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

    6d ago

    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

    1h 15m
  2. Addie Bracy | Still Finding New Limits | Season 3 Episode 10

    6d ago

    Addie Bracy | Still Finding New Limits | Season 3 Episode 10

    What does it take to stay competitive after more than two decades in the sport? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with elite ultrarunner Addie Bracy to discuss longevity, adaptation, setbacks, and the constant pursuit of improvement. From her early days in running to competing at some of the biggest ultramarathons in the world, Addie shares lessons learned from both success and disappointment. We dive into aging as an athlete, burnout, confidence, race-day execution, coaching, fueling, mental resilience, and why curiosity remains one of her greatest strengths after 25 years in the sport. This conversation is a reminder that growth doesn't stop when you reach the top. Sometimes the challenge is learning how to keep evolving. Topics Covered: Ultrarunning longevityWestern States and elite competitionAging in endurance sportsMental resilience during tough racesFueling and race executionCoaching and athlete developmentLearning from bad racesStaying motivated after decades of runningAdaptation and continuous improvementThe future of ultrarunningKeywords: ultrarunning, trail running, Addie Bracy, Western States 100, endurance sports, ultra marathon, trail runner, running podcast, endurance mindset, ultramarathon training, coaching runners, female ultrarunner, running longevity, 100 mile race, trail running community, Pushing Horizons Podcast

    56 min
  3. Chasing Big Goals, Raising Little Humans | Careth Arnold | Pushing Horizons: Step by Step

    Jun 4

    Chasing Big Goals, Raising Little Humans | Careth Arnold | Pushing Horizons: Step by Step

    What does it take to balance elite ultrarunning with motherhood? In this episode, I sit down with Careth Arnold, one of the top-ranked ultrarunners in the United States, to talk about her journey from a recreational runner and mother of two to competing at some of the biggest trail and ultramarathon races in the world. We discuss her rapid rise in the sport, 100-mile racing, Western States, TDS, Hardrock, training while raising young children, overcoming setbacks, dealing with DNFs, race nutrition struggles, and the mindset required to keep showing up when things don't go as planned. Careth shares why every race is just another brick in the wall she's building, what success means to her, and how motherhood has shaped her approach to endurance and life. Whether you're an ultrarunner, trail runner, parent, or someone chasing ambitious goals, this conversation is packed with lessons about resilience, consistency, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Ultrarunning and motherhood100-mile racesWestern States 100TDS by UTMBHardrock 100Trail running mindsetDealing with failure and DNFsNutrition challenges in ultrasTraining while raising childrenEndurance, resilience, and growthCareth Arnold, ultrarunning, trail running, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, Hardrock 100, Western States 100, TDS UTMB, motherhood, women in sport, endurance athlete, trail runner podcast, running podcast, ultrarunner interview, mountain running, endurance mindset, ultra trail running, female ultrarunner, running motivation, Pushing Horizons Podcast Topics Covered:Keywords

    1h 5m
  4. Charlie Shelbourne | From the Desert to the Mountains | Marathon des Sables, Dragon’s Back & 100 Mile Ultras | Season 3 episode 8

    May 27

    Charlie Shelbourne | From the Desert to the Mountains | Marathon des Sables, Dragon’s Back & 100 Mile Ultras | Season 3 episode 8

    In Season 3 Episode 8 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultra runner and former Royal Marines Commando Charlie Shelbourne for a deep conversation about endurance, suffering, and pushing human limits. From completing Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert to taking on the brutal Dragon’s Back Race across Wales and the Arc of Attrition 100 mile race by UTMB, Charlie shares the highs, the failures, the mistakes, and the mindset behind ultra endurance racing. This episode covers: Marathon des Sables 2024Dragon’s Back Race 2024Arc of Attrition 100 by UTMBUltra Trail Snowdonia 100KUltra running mindsetMilitary discipline and enduranceFueling mistakes and race nutritionRunning through the nightSleep deprivation and hallucinationsMountain running and elevation trainingThe psychology of endurance sportsIf you enjoy conversations about ultra marathons, trail running, endurance mindset, and adventure racing, this episode is packed with honest insight and real experience from the pain cave. Keywords: ultra running podcast, ultramarathon podcast, Marathon des Sables, Dragon’s Back Race, Arc of Attrition, UTMB, trail running podcast, endurance sports, mountain ultras, 100 miler, endurance mindset, ultra runner interview, adventure racing, running motivation, ultra marathon training.

