This episode is a full pre-race mental spiral—from Winter Olympics chatter to how we actually prepared for the upcoming Music City Trail Ultra. It’s a wild ride through training strategies, injury prevention, fueling, hydration, and the mental games that come with toeing the line of an ultra.

We reflect on past race experiences, talk through what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and share the mindset we’re bringing into race day. Like most long runs, the conversation wanders—but it always circles back to the joy of chasing big goals and being part of the running community.

Thanks for joining us on the run.

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.

Winter can feel heavy — shorter days, colder miles, quieter trails. But in this episode, we found something different out there.

We teamed up with @wiseowlraces for the Winter Blues Race — a 10-hour day of 4(ish)-mile loops, run solo or as a team. The weather was beautiful, Henry Horton State Park did not disappoint, and the vibes were high from start to finish. Everywhere we turned, people were encouraging each other, sharing miles, and showing what makes the trail community so special.

We set up under a tent, bundled up with hot drinks and open hearts, and talked with runners, trail groups, and our friends at Ignite Movement Co, Park Center, Fleet Feet — and even the park ranger who designed the course about what keeps them moving through the winter blues.

What we heard were incredible stories — of resilience, mental health, friendship, grief, healing, and the simple magic of showing up when it’s hard. This episode is full of shared memories, laughter, and the reminder that even in the coldest seasons, connection keeps us warm.

We were also grateful for product support from Brutal Salty Energy, helping keep runners fueled and conversations flowing all day long.

Because sometimes the best way through the winter… is together.