The Uphill Goat - A High Performance Podcast

Andrew Conover
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Nature
  • Updated Daily

We all strive to excel in what we do. Whether it's in sports, art, or business, the elements of high performance often overlap. In this podcast, you'll hear conversations with high performers, mainly in endurance sports. You'll discover their strategies for success, so you can learn to perform at your best. Subscribe to blog posts or sign up for coaching at uphillgoat.com If you're interested in having a conversation reach out on Instagram @a.j.conover

  1. 5d ago

    Unbound (Mudbound) 2026. How the Spirit of Gravel Maintains Its Charm Amidst Growth, Challenges, and Elite Competition | HANNAH SHELL

    Follow Hannah at: https://www.instagram.com/hannahgshell/ Most gravel racers hit tough conditions — Hannah Shell reveals how she triumphed through relentless mud, soaring water crossings, and brutal weather at Unbound. Her gritty race story, captured during her sixth attempt, exposes what it really takes to push through adversity and finish strong, even when everything’s against you. If you’re a cyclist who longs to race at the edge, this episode will reshape your approach. Hannah shares her unconventional tactics for handling mud, water, and unpredictable weather, plus the key mental shifts that keep her committed when fatigue and doubt strike. Discover the behind-the-scenes decisions that fueled her 23rd place finish and second in wildcard standings, unlocking her shot at the Grand Prix. We also delve into her journey — from late start to professional gravel racer, navigating the challenges of racing as a privateer, and managing a demanding schedule with a supportive partner. Hannah’s insights into equipment choices, training hacks like lactate clearance efforts, and fueling strategies provide a blueprint for race-day success. She tackles topics like overcoming imposter syndrome and how to keep passion alive in the sport when burnout tries to set in. Why does gravel appeal to women more than other disciplines? Hannah breaks down the accessible entry, community-driven vibe, and the evolution of racing formats that foster inclusivity and camaraderie. Whether you're considering your first gravel race or chasing your next podium, her story underscores that with grit, preparation, and a love for the ride, greatness is within reach. This isn’t just a race report — it’s an inspiring masterclass on resilience, technique, and mindset that will leave you motivated to attack your next challenge. Perfect for ambitious cyclists, privateers, and anyone seeking to elevate their gravel game. Tune in to harness the secrets behind racing through the mud, water, and mental hurdles — and come out on top.

    1h 4m

  2. 5d ago

    Dirty Dan: Triple Everesting, Tour Divide, Curiosity, and Finding Your Limits

    Dirty Dan is an ultra-endurance cyclist, bikepacker, and adventurer who has completed a Triple Everest, raced the Tour Divide multiple times, ridden across Africa, and recently set a fastest-known-time riding from Canada to Mexico. In this conversation we explore the mindset behind pushing limits, embracing curiosity, dealing with suffering, and finding joy in difficult challenges. Some of my favorite takeaways from this episode: - It always gets better. - Your limits are personal. - Curiosity is more powerful than pressure. - Adventure doesn't have to be extreme to be meaningful. - The best challenges teach you who you are. This was one of my favorite conversations about endurance, growth, and living intentionally.

    1h 27m

  3. May 31

    The Problem With “I’ll Be Happy When…” | Chad Ames

    What does it take to push through pain, chase a big goal, and still be satisfied when you achieve it? In this episode, I sit down with Chad Ames to unpack his quest to break the 60-minute barrier on American Fork Canyon before leaving Utah. We dive into the physical challenge of the effort, the mental battle of suffering, and what it feels like to finally achieve a goal you've been chasing for years. But the conversation quickly goes deeper. Chad shares how moving to Utah changed his perspective on happiness, why living in the world of "what ifs" can keep you stuck, and the mindset shift that helped him find fulfillment right where he was. We talk about cycling, endurance, marriage, personal growth, goal setting, and the surprising connection between suffering and satisfaction. Whether you're chasing a KOM, building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to enjoy the journey a little more, this conversation is packed with lessons on commitment, perspective, and becoming the person you're capable of being. Topics include: - Chad's sub-60-minute American Fork Canyon effort - Pain, suffering, and endurance performance - Why goals matter (and how to avoid tying your happiness to them) - Escaping the "I'll be happy when..." trap - Finding fulfillment wherever you are - The power of consistency over perfection - Cycling, Strava, and balancing ambition with enjoyment - Commitment, and choosing your direction in life

