 3 marathon

✅ Marathon training tips for high mileage runners

✅ Plant-based running fuel and supplement strategy

✅ Riot Relays: ultra relay team experience at night

✅ Coaching yourself vs. hiring a coach

✅ Mental toughness, identity, and bounce-back mindset

🔥 Keywords: sub 3 marathon, Berlin Marathon, marathon training plan, running podcast, women who run, self-coached runner, plant-based athlete, Riot Relays, ultra running, mental strength, Jeff Cunningham

#sub3marathon #marathontraining #runningpodcast #plantbasedrunner #riotrelays #berlinmarathon #pushinghorizons

How do you win a 250-mile ultra, not once, but four times?

This episode dives into the brutal world of multi-day ultras like the Thames Ring 250 and the Tunnel 200. We break down what it really takes to run for days: the strategy, the fueling, the hallucinations, and the mindset that turns exhaustion into precision.

We talk about discipline over drama, control over chaoas, and what happens when the human body keeps going long after logic says stop.

Keywords: ultra running podcast, Thames Ring 250, 250 mile race, ultra endurance, running mindset, sleep deprivation, Tunnel 200, multi-day ultra, mental toughness, pushing limits, Pushing Horizons podcast

How do you stay in the sport without burning out or breaking down?

In this raw, no-filter conversation, elite ultrarunner and mother of two shares how she balances high-stakes racing, family life, and injury recovery, without losing her edge. From back-to-back podiums at Western States 100 to tackling UTMB and navigating DNF decisions, this episode dives into the mindset, discipline, and honesty required to keep going long after others quit.

We talk injuries, motherhood, mental burnout, recovery, and what it really takes to last in ultrarunning. This isn’t just about mileage. It’s about resilience.

🔹 Western States podium insights
🔹 Injury vs. ego: knowing when to stop
🔹 Motherhood, training, and sleep deprivation
🔹 Why she chooses to compete, not just complete
🔹 How art, running, and life intersect

This is Secrets to Ultra Running Longevity.
🎙️ Pushing Horizons: Step by Step – New episode out now.

Keywords: Ultra running podcast, Western States 100, Eszter Csillag, UTMB, mom runner, injury recovery, trail running mindset, women in ultrarunning, endurance sports, elite trail runners

What happens when a non-runner signs up for a 250-mile ultramarathon through the brutal Arizona desert, less than two years into their running journey?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, I sit down with Dante Dugan, who went from couch to Cocodona in under 24 months. We talk about everything, his chaotic but inspiring journey into trail running, the mental breakdowns, sleep-deprived hallucinations, the crew that kept him alive, and the undeniable truth that you don’t need to be elite to do something massive. You just need to show up and not quit.

Dante’s story is gritty, raw, and full of heart.

We talk about:

This isn’t just about ultrarunning, it’s about choosing growth through chaos.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Keywords: Cocodona 250, ultramarathon podcast, trail running stories, Dante Dugan, 100 miler to 250 miles, running mindset, ultrarunning journey, sleep deprivation running, endurance, mental toughness, Pushing Horizons podcast

In this episode, we sit down with an endurance athlete who’s done it all: Ironman World Championship, 100-milers, a win at Cocodona Sedona Canyon 125, and 110 more miles just one week later. And now? He’s eyeing Cocodona 250.

We talk about:

This isn’t about chasing medals, it’s about chasing meaning. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go further, this episode lays it out, mile by mile.

Keywords: ultramarathon podcast, endurance athlete interview, Ironman to ultra, Cocodona 250, Sedona Canyon 125 winner, ultra running mindset, back-to-back ultra races, mental toughness, ultra fueling strategy, running transformation

From not being a runner at all… to running sub-3 marathons and chasing sub-2:45, all while being a father of three, leading a career, and staying sober. In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset shift that comes from beating addiction, building unstoppable discipline, and chasing elite marathon times.

We break down high-mileage training (100-130 km per week), 6 days of strength training, balancing life and sport, and why sobriety has been the secret weapon behind faster recovery and elite-level consistency.

