Pushing Horizons Step by Step

Heidi Allan grew up as a gymnast and rock climber, competed around the world in obstacle course racing, and spent three seasons competing on American Ninja Warrior. Running wasn't her strength. In fact, she used to hate it. Today, she's an ultrarunner, 200-mile finisher, race winner, and Race Director for Aravaipa Running. Heidi joins Pushing Horizons to share how her pursuit of difficult challenges eventually led her into ultrarunning and why the sport gave her something she hadn't found in competition before. We get into her progression from Spartan races and Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim to Javelina 100 and Tahoe 200, where she finished fifth female in 62:47:44. Heidi shares the reality of going more than 60 hours with almost no sleep, dealing with severe blisters, hallucinating during the final miles, relying on her pacers and learning that her body was capable of running far later into a 200-mile race than she thought. We also explore Heidi's other side of ultrarunning as a Race Director for Aravaipa Running, including the work behind Tucson Marathon, Crown King Scramble and Copper Corridor. From permits and aid-station logistics to extreme heat and calculating how much water runners may need, Heidi gives a different perspective on what it takes to put on an endurance event. Most importantly, this is a conversation about how Heidi's relationship with competition has changed from perfection and pressure to accepting what she can give on any particular day. Because sometimes discovering what's possible isn't about becoming the best. It's about discovering another version of yourself. Keywords: Heidi Allan, Tahoe 200, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, 200 mile race, Aravaipa Running, American Ninja Warrior, obstacle course racing, OCR, trail running, mountain running, Javelina 100, race director, Tucson Marathon, Crown King Scramble, Copper Corridor, endurance running, endurance athlete, ultra running podcast, Pushing Horizons

Season 3, Episode 28 — This Too Shall Pass Trueheart Brown never grew up dreaming of becoming an ultrarunner. After years of skiing and competitive cycling, running eventually became something much deeper a way to process difficult experiences, quiet his mind, and find space away from the demands of life and his career in wildland fire. Then he discovered he could race. Trueheart won the Black Canyon 100K in 2022 before taking on his first 100-mile race at the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra in 2025. Despite never having run farther than roughly 60 miles before race day, he finished the 100 miler in 14:40:43 and took the overall win. In 2026, he stepped up again at Sedona Canyons 125 only three weeks after breaking his fourth metatarsal. He finished in 25:14:07. And won. In this conversation, we talk about his unconventional path into ultrarunning, decades of endurance training, learning to suffer, racing 100 miles for the first time, adapting when race plans fall apart, running Sedona Canyons with a broken foot, the importance of preparation, and why the darkest moments of an ultramarathon don't necessarily mean your race is over. We also talk about what comes next. Trueheart has been selected for the 2027 Cocodona 250 , where he'll attempt to make the enormous jump from 125 miles to 250. And through all of it, one idea keeps coming back: This too shall pass. The bad moments will pass. But so will the good ones. Keywords: Trueheart Brown, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, Cocodona 250, Cocodona, Sedona Canyons 125, Stagecoach 100, Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra, Black Canyon 100K, 100 mile ultramarathon, 200 mile ultramarathon, 250 mile ultramarathon, trail running, Arizona trail running, endurance running, ultramarathon training, ultra running mindset, mental toughness, wildland firefighter, Coconino National Forest, Pushing Horizons podcast

How much carbohydrate do you actually need during an endurance race and is more always better? Roger, CEO of SQUEEZY Nutrition, returns to Pushing Horizons: Step by Step for Part 2 of our conversation about endurance fueling. This time, we go deeper into the practical problems runners face when the hours and miles start adding up. Roger explains how athletes can train their gut to tolerate higher carbohydrate intake, why blindly copying athletes consuming 120–150+ grams of carbs per hour can create problems, and why your fueling strategy needs to be built around your own body, intensity and race. We also talk about what happens when you miss your fueling early in a race, whether you can recover from an energy crash, gels versus solid food during ultramarathons, caffeine, hydration, fueling beyond 10 hours, recovery nutrition, and the relationship between endurance training and the immune system. This conversation was recorded before my attempt at the Berlin Wall 100 Miler — a race where my own fueling mistakes eventually became one of the biggest lessons of the entire experience. I carried enough fuel. I simply didn't eat enough of it early enough. After covering 52 miles, I understand this conversation very differently than I did when we recorded it. Part 2 of our endurance fueling series with Roger and SQUEEZY Nutrition. Keywords: endurance fueling, ultramarathon nutrition, running nutrition, carbs per hour running, carbohydrate intake endurance, gut training, marathon fueling, 100 mile fueling, ultrarunning nutrition, race nutrition strategy, energy gels, solid food ultramarathon, caffeine endurance running, hydration for runners, recovery nutrition, immune system endurance athletes, under fueling, sports nutrition, SQUEEZY Nutrition, Pushing Horizons podcast

