What does it take to conquer a 200-mile race through the Colorado mountains? Ultra runner and Kansas Buckleheads trail group officionado Jonathan Prosser joins us to share his remarkable transformation from a half marathon first-timer to a seasoned ultra marathoner. Drawing inspiration from legendary ultra runners and backed by an incredibly supportive family, Jonathan dives into his journey from local races in Topeka, Kansas, to the breathtaking yet grueling Summit 200 in Summit County, Colorad...
Aug 16, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your endurance performance with expert insights from sports nutritionist and dietitian Gaby Villa of IntensEATfit. Discover how everyday nutrition habits can dramatically enhance your race day outcomes. Learn Gaby's simple yet powerful framework for balancing meals by categorizing foods into energetics, builders, and regulators. With practical advice on quickly assembling balanced meals, you'll find nutrition that fuels your passion for ultra running accessible a...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Meet all-round trail legend MISTER Victor Ballesteros, the visionary behind Victory Sportdesign and the Tamalpa Headlands 50K. In this episode of Choose to Endure, we explore Victor's compelling journey from a childhood steeped in adventure to becoming an influential figure in the ultra running community. Discover how his father's adventurous spirit and the allure of Marin County's Dipsy Trail ignited a passion for long-distance and technical trail running, leading to remarkable feats like placi...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Mike Horner's journey to becoming an accomplished back-of-the-pack ultra runner at the age of 50 is nothing short of inspiring. Starting his ultra running journey after a health wake-up call, Mike has transformed his life and achieved significant milestones, including running 322 miles in the Six Days in the Dome race in Milwaukee. In this episode, Mike shares the challenges and rewards of timed races versus traditional ultra races and offers insights on how the ultra-running community's support...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 10
This is a BUMPER episode packed with not 1, but 2 stories from the recent Western States 100 event!! It’s a 2-FOR-1 !! Grab a coffee, sit down and get comfortable - it’s gonna be a while. Join us as we welcome WS Golden Hour’s Golden Boy a.k.a. “Red Shorts Guy” & “The Leaner” Chris Culpepper, who finally got his chance to run this prestigious race after a seven-year wait and a name draw by the legendary Gordy Ainsleigh AND a return to the show for The Active Joe sponsored WS runner and all-r...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Can optimizing your sleep be the ultimate game-changer for endurance athletes? Join us on this insightful episode of Choose to Endure as we explore the profound impact of sleep on ultra-runners with Amanda Chocko, a renowned sleep coach and author of "Relax Sleep Thrive: Your Five-Week Journey to Peaceful, Restorative Sleep." Amanda illuminates the essential physiological benefits of deep sleep—muscle repair, hormone regulation, and cognitive function—and provides actionable strategies for fine-...
Jul 12, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In our latest episode of Choose to Endure, we sit down with ultramarathon runner Jeff Colgrove, who shares his transformative journey from high school runner to ultra-endurance athlete. Jeff recounts how his quest to shed pounds led to a passion for running that evolved from half marathons to tackling the grueling world of ultramarathons. Jeff's story is filled with monumental achievements, including his awe-inspiring 226 mile run in a 100-hour event and his pursuit of a sub-24-hour 100-mile fin...
Jul 05, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 7
What turns a reluctant runner into an elite athlete representing the USA? Join us for a compelling episode as we sit down with Megan Eckert, an accomplished ultra runner whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Megan opens up about her initial hesitation towards running and how the unwavering support from her husband and the trail running community propelled her forward. She recounts the intense challenge of her first ultra race during Hurricane Harvey, shedding light on how such experie...
Jun 28, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What drives someone to push their physical and mental limits in ultrarunning? Join me, Richard Gleave, as we explore this compelling question and uncover the deeply personal motivations that fuel our community. Hear from the Choose to Endure community as they share how faith and camaraderie in the trail ultra community become lifelines in overcoming personal challenges. Discover the unique blend of support and friendship that turns daunting races into journeys of growth and resilience. In this s...
Jun 21, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Ever wondered what it takes to disrupt an industry and create the perfect running and lifestyle gear? On this episode of Choose to Endure, we bring you an exclusive conversation with CEO Scott Bailey and Co-Founder Floris Gierman, two of the driving forces behind PATH Projects apparel company. Frustrated by the lack of quality running shorts, Scott took matters into his own hands to design gear built specifically for ultra runners. Learn about their journey and evolution, their meticulous attent...