Whether you’re battling your own demons, chasing a big running goal, or just want raw, no-bullshit motivation, this episode delivers.

🎧 Keywords: marathon training, sober athlete, high mileage, sub-3 marathon, running mindset, marathon recovery, balancing life and running, motivation, discipline, personal transformation, running podcast.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with elite ultrarunner Lucy Bartholomew, a name that’s become synonymous with endurance, vulnerability, and grit. From running her first 100K at age 15 to standing on the podium at Western States, finishing UTMB and the Ironman World Championship, Lucy has pushed her body and mind through the extremes of trail and ultra running.

But her journey isn’t just about race results.

We talk about burnout, comebacks, the mental toll of high-level competition, and how she redefined her relationship with running. She opens up about the pressure of online expectations, her evolving approach to nutrition and recovery, the realities of professional sponsorship, and why joy, longevity, and mental health matter more than medals.

If you’ve ever questioned your why, hit a low after a big high, or just wanted to understand what truly fuels the people pushing the edge, this episode is for you.

🏔️ Topics we cover:

• Lucy’s start in ultra running and racing with her dad

• Podium at Western States and the crash that followed

• How burnout reshaped her view of training

• The truth about fueling, body image, and recovery

• Finishing UTMB and Ironman six weeks apart

• The role of community, coaching, and social media

• What success means beyond the finish line

What if the secret to running further wasn’t grinding harder, but finding joy in the miles?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with an ultrarunner who’s not just racking up finish lines, but redefining what it means to enjoy the process. From back-to-back 100 milers to running on feel, no training plan, and a pure love for movement, this conversation is about grit, freedom, and chasing joy with every step.

We cover:

• How joy drives sustainable endurance

• Running 100 miles without burnout

• Fueling and recovery strategies that work

• Using minimalist shoes to build real strength

• Creating discipline through daily habit

• Why consistency beats talent over time

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up,with curiosity, with love, with a relentless desire to see what you’re made of.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

—

🔑 Keywords:
ultrarunning, endurance mindset, 100 mile race, trail running podcast, running joyfully, minimalist running, daily running habits, ultramarathon nutrition, mental strength running, recovery strategies for runners, consistent training, joyful running

#runningpodcast #ultramarathon #trailrunning #runnersofinstagram #mentalgrit #minimalistrunning #runningjoy #pushyourlimits #disciplineovermotivation #runnerslife

In Chasing Fear: Miles Beyond Comfort, we sit down with an ultrarunner who doesn’t just flirt with pain, she dives headfirst into it. From surviving lung surgery as a kid to crushing 100-mile races, this conversation strips away the hype and shows what it really takes to push beyond your limits.

We talk mindset, nutrition, failures, comebacks, and the dark places you have to go if you want to finish what you started. If you’re tired of fake motivation and want raw, honest insights on building mental toughness, enduring suffering, and redefining what’s possible, this one’s for you.

🔑 Keywords: ultrarunning, endurance, mindset, pain cave, trail running, mental toughness, ultra marathon, running podcast, pushing limits, overcoming fear

From a snowy half-marathon in Colorado to finishing Cocodona 250 three times, Jennie’s journey is proof that grit doesn’t care about your comfort zone. In this episode, we break down how she went from casually running a few miles to taking on one of the toughest ultramarathons on earth.

We talk about training through chaos, raising kids while chasing big goals, mental strategies for multi-day races, gear and nutrition that actually work, hallucinations on the trail, and what it takes to keep moving when your body is screaming to stop.

If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary runners become unstoppable ultramarathoners, this conversation will light a fire under you.

Keywords: ultramarathon, Cocodona 250, ultra running, endurance sports, trail running, marathon training, mental toughness, gear for ultras, fueling strategies, Jennie Chisholm, Pushing Horizons podcast

From a treadmill in Toronto to the streets of Tokyo, this is a story about what happens when you refuse to settle. In this episode, we dive into the running journey of a full-time physician, busy mom, and determined marathoner chasing the elusive sub-4 finish.

