The Uphill Goat - A High Performance Podcast

Andrew Conover

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. 2d ago

    How Running Cross Utah Transformed a Man’s Life and Saved His Mental Health | Adam Burns

    Follow Adam @adamleeburns Most runners dream of breaking barriers — but Adam Burns did something almost unimaginable in less than two years. After only a year and a half of running experience, he became the fastest person to run across Utah—covering over 415 miles in just 9 days while battling extreme fatigue, injuries, and brutal conditions. His story isn’t just about endurance; it’s about transforming despair into purpose and proving that with grit, you can redefine your limits. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re capable of more, Adam’s incredible journey will push you to believe in the power of mental strength and relentless action. In this episode, Adam takes us behind the scenes of his record-breaking run, from setting a seemingly impossible goal to navigating injuries and mental hurdles along the way. He shares raw insights on how he fueled his insane daily mileage—eating 9,600 calories a day, from Chick-fil-A sauce and ground beef to endless candy—and how he kept going through sheer grit. You’ll discover the mental strategies that get him out of bed at 5 a.m., the importance of setting goals that scare you, and why suffering is the secret weapon in ultra running and life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone battling your own mental demons, Adam’s perspective on pushing through adversity will resonate deeply. Why do most people underestimate what they’re capable of? Because they never push past the point of discomfort. Adam’s story highlights how mental resilience—not just physical ability—is the key to extraordinary achievement. His mission to raise funds for suicide prevention through running underscores the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. If you’re craving motivation, seeking a new perspective on perseverance, or looking for lessons on setting goals that actually challenge you, this episode is your blueprint for unlocking unstoppable resilience. Perfect for anyone ready to challenge their perceived limits and turn impossible goals into reality. Whether you're navigating personal struggles, chasing ultra endurance goals, or just looking for a dose of real inspiration, Adam’s relentless spirit and honesty will leave you more determined than ever. Prepare to be inspired to run your own race—whatever that may be—and never lose hope.

    48 min
  2. Jun 17

    Nadia Ruiz | Everest Marathon, 100 Marathons by 25, Recovery, and Resilience

    Most companies kill their best growth channels by scaling too fast. Nadia Ruiz reveals the counterintuitive timing strategy behind her record-breaking marathon runs and how the lessons she learned during the Everest Marathon can transform your own approach to success — whether you're chasing a fitness goal, a career milestone, or personal resilience. Follow her here: Instagram In this gripping episode, Nadia shares the raw reality of running the Everest Marathon, navigating extreme altitude, brutal terrain, and her own physical and mental limits. She uncovers the hidden power of slow, deliberate progress and how your ability to show up, day after day, separates the champions from the quitters. You'll discover her unique approach to altitude adaptation, the importance of patience in peak achievement, and why embracing vulnerability can unlock true strength. We break down Nadia’s inspiring journey from her earliest marathons at age 14, her obsession with collecting experience over results, and the mental toughness required to persist through loss, trauma, and doubt. She reveals the mindset tools that helped her beat the odds, including her daily gratitude practices, the significance of consistency over speed, and her fearless pursuit of longer, harder challenges. You'll learn how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones and why resilience is built one small step at a time. Why does knowing your limits matter? Because aging as an athlete doesn’t mean slowing down — it means evolving and embracing new stages of possibility. Nadia’s story is a powerful reminder that performance is as much about mindset as physical ability, and her lessons are essential for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to give up. Regardless of your goals, her journey invites you to see setbacks as opportunities and to live with purpose beyond the finish line. By sharing her struggles with addiction, grief, and mental health, Nadia exemplifies vulnerability and authenticity — qualities that make her a true inspiration. She reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always hope, and sometimes reaching out to a stranger can be the most crucial step toward healing. If you’re seeking resilience, courage, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly push your boundaries, this episode is your catalyst. Perfect for endurance athletes, high performers, or anyone looking for motivation to face life’s steepest climbs — both on and off the trail. Nadia's story demonstrates that the real race is against your own fears and limitations, and the finish line is where your transformed self awaits. Hit play and discover how to turn life's toughest moments into your greatest victories. Why this works: The opening lines immediately present an intriguing insight into the episode's core—using Nadia’s Everest Marathon experience as a metaphor for success and personal resilience. The body emphasizes specific lessons, challenges, and transformations, building curiosity while highlighting concrete tactics. The closing reinforces the emotional and practical value, encouraging listeners to take on their own "mountains" with a new mindset. The copy balances storytelling, technical insights, and emotional appeal to maximize engagement and curiosity.

    1h 12m
  3. Jun 3

    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
  4. 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

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

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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