Jun 14, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 4
What does it really take to optimize your ultra running performance without sacrificing your happiness and well-being? Join me, Richard Gleave, on Choose to Endure, as we uncover the hidden costs of relentless optimization in ultra running. From physical injuries to mental burnout and social sacrifices, this episode explores the high stakes of pushing your limits. Learn strategies that will help you achieve your personal bests while still enjoying a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're an e...
Jun 07, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Embark on a journey into the Ultraverse featuring bespoke races and nutrition designed for the ultra-endurance athlete with Chase and Casey Hammond of Ultraverse Supplements. They join me, Richard Gleave, to share their inspiring tale from passionate ultra-runners to innovative supplement creators. We uncover the secrets behind their bestseller Proxima C, along with the birth of Terminus and T30, crafted to fuel the long miles ahead. Not to be outdone, the Hammonds also pull back the curtain on ...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 1
When Ultra Expeditions Race Director Christy Krchnavy laced up her shoes to start the Cocodona 250 mile race through the rugged Arizona landscape, she carried more than just her running gear; she embodied the indomitable spirit of a back-of-the-pack ultra runner. Her story is a testament to enduring strength, recounting her evolution from a time-strapped new mother to a conqueror of monumental distances. Christy's journey illuminates the heart of ultra running—a sport where victories aren't sole...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Get ready to elevate your ultra-running game as your host Richard Gleave takes you through an exclusive reveal of what's in store for the second season of Choose to Endure. Kicking off on May 31st, we're venturing beyond the finish line to uncover the lesser-known facets of the sport. Picture this: you're slogging through mile 50, and you wonder, 'How does sleep—or lack thereof—impact my performance?' Well, we're digging into that, bringing on experts to discuss how z's can make or break your ra...
May 17, 2024•10 min
You asked, so here it is!! Embark on a short BONUS journey with me, Richard Gleave, as we explore the parallels between ultra running and life's myriad challenges. Through the lens of a perennial back-of-the-pack runner, we'll uncover the deep philosophical connections that make enduring a force for empowerment, resilience, and profound personal growth. As I reflect on my personal quest since 2017, tackling distances up to 220 miles, I'll share why the act of enduring transcends the physical rea...
May 10, 2024•7 min
Ever wondered how the body and mind recover after a grueling 100-mile ultra marathon? Kurt LaCroix and Scott Weidenbacher, ultrarunning powerhouses, join us to unravel that very mystery - sharing their contrasting post-race recovery experiences after the Red Dirt Ultra. Their insights into the Louisiana trail, from its looping course to the unpredictable elements that runners face, will arm you with the know-how to tackle your next ultra challenge or simply leave you in awe of their endurance fe...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 25
As your ultra-endurance companion, I have weathered the storm of race cancellations alongside you, feeling the sting of lost opportunities and hard work seemingly evaporate. Together on this journey, we open the conversation on the multitude of reasons why our cherished races are sometimes halted—extreme weather, health hazards, and the tangle of permit processes. It's a rollercoaster of safety concerns, community ties, and the often overlooked nuances of race organization that bring us to the s...
Apr 26, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Prepare to be captivated by the sheer grit and tenacity required for backyard ultras, as I guide you through the raw and transformative world of this unique race format. Imagine stepping into a competition where the end is as uncertain as the limits of your own endurance, a challenge that Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell designed not just to test physical stamina, but to probe the depths of mental fortitude. This episode peels back the layers of what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the re...
Apr 19, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Ever felt like the last few miles of an ultra were battling not just your body, but your mind? I'm Richard Gleave, and together with counselor and ultramarathon aficionado Shannon Mick, we unravel the mental labyrinth of ultra running. We're taking you through a journey of mind over marathon, revealing how a shift from a fixed to a growth mindset isn't just psychobabble—it's your secret weapon to outlast those daunting distances. In this deep dive, Shannon gifts us with strategies to turn self-d...
Apr 12, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Trekking poles: essential gear or just extra bulk and stress? That's the question we tackle head-on as we traverse the divisive subject of pole use in ultra running. With a landscape as varied as the runners who cross it, we investigate the myriad of ways these slender staffs can boost your performance, offering propulsion, reducing leg fatigue, and lending stability across challenging terrains. Yet, it's not just about the benefits. We weigh in on the potential downsides, such as cumbersome han...