We talk about balancing life and training, the mindset it takes to show up day after day, and how setbacks fuel future goals. Tokyo Marathon highs, winter training struggles, mental battles, and the relentless pursuit of what’s next.

🎧 If you’re chasing big goals, in running or life, this one’s for you.

Keywords: marathon running, sub-4 marathon, Tokyo Marathon, running mindset, marathon training, balancing life and running, running podcast, pushinghorizons, pushinghorizonspodcast

What does it take to win a 250-mile race, and then come back the next year to finish 5th, stomach wrecked, body breaking, but still moving? In this episode, I sit down with Harry Subertas to break down the brutal beauty of Cocodona 250. From winning in 2024 to battling through in 2025, we talk mindset, failure, risk, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and what it really means to choose adventure over ego. This is about more than running, it’s about grit, identity, and why we push when everything says stop.

Keywords (for Spotify, Apple, YouTube):
ultrarunning, Cocodona 250, trail running, ultramarathon, Harry Subertas, mental toughness, endurance racing, adventure mindset, 200 miler, running podcast, pushing limits, sleep deprivation, trail community, running motivation, ultra endurance

In this episode, we dive into the brutal honesty of ultrarunning, where pain isn’t the enemy, it’s the teacher. Milton, a full-time UPS driver and single dad, talks about balancing 60-mile training weeks, running through exhaustion, and finding strength when the body gives up. From his first 100-miler to lessons on patience, resilience, and self-discovery, this conversation isn’t about finish lines, it’s about mindset.

If you’ve ever wondered what keeps a runner moving when everything hurts, this one’s for you.

Keywords: ultrarunning, endurance, mindset, motivation, ultra marathon, 100 miles, mental toughness, running podcast, Pushing Horizons, long-distance running, running motivation, ultra runner, trail running, growth mindset, single parent, running community, training, recovery, ultra life

250 miles. Heat, altitude, no sleep, breakdowns, and Lindsey Dwyer didn’t just survive it, she dominated it. In this episode, we break down her Cocodona 250 journey: the training, the mindset, the highs, the brutal lows, and why curiosity pushed her beyond the edge. If you’ve ever wondered how far you can really go, this is your blueprint. This is how you suffer well, adapt fast, and keep moving forward.

Keywords:
Cocodona 250, ultramarathon, ultra running, endurance, mindset, trail running, Lindsey Dwyer, ultrarunning podcast, running podcast, pushing limits, mental toughness, adventure racing, ultra athlete

She didn’t grow up as an athlete. She faced a lifelong fear of water. She learned to swim at 44. Now she’s training for the Berlin Marathon, smashing HYROX races, and proving that it’s never too late to start over.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons, we dive into overcoming fear, redefining strength in midlife, training through perimenopause, and chasing big dreams, from triathlons to Boston Marathon hopes. This is about resilience, mindset, and finding power in discomfort.

Keywords: running motivation, triathlon journey, Berlin Marathon, HYROX training, overcoming fear, mindset, perimenopause, endurance athletes

What if running could break down walls between people, cultures, and even conflict zones? In this episode of Pushing Horizons, I sit down with author and endurance runner Tom Leddy, a man who’s not just run marathons on all 7 continents, but who’s now racing in countries labeled “dangerous” by the U.S. State Department.

We get into surviving a difficult childhood, losing his mother young, running through grief, and building friendships in places most people avoid.

This is about more than races. It’s about proving that real human connection can outpace fear, borders, and politics.

Keywords:
running podcast, Tom Leddy, global running, ultramarathon, mental toughness, marathons, adventure travel, overcoming trauma, human connection, running mindset, world marathons, Antarctica marathon, Pushing Horizons Podcast

What does it take to finish the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon from Flagstaff to Phoenix through brutal desert heat, high-altitude climbs, and complete sleep deprivation?

