In this conversation, ultra runner John Kelly discusses his experiences with the Barkley Marathons and other multi-day events. He shares insights into the allure of these challenging races, the mental strategies he employs when faced with obstacles, and his thoughts on the critics of such events. John emphasizes the importance of patience, adaptability, and finding meaning in arbitrary challenges, as well as the mental processes behind DNFing (Did Not Finish) during races. In this conversation, John shares his experiences with the Barkley Marathons, discussing the lessons learned from his DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences and how his mindset has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, the value of enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on the finish, and how reframing goals has changed his approach to racing. John also touches on the absurdity of pursuing challenging goals and the significance of nutrition and preparation in ultra running. He concludes with insights on pursuing big dreams, like his upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt, encouraging others to embrace challenges and learn from failures.

In this episode, Heidi and Michelle welcome Jack Pitcher, the fastest Briton to run across Australia. Jack shares his journey from a young, competitive runner to breaking records in ultra marathons. The conversation delves into the mental aspects of running, the importance of consistency, and the barriers that new runners face. They also discuss the influence of social media and the responsibility that comes with being a running influencer. Jack discusses the importance of authentic running influencers and how he aims to inspire others by demonstrating that anyone can achieve great things regardless of their background. Jack recounts the challenges he faced while attempting to run across Australia, including a severe car accident and the mental and physical toll of running 120K a day. He reflects on the lessons learned from pushing his limits and the impact of his experiences on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how he transformed his struggles into motivation for his future as a motivational speaker. The discussion also touches on the societal norms surrounding success and the pursuit of new records, highlighting the idea that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.

Check out Jack on Instagram:

@jack_pitcher_

And check out this promo video for his upcoming adventure:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DINxsjFNO-K/?igsh=a2w3MHZoY2RrMXpu

In this conversation, Heidi and Michelle chat with Josh Rosenthal of Borderlands and delve into the world of ultra running, focusing on the topic of Did Not Finish (DNF) experiences. Josh shares his personal journey with DNFs, emphasizing the importance of mindset, community support, and the lessons learned from each attempt. They discuss the significance of language in shaping one's approach to races and the emotional and mental challenges faced by ultra runners.

Josh has his own podcast, and Borderlands is a huge and wonderful resource for anyone looking to learn more about ultrarunning and get involved.

Find him on Instagram, and the Borderlands podcast:

@runborderlands

Join me at the Devil's Gulch 100 mile race in Wenatchee, WA in July! For more information:

⁠https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/heidi/⁠

We are so incredibly grateful for your support, and listening and sharing is the BEST way to help us grow and share more stories! If you want to support financially, any small amount helps us keep this podcast going. We appreciate YOU!

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