Pushing Horizons Step by Step

Ash Pant
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Running
  • Updated Weekly

Pushing Horizons: Step by Step is a podcast about how running changes us: physically, mentally, emotionally. Hosted by Ash Pant, each episode unpacks raw, heartfelt conversations with runners who’ve faced setbacks, chased dreams, and found themselves in the rhythm of the run. These are stories of grit, growth, healing, and quiet triumphs. Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K or recovering from your hundredth, this is for anyone who's ever run toward something more. Every step tells a story. Let’s keep moving forward, together.

  1. 5d ago

    Ash Pant | The Road to 100 Miles | Berlin 100miles | Season 3, Episode 23

    This one is personal. In just a few days, I'll attempt to run 100 miles for the first time at the Berlin Wall Race. But this episode isn't really about the race. It's about how I somehow ended up here. I never grew up dreaming of becoming a runner. I struggled with my weight for much of my life, never particularly enjoyed running, and originally found the sport after an injury in 2016. Running became a way to lose weight, then something I loved, then something that eventually took a back seat as life and family became the priority. In November 2022, I started again with one goal: run a marathon. Then I moved to Berlin. I met ultrarunners whose persistence fascinated me. I started having conversations with people doing things I couldn't imagine doing myself. Those conversations eventually became Pushing Horizons. And somewhere between interviewing ultrarunners, hearing their reasons for doing this, talking about DNFs and resilience, and learning what keeps people moving when things get really difficult, their stories started changing mine. One podcast conversation led me to register for my first 56K the very next morning. Another eventually led me to register for the Berlin 100 Miles. Now, after seven months of training, the race is here. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm unsettled. My mind is all over the place. After months of having another training week ahead of me, there's nothing left to prepare for. All that's left is to start. And if you're listening to this on Saturday morning, I'm probably somewhere around Berlin trying to run my first 100 miles. This is the story of how I got here. Keywords: Berlin 100 Miles, Berlin Wall Race, 100 mile ultramarathon, first 100 miler, ultrarunning, ultramarathon training, 100 mile training, endurance running, running journey, marathon to ultramarathon, DNF, ultra running mindset, mental resilience, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons podcast

    Ash Pant | The Road to 100 Miles | Berlin 100miles | Season 3, Episode 23

  2. 5d ago

    Sierra DeGroff | Finding Confidence Beyond the Finish Line | Western States, Badwater & Denali 135 | S3E22

    Sierra DeGroff returns to Pushing Horizons with a story that goes far beyond race results. In this episode, Sierra shares her journey through some of ultrarunning's most iconic events, including Western States 100, Badwater 135, Umstead 100, and Denali 135. We discuss the highs of course records and championship performances, the lows of races that didn't go to plan, being dropped by a sponsor, and the process of rebuilding confidence after setbacks. Sierra opens up about the mental side of ultrarunning, why she keeps returning to difficult races, lessons learned from Badwater, what makes Western States so special, and how resilience is often built during the hardest moments rather than the best ones. Whether you're training for your first ultra, chasing a personal best, or simply looking for inspiration to keep moving forward, this conversation is packed with lessons about persistence, growth, and believing in yourself when things get tough. Topics Covered: ✅ Western States 100✅ Badwater 135✅ Denali 135✅ Umstead 100✅ Ultrarunning Mindset✅ Mental Toughness✅ Overcoming Setbacks✅ Endurance Racing✅ 100-Mile Racing Strategy✅ Confidence & Resilience✅ Training for Ultramarathons✅ Women's Ultrarunning Connect with Sierra DeGroff:Instagram: @sdegroff Follow Pushing Horizons: Step by StepSpotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Keywords Sierra DeGroff, Western States 100, Badwater 135, Denali 135, Umstead 100, ultrarunning podcast, endurance athlete, ultramarathon, trail running, 100 mile race, women in ultrarunning, mental toughness, endurance sports, ultrarunner interview, running podcast, ultramarathon training, ultrarunning mindset, Badwater race, Western States lottery, Denali race, ultra running motivation, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons Podcast

    Sierra DeGroff | Finding Confidence Beyond the Finish Line | Western States, Badwater & Denali 135 | S3E22

  3. Aug 6

    Caitlin Fielder | Running with Purpose | Western States 100, UTMB, Zegama & Life as an Elite Trail Runner | S3E21