I went into the Berlin Wall 100 believing I could run 100 miles. I made it 52. 84 kilometers. The longest distance I have ever covered on foot. And then the sweeper caught me. This is the story of my first 100-mile ultramarathon attempt — the heat, the mistakes, the fueling problem, the high heart rate from early in the race, and what happened when my energy eventually disappeared. The frustrating part? I had the fuel with me. I had packed enough gels in my vest for the first 33 kilometers and had more waiting in every drop bag. I just didn't eat them. I took in roughly 150 grams of fuel during those first 33 kilometers, and hours later I paid for it. But this isn't only a story about a DNF. Because somewhere inside a race I didn't finish, I also went farther than I have ever gone before. 52 miles. I didn't reach the horizon I was chasing. But the horizon moved. Season 3 episode 26 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step. Keywords : ultrarunning, ultramarathon, 100 mile ultramarathon, first 100 miler, Berlin Wall 100, 100 mile DNF, 50 mile ultramarathon, 52 miles, ultra running nutrition, ultramarathon fueling, endurance running, trail running, running in extreme heat, DNF recovery, ultra running mistakes, endurance mindset, long distance running, Pushing Horizons podcast

Stephanie Rosebaugh is an ultrarunner, licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, author of The Power of Enoughness , wife, and mother of two. Her journey into ultrarunning started almost by accident with the Antelope Canyon 55K. But after pacing a friend for 60 miles at Cocodona 250, something changed. She wanted to experience the entire course for herself. She eventually did, twice. Stephanie has also found a home in the backyard ultra format, where she has pushed her body deep into sleep deprivation, exhaustion and discomfort while earning multiple Last Woman Standing finishes and pursuing her goal of representing Team USA. But this conversation goes much deeper than running. Stephanie spent much of her life believing her value had to be earned through performance and achievement. That experience eventually became part of the foundation for her book, The Power of Enoughness . We talk about Cocodona 250, backyard ultras, reaching the physical limits of the body, sleep deprivation, motherhood, resilience, therapy, self-worth, the danger of attaching identity to achievement, and why doing harder things doesn't make us more valuable. Because you can chase huge goals. You can push your limits. You can want to discover what you're capable of. But you don't have to cross another finish line to prove that you're enough. Season 3 Episode 25, You Were Enough Before the Finish Line. Featuring Stephanie Rosebaugh. Keywords: Stephanie Rosebaugh, Cocodona 250, backyard ultra, backyard ultramarathon, The Power of Enoughness, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, Last Woman Standing, Team USA Backyard Ultra, endurance running, 200 mile ultramarathon, trail running, women in ultrarunning, mental health, therapy, resilience, self-worth, running psychology, endurance athlete, Pushing Horizons Step by Step

