The ultra running world is evolving rapidly. At major races like Western States, Cocodona, and Moab, we're witnessing the rise of elaborate crew villages, multiple pacers working in shifts, and support systems that rival military operations. This transformation prompts a critical question: are we creating two distinct versions of our beloved sport? As someone who typically races without crew support, I've always found the magic of ultra running in those raw moments of solitude – when it's just m...
May 12, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Hey everyone! As you’re hearing this, I’m currently out on the trails attempting to complete the Cocodona 250 — a 250-mile journey across Arizona from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff. Bib #184 if you want to follow/cheer along!! Since I couldn’t record a fresh episode this week (for obvious reasons!), I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations from last year: my chat with Christy Krchnavy about her 2024 Cocodona experience. Christy shared some incredible insights about the mental, physica...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Discover why finishing last might be the greatest victory in ultrarunning. The Golden Hour—that final stretch before race cutoff—represents a magical convergence of determination, community support, and raw emotion that captures the true essence of our sport. What does it really mean to be a DFL (Dead Freaking Last) finisher? Far from failure, crossing the line in the final moments before cutoff demonstrates extraordinary resilience and heart. While front-runners showcase incredible athletic tal...
Apr 28, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Raw, gritty, transformative—these words describe not just ultramarathons themselves, but the powerful act of pacing another runner through their darkest moments. While crossing finish lines gets the glory, it's the unseen heroes running alongside exhausted athletes who often make those finishes possible. For aspiring pacers, preparation is everything. Understanding your runner's goals, communication preferences, and race strategy before you start makes all the difference. Should you lead from th...
Apr 21, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Stuart Secker's return to the Choose to Endure podcast brings a remarkable story of resilience that transcends the typical ultrarunning narrative. Just eight months ago, Stuart received a prostate cancer diagnosis that would change everything. Four months ago, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate. And incredibly, just ten weeks after resuming training, he completed his 21st 100-mile race at the Daufuskie Island 100 in South Carolina. The conversation takes us through Stuart's entire journ...
Apr 14, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 18
When Glenn McRill toed the starting line at Grasslands 100, he carried years of experience as a marathon runner and Director of Coaching for the San Antonio RoadRunners—but faced the daunting reality of attempting his first 100-mile race with less-than-ideal training. The journey that followed became a masterclass in perseverance, problem-solving, and finding strength beyond physical preparation. Glenn's running journey began reluctantly. As a soccer player, he specifically chose to be a goalkee...
Apr 07, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Every finish line crossed, every aid station that saved your race, every perfectly marked trail section - none of it happens without volunteers. But what does volunteering at an ultra actually entail, and why should you consider giving your time? Richard Gleave dives deep into the rewarding world of ultra running volunteerism, exploring how this often-overlooked aspect of the sport creates not just successful races but stronger communities. Drawing from personal experiences at races from 50-mile...
Mar 31, 2025•14 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Recovery often becomes the forgotten pillar of ultra running performance, especially for those of us who occupy the back of the pack. After crossing the finish line of my latest 220-mile ultra adventure, I've been closely monitoring my Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to guide my recovery journey – and the insights have been too valuable not to share. HRV measures the variation in time between each heartbeat and serves as a window into your autonomic nervous system, revealing the delicate balance be...
Mar 24, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 15
What does it take to conquer 220 miles of beach, trail, and road when your body is actively fighting against you? David Solomon knows the answer all too well. Living with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) hasn't stopped him from pursuing ultra endurance challenges that would break many other runners. David's journey through the recent Swammie Shuffle 200 takes us from the beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks through moments of profound crisis and unexpected beauty. Having been a ...
Mar 17, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 14
What makes the difference between surviving and thriving during a 200-mile ultra journey? For five back-of-the-pack runners at the 2025 Swammie Shuffle 200, the answer emerged organically when they formed what they affectionately dubbed "the Party Pack." This episode pulls back the curtain on an unforgettable adventure along North Carolina's Outer Banks (#OBX), where the collective energy of the group transformed individual suffering into shared triumph. Richard Gleave hosts fellow Party Pack me...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Ever found yourself lost in the darkness during an ultra run, questioning why you ever started this crazy journey? Let me take you on a personal adventure through the moonlit trails where perspectives shift, and challenges morph into serene experiences. Discover how the tranquility of running under a starlit sky can transform a daunting obstacle into one of the most beautiful parts of your ultra running journey. In this episode, I share how breaking the long nights into manageable segments helps...
