One Foot Forward: Nicole Coccia on Resilience, Motherhood & 100-Milers

Most people believe relentless discipline and early mornings are the secret to achieving extraordinary feats—and Nicole Coccia proves they’re right. She began running at age nine, defied doctors’ expectations after devastating snowboarding injuries that crushed both of her feet, and ran her first marathon just 29 days after giving birth. Today, she’s not just competing in ultramarathons—she’s setting course records at iconic races like the Long Haul 100 and preparing to take on the Badwater 135.

In this episode, Nicole shares the mindset behind her success: how to train your brain to push through brutal conditions, recover mentally from injury, and stay adaptable when everything goes wrong. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her record-breaking races, including pacing strategies, fueling approaches, and the mental tools that keep her moving forward. At the heart of it all is one simple but powerful lesson: when life feels overwhelming—run.

We explore her journey from running as a child to becoming an ultra trailblazer, and her goal of conquering Badwater. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a busy parent, or someone navigating setbacks, Nicole’s story offers powerful inspiration to keep showing up and chasing what once felt impossible.

This episode is more than a running story—it’s a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of mindset to turn obstacles into extraordinary achievements.

You can find Nicole on Instagram @XCNikki9.eth and on Facebook as Nicole Coccia.