Shelby Dillingham is an ultrarunner, multidisciplinary artist, and Type 1 diabetic who recently completed the Tahoe 200. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just seven years old, Shelby has spent most of her life managing a condition that never gives her a day off. Running entered her life during the pandemic. What started with a simple running plan eventually became a 50K, 50 miles, 100 miles, and ultimately 200 miles around Lake Tahoe. In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Shelby shares what it really takes to manage Type 1 diabetes while running ultramarathons and why the 200-mile distance has become the place where she feels she belongs. We talk about the technology behind managing her diabetes, including continuous glucose monitoring and an insulin pump, and the additional planning required when spending several days on the trail. Shelby also takes us inside her Tahoe 200 experience from recovering from tendonitis just weeks before the race to managing her diabetes, relying on her crew and pacers, dealing with sleep deprivation, and reaching one of the most frightening moments of her race when she ran out of water while her blood sugar was high. But this conversation goes far beyond one race. Shelby talks about losing her job shortly after finishing her first 100-miler, using running to navigate difficult periods of life, avoiding burnout, finding community through ultrarunning, and why she doesn't want running to become her entire identity. For Shelby, ultrarunning isn't simply about pushing farther. It's a commitment to herself. A way of building self-trust and continuing to show up—not just for the athlete she is today, but for the seven-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and could never have imagined that one day she would run 200 miles. ✅ Topics Covered: ✓ Tahoe 200 ✓ Running 200 miles ✓ Type 1 diabetes and ultrarunning ✓ Managing blood glucose during endurance events ✓ Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors ✓ Training with Type 1 diabetes ✓ Returning from injury ✓ 100 miles vs. 200 miles ✓ Ultrarunning mindset ✓ Mental resilience and self-trust ✓ Crew and pacers ✓ Running through the night ✓ Ultrarunning community ✓ Avoiding burnout ✓ Identity beyond running ✓ Finding gratitude in hard things Keywords: Shelby Dillingham, Shelby Dillingham ultrarunner, Tahoe 200, Tahoe 200 Endurance Run, Type 1 diabetes runner, Type 1 diabetes ultrarunning, diabetic athlete, running with diabetes, 200 mile ultramarathon, 200 mile race, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, endurance running, endurance athlete, insulin pump running, CGM running, Dexcom running, ultrarunning mindset, mental resilience, Tahoe ultrarunning, women in ultrarunning, running podcast, ultrarunning podcast, Pushing Horizons, Pushing Horizons Step by Step

This one is personal. In just a few days, I'll attempt to run 100 miles for the first time at the Berlin Wall Race. But this episode isn't really about the race. It's about how I somehow ended up here. I never grew up dreaming of becoming a runner. I struggled with my weight for much of my life, never particularly enjoyed running, and originally found the sport after an injury in 2016. Running became a way to lose weight, then something I loved, then something that eventually took a back seat as life and family became the priority. In November 2022, I started again with one goal: run a marathon. Then I moved to Berlin. I met ultrarunners whose persistence fascinated me. I started having conversations with people doing things I couldn't imagine doing myself. Those conversations eventually became Pushing Horizons. And somewhere between interviewing ultrarunners, hearing their reasons for doing this, talking about DNFs and resilience, and learning what keeps people moving when things get really difficult, their stories started changing mine. One podcast conversation led me to register for my first 56K the very next morning. Another eventually led me to register for the Berlin 100 Miles. Now, after seven months of training, the race is here. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm unsettled. My mind is all over the place. After months of having another training week ahead of me, there's nothing left to prepare for. All that's left is to start. And if you're listening to this on Saturday morning, I'm probably somewhere around Berlin trying to run my first 100 miles. This is the story of how I got here. Keywords: Berlin 100 Miles, Berlin Wall Race, 100 mile ultramarathon, first 100 miler, ultrarunning, ultramarathon training, 100 mile training, endurance running, running journey, marathon to ultramarathon, DNF, ultra running mindset, mental resilience, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons podcast

