Finding Strong

In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue discuss the challenges of training in extreme heat and how to maintain motivation and resilience. They emphasize the importance of focusing on what you can control, accepting the uncontrollable, and cultivating qualities like discipline and courage. The conversation also highlights the significance of mindfulness, embra...

Summary: Is it Snake Oil? Is it worth the hype? Spoiler alert - you should probably focus on nailing the fundamentals and dropping the ego before you focus on expensive remedies, potions and weird lights.  In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, hosts Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue discuss the realities of training, the importance of consistency, and the overwhelming amount of misinformati...

In this episode of the Finding Strong Podcast, Mark Bottenhorn and Ryan Miller discuss the complexities of ultra running, including training strategies, the psychology behind DNFing, and the importance of communication in coaching. They share personal experiences from recent races, explore the balance between life and training, and emphasize the significance of finding joy in racing. The conversat...

Run Strong Athlete Tyler Kelley joins host Mark Bottenhorn on the Finding Strong Podcast. Tyler landed on the podium of his debut 100 mile race and now has his eyes set on a bigger prize - The Viper 200M race. Mark and Tyler talk through his journey, how he overcame past struggles, and how the tools he developed during those struggles have helped him in his journey.  Tyler's Three Pillars for...

Arthur and Mark talk about their plans for 2025. The hosts dive into setting goals, and reverse engineering the process to break their goals into more manageable chunks. The hosts talk about habits, goals, and their tactics for getting the most out of themselves. 

Strong Session: Discipline. 10 Minutes, All Killer, No Filler.  In this episode, Mark Bottenhorn discusses the importance of discipline and self-control in achieving long-term goals. He shares a quote from Abraham Lincoln that highlights the conflict between immediate desires and long-term aspirations. Mark emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the ability to assess the consequences of our ch...

Summary In this episode, the first instillation of the Blue Print Series,  Mark, Arthur, and Ashleigh discuss the importance of training preparation and break down the key components of a training program. They emphasize the need to assess current fitness levels, set goals, and reverse engineer the training plan. They also highlight the benefits of running at different paces, incorporating speed w...

Summary In this episode, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of staying true to your passions and letting them shape who you are. They share personal experiences of facing setbacks and challenges, such as parenting and health issues, and how their passion for endurance sports has helped them overcome these obstacles. They emphasize the mental and emotional benefits of pursuing physical activiti...

The gang has mixed results at three recent races.  In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, Mark, Arthur, and Ash discuss their recent race experiences and the lessons they learned. Arthur participated in a 50K night race to prepare for Leadville and focused on logistics and running with a headlamp. Ash faced challenges with race timing and missed a turn, but learned the importance of giving...

Summary Raul Cardenas, founder of QO Nutrition, joins the podcast to discuss his brand and its unique product. QO Nutrition offers a natural nutrition powder made from six simple whole food ingredients that are wood fire roasted. The product can be used as a meal additive, meal replacement, or for fueling before, during, and after training. Raul shares his inspiration for creating the product, whi...

Summary Mark and Arthur discuss their recent experiences and the challenges they faced in staying consistent with their training and healthy habits. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing training and finding ways to fit it into their busy schedules, even during travel or unexpected events. They also discuss the trend of relying on shortcuts and quick fixes, such as weight loss drugs, and t...

This informal conversation between Arthur and Mark revolves around the theme of taking ownership and accountability in various aspects of life, including fitness, career, and personal growth. The hosts discuss the importance of owning one's current situation and not dwelling on past achievements or future goals. They emphasize the need to enjoy the journey and make small, sustainable changes...

Summary In this conversation, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of perseverance and discipline in training. They share personal experiences and strategies for staying motivated and pushing through challenging workouts. They emphasize the significance of focusing on the present moment and the short-term goals to achieve long-term success. The conversation highlights the mental and physical ben...

Summary In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue interview James Lambert, also known as Frenchy, a middle-of-the-pack ultra runner who is currently battling stage four cancer. Frenchy shares his journey from being a magician to becoming an ultra runner, his love for the sport, and how he approaches races with a positive mindset. He also discusses his cancer di...

In this strong session, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue discuss the importance of staying the course and not quitting when things get tough. They emphasize the need to push through adversity and persevere in order to achieve success. They also provide strategies for quieting the urge to quit, such as filtering out distractions, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, and practicing disc...

Takeaways Life will inevitably get in the way of training, but it's important to find ways to adapt and make the most of the situation. Having a consistent pre-run and post-run routine, including stretching, foam rolling, and recovery tools, can help improve performance and prevent injuries. Every runner, regardless of pace, should be encouraged and supported in their training journey. The ti...

In this conversation, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of having an apprentice mindset and constantly seeking to learn and grow. They emphasize the value of discomfort and setbacks in the learning process, as well as the role of mentorship in personal and professional development. They encourage listeners to expand their knowledge and skills by stepping out of their comfort zones and embraci...

In this episode of the podcast, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue discuss the importance of seeking discomfort and facing adversity in order to achieve success. Mark shares his frustration with his soccer team's decision to postpone a game due to bad weather, emphasizing the need for a killer instinct and a mindset of pushing through challenges.  The hosts also discuss strategies for setting on...

In this Strong Session, Mark and Arthur discuss the concept of not giving pain a voice. They reflect on their recent trail races and the challenging conditions they faced. They emphasize the importance of controlling one's thoughts and words, as they can either build or destroy. They discuss the power of a positive mindset and the dangers of complaining and negativity. They encourage listener...

Strong Session; your Monday Morning Meditation. 11 Minutes. All killer, no filler.  In this episode, Mark and Arthur discuss the concept of suffering and how it can be seen as a privilege and a tool, when harnessed properly, to forge growth. They emphasize the importance of embracing struggles and using them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. They also highlight the benefits of choo...

Summary In this episode, Mark and Arthur discuss the benefits of strength training for endurance athletes and hybrid athletes. They emphasize the importance of strength training for improving running economy, reducing the risk of injury, and enhancing overall performance. They also highlight the long-term benefits of strength training for maintaining a high quality of life in later years. The host...

Summary In this episode, Mark and Arthur are joined by guest Ash to discuss their recent race. Ash completed her first ultra and set a marathon PR during the race. They talk about Ash training leading up to the race and the importance of increasing mileage volume. They also discuss the highs and lows of the race, including the challenges of fueling properly. The episode concludes with a discussion...

Summary In this episode, Mark and Arthur interview Don Reichelt, a mountain ultra trail runner and current USATF 100 mile national champion from Colorado. Don shares his journey into ultra-running and how he went from being a triathlete to tackling ultra-marathons. He discusses his training routine, emphasizing the importance of going slow and incorporating strength training. Don also shares his m...

In this episode, Arthur interviews Mark as a reintroduction to new listeners. Mark returns to racing -  Arthur and Mark dive into  how Mark grew through adversity and into new updates in Mark's life. In this episode: Mark's background in competition and coaching Mark's mentality around pushing his limits Mark's future plans for competition, coaching and life. Mark speaks to the...

Summary In this episode, host Mark Bottenhorn interviews host Arthur Blue, a former military/Special Forces captain and accomplished ultrarunner. They discuss Arthur's journey into ultrarunning, the mental resilience required in endurance sports, and Arthur's two-year sobriety milestone. They also explore Arthur's transition from a career in finance to the health and wellness indust...