Pushing Horizons Step by Step

Megan Eckert returns to Pushing Horizons: Step by Step after an incredible performance at Big’s Backyard Ultra, where she pushed through brutal weather, extreme sleep deprivation, and over 90 hours of continuous running.In this episode, we break down what it truly takes to survive one of the toughest endurance formats in the world. From running through storms and collapsing tents to battling the mental effects of sleep deprivation, this is a raw and honest conversation about resilience, limits, and the mindset required to keep going when everything inside you wants to stop.This episode goes beyond performance , it dives deep into the psychology of endurance and what happens when your body can still move, but your mind starts to fade.Keywords: Big’s Backyard Ultra, ultrarunning, Megan Eckert, endurance mindset, sleep deprivation running, backyard ultra strategy, mental toughness, ultramarathon podcast, Lazarus Lake, Harvey Lewis, long distance running, endurance athletes, pushing horizons podcast

What does it really take to run the perfect ultra race?In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with one of the most analytical and consistent endurance athletes in the sport to break down the science, strategy, and mindset behind elite ultra running performance.From 24-hour racing and 100-mile ultras to marathon-level speed, this conversation dives deep into how data, pacing, and intuition come together to create optimal performance.We explore:The concept of negative splitting in ultra marathonsHow to pace correctly for 100-mile and 24-hour racesThe balance between data-driven decisions and instinctWhy most runners start too fast and pay for it laterHow to train smarter, recover faster, and stay consistent long-termThe mental shift required to move from surviving to performingThis episode challenges conventional ultra running advice and offers a completely different framework for approaching endurance racing.If you’re training for an ultra, marathon, or looking to improve your endurance strategy, this is a must-listen.Keywordsultra running, ultra marathon training, negative split ultra, endurance training, 100 mile race strategy, 24 hour race, pacing strategy running, marathon training, endurance mindset, trail running, ultra runner tips, running podcast, performance optimization, long distance running, running strategy, data driven running

In Season 2 Episode 45 of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, Ash sits down with an inspiring runner whose life revolves around discipline, resilience, and the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.A single mother balancing work, parenting, and intense endurance training, she logs up to 300 miles per month, wakes up at 3 AM to run, and has taken on brutal endurance challenges including the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge, five half marathons in one week, and a self-planned 50K ultramarathon.But for her, running is not about podiums or personal records. Running is therapy.In this conversation, we dive into the mental side of endurance, how running helps navigate life’s toughest moments, and how discipline built on the road translates into strength in everyday life.This episode explores the intersection of endurance sports, mental health, single parenthood, and resilience.If you’ve ever wondered why people push themselves to extreme distances, this episode will give you the answer.running podcast, endurance running, ultrarunning mindset, 50k ultramarathon story, goggins 4x4x48 challenge, discipline in running, single mom runner, mental strength running, endurance athlete story, marathon training motivation, running as therapy, pushing horizons podcastSEO Keywords

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we explore one of the most overlooked topics in endurance sports: when passion slowly turns into burnout.Many runners believe that more mileage, harder training, and constant racing are the keys to improvement. But what happens when the body and mind can no longer keep up?This conversation dives deep into the realities of endurance training, including overtraining, recovery, fueling strategies, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), and the pressure created by social media culture in running.We discuss how athletes can build sustainable training habits, recognize early signs of burnout, and develop a healthier relationship with performance.If you are training for marathons, ultras, or simply trying to improve as a runner, this episode offers powerful insights into how to push your limits without breaking yourself.endurance sports, ultrarunning podcast, running burnout, overtraining syndrome, RED-S in athletes, fueling for endurance, sports nutrition, ultramarathon training, recovery for runners, endurance mindset, marathon training tips, running podcast, pushing horizons podcastKeywords (SEO)

In this powerful episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Hilary Allen shares her journey from being ranked world number one in skyrunning to surviving a 150-foot fall during a race in Norway.We talk about trauma, recovery, identity, mental resilience, and the choice to believe in yourself when everything feels lost.Hilary opens up about fear, redefining success, sports psychology, returning to elite competition, and how adversity reshaped her purpose as an athlete and human.This conversation explores ultrarunning, comeback stories, mindset training, endurance culture, vulnerability, and the power of belief.If you’re navigating injury, setbacks, or questioning your limits this episode will stay with you.Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, resilience, Hilary Allen, skyrunning, comeback story, endurance mindset, mental toughness, sports psychology, trauma recovery, trail running, motivation.

In Season 2 Episode 42 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with professional trail runner Robyn Lesh to unpack her journey from believing she “couldn’t run” to finishing 7th at CCC (UTMB), one of the most competitive 100K mountain races in the world.We dive deep into ultra running mindset, pacing strategy, racing 100K with 6,000m of elevation gain, handling low moments, recovery after ultras, and a powerful reframing of the 100-mile distance.This episode is about resilience, mental strength, perspective, and why “hard” is exactly the point.Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, CCC 100K, UTMB, trail running mindset, women in ultrarunning, 100 mile strategy, pacing ultras, mountain running, endurance performance, recovery after 100K.