Sierra DeGroff returns to Pushing Horizons with a story that goes far beyond race results. In this episode, Sierra shares her journey through some of ultrarunning's most iconic events, including Western States 100, Badwater 135, Umstead 100, and Denali 135. We discuss the highs of course records and championship performances, the lows of races that didn't go to plan, being dropped by a sponsor, and the process of rebuilding confidence after setbacks. Sierra opens up about the mental side of ultrarunning, why she keeps returning to difficult races, lessons learned from Badwater, what makes Western States so special, and how resilience is often built during the hardest moments rather than the best ones. Whether you're training for your first ultra, chasing a personal best, or simply looking for inspiration to keep moving forward, this conversation is packed with lessons about persistence, growth, and believing in yourself when things get tough. Topics Covered: ✅ Western States 100 ✅ Badwater 135 ✅ Denali 135 ✅ Umstead 100 ✅ Ultrarunning Mindset ✅ Mental Toughness ✅ Overcoming Setbacks ✅ Endurance Racing ✅ 100-Mile Racing Strategy ✅ Confidence & Resilience ✅ Training for Ultramarathons ✅ Women's Ultrarunning Connect with Sierra DeGroff: Instagram: @sdegroff Follow Pushing Horizons: Step by Step Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Keywords Sierra DeGroff, Western States 100, Badwater 135, Denali 135, Umstead 100, ultrarunning podcast, endurance athlete, ultramarathon, trail running, 100 mile race, women in ultrarunning, mental toughness, endurance sports, ultrarunner interview, running podcast, ultramarathon training, ultrarunning mindset, Badwater race, Western States lottery, Denali race, ultra running motivation, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons Podcast

Elite trail runner Caitlin Fielder joins Pushing Horizons to share her journey from marine science student and artist to competing against the best trail runners in the world. We talk about starting running later than most elite athletes, recovering from major hip surgery, finding success at races like OCC , Tarawera , Zegama , and Western States , and why patience has become one of her greatest strengths. Caitlin also opens up about racing through adversity, balancing life as a professional athlete, handling expectations, and why success means more than podium finishes. Whether you're training for your first ultra or chasing your biggest running goals, this conversation is packed with insights about resilience, perspective, and running with purpose. Topics Covered Starting trail running later in life Hip surgery and injury recovery Western States 100 experience UTMB OCC and international racing Tarawera Ultramarathon Zegama Marathon Elite athlete mindset Training and recovery Patience and long-term development Success beyond results Running and creativity Professional trail running Keywords Caitlin Fielder, trail running, ultrarunning, ultra marathon, Western States 100, Western States Endurance Run, UTMB, OCC, Tarawera Ultramarathon, Zegama Marathon, elite trail runner, women in ultrarunning, ultramarathon podcast, endurance sports, trail running motivation, injury recovery, running mindset, mountain running, ultrarunner interview, New Zealand trail runner, Pushing Horizons podcast, running with purpose, trail runner, endurance athlete

Season 3 Episode 20 The Joy of Hard Things Kat Edwards Anderson has raced some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, including Cocodona 250, Moab 240, Sedona Canyons 125, Kodiak 100M by UTMB, and Massanutten 100. But this conversation isn't just about running farther. It's about purpose, resilience, faith, embracing discomfort, and discovering what you're truly capable of when life becomes difficult. We discuss her journey from quitting running after high school to becoming one of the rising names in ultrarunning, what 250-mile races teach you about yourself, dealing with sleep deprivation and hallucinations, overcoming mistakes, training for extreme endurance events, and why the hardest challenges often become the most rewarding experiences. Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon, chasing a marathon PR, or simply looking for motivation to tackle life's biggest challenges, this episode is packed with honest lessons from someone who continues to push beyond her own limits. Keywords: ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, Kate Edwards, endurance athlete, 200 mile race, 100 mile race, mountain running, ultrarunner, endurance mindset, resilience, mental toughness, running podcast, trail runner, endurance sports, ultramarathon training, Pushing Horizons, endurance inspiration

Season 3 Episode 19 Built for the Long Game DJ Fox has become one of the most respected endurance athletes in ultrarunning. After winning World's Toughest Mudder, setting the Colorado Trail West-to-East Fastest Known Time (FKT), and finishing on the podium at Cocodona 250 in 2026, DJ joins Pushing Horizons to share the mindset behind his success. We discuss his life-changing illness that led him to running, leaving a secure corporate career to chase endurance sports full-time, winning a world championship, surviving multi-day adventures, and the lessons learned from running one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. DJ also breaks down his 10-hour improvement at Cocodona 250, the importance of crew and pacers, overcoming setbacks, and why he believes success comes from committing to the process rather than chasing outcomes. If you're training for an ultramarathon, marathon, trail race, or simply looking to build resilience and discipline, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Keywords: DJ Fox, Cocodona 250, ultrarunning podcast, trail running, ultramarathon, endurance athlete, World's Toughest Mudder, Colorado Trail FKT, Cocodona 250 podium, ultra endurance, endurance mindset, running podcast, trail running podcast, endurance coaching, 200 mile race, mountain running, adventure running, resilience, mental toughness, Pushing Horizons.