    Elite trail runner Caitlin Fielder joins Pushing Horizons to share her journey from marine science student and artist to competing against the best trail runners in the world. We talk about starting running later than most elite athletes, recovering from major hip surgery, finding success at races like OCC, Tarawera, Zegama, and Western States, and why patience has become one of her greatest strengths. Caitlin also opens up about racing through adversity, balancing life as a professional athlete, handling expectations, and why success means more than podium finishes. Whether you're training for your first ultra or chasing your biggest running goals, this conversation is packed with insights about resilience, perspective, and running with purpose. Topics Covered Starting trail running later in lifeHip surgery and injury recoveryWestern States 100 experienceUTMB OCC and international racingTarawera UltramarathonZegama MarathonElite athlete mindsetTraining and recoveryPatience and long-term developmentSuccess beyond resultsRunning and creativityProfessional trail running Keywords Caitlin Fielder, trail running, ultrarunning, ultra marathon, Western States 100, Western States Endurance Run, UTMB, OCC, Tarawera Ultramarathon, Zegama Marathon, elite trail runner, women in ultrarunning, ultramarathon podcast, endurance sports, trail running motivation, injury recovery, running mindset, mountain running, ultrarunner interview, New Zealand trail runner, Pushing Horizons podcast, running with purpose, trail runner, endurance athlete

    Caitlin Fielder | Running with Purpose | Western States 100, UTMB, Zegama & Life as an Elite Trail Runner | S3E21

  4. Jul 30

    Kat Edwards | The Joy of Hard Things | How She Conquered Cocodona 250 & Moab 240

    Season 3 Episode 20 The Joy of Hard Things Kat Edwards Anderson has raced some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, including Cocodona 250, Moab 240, Sedona Canyons 125, Kodiak 100M by UTMB, and Massanutten 100. But this conversation isn't just about running farther. It's about purpose, resilience, faith, embracing discomfort, and discovering what you're truly capable of when life becomes difficult. We discuss her journey from quitting running after high school to becoming one of the rising names in ultrarunning, what 250-mile races teach you about yourself, dealing with sleep deprivation and hallucinations, overcoming mistakes, training for extreme endurance events, and why the hardest challenges often become the most rewarding experiences. Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon, chasing a marathon PR, or simply looking for motivation to tackle life's biggest challenges, this episode is packed with honest lessons from someone who continues to push beyond her own limits. Keywords: ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, Kate Edwards, endurance athlete, 200 mile race, 100 mile race, mountain running, ultrarunner, endurance mindset, resilience, mental toughness, running podcast, trail runner, endurance sports, ultramarathon training, Pushing Horizons, endurance inspiration

    Kat Edwards | The Joy of Hard Things | How She Conquered Cocodona 250 & Moab 240

  5. Jul 23

    Built for the Long Game | DJ Fox | Cocodona 250 Podium, World's Toughest Mudder Champion & Colorado Trail FKT | S3 E19

    Season 3 Episode 19 Built for the Long Game DJ Fox has become one of the most respected endurance athletes in ultrarunning. After winning World's Toughest Mudder, setting the Colorado Trail West-to-East Fastest Known Time (FKT), and finishing on the podium at Cocodona 250 in 2026, DJ joins Pushing Horizons to share the mindset behind his success. We discuss his life-changing illness that led him to running, leaving a secure corporate career to chase endurance sports full-time, winning a world championship, surviving multi-day adventures, and the lessons learned from running one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. DJ also breaks down his 10-hour improvement at Cocodona 250, the importance of crew and pacers, overcoming setbacks, and why he believes success comes from committing to the process rather than chasing outcomes. If you're training for an ultramarathon, marathon, trail race, or simply looking to build resilience and discipline, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Keywords: DJ Fox, Cocodona 250, ultrarunning podcast, trail running, ultramarathon, endurance athlete, World's Toughest Mudder, Colorado Trail FKT, Cocodona 250 podium, ultra endurance, endurance mindset, running podcast, trail running podcast, endurance coaching, 200 mile race, mountain running, adventure running, resilience, mental toughness, Pushing Horizons.