Mar 03, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 12
What if the true magic of ultra running isn't crossing the finish line first, but the friendships formed along the way? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share the heartwarming tales and connections that flourish at the back of the pack. While the front runners might chase the clock, we savor each grueling mile, the camaraderie, and the shared struggle that transforms strangers into lifelong trail buddies. From cherishing aid station snacks together to conquering brutal climbs, these experiences cre...
Feb 24, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Ever made the rookie mistake of racing someone else’s race instead of your own? I did during my first 50k ultra, and it taught me an invaluable lesson about the power of pacing. In this episode of the Choose to Endure, dive into the heart of what it means to truly embrace your own pace. We'll unpack strategies that help you remain focused on your unique goals and strengths, ward off burnout, and find inspiration in, rather than competition with, faster runners. By crafting a pacing plan and sett...
Feb 17, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 10
What if training for a mountainous ultra race while living in a flat city isn't just possible, but actually an opportunity to get creative and resilient? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my personal journey of preparing for a 15,000-foot vert race from the pancake-flat landscapes of Houston, TX. I promise you'll learn how to transform your treadmill into a powerful 'tread hill' and utilize it as your vertical training master, complete with practical tips for making those long, monotonous sess...
Feb 10, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Have you ever wondered how your choice of accommodation can make or break your race weekend experience? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my personal adventures navigating the world of ultra running on a budget. From the camaraderie of camping near the race venue to the plush comforts of distant hotels, each option offers unique advantages and challenges. Balancing race weekend excitement with financial responsibility can become a skill every back-of-the-pack runner can master. Discover essent...
Feb 03, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Ever found yourself at the back of the pack, wondering how to make your ultra running experience smooth and successful? You're not alone, and on this episode of Choose to Endure, you'll discover how to transform your drop bags into essential race tools that cater specifically to your needs. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share personal stories and practical advice on packing drop bags like a pro. By turning these bags into personalized mini aid stations, you’ll be equipped to handle any weather c...
Jan 27, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Ever found yourself caught in the adrenaline rush at the start line, only to hit a wall miles before the finish? That's a lesson I learned the hard way at the Lighthouse Hill 50k, when my excitement led to an early burnout. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I dig into the art of pacing in this episode of Choose to Endure. Reflecting on my own journey as a back-of-the-pack ultra runner, I share how strategic pacing isn't just about speed—it's about survival. From understanding the critical importance o...
Jan 20, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 6
*Note: Hopefully it’s not too bad, but apologies for my last 10 minutes’ sound quality, I had a technical problem with the mic, but still wanted to keep the audio and chat going! In this episode of Choose to Endure, we spotlight the incredible Joni Watkins, a trailblazing ultra-runner from the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Her story is one of transformation and triumph, culminating in her conquering a formidable 200-miles at Phoenix's 2024 Across the Years event. Joni opens up about the mental...
Jan 13, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Imagine embarking on an ultra marathon where the finish line is not just a destination but a self-navigated and supported journey through breathtaking landscapes, and camaraderie trumps competition. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I unravel the allure of journey races—those epic point-to-point adventures that redefine traditional racing. On this episode of Choose to Endure, I share personal tales from the trails and explore the mindset needed to tackle these self-sufficient expeditions. Discover pra...
Jan 06, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Unlock the secrets to transforming your ultra running journey. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my experiences running ultras since 2017 and discuss the potential impact of having a coach, especially for those navigating new distances or feeling lost in the balance of training and recovery. With stories and practical advice, we'll explore whether a coach is a luxury or a necessity for the back-of-the-pack runners who make up the heart and soul of the ultra running community. Discover the crit...