Season 3 Episode 18: Finding Purpose Beyond the Finish Line What happens when something that defines you comes to an end? After an incredible 1,202-day running streak , James McDonald made one of the hardest decisions of his life: to stop running every day. In this episode, James opens up about ending the streak, recovering from injury, finding his identity beyond consistency, completing his first 100-mile ultramarathon, and dealing with the disappointment of a recent DNF. We also dive into ultramarathon training, fueling strategies, recovery, coaching, race planning, mental resilience, and why enjoying the process matters more than chasing finish lines. Whether you're training for your first marathon, an ultramarathon, or simply trying to stay consistent in life, this conversation offers valuable lessons on discipline, balance, setbacks, and long-term growth. Topics covered: 1,202-day running streak Why he chose to end it Identity beyond running First 100-mile ultramarathon Learning from a DNF Ultrarunning mindset Recovery and injury prevention Marathon and ultra training Nutrition and race fueling Mental resilience and consistency If you enjoy conversations about ultrarunning, endurance sports, marathon training, resilience, mindset, and pushing your limits, subscribe and follow Pushing Horizons: Step by Step for a new episode every week. Keywords: ultrarunning, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 100 mile ultramarathon, running streak, 1202 day running streak, marathon training, ultramarathon training, endurance running, trail running, running podcast, ultrarunning podcast, endurance podcast, running motivation, mental resilience, consistency, discipline, DNF, overcoming failure, recovery, injury prevention, race nutrition, race fueling, endurance mindset, first 100 miler, Thames Path 100, MK24, James McDonald, Pushing Horizons, Pushing Horizons Podcast, marathon runner, endurance athlete, long distance running, running community, running inspiration, ultra runner interview, mental toughness, sports podcast, trail runner, adventure running

A year can change everything. The last time Cody Poskin was on the podcast, he had just finished his first Cocodona 250. He crossed the finish line in 8th place after battling blown quads, brutal climbs, and the biggest challenge of his running career. This year, he came back. 🥈 2nd Male 🥉 3rd Overall More importantly, he finished 13 hours faster . In this episode, Cody breaks down exactly what changed—from smarter training and race execution to sleep strategy, nutrition, crew support, and the mindset required to compete at the very front of one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. We also talk about learning from failure, becoming a professional athlete, chasing the Cocodona title, and why he's convinced his best race is still ahead of him. If you love ultrarunning, endurance sports, or simply hearing what it takes to become better year after year, this episode is for you. Topics covered: Cocodona 250 race recap How Cody improved by 13 hours 2nd Male & 3rd Overall finish Sleep strategy and pacing Nutrition mistakes and lessons Crew and pacers Mental resilience Becoming a professional ultrarunner What's next after Cocodona Keywords: Cocodona 250, ultrarunning, ultramarathon, trail running, endurance running, 250 mile race, Cocodona podcast, Cody Poskin, running podcast, ultra endurance, race strategy, trail runner, endurance mindset, mountain running, long distance running.

In Season 3 Episode 16 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Nepali ultrarunner Jeevan Lama to explore his incredible journey from the trails of Nepal to some of the world’s toughest mountain ultras. Jeevan shares how running helped transform his life, keeping him away from destructive habits and giving him purpose through the mountains. The conversation dives into his experience racing UTMB events, the brutal technical terrain of the Alps, and his unforgettable battle at Tor des Géants (TOR), a 330km ultra through the Italian Alps. They discuss suffering, race strategy, nutrition, mental resilience, and what it means to represent Nepal on the global trail running stage. Jeevan also shares his vision for growing trail running in Nepal and inspiring the next generation of mountain athletes. Keywords: Jeevan Lama, Tor des Géants, TOR, UTMB, ultrarunning, trail running, Nepal trail running, mountain running, endurance sports, ultra marathon podcast, Pushing Horizons