    Built for the Long Game | DJ Fox | Cocodona 250 Podium, World's Toughest Mudder Champion & Colorado Trail FKT | S3 E19

  6. Jul 16

    James McDonald | Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line| 1,202-Day Running Streak, 100 Miles & a DNF | Season 3 Episode 18

    Season 3 Episode 18: Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line What happens when something that defines you comes to an end? After an incredible 1,202-day running streak, James McDonald made one of the hardest decisions of his life: to stop running every day. In this episode, James opens up about ending the streak, recovering from injury, finding his identity beyond consistency, completing his first 100-mile ultramarathon, and dealing with the disappointment of a recent DNF. We also dive into ultramarathon training, fueling strategies, recovery, coaching, race planning, mental resilience, and why enjoying the process matters more than chasing finish lines. Whether you're training for your first marathon, an ultramarathon, or simply trying to stay consistent in life, this conversation offers valuable lessons on discipline, balance, setbacks, and long-term growth. Topics covered: 1,202-day running streakWhy he chose to end itIdentity beyond runningFirst 100-mile ultramarathonLearning from a DNFUltrarunning mindsetRecovery and injury preventionMarathon and ultra trainingNutrition and race fuelingMental resilience and consistency If you enjoy conversations about ultrarunning, endurance sports, marathon training, resilience, mindset, and pushing your limits, subscribe and follow Pushing Horizons: Step by Step for a new episode every week. Keywords: ultrarunning, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 100 mile ultramarathon, running streak, 1202 day running streak, marathon training, ultramarathon training, endurance running, trail running, running podcast, ultrarunning podcast, endurance podcast, running motivation, mental resilience, consistency, discipline, DNF, overcoming failure, recovery, injury prevention, race nutrition, race fueling, endurance mindset, first 100 miler, Thames Path 100, MK24, James McDonald, Pushing Horizons, Pushing Horizons Podcast, marathon runner, endurance athlete, long distance running, running community, running inspiration, ultra runner interview, mental toughness, sports podcast, trail runner, adventure running

    James McDonald | Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line| 1,202-Day Running Streak, 100 Miles & a DNF | Season 3 Episode 18

  7. Jul 9

    Cody Poskin | The Making of a Cocodona Contender | 3rd Overall at Cocodona 250 | S3E17

    A year can change everything. The last time Cody Poskin was on the podcast, he had just finished his first Cocodona 250. He crossed the finish line in 8th place after battling blown quads, brutal climbs, and the biggest challenge of his running career. This year, he came back. 🥈 2nd Male 🥉 3rd Overall More importantly, he finished 13 hours faster. In this episode, Cody breaks down exactly what changed—from smarter training and race execution to sleep strategy, nutrition, crew support, and the mindset required to compete at the very front of one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. We also talk about learning from failure, becoming a professional athlete, chasing the Cocodona title, and why he's convinced his best race is still ahead of him. If you love ultrarunning, endurance sports, or simply hearing what it takes to become better year after year, this episode is for you. Topics covered: Cocodona 250 race recapHow Cody improved by 13 hours2nd Male & 3rd Overall finishSleep strategy and pacingNutrition mistakes and lessonsCrew and pacersMental resilienceBecoming a professional ultrarunnerWhat's next after CocodonaKeywords: Cocodona 250, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, endurance running, 250 mile race, Cocodona podcast, Cody Poskin, running podcast, ultra endurance, race strategy, trail runner, endurance mindset, mountain running, long distance running.

    Cody Poskin | The Making of a Cocodona Contender | 3rd Overall at Cocodona 250 | S3E17

  8. Jul 2

    Jeevan Lama | From the Himalayas to Tor des Géants (TOR) | Season 3 Episode 16

    In Season 3 Episode 16 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Nepali ultrarunner Jeevan Lama to explore his incredible journey from the trails of Nepal to some of the world’s toughest mountain ultras. Jeevan shares how running helped transform his life, keeping him away from destructive habits and giving him purpose through the mountains. The conversation dives into his experience racing UTMB events, the brutal technical terrain of the Alps, and his unforgettable battle at Tor des Géants (TOR), a 330km ultra through the Italian Alps. They discuss suffering, race strategy, nutrition, mental resilience, and what it means to represent Nepal on the global trail running stage. Jeevan also shares his vision for growing trail running in Nepal and inspiring the next generation of mountain athletes. Keywords: Jeevan Lama, Tor des Géants, TOR, UTMB, ultrarunning, trail running, Nepal trail running, mountain running, endurance sports, ultra marathon podcast, Pushing Horizons

    Jeevan Lama | From the Himalayas to Tor des Géants (TOR) | Season 3 Episode 16
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About

Pushing Horizons: Step by Step is a podcast about how running changes us: physically, mentally, emotionally. Hosted by Ash Pant, each episode unpacks raw, heartfelt conversations with runners who’ve faced setbacks, chased dreams, and found themselves in the rhythm of the run. These are stories of grit, growth, healing, and quiet triumphs. Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K or recovering from your hundredth, this is for anyone who's ever run toward something more. Every step tells a story. Let’s keep moving forward, together.

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