• Podcast Updates, What’s Coming Up in Season 2 and a Listener Call To Action (CTA) for YOU!
    May 17 2024

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    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 race. And that's just the tip of the iceberg; we'll be embracing the full ultra experience with insights on nutrition, strength training, and more stories from the back of the pack that prove endurance is about more than just clocking miles.

    This season, it's not just about my musings as your steadfast English host—I'm lining up a roster of ultra-runners and the brains behind boutique businesses that are the lifeblood of our tight-knit community. From a sneak peek into a brand I swear by to interviews that span the globe, we're bringing the UK and international ultra-running scenes to your doorstep. Imagine the thrill of exploring new terrains and cultures for your next ultra challenge! Plus, anticipate a special episode where we pass the mic to a trail or ultra group, giving you a fresh take and sparking that fire in your belly to keep pushing, one step at a time. Stay tuned for a season that will not only fuel your passion but equip you with the knowledge to tackle any distance—whether you're a seasoned veteran or lacing up for your first ultra.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    10 mins
  • What’s In A Name? Unpacking The Story Behind “Choose to Endure”
    May 10 2024

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    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 realm, becoming a metaphor for life's obstacles and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

    Our conversation extends an invitation to embrace the mindset that challenges are not roadblocks, but rather opportunities to forge a stronger, more adaptable self. Together, we'll examine how the hardships faced on the trail can lead to illuminating insights and transformative experiences that shape us far beyond the finish line. Whether you're an ultra marathoner or have yet to hit the trails, this episode is your call to action to harness the principles of endurance in every facet of life, emerging with a renewed sense of strength and the ability to face future challenges with grace. Join us for the season opener of Choose to Endure, and learn to navigate the unpredictable terrain of life with the tenacity of an ultra runner.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    7 mins
  • Red Dirt Revelations: Scott & Kurt’s 100-Mile Louisiana Adventure & Review
    May 3 2024

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    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 feats.

    As we tread the mental pathways of ultra marathons, we unveil the essence of partnerships forged on the trails. From the support of pacers to the exhilarating rush of beating cutoff times, Kurt and Scott illuminate the psychological landscape shaped by determination, adaptability, and the occasional dose of humor when navigating the night's terrain. Listen to stories of camaraderie and strategy that reveal why an ultra marathon is as much a test of mental fortitude as it is of physical endurance.

    To cap off this episode, we celebrate the community bonds that are the backbone of the ultra running world. Discover how the unwavering support of crew members and friendships formed in the throes of competition can carry you across the finish line. We also probe strategies for staying active and agile as our bodies age, the importance of a compelling 'why' for embarking on these distances, and the energizing power of the right trail anthem. Tune in for heartfelt tales and tips that resonate with every step of your running journey.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Race Cancelled? How to Navigate the Emotions and Find a Positive Outcome
    Apr 26 2024

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    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 starting line—or in some cases, stop us before we can even take off.

    Navigating the emotional terrain post-cancellation, we'll traverse the path of keeping the running flame alight. I'm here to share the camaraderie found in mutual disappointment, the solace in volunteering, and the unexpected joy in setting new goals or embracing virtual races. We'll unpack strategies to maintain a positive mindset, from rediscovering your running 'why' to spicing up your routine with cross-training and other exercises. By reframing these moments as opportunities rather than falling victim to online negativity and finger pointing, we uphold our love for ultra-running, ensuring that when faced with the next starting line, we're ready to run with even greater passion.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    22 mins
  • The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide
    Apr 19 2024

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    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 relentless cycles of a looped course, where each hour resets the clock and only the last runner standing claims victory. Alongside tales of camaraderie that blooms in the trenches of shared struggle, you'll gain insights into the strategies that make or break champions in this ultimate test of willpower.

    With every recount of the night laps, the meticulous management of recovery and nutrition, and the unyielding pursuit of one more loop, you'll feel the pull of the backyard ultra community—a band of runners who turn competition into a celebration of human spirit and collective triumph. There's no need to be an elite athlete to join this party; the backyard ultra graciously extends its invitation to anyone with the heart to toe the line. So tune in and let the stories of personal breakthroughs, the infectious festival atmosphere, and the growing global network of enthusiasts inspire you to consider where your own boundaries lie—and just how far you're willing to push them.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    23 mins
  • Mindset & Mental Wellbeing w/ Shannon Mick: Unlocking the Potential to Transform Your Ultra Running.
    Apr 12 2024

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    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-doubt into self-belief, embracing the grind as a chance to emerge more resilient.

    Ultra running isn't just about the legs; it's about the stories we tell ourselves with each stride. As I share from my own trove of experiences, we'll show you how mindfulness can be more than a trendy term—it's the glue that holds your mental game together when the going gets tough. We talk about the power of SMART goals to cut through the fatigue fog, keeping you razor-focused on the why behind each step. Let's transform those monotonous miles into moments of zen together.

    Running is more than a solo sport; it's about the shared sweat and solidarity. In this episode, we celebrate the back-of-the-pack heroes and dissect the essence of community within the ultra scene. We navigate the emotional rollercoaster of setbacks, and instead of dwelling on the dips, we plot the comeback. It's about setting goals that stretch you, finding strength in your fellow runners, and making the journey back from injury or a tough race not just possible, but part of your growth story. Tune in and tap into the collective endurance of our trail-blazing tribe.

    Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching:
    https://finishstrongermindsetcoaching.com
    https://linktr.ee/finishstrongermindsetcoaching/

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    45 mins
  • Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use
    Apr 5 2024

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    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 handling and the etiquette debate stirring among the ultra community. Join us for an exploration of top models from Black Diamond to Harrier and gain insights that could very well change your next race day strategy.

    The journey doesn't end at picking the perfect set of poles. Strap in as we share anecdotes and advice on integrating these tools into your ultramarathon plan, detailing the art of snacking mid-stride and the nuances of sizing and grip for ultimate efficiency. Discover personalized techniques to minimize energy waste, and learn how to marry the rhythm of your poles with your footsteps for a dance that could lead you across the finish line. As we celebrate the grit and tenacity of the ultra running world, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join our community, where endurance is more than a physical feat—it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to conquer mile after mile.

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    20 mins
  • Jackalope Jammin’ w/ Chris Trevino: What it’s All About & Why YOU Should Sign Up!
    Mar 29 2024

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    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 a reflective trail with me as Chris shares the personal upheavals that funneled him into the embrace of the ultra community. This episode isn't just about clocking miles; it's a story of finding solace in spirituality and understanding the profound impact of personal transformation through adversity. The Jackalope Jam's round-the-clock challenge becomes a metaphor for the resilience we all possess, exemplified by a cast of characters pushing past limits and sharing tales of mental strength that lead to unexpected recovery and elation.

    Our journey concludes with a nod to the symphony of friendships and the rhythm of music that fuel the heartbeats of ultrarunners. Discover the power of shared experiences and the melodies that drive us, whether it's the uplifting strains of "Graves to Gardens" or the energizing beats of Run DMC. As we tease next week's exploration into music's role in training and race strategizing, prepare to be inspired by the soundtrack that carries us through the toughest of terrains. Join us for this unforgettable episode where each step tells a story and every loop encapsulates a life lesson.

    Jackalope Jam:
    https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/jackalope

    Trail Racing Over Texas
    https://www.trailracingovertexas.com

    Website:
    https://www.choosetoendure.com/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChoosetoEndure

    Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/choose_to_endure?utm_source=qr

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757049526

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    57 mins