25 episodes

Welcome to the "Choose to Endure" podcast, the go-to show for back of the pack ultra runners. Join us as we explore uplifting stories, interviews, gear and training tips, all tailored towards the unsung heroes at the back end of the ultra universe.

Choose to Endure Richard Gleave

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

Welcome to the "Choose to Endure" podcast, the go-to show for back of the pack ultra runners. Join us as we explore uplifting stories, interviews, gear and training tips, all tailored towards the unsung heroes at the back end of the ultra universe.

    Race Cancelled? How to Navigate the Emotions and Find a Positive Outcome

    Race Cancelled? How to Navigate the Emotions and Find a Positive Outcome

    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

    • 22 min
    The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide

    The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide

    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

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

    Mindset & Mental Wellbeing w/ Shannon Mick: Unlocking the Potential to Transform Your Ultra Running.

    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

    • 45 min
    Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use

    Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use

    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

    • 19 min
    Jackalope Jammin’ w/ Chris Trevino: What it’s All About & Why YOU Should Sign Up!

    Jackalope Jammin’ w/ Chris Trevino: What it’s All About & Why YOU Should Sign Up!

    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

    • 57 min
    Maximizing Music: How to Tune Up Your Ultra Training & Race Day Strategy

    Maximizing Music: How to Tune Up Your Ultra Training & Race Day Strategy

    Ever wondered how a simple playlist could be your ultimate ultrarunning ally? Strap on your favorite running shoes and join me, Richard Gleave, as I take you through the rhythmic heart of ultra running. We'll uncover the transformative power of music and its ability to fuel your mind and body, from the start line to the euphoric finish. Drawing from personal experiences, this episode promises to reveal how the strategic use of music can decrease fatigue, manage pain, and keep you in sync with your natural running pace, ensuring you're energized when it counts the most. 

    Dive into the art of crafting the perfect ultra playlist, as we discuss the key to aligning tempo with your stride and the importance of uplifting lyrics that resonate deep within your runner's soul. We'll also navigate the practicalities of integrating music into your race, from the gear that keeps up with every step to orchestrating your tunes for the long haul. Whether you're a seasoned ultra veteran or gearing up for your first race, tune in to discover how music can become a crucial part of your ultrarunning strategy and a companion that carries you over the toughest terrains.
    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

    • 20 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

Debt_free_runner ,

Back of Packers

Love this podcast, and not just because of the his cool accent! Lots of great guests and insights to this crazy world of ultras!! You won’t be disappointed!!

vacation-on ,

Listen to this podcast!

Great information, especially if you’re in Texas or in the back of the pack.

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