Dec 30, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Passionate ultra-runners Kelli Means and Jeremy Nicolosi transition from the thrill of the run to the excitement of race directing in our latest episode. Discover how late-night brainstorming with the Cardio Bullies team over bourbon sparked a journey into creating Beast Trail Racing. Kelli and Jeremy are on a mission to craft all-inclusive and challenging races, from faster front runners to those at the back-of-the-pack. Their story takes us through the trials and triumphs of organizing races i...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Unlock the secrets of balancing a thriving ultra-running career with the demands of everyday life. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I reveal 4 essential tips and strategies designed for non-elite runners who are determined to conquer ultramarathons without sacrificing family or work commitments. Discover how the 80-20 rule can transform your training regimen, emphasizing easy, conversational runs that form the foundation of endurance, while leaving room for the more intense workouts that build speed ...
Dec 16, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Rediscover the heart and soul of ultra running with me, Richard Gleave, as I kick off our renewed journey on the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast. Fresh from a rejuvenating sabbatical, I’m excited to share my experiences from the Père Malfé 50k race in North Louisiana—a thrilling adventure that marked my return to racing and the debut of my trusty camper van, Annie. Come along as I explore how this new setup transformed my race experience and why it’s fueling my future ultra adventures. Al...
Dec 09, 2024•12 min
Join us for an inspiring conversation with William "Iron Will" Sprouse, who shares his incredible journey from weighing over 300 pounds to conquering ultramarathons, despite a devastating motorcycle accident and stroke. Motivated by the memory of his marathon-running father, Will defied medical prognoses, pushing past 46 broken bones to not only walk but to run over 100 grueling 100-mile races. Will’s story is a testament to the unyielding human spirit and the power of determination. Along the w...
Oct 19, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 19
What if you could strengthen your running performance while spending less time on your feet? Discover the secrets to achieving this balance with Nick Hancock, a UK athletics licensed and UESCA ultra running certified coach. Nick shares his invaluable insights and personal experiences, revealing how strength training can be a game-changer for ultra runners, particularly those at the back of the pack. Uncover how incorporating simple yet effective strength routines can enhance your muscular endura...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Ever felt like life is running you instead of the other way around? This bonus episode is just what you need! I open up about the whirlwind that's taken over my schedule, sharing some personal updates and exciting news. No guest this week, but there's still a wealth of content to explore. Why not revisit some past episodes brimming with golden nuggets on ultra running, mental resilience, and nutrition? We've had amazing stories and insightful conversations with brilliant guests that might just o...
Sep 20, 2024•6 min
Unlock the secrets to preventing running injuries with Dr. Matthew Brackney, a leading chiropractic sports practitioner, on this episode of Choose to Endure. Ever wondered why your shin splints just won't go away? Dr. Brackney explains the "victim and culprit" theory, revealing how addressing root causes in your movement patterns can lead to more effective injury prevention. This episode is essential listening for ultra runners who want to boost their performance and overall health. Discover the...
Sep 13, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 17
What if durability could mean more than just physical toughness in ultra running? In this solo episode of "Choose to Endure," come along with me as I unpack the multifaceted nature of durability, especially for those who find themselves at the back of the pack. From the importance of consistent, progressive training and recovery runs to the necessity of pacing and mental discipline, we cover it all. Learn how cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, and strength training not only enhanc...
Sep 06, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Join us for an incredible conversation with Gut Health Expert, Reiki (ray-kee) Master and Nutrition, Performance & Recovery Coach Lauren Callahan as she unveils her journey from barely being able to run a mile to becoming an ultra runner. Lauren shatters the myth that ultra runners are superhuman, emphasizing the crucial role of mental and emotional work alongside physical training. Tune in to hear about her inspiring story of overcoming injuries and setbacks, all while focusing on the trans...
Aug 30, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 15
How can someone transform their life through the power of running? Meet Seth Epley, an extraordinary young ultra runner who shares his inspiring journey from battling alcohol addiction to becoming a finisher in the ultra running community. Seth opens up about his early struggles working in the oil field industry and how discovering running became his sanctuary. He reveals how influential figures like Courtney Dewaulter and David Goggins motivated him to start small and eventually complete his fi...
Aug 23, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 14