In this episode, we go inside the pain cave with a 23-year-old finisher Cody Poskin who ran through blisters, hallucinations, busted quads, and mental collapse to cross the finish line in under 72 hours. No crew? No pacers? No problem.

We cover:

• Why he chose to run 250 miles

• Training with limited elevation

• Gear that held up, and what failed

• Sleep deprivation, chafing, and hallucinations

• Mental strategies to survive the darkest moments

• What Cocodona taught him about pain, purpose, and the human mind

If you're into ultrarunning, trail racing, Cocodona 250, 200+ mile races, or the mental game behind endurance sports, this one’s for you.

Keywords:Cocodona 250, ultramarathon, ultra running, 200 mile race, trail running, endurance athlete, mental toughness, running podcast, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, running motivation, pain cave, long distance running, ultra trail race, pushing limits, desert ultramarathon

What does it take to run five marathons in one year? To chase a sub-20 5K while eyeing your first ultramarathon? In this raw and honest episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, we sit down with a seasoned marathoner who's been through it all burnout, injuries, a brutal DNF in London, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

We talked about:

• Marathon training, recovery, and injury prevention

• What it takes to go from road to mountain ultra

• The mindset behind redemption and pushing limits

• Body image in the running community

• Gears, goals, and why showing up always wins

Whether you're chasing your next PR, training for your first 50K, or just trying to stay in the damn game, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Listen now and subscribe for weekly conversations with runners, rebels, and relentless minds.
#RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #Ultramarathon #Sub20Goal #DNFRedemption #RunningMotivation #TrailRunning #EnduranceAthlete #PushingHorizons

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the world of ultramarathon running, sobriety, and mental resilience with an athlete who’s faced it all, divorce, injury, addiction, and heartbreak, and kept running. From logging over 200 miles in a week to pushing athletes with disabilities, this is more than a story about endurance; it’s about transformation.

You’ll hear about overcoming personal demons, training through life’s chaos, and finding purpose through pain. Whether you’re a long-distance runner, navigating recovery, or rebuilding your life from the ground up, this conversation will hit home.

🔑 Keywords:ultrarunning, ultra marathon, mental health, sobriety journey, running motivation, comeback story, long-distance running, fatherhood, injury recovery, pushing through pain, running podcast, athlete mindset, how to run 100 miles, running transformation

🎙️ Topics Covered:✅ How to rebuild your life through running✅ The power of sober living and mental strength✅ Training smart after injuries and burnout✅ Why pushing through pain creates purpose✅ Lessons from parenting, relationships, and long-distance endurance

Subscribe for more raw, real stories of grit, growth, and going the distance.

#ultrarunning #runningmotivation #soberlife #comebackstory #mentalhealth #dadlife #ultramarathon #enduranceathlete #runningpodcast

This episode isn't about finish lines or medals, it's about the mindset that keeps you moving when everything tells you to stop. We dig into running as identity, dealing with failure, the pressure of social media pace culture, parenting while training, and what it really means to just keep showing up.

From consistency to chaos, trail miles to stroller runs, we explore how running reflects life, messy, resilient, and raw. If you’ve ever questioned your pace, your purpose, or your place in this sport, this conversation is for you.

Keywords:
running mindset, mental toughness, consistency over speed, running community, failure recovery, running identity, life lessons from running, trail running, marathon training, run streak, balancing running and family, slow running, running and social media, ultra marathon mindset, running motivation

From loathing early-morning joggers in Central Park to completing a 100-mile ultramarathon and chasing a Boston Marathon qualifier, meet Dona, a runner, nomad, and relentless force of nature.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into:

• Dona’s origin story, from Italy to New York to California

• How one frustrating walk changed everything

• What it really feels like to run 100 miles in brutal heat

• Training, sacrifice, and chasing the Boston Marathon dream

• Coping with losing her home to a fire in 2024

• Balancing a high-stress job, global travel, and marathon training

• Mantras, mindset, and how running became her therapy

• How she’s now gunning for her 100th marathon, and beyond

We talk endurance, pain, purpose, and the fire it takes to rebuild from ashes, and keep running.

