Discover raw , inspiring stories from runners who've been right where you are . This is the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast With your host he's English , not Australian Richard Gleave . Hello and welcome . If this is your first time with us , thank you for stopping by .
You're listening to Choose to Enjoy the show dedicated to the back of the pack runners , where we share stories , interviews , gear and training tips specific to the tail end heroes of the Ultra Universe .
If you haven't had a moment to do so yet , please consider heading over to your favorite podcast app , maybe even the one you're listening on right now Hit , follow , rate the show and , if you're on Apple , maybe even give us a short review too . Those really do help with the algorithms . My name is Richard Gleave . I've been running ultras since 2017 .
I have taken on and finished numerous distances , all the way up through 220 miles , and I am , unashamedly , a member of the back of the pack , just like you . So what's in a name ? That's the question here .
As we stare at the beginning of season two of our podcast , choose to Endure , I wanted to delve in really quick to the thinking behind the podcast title and what I think it encapsulates about the ultra running experience , in my opinion because I get asked this a lot , and why I chose that title .
So I jotted down my thoughts to share with you in this bonus episode . So when you think about endurance in its purest form , I think it's really about withstanding hardships and pushing beyond perceived limits and emerging on the other side more resilient and potentially even transformed .
This concept is at the heart of ultra running and it really serves as a guiding principle for navigating the complexities of life outside of ultra running too . For me , ultra running isn't just a sport . It's very much a metaphor for life's challenges and adversities .
It really embodies the essence of endurance running extreme distances , often in pretty challenging conditions , where the journey is just as important , if not more so , than the destination , for the majority of folks that are out there .
The title Choosing to Endure , I believe , encapsulates the voluntary nature of this journey as well , highlighting that , while participation is a choice , the rewards can be immense and sometimes even life-changing . To endure in ultras means to face the unpredictable right .
Weather can shift , injuries occur , mental fatigue sets in , but it's in those moments of uncertainty and struggle that I think ultra runners find their strength and learn about their true capabilities . Similarly , in life , we encounter unexpected hurdles and setbacks .
Through those moments helps us discover our own resilience , our adaptability , and tap into that deep strength that we each possess . Within the concept of choosing to endure , I think , carries a message of empowerment as well . It suggests that , while we can't always control the circumstances we face , we can control our response to them .
In ultra running , as in life , the decision to keep moving forward even when every fiber of your being wants to stop is a pretty powerful testament to the human spirit , and this choice is a common thread shared by ultra runners , and it's that which forges a sense of community and mutual respect among those who participate in these grueling events , regardless of
their perceived talent level . Enduring through an ultra marathon can often lead to deep personal insights and a heightened sense of self-awareness too . Runners learn to negotiate with their limitations , they learn to strategize under stress and , most importantly , listen to and trust their bodies .
These lessons , yeah , they take time , but they're invaluable , and I think they extend well beyond the race . They can really influence your personal growth , your resilience and the way each of us really navigates through life's trials . Choosing to endure is not just about the act of running long distances .
It's about embracing a mindset , particularly in this day and age of ultimate convenience , a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities for growth . I hope this podcast , I hope it , can inspire listeners to apply the principles of endurance in their own lives . Whether you're a runner or not .
Whether you're a runner or not , it's about recognizing that enduring through difficulties , whether that's in training , whether it's in a race or personal struggles , cultivates a stronger , more resilient individual capable of handling future challenges with grace and strength . Doesn't that sound pretty kick-ass ? Choose to Endure is more than a title .
I hope it can be a philosophy . It represents a conscious decision to actively step into life's ultramarathons with courage , determination and a belief in your own ability .
So as we embark on this coming season , season two , we'll explore some stories of endurance , both from the trails and from life , to understand how this powerful choice shapes our experiences , transforms our perspective and ultimately defines our journey .
For those of you who've asked , I really hope that gives you some kind of idea of why I picked the title of the show and why I think it's super relevant . I would love for you to stick with me through the next season . I really appreciate you being out there listening and all the interactions . I'll catch up with you in the next episode , trailhead .
In the meantime , feel free to find myself and the show on social media . Join the free Facebook group . Check out the website at choosetoeendurecom and become part of the community we're trying to build . And if you're going to go out for a run , remember to run long , run strong and keep choosing to endure . We'll see you next time .