Last time I spoke to him, he had just finished Cocodona 250 tested, humbled, hungry for more.Now he returns after winning the Gobi 240.Four hundred kilometers across the desert. Self-navigated. Self-supported. No crew. No pacers. Just checkpoints, a GPS watch, and long stretches of silence where your mind becomes your biggest opponent.In this episode, we break down what it really takes to win a race like Gobi 240. The navigation mistakes. The sleep deprivation. The nutrition struggles. The moment he got lost in the middle of the night. And the final kilometers walked on blown-up shins.This is not just about podiuming an ultramarathon.It’s about growth.It’s about learning from Cocodona.It’s about suffering smarter.And it’s about understanding that endurance is more than physical strength, it’s decision-making under pressure.If you care about ultrarunning, mindset, resilience, desert racing, or pushing beyond what you think is possible, this one is for you.Keywords: Gobi 240, ultrarunning, 400km race, desert ultramarathon, self-supported race, self-navigated ultra, endurance mindset, Cocodona 250, long distance running, mental toughness, ultra endurance, sleep deprivation, trail running podcast.

She didn’t start the year chasing a record.She started the year questioning if she even wanted to keep running.Then she ran the 200-mile Triple Crown.Tahoe 200. Bigfoot 200. Moab 240.Three races. Four months. And she broke the women’s Triple Crown record.But this episode is not about the record.It’s about what it takes to stay calm when you’re injured.To remove comparison.To ignore the noise.To trust your own process when it looks nothing like everyone else’s.We talk about racing 200+ miles, training through doubt, why presence matters more than pressure, and how staying mentally steady can carry you further than speed ever will.If you’re chasing something big or rebuilding after thinking it was over, this conversation will hit home.Keywords: ultrarunning, 200 mile races, triple crown of 200s, women in endurance, mental strength, trail running, consistency, injury comeback, presence mindset, Moab 240, Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, endurance psychology, long distance racing, record breaker.

What happens when running stops being about pace, and becomes about freedom?In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with one of the UK’s most accomplished ultrarunners to talk about mental strength, 100-mile races, mountain adventures, DNFs, and the deeper reasons behind pushing limits.From early 50-mile races in Wales to multiple 100-mile victories, podium finishes, and a top-5 finish at the brutal Dragon’s Back Race (380km), this conversation dives into:The mental resilience behind ultrarunningWhat really happens during 100-mile racesHow DNFs shape stronger athletesWhy trail running builds confidenceRaising over £10,000 for charity through runningWomen in ultrarunning and representationUsing endurance sport to support mental healthThis is a raw, honest look at what it takes to go far, and why distance can become freedom.Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, 100 mile race, trail running, women in ultrarunning, Dragon’s Back Race, mental resilience, endurance mindset, UK trail running, charity running, mountain running, DNF lessons, long distance running motivation.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into an inspiring trail running journey that began in 2023 and quickly escalated into completing some of Hong Kong’s toughest ultra races.From a first 19km race to finishing the HK100 (103km, 5314m elevation gain), TransLantau 100K, and the brutal HK100 Grand Sam (192km over three days with 8750m elevation gain), this story is about resilience, grit, and community.Working 12–15 hour days as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, training at 4AM on city roads, and pushing through exhaustion at checkpoint 56km, this episode explores what it truly takes to become an ultrarunner.We also discuss:The mental battle during multi-day ultrasTraining with limited time and access to trailsThe Exchange and Empower Trail Running ScholarshipBeing an ambassador for She Races, Hong Kong’s first female-focused trail raceWhy community matters in trail runningUsing running for mental health and personal growthIf you’re into ultrarunning, trail running, women in sports, HK100, TransLantau, World Trail Majors, endurance mindset, and overcoming adversity, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Josh McDole, ultrarunner and 2025 Triple Crown of 200s finisher. We dive deep into what it really takes to complete Zion 100, Cocodona 250, Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240, all in a single season.We talk about:Running 200+ miles through mountains and desertNight four sleep deprivation and hallucinationsMental toughness vs physical enduranceFueling, recovery, and race strategyThe emotional moment at mile 200 that changed everythingWhat happens when quitting is no longer an optionThis is not just about ultramarathons. It’s about mindset, identity, suffering, and what you discover about yourself when everything is stripped away.If you're training for a 100 miler, a 200 miler, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, or chasing your own version of hard, this conversation will hit home.#ultrarunning #200miles #moab240 #cocodona250 #trailrunning #ultramarathon #mentalstrength #endurancesports

What happens when fitness stops being something you do and starts becoming who you are?In this episode, I sit down with Jon to unpack a journey that moved from team sport to solo endurance. From discovering running after football ended, to tackling 24-hour races, hundred milers, brutal mountain ultras, and completing all six World Marathon Majors, this conversation goes far beyond finish times.We talk honestly about ego, pressure, sponsorship expectations, injuries, burnout, and the thin line between loving the process and being consumed by it. Jon opens up about why ultra running felt different, how community changed his perspective, and why setbacks don’t mean failure, they mean adjustment.This episode is about endurance, identity, resilience, and learning when to push and when to step back.If running has ever felt like more than just training, this one will resonate.Keywords:ultra running, marathon running, endurance mindset, running identity, mental resilience, ultra marathon training, world marathon majors, trail running, race strategy, running community, injury comeback, athlete mindset

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 somethingDNFs, burnout, and emotional recoveryWhy mindset matters more than fitness over long distancesCommunity, perspective, and long-term sustainability in runningFinding 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.🔑 KEYWORDSultrarunning 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