Keywords (baked in):
Running motivation, ultramarathon, marathon training, Boston Marathon qualifier, running mindset, running after trauma, women in endurance sports, global running community, running podcast, marathon stories, mental toughness, 100-mile race, long-distance running, overcoming adversity, couch to marathon

Follow Dona :⁠⁠ @doyouknowdona/⁠⁠

Follow Ash: ⁠⁠@ashjourneytofitness/⁠⁠

Follow Pushing Horizons : ⁠⁠@pushinghorizonsstepbystep

What happens when an endurance athlete runs the Boston Marathon, then six days later, lines up for Ironman Texas?

In this raw, no-filter episode, we sit down with a driven female triathlete chasing the dream of becoming a Kona qualifier. From crushing the infamous Goggins Challenge to enduring the multi-day Coastal Challenge Costa Rica, she shares how she balances brutal triathlon training, mental lows, and near-burnout.

We talk strategy, failure, and comeback stories, plus the highs and hell of stacking marathons, Ironman prep, and 95-mile training weeks. If you’ve ever wondered how to train for Ironman the right way, what real marathon recovery looks like, or how athletes overcome injury and fatigue, this one delivers.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How to train for Ironman and ultra events

• Managing athlete burnout and staying mentally tough

• Optimizing race-day nutrition across swim, bike, and run

• Building a bulletproof marathon mindset

• What drives women in endurance sports to push past limits

This is more than running motivation, it’s the truth behind the miles.

Follow Mira :⁠ @mira_runs/⁠

Follow Ash: ⁠@ashjourneytofitness/⁠

Follow Pushing Horizons : ⁠@pushinghorizonsstepbystep

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Steps, we dive into the brutal reality of ultra-running, failure, and the kind of mindset it takes to come back harder. After two gut-wrenching DNFs, at Rocky Raccoon and Grasslands, Angus returns to the course, not just to finish, but to redeem himself on his own terms.

We talked about:

• What it feels like to DNF at mile 70

• Battling cold, rain, mud, and mental collapse

• Gear that saved his race, and what failed

• The mantra that kept him moving: Don't die in the chair

• Why spite can be a powerful fuel

• Running with a J-pouch and turning chronic illness into fuel

• How ultra-running isn’t about winning, it’s about finishing what tried to break you

Whether you're chasing your first ultra, struggling with injury, or just fighting to stay consistent, this episode cuts through the noise and gets to the damn truth:

Redemption hurts. But it's always worth chasing.

Keywords :
ultra marathon, DNF recovery, trail running mindset, running podcast, ultra-running motivation, mental toughness, Rocky Raccoon 100, Grasslands trail race, running comeback story, J-pouch athlete, running redemption, pushing limits, long-distance running, how to finish 100 miles, ultra-running gear tips, trail running stories

What does it take to run for days, literally?
Seven-time world champion and multiple world record holder, she’s conquered the toughest multi-day formats in the sport: 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and even six-day races. From Badwater 135 to GOMU World Championships, her story is a masterclass in endurance, discipline, and pure willpower.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✅ The mindset behind breaking world records✅ The difference between physical pain and mental fatigue✅ Ketones, sleep deprivation, and performance science✅ The truth about Badwater and multi-day racing✅ Finding purpose and potential after age 45

A conversation about grit, obsession, and pushing the boundaries of what the human body, and mind can endure.

Keywords: ultra running podcast, multi-day ultra marathon, Badwater 135, endurance mindset, world record ultra runner, GOMU world champion, ultra running motivation, long distance running, women in endurance sports, ultra marathon training

#pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #runningpodcast

Why do we really run, when the race is over, the PRs fade, and no one’s watching?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons, Ashish sits down with endurance athletes James and Milton to go deep into the mental side of ultra-running, trail running mindset, and the emotional grind of long-distance running.

