Pushing Horizons Step by Step

Ash Pant

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. −2 d

    James McDonald | Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line | 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 consistencyIf 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 | Season 3 Episode 18
  2. 9 juli

    Cody Poskin | The Making of a Cocodona Contender | Season 3 Episode 17 🎙️

    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 | Season 3 Episode 17 🎙️
  3. 2 juli

    Peyton HildeBrandt | Running Stronger Through Setbacks and Goals | Season 3 Episode 15

    In Season 3 Episode 15 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Peyton for an honest conversation about injuries, setbacks, marathon struggles, and the mindset required to keep moving forward. Peyton shares how her running journey began, the transition from shorter distances to long-distance racing, and the lessons she learned through recurring injuries and burnout. She opens up about the emotional side of being sidelined, the pressure of chasing personal records, and why sometimes the hardest part of running isn’t the miles — it’s staying mentally strong when things go wrong. They also discuss half marathon and marathon training, endurance building, fueling strategies, avoiding the dreaded marathon bonk, and why consistency matters more than perfection. This episode is for every runner who has ever struggled, doubted themselves, or wondered if setbacks were holding them back. Topics covered:Running motivation, marathon training, half marathon PR goals, injury recovery, mental health, endurance, race fueling, bonking, consistency, discipline, resilience, runner mindset. Keywords: running podcast, marathon training, half marathon training, half marathon PR, marathon mindset, injury recovery, running injuries, endurance training, race fueling, marathon bonking, mental toughness, running motivation, runner mindset, consistency in training, long distance running, overcoming setbacks, resilience, road running, running community, Pushing Horizons podcast

    Peyton HildeBrandt | Running Stronger Through Setbacks and Goals | Season 3 Episode 15
  4. 25 juni

    Kaylee Frederick | Running Towards the Impossible | Season 3 Episode 14 🎙️

    In Season 3 Episode 14 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Kaylee Frederick for a powerful conversation about endurance, discipline, mental resilience, and chasing seemingly impossible goals. At just 21 years old, Kaylee has already built an extraordinary ultrarunning resume. She ran her first ultra at 14, completed her first 100 miler at 16, and became the youngest athlete to start Badwater 135, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. In this episode, Kaylee opens up about her journey into ultrarunning, the brutal physical and mental demands of Badwater 135, elite 24-hour racing, race strategy, pacing, fueling, and the discipline required to perform at the highest level. But this conversation goes deeper than race results. Kaylee also shares her struggles with self-worth, identity, mental health, therapy, and the difficult process of learning that performance does not define who you are. This is a raw and inspiring episode about human potential, suffering, growth, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when things get hard. Topics covered:• Ultrarunning• Badwater 135• 24-hour racing• Endurance mindset• Mental toughness• Race strategy & fueling• Discipline vs motivation• Mental health in sport• Identity beyond performance Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, Badwater 135, Kaylee Frederick, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 24 hour race, endurance athlete, mental resilience, running motivation, trail running podcast, ultra running mindset, endurance sports, Pushing Horizons podcast

    Kaylee Frederick | Running Towards the Impossible | Season 3 Episode 14 🎙️
  5. 11 juni

    Junko Kazukawa | The Art of Not Giving Up | Season 3 Episode 11

    What does it take to keep showing up for decades? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Junko Kazukawa, a breast cancer survivor, coach, and one of the most experienced endurance athletes in the sport. From completing Leadville 100 ten times to racing UTMB, Western States, and Tor des Géants, Junko has spent years pushing her physical and mental limits. But her story goes far beyond race results. We talk about overcoming cancer, finding purpose through endurance, dealing with DNFs, aging in sport, the difference between pain and suffering, and why she continues to chase finish lines at 62 years old. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when life gets difficult. Discovering ultrarunning after cancer Leadville 100 and racing 100-mile ultras UTMB and lessons from failure The psychology of suffering Aging and longevity in endurance sports Training smarter for long-term success Why purpose matters more than motivation What keeps her running after decades in the sport ultrarunning, endurance sports, Leadville 100, UTMB, Western States, Tor des Géants, breast cancer survivor, running podcast, ultramarathon, trail running, resilience, mindset, endurance athlete, women in ultrarunning, aging athletes, ultrarunner interview, long distance running, running motivation, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons Topics CoveredKeywords

    Junko Kazukawa | The Art of Not Giving Up | Season 3 Episode 11

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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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