    1h 13m

  4. May 27

    What Pro Cycling Is Really Like | Charlotte Backus

    In this episode of The Uphill Goat, I sit down with professional cyclist, coach, and sports psychology expert Charlotte Backus to talk about the mental side of performance, elite cycling culture, burnout, nutrition, identity, and what actually helps athletes improve long-term. Charlotte shares her experience racing at a high level, the realities of chasing performance, and the lessons endurance sports can teach us far beyond the bike. This conversation goes much deeper than training zones and FTP numbers — it’s about mindset, pressure, resilience, and learning who you are both in and outside of competition. We also dive into: - The psychological side of endurance sports - Burnout and identity in elite athletes - Common mistakes amateur cyclists make - Nutrition and fueling - What separates great athletes from good ones - Women’s cycling and performance culture - Building a healthy relationship with ambition This episode is presented by 2% Performance — topical sodium bicarbonate cream designed to help athletes perform at their best without destroying their stomachs. Check out 2% Performance and use code UPHILLGOAT at checkout for a discount on your first order: 2PercentPerformance.com Follow Charlotte: https://www.instagram.com/charlottebackus/ Follow 2 Percent Performance: https://www.instagram.com/2percentperformance/

    59 min

  5. Apr 15

    How to Stay Consistent Without Burning Out (Even Achieving with Erika Coleman)

    Most athletes rely on motivation—and that’s exactly why they burn out. In this episode, I sit down with Erika Coleman to break down “even achieving,” a powerful approach to staying consistent, avoiding burnout, and performing at a high level for years—not just weeks. We dive into why motivation isn’t enough, how to shift your mindset around training and performance, and what actually separates long-term high performers from everyone else. If you’re an endurance athlete (or just someone who wants to perform at a high level without burning out), this will change how you approach your work. What you’ll learn: - Why motivation is unreliable (and what to use instead) - The concept of “even achieving” and how to apply it - How to stay consistent without emotional highs and lows - A healthier way to think about goals and performance Follow the show for more conversations on high performance in endurance sports. Connect with Erika Coleman: https://www.erikacolemanspeaks.com https://www.instagram.com/evenachieving/ LinkedIn: Erika Coleman Follow me for more: https://www.instagram.com/aj_conover/ Check out our high-performance product here: https://2percentperformance.com

    1h 9m

  6. Mar 20

    Sub-7 at Leadville: What I learned | Lessons From Chasing the Edge of My Potential

    What does it actually take to push the edge of your potential? Last year, I trained more than I ever have, raced at the highest level I’ve reached so far, and went sub-7 at Leadville. But the biggest lessons I learned had nothing to do with watts, training plans, or gear. In this episode, I break down 5 key lessons from a year of chasing high performance — from why durability matters more than peak fitness, to how small gains compound into massive results. This is the start of a new chapter of The Uphill Goat — a podcast about exploring the edge of human performance. If you’re serious about getting better, this episode is for you. This episode is sponsored by 2% — a performance product built on the idea that small improvements, consistently applied, lead to breakthrough results. https://2percentperformance.com/ Use code UPHILLGOAT for 20% off

    19 min

  7. 01/11/2025

    Joe Goettl: Gravel Racing, YouTube Growth, and the Power of Progress Over Perfection

    In this episode, I interview Joe Goettl. Joe started his endurance career as a runner in college over 10 years ago and, since then, has been racing road bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes. He's battled chronic pain since he was 20 and has gone through an impressive journey working through his pain and finding success on the bike. Joe continually repeated, "Don't let good be the enemy of perfect." This phrase shows his resilience and work that has helped him to become the person he is. Give this episode a listen to dive into what it takes to race gravel at the top.

    1h 18m

  8. 11/16/2024

    The Athlete’s Plate: Pro Tips from Breanne Nalder-Harward

    Breanne Nalder-Harward is a registered Breanne Nalder Harward, MS, RDN, earned a BS in Biology and Sociology from Westminster College and went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Sports Dietetics from the University of Utah. She is licensed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and is the nutrition coach at PLAN7 Endurance Coaching and a dietician at Nirvana Medical. She raced for DNA cycling on the road professionally for 10 years, and then as a privateer in the gravel scene with big wins at the Crusher and at Rebecca's Privat Idaho. If you would like to receive nutrition guidance from Breanne, you can find more information on her at plan7coaching.com and/or follow her on social media @aycheezy/ In this episode, we discuss many things including: general nutrition race week nutrition race day nutrition On-the-bike nutrition nutrition for recovery post-rides nutrition for rest days please reach out via email to aj@uphillgoat if you have any questions.

    1h 2m
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4.3
out of 5
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About

We all strive to excel in what we do. Whether it's in sports, art, or business, the elements of high performance often overlap. In this podcast, you'll hear conversations with high performers, mainly in endurance sports. You'll discover their strategies for success, so you can learn to perform at your best. Subscribe to blog posts or sign up for coaching at uphillgoat.com If you're interested in having a conversation reach out on Instagram @a.j.conover

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