Apr 05, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Chris Trevino joins us on an odyssey into the soul of ultrarunning, where the grit of the Jackalope Jam meets the warmth of a community that laughs, endures, and transforms together. Picture a tent city alive with camaraderie, where every mile and the notorious "cone of death" forge bonds as strong as the runners' legs. In this looped landscape, hear how weathering storms and the allure of nearby comforts test the mettle of those who run not just against the clock, but with each other. Embark on...
Mar 29, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Ever wondered how a simple playlist could be your ultimate ultrarunning ally? Strap on your favorite running shoes and join me, Richard Gleave, as I take you through the rhythmic heart of ultra running. We'll uncover the transformative power of music and its ability to fuel your mind and body, from the start line to the euphoric finish. Drawing from personal experiences, this episode promises to reveal how the strategic use of music can decrease fatigue, manage pain, and keep you in sync with yo...
Mar 22, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Welcome back to Ultra Essentials. The 3 part series where we’ve been reminding you of the basics of ultra running in a bite sized, consumable format without trying to overwhelm you with science or information. Hopefully giving you just what you need to consider. This is Part 3 of 3 - the final section - and I'm Richard Gleave, your Pacer for this last leg of the journey (00:00:59) Training Techniques and Plans We’re starting the victory loop with Chapter 7, Training Techniques and Plans. focusin...
Mar 15, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Join us as Richard sits down with Frederick Garrett, delving into the transformative power of ultra running. Garrett's journey from the darkness of depression to the punishing yet rewarding world of endurance sports is not just a tale of athletic prowess; it's a story of mental fortitude and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether battling personal demons or the physical toll of a 100-mile race, this episode is a masterclass in pushing past the expected limits, offering humor, inspiration, a...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Brace yourself for a tale of endurance that'll have you both wincing and cheering from the sideline in the second and concluding part of the Tour de los Tejas race report. On Day 3 of the formidable Tour, I found myself battling more than just the miles – a relentless 15mph headwind, a surprise bathroom emergency, and the merciless Texas cold were my companions as I wove through the rural landscapes. With my buddy Chuck delivering a hot breakfast and much-needed encouragement, I pushed past the ...
Mar 01, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Embarking on a quest that stretches the limits of human endurance, Ethan Kimes, a cadet from the US Army and Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, captivates us with the narrative of his record-setting ultra run across the Lone Star State. In a display of sheer will and tenacity, he reveals how a journey of 830 miles began with a single jog and a hefty 125-pound ruck on his back. His transition from a youth flirting with trouble to an ultra endurance athlete is as inspiring as it is challenging, painti...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Hey there! I'm Richard Gleave, your guide on this journey we call ultra running. With 7 years under my belt and countless miles from 50Ks to 200s, I've learned a thing or two about enduring—especially from the back of the pack. Choose to Endure' isn't just a podcast; it's a celebration of resilience, growth, and the ultra-running spirit. Together, we'll dive into stories that inspire, tips that empower, and conversations that unite us all in the pursuit of personal growth. So, whether you're put...
Feb 19, 2024•56 sec
Embark on an epic adventure with me, Richard Gleave, as we relive the 2021 Tour de los Tejas—an ultra marathon like no other. Covering 186 miles around Texas with the Crazy Eight, we faced the raw beauty of the open road, learning the hard way what it means to push our limits. This episode captures every grueling detail and intimate moment of camaraderie, from the State Capitol in Austin to the surprising comforts of a Dairy Queen in Flatonia, TX. There's something about the relentless Texas ter...
Feb 16, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Marisa Rogers, formerly of Ultra Expeditions race company is no stranger to the extreme dance with nature and endurance that is ultra race directing. Her journey from a personal weight loss triumph to the helm of some of the most interesting races around is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As she joins me, Richard Gleave, on the Choose To Endure Podcast, Marisa pulls back the layers of ultra race management, revealing a symphony of logistics, volunteer spirit, and the raw emotion that fuels this ...
Feb 09, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Welcome back to ‘Ultra Essentials’, your bite sized comprehensive refresher-guide to mastering the world of ultra running - this is Part 2 of the 3 part series, where we will get into another 3 chapters worth of info. I’m Richard Gleave, your host on this ultra running stage race. Much like an aid station, Ultra Essentials is all about getting in, quickly getting what you need and then getting back out and on with your day. No lingering, here! (00:00:40) Hydration Strategies and Packs In this ne...
Feb 02, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 12