    1h 7m
  5. The Edge of Possible | John Kelly | Season 3 Episode 7

    May 22

    The Edge of Possible | John Kelly | Season 3 Episode 7

    What does it take to keep showing up at the edge of human possibility? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with John Kelly, Barkley Marathons finisher, endurance athlete, data scientist, and one of the most thoughtful minds in ultra running. From the psychological challenge of Barkley to the loneliness of multi-day races, John opens up about failure, resilience, discomfort, uncertainty, and why hard things still matter in a world built around convenience. We also dive into: The mental side of ultra runningLearning through DNFs and setbacksBarkley Marathons preparation and strategyData vs instinct in endurance sportsAppalachian Trail FKT attemptThe difference between pain and dangerWhy suffering can create growthComfort culture and modern lifeMotivation, limits, and human potentialThis is more than a running conversation. It’s about understanding yourself when things get hard. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. #ultrarunning #barkleymarathons #trailrunning #endurance #podcast #runningpodcast #ultramarathon #johnkelly #mindset #runningmotivation #endurancesports #pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #podcastforrunners

    52 min
  6. Figuring Out the 100 Mile Mind | Mercedes Siegle-Gaither | Season 3 Episode 6

    May 14

    Figuring Out the 100 Mile Mind | Mercedes Siegle-Gaither | Season 3 Episode 6

    In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, ultra runner and Merrell athlete Mercedes Siegle-Gaither joins the podcast to talk about ultra running, 100 mile races, trail running mindset, endurance training, and the mental side of ultramarathons. We discuss: 50 mile vs 100 mile racingultra marathon mindsettechnical mountain runningDNF lessonsfueling and hydration mistakesHRV, recovery, and training datawomen in ultra runningpressure in competitive trail racesLeadville 100 and Hurt 100preparing for Arc of Attritionovercoming self doubt in endurance sportsMercedes shares honest insights into racing difficult ultras, handling setbacks, and learning what it takes to keep going during long endurance events. If you enjoy conversations about trail running, ultramarathons, endurance sports, mindset, and long distance racing, this episode is for you. #ultrarunning #trailrunning #ultramarathon #100miler #endurancesports #runningpodcast #mountainrunning #trailrunner #leadville100 #hurt100 #pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #podcastforrunners

    1h 12m
  7. Noreen Roberts | From “I Can’t” to “Let’s See” | Season 3 Episode 5

    May 7

    Noreen Roberts | From “I Can’t” to “Let’s See” | Season 3 Episode 5

    What does it take to go from self-doubt to self-belief? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into the real journey behind ultrarunning: not the podiums, not the highlight reels, but the internal shift that happens when you stop asking “Can I?” and start saying “Let’s see.” This conversation explores the mental battles, DNFs, emotional moments, and personal growth that come with pushing beyond limits. It’s about embracing discomfort, learning from failure, and discovering who you become on the other side of the miles. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay consistent, or wondered what you’re truly capable of, this episode is for you. Keywords: ultrarunning, endurance mindset, running podcast, mental toughness, ultramarathon training, overcoming doubt, running motivation, endurance sports, trail running, personal growth, pain cave, running journey, resilience, long distance running, pushing limits

    1h 4m
  8. Roger Milenk | Fueling for Performance: The Basics Most Runners Miss | Season 3 Episode 4

    Apr 28

    Roger Milenk | Fueling for Performance: The Basics Most Runners Miss | Season 3 Episode 4

    In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Roger, CEO of SQUEEZY Nutrition and one of the pioneers of endurance fueling in Europe, to break down the fundamentals of fueling for performance. Roger shares over 30 years of experience in sports nutrition, starting from introducing energy gels in Germany in the early 1990s to working with athletes across endurance disciplines today. This conversation focuses on the basics most runners overlook, how the body actually produces energy, why fueling matters, and the common mistakes that lead to fatigue, bonking, and poor performance. If you’ve ever wondered how much you should eat during a run, why energy crashes happen, or how to build a proper fueling strategy, this episode gives you a clear and practical starting point. Topics covered: Energy systems explained (glycogen vs fat)Why fueling is essential for endurance performanceHow many carbs you actually needCommon fueling mistakes runners makeWhy copying others doesn’t workThe importance of individualized fuelingThis is Part 1 of a deeper series on endurance fueling. Keywords:endurance fueling, running nutrition, marathon fueling strategy, ultra running nutrition, glycogen depletion, bonking, carbs per hour, hydration for runners, sports nutrition basics, fueling mistakes runners make, SQUEEZY nutrition, energy gels history

    1h 31m
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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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