From James’ 1,000+ day run streak to Milton’s pursuit of a sub-4 50K ultra marathon, we explore what happens when goals fall short, how to train through burnout, and why consistency matters more than speed. This conversation isn’t about medals, it’s about resilience, discipline, and the lessons you only learn on the trail.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, starting your first ultra marathon, or looking to fall in love with running again, this episode delivers honest, unfiltered insight on why we keep showing up.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• The mental battle of long ultras

• Redefining failure and success

• Balancing ambition with sustainability

• Burnout, discipline, and running streaks

• Trail vs. road running mindset

• The beauty of the running community

• Mantras, low points, and pushing through

• Why ultra-running is more than just distance

Primary:
ultra-running, trail running, running podcast, running mindset, long-distance running, mental toughness, endurance running, sub 4 50K, run streak, James and Milton, running consistency, Pushing Horizons podcast

Secondary:
trail vs road running, training burnout, mental strategies for runners, backyard ultra, ultra marathon motivation, how to train for a 100K, running community, DNF recovery, run for purpose not time, mantras for racing, pacers in ultras, dealing with race failure

How do you go from weekend half-marathons to running a 100K trail race, with a smile on your face?

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Kate, whose love for running took an unexpected turn from the flat roads of her hometown to the rugged trails of ultra-racing. We talk about what drew her to trail running, how the Barkley Marathons sparked a fire, and why she left road racing behind to chase joy over speed.

Kate shares the highs and lows of training for long distances, what it means to mentally not break during 100 kilometres, and how gear, fuelling, and recovery all play a role in keeping her moving forward. From her favourite mid-race snacks to her training philosophy, we cover it all, training volume, strength work, tapering, and her dream of racing around Austria’s highest peaks.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to run ultras, or why someone would do it again and again, this episode will give you a window into the mindset, the discipline, and the deep love for the trail that makes it all worth it.

💬 Topics we cover:

• Kate’s surprising path into ultras
• Her go-to gear, hydration, and fuel strategies
• Mental preparation for long races
• Her upcoming 84K race with 5,000m elevation
• Lessons from training 100K+ weeks
• And yes, her worst blister story 😬

🔥 Plus: 10 rapid fire questions to close things out!

This one’s for every runner chasing something bigger than a finish time.

In this episode, I sit down with Timothy Bass, a Marine veteran, father of four, and one of the most disciplined long-distance runners I’ve ever met. With a goal of hitting 5,100 miles this year and a consistent streak of 100-mile weeks, Timothy shares what it really takes to stay locked in, day after day.

We dive deep into his running journey, from hitting the wall in his first marathon to running solo 50Ks, stacking years of mileage, and raising kids while running a business. He opens up about mindset shifts, recovery tactics, injury prevention, and the exact systems he uses to keep himself accountable.

We also talked road vs. trail, race day rituals, nutrition, and what it means to run with purpose, not ego. Plus, Timothy joins me for a rapid-fire round and a fun segment covering his go-to gear, gels, shoes, and the one watch he’d never give up.

If you're chasing consistency, struggling to stay motivated, or just want to hear what true discipline sounds like, this one will hit hard. No shortcuts. No drama. Just the real work behind real progress.

From weight loss to ultras, rage to resilience, this episode goes all in. Erin takes us through her raw and unfiltered journey into ultra-running: what made her believe she could go beyond 42.2K, the brutal lows, the unexpected highs, and why Wales might just be the best place on earth to run.

We talk about starting with nothing, no gym, no gear, just grit. Erin shares how running became both a rebellion and a refuge, how she fuels, trains, recovers, and keeps moving even when everything hurts.

We also dig into the mental game, the body image battles, and what survival really looks like when the finish line is just another checkpoint in the fight to keep going.

This one hits deep.

• 🏃‍♀️ Ultra mindset
• 🥾 Training without fancy gear
• ⚖️ Weight loss and body image
• 🎧 Rapid fire chaos
• 🇬🇧 And yes, a love letter to Wales