In Season 3 Episode 15 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step , Ash sits down with Peyton for an honest conversation about injuries, setbacks, marathon struggles, and the mindset required to keep moving forward. Peyton shares how her running journey began, the transition from shorter distances to long-distance racing, and the lessons she learned through recurring injuries and burnout. She opens up about the emotional side of being sidelined, the pressure of chasing personal records, and why sometimes the hardest part of running isn’t the miles — it’s staying mentally strong when things go wrong. They also discuss half marathon and marathon training, endurance building, fueling strategies, avoiding the dreaded marathon bonk, and why consistency matters more than perfection. This episode is for every runner who has ever struggled, doubted themselves, or wondered if setbacks were holding them back. Topics covered: Running motivation, marathon training, half marathon PR goals, injury recovery, mental health, endurance, race fueling, bonking, consistency, discipline, resilience, runner mindset. Keywords : running podcast, marathon training, half marathon training, half marathon PR, marathon mindset, injury recovery, running injuries, endurance training, race fueling, marathon bonking, mental toughness, running motivation, runner mindset, consistency in training, long distance running, overcoming setbacks, resilience, road running, running community, Pushing Horizons podcast

In Season 3 Episode 14 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Kaylee Frederick for a powerful conversation about endurance, discipline, mental resilience, and chasing seemingly impossible goals. At just 21 years old, Kaylee has already built an extraordinary ultrarunning resume. She ran her first ultra at 14, completed her first 100 miler at 16, and became the youngest athlete to start Badwater 135, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. In this episode, Kaylee opens up about her journey into ultrarunning, the brutal physical and mental demands of Badwater 135, elite 24-hour racing, race strategy, pacing, fueling, and the discipline required to perform at the highest level. But this conversation goes deeper than race results. Kaylee also shares her struggles with self-worth, identity, mental health, therapy, and the difficult process of learning that performance does not define who you are. This is a raw and inspiring episode about human potential, suffering, growth, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when things get hard. Topics covered: • Ultrarunning • Badwater 135 • 24-hour racing • Endurance mindset • Mental toughness • Race strategy & fueling • Discipline vs motivation • Mental health in sport • Identity beyond performance Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, Badwater 135, Kaylee Frederick, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, 24 hour race, endurance athlete, mental resilience, running motivation, trail running podcast, ultra running mindset, endurance sports, Pushing Horizons podcast

What happens when a powerlifter decides to run 200 miles? In Season 3 Episode 13 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step , Ash sits down with Grace Gilliam / Wakaii Chahatngan Tukon to explore a journey built on resilience, discipline, and relentless self-belief. From growing up in a remote village with no cars or electricity, to becoming a Spartan racer, GORUCK athlete, powerlifter, and Mammoth 200 Endurance Run finisher , her story is extraordinary. They talk about: Finishing Mammoth 200 while battling severe asthma Combining heavy lifting with ultrarunning Why strength training matters for endurance athletes Mental toughness during extreme suffering Learning to move with purpose through life’s obstacles This is a conversation about choosing hard things and discovering what you’re truly capable of. Keywords ultrarunning, Mammoth 200, endurance sports, powerlifting, Spartan Race, GORUCK, mental toughness, trail running, resilience, 200 mile race, ultramarathon podcast, running motivation, strength training for runners

Timothy Bass returns to the podcast after completing one of the most demanding goals he has ever set for himself, running 5,111 miles in a single year . In this episode, we look back at the physical and mental challenges of maintaining 100-mile weeks, what it took to stay consistent without a single rest day, and the lessons he learned about discipline, recovery, family, and identity. We talk about the difference between motivation and drive, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how running continues to shape him as a father, husband, and human being. This is a powerful conversation about commitment, resilience, and what happens when you choose to keep going long after the excitement fades. Keywords: running podcast, long distance running, marathon training, ultrarunning mindset, discipline, consistency, mental resilience, fatherhood, endurance sports, Timothy Bass

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

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 longevity Western States and elite competition Aging in endurance sports Mental resilience during tough races Fueling and race execution Coaching and athlete development Learning from bad races Staying motivated after decades of running Adaptation and continuous improvement The future of ultrarunning Keywords: 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