Finding Strong

Pat and Mark are back after a short hiatus due to traveling, training, and Mark's big move to Dallas. On Episode 20, they discuss self-sabotage, negative self-talk, a persistent attitude,  doing the little things and the courage to slow down.  Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask that you rate it and share. *While w...

On the second Strong Sessions episode, Pat and Mark sit down and go over why slowing down on your easy runs will benefit you and make you faster.  Instagram: @findingstrongpodcast @patxgates @bottenhornrunning @run_strong_coaching

On the first ever Strong Session, 3 simple things you can add to your weekly routine to improve running form, efficiency, and speed.  Instagram: @findingstrongpodcast @patxgates @bottenhornrunning @run_strong_coaching

Pat and Mark sit down and discuss the North Country Trail race, everything that didn't go as planned, and everything that went right. He dives into how this race is his redemption race from dropping from the North Face 50, his nutrition, and how he felt physically and mentally throughout the race.  Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in...

Pat and Mark sit down with professional Spartan Racer, Johnny Luna Lima, and they discuss parallels in their backgrounds as well as Johnny's struggle with accepting change and finding purpose. “ True success, true happiness lies in freedom and fulfillment.” - Dada Vaswan Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask that you...

Mark has a huge exclusive announcement and he discusses how it will change his life, training and coaching moving forward. Pat is nominated for a major award.  Mark ran one of the fastest 50ks in North America in March. He failed to follow up on that momentum by DNFing at the North Face 50 mile in May, after a long road of struggles.  Mark and Pat breakdown a number of behavioral flaws and tendenc...

Pat and Mark sit down with the incredible ultra runner, Nick Budzyn. They discuss how Nick got into the sport, along with diving into diet and performance.  He shared the highs and lows of his journey, while also sharing the importance of loving the process. Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask that you rate it and share...

 A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” emphasizes how much attitude determines success or failure. Pat and Mark sit down with school counselor and marathon Olympic trials hopeful, Caitlin Gaughan, as she shares her story of overcoming setbacks, self doubt and burnout on the way to achieving greatness in distance running.  Opinions, comments...

On today's episode Pat and Mark discuss prioritizing happiness over the trappings of social media, ego and self-imposed limitations. The hosts take a deep dive into the behavioral changes that put them in the optimal environment to simply be happy.  Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask that you rate it and share. *W...

Pat and Mark sit down with professional ultrarunner Joshua Stevens and discuss his time in the special forces. They also discuss the events that shaped Joshua, and helped him discover his true calling. Joshua has endured hardship and tremendous lows, but also incredible triumphs, accomplishments and growth. His story will resonate with many and motivate everyone.  Opinions, comments and feedback a...

On episode 12, Pat and Mark discuss the changes they are making to optimize performance and health as well as the challenges that those changes present. Mark and Pat grapple with breaking the cycle of detrimental habits that could have potential negative impacts on their performance and well-being. Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this...

**there were some connectivity issues in the beginning** Pat and Mark sit down with full-time working mother, full-time OCR athlete, and full-time badass, Nicole McManus.  Nicole discusses how she got started into OCR and how she balances working full-time, being a full-time mother, and being able to train full-time. She is someone who embodies no excuses and just gets after it to get sh*t done. S...

Pat and Mark sit down with Nike Trail Elite ultra runner, Matt Daniels, and discuss Matt's story, running and coaching philosophy. Matt is one week away from taking on the Western States 100 where he will line up as the fastest athlete to ever be in the field with a 3:59 mile PR. Matt is a 12 time DII all American 3:59 mile,13:50 5k, 63:40 half marathon, Olympic marathon trials qualifier, 3x...

Pat and Mark sit down with extreme endurance athlete and elite OCR competitor, Adam Ribeiro. On today's episode they discuss training, races, mindset, and get the down and dirty from the Brazilian Muddy Boy. They also discuss Pat's injury, his new area of focus, and Mark's low-key weekend race win.  Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found en...

Pat and Mark briefly dive into the anxiety, the upbringing, and depression that has shaped Mark's life for the better. The episode touches on Mark's background and Pat and Mark's friendship.  "If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask tha...

Pat and Mark discuss Memorial Day Murph workout, rediscovering your why, and Mark talks about his running rut.  Plus a basketball showdown.  Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episode we ask that you rate it and share. "Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense o...

Sh*t is getting real. Pat is walking away from soccer, but why? Mark also considers retirement from competitive running.  Pat and Mark have an honest and transparent discussion about disappointment, setbacks, overcoming perceived failure and fueling the fire to succeed. Today's episode also touches on navigating through the current periods of transitions in their athletic and personal lives....

Pat and Mark sit down with professional obstacle course racer, Mack Roesch. They discuss overcoming obstacles on the course and in life while balancing the responsibilities of being a professional athlete. We examine training and recovery in Mack's day to day life. They touch on the roller coaster ride of chasing your dreams.  Mack was finalist on American Ninja Warrior and also appeared on B...

Pat and Mark sit down with professional Strongman Nick Davis. Nick goes into details on what it's like to be a professional Strongman, diet, training, and the pressure of being a 22 year old National Champion.  Pat and Mark also recap training, coaching, and how they spent their Easter.  Nick Davis accolades: U-23 American Strongest Man National Champion 2017 and 2018. 3rd place U-23 World&ap...

Pat and Mark sit down with professional obstacle course racer and world traveller, Cole Schwartz. On the episode Cole provides insight into training and living as a professional athlete, breaks down his training, and talks about tactics for newcomers in the sport.  Pat and Mark also breakdown their training and Pat talks about how he almost broke down his own ankle.  Opinions, comments and feedbac...

Struggling with motivation? Can't find enough time in the day? Feel like goals are out of reach?  In Episode 2, Pat Gates and Mark Bottenhorn examine the winning mindset using their life experiences as a basis for shaping their motivation and drive to accomplish their mission. They fielded questions on Instagram and did their best to offer insight from their point of view.  Opinions, comments...