Finding Strong

Mark and Pat dive into some tactics they've used to sharpen their mental strength and resilience. The Co Hosts also demonstrate how Mark implements these into training and sharpening his athlete's for battle come race day or competition time. They discuss topics such as meditation, reframing, mantras, alter egos, personal contracts and more. As always, if you enjoyed this episode please...

Periodization, training structure, key workouts? All of this might sound intimidating, but it's the ultimate blueprint for success in endurance sports. Patrick and Mark jump on the podcast to talk about Mark's methods for building his athlete's programs, some explanation behind the methods, and a deep dive into what's required physiologically to find the strongest version of yo...

Mark and Pat sit down with a very special guest, Brian - ultra endurance athlete, animal rights activist and host of the Flytrap Coalition Podcast. The trio discuss sustainability, podcasting, nutrition and planetary health as well as Brian's background in animal activism and why he chooses a cruelty free lifestyle. Brian is a dear friend of Patrick and Mark and the Finding Strong Community a...

Pat and Mark discuss the quarantine protocol for optimizing your home quarters and daily routine into a bustling and fruitful environment for bringing out the best version of yourself. If you want to train like a maniac, no stress - we want you to push your limits and materialize your wildest dreams. But we also know that we are only as strong as our weakest link. If you create an environment that...

130 miles in the last 11 days!? Mark, Pat and Michael analyze Mark's base training phase, purpose behind scheduling and the ins and outs of his runs. Pat is undertaking a new challenge to ward off those quarantine blues. Michael discusses his disappointment around Boston and world marathon major cancelations while being open the possible new opportunities that will come as a result. The boys...

On today's episode, Pat and Mark discuss ways to optimize your environment to foster performance, wellness and creativity. It may not seem like it at face value but joy, creativity, purposeful intent and good habits make us better athletes. Pat and Mark talk about their methods for developing positive habits, removing poisonous habits and planting the seeds that will lead to a bountiful harve...

It is clear that people with underlying chronic illness are having worse outcomes associated with Covid 19. It's important to control any factors you can that could potentially limit the development of chronic disease. Patrick and Mark discuss the latest happenings and social distancing developments. During the episode Mark and Pat talk about how the pandemic has made them reflect on their pe...

Your race is canceled, now what? Many of us have poured our heart and soul into training for an event to see it canceled.  Races may be canceled, but it certainly it doesn't mean that your training is going to waste. Pat and Mark sit down and discuss it on today's podcast. They also take user questions, and discuss strategic training and nutrition adjustments based on the covid-19 quaran...

Pat and Mark sit down and discuss how the pandemic protocol may likely help you reshape your training, mentality and nutrition for the better. We're faced with a very real problem, will we roll over and die, or will we see the opportunity and grab it by the throat? Races may be canceled for now, but you simply cannot cancel the process, so if you're not in love and invested in the proces...

Pat, Mark, and Michael sit down to discuss the recent events of the global pandemic and how, currently, it is important to stay the course more than ever. Michael reacts to the Boston Marathon pushing the race out to the fall for the first time in over 100 year.  Mark announces a special event he has organized called the Festival of PR's.  As always, if you enjoyed this episode please rate us...

Pat and Mark sit down to discuss various ways to supercharge your training. Mark provides insight into his list of things you need to do to improve. He dive into varying surfaces while running, varying paces, varying shoes, and recovery.  Special announcement at the end of the episode!!!!! As always, if you enjoyed this episode please rate us on iTunes, share and drop us a comment or message. You...

Pat and Mark sit down to go over questions that were asked over social media. They discuss a wide range of topics, such as, balancing training, nutrition for optimal performance, strength training, making choices that benefit long term success, and how to deal with set backs and disappointments.  As always, if you enjoyed this episode please rate us on iTunes, share and drop us a comment or messag...

Pat and Mark sit down with Hoka One One and Northern Arizona Elite runner, Sid Vaughn, to discuss his journey to 2020 Olympic Marathon trials and his plans beyond. Photo credit: @Richiebee_ You can find Sid at: @cajunlightning As always, if you enjoyed this episode please rate us on iTunes, share and drop us a comment or message. You can find the hosts of the Finding Strong Podcast: Michael: @Sono...

Pat and Mark sit down with Ashlee Powers to discuss her journey running at young age, to the collegiate level, to recently qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials. They go in depth with her college experience and how she overcame struggles with mental health. Ashlee is more than a runner, she is also an entrepreneur and they discuss her brand and how she got involved with her business. You can find...

Pat and Mark sit down with Patrick Cutter and discuss his journey from high school athlete to a marathon stand out. They also discuss weight training, fitness, and how to consume $80 worth of pasta.  As always, if you enjoyed this episode please rate us on iTunes, share and drop us a comment or message. You can find the hosts of the Finding Strong Podcast: Patrick Cutter: irun26point2_ Michael: @S...

"I will prepare and someday my time chance will come" - Abraham Lincoln. Mark is no stranger to hard work and the mentality required to thrive. However his deepest struggles in life have come in moments in which he's been short of confidence. It took 34 grueling miles on a muggy day in east Texas to overcome his own doubts. With the race on the line and his body beginning to betray...

Mark and Michael sit down with award winning chef and admitted obsessive runner, Marc Quinones, to discuss his journey and the similarities between being an accomplished chef and driven athlete. Despite his success, he isn't a stranger to struggle and he's had to overcome a lot to get to this point. When Marc isn't winning awards at his restraunt, cooking on TV shows like chopped or...

Thrive Mindset: Pat and Mark discuss their journey and growth from being tethered by a losing mindset to being freed and empowered by developing a Thrive Mindset. Change is the only constant in life, and the hosts have been no stranger to adversity - it was when they developed the tools to overcome that each of their live's took off. “If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return...

It's 2020, lets party! Michael, Mark and Pat discuss their goals for 2020. Pat discusses his upcoming cross-country bike adventure, Michael speaks about his Boston 2020 race and beyond. Mark has a new sponsor, talks about his future plans for reinventing himself as an athlete, and his approach for accomplishing those goals. There are two types of pain: the instant pain of sacrifice for your g...

Pat and Mark sit down with Derek Yorek. The hosts discuss his background, training methodology and supreme confidence. They also talk about his unique experience of leading the Boston Marathon. You can find Derek Yorek at: @yorekfit You can find the hosts of the Finding Strong Podcast: Michael: @Sonofragingjoe Pat: @Patxgates Mark: @bottenhornrunning and www.markbottenhorn.com Opinions, comments a...

Pat, Michael, and Mark sit down to discuss weight training, common misinformation, structuring your training, recovery, and answer user questions.  You can find the hosts of the Finding Strong Podcast: Michael: @Sonofragingjoe Pat: @Patxgates Mark: @bottenhornrunning and www.markbottenhorn.com Opinions, comments and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. If you found enjoyment in this episo...

Pat and Mark sit down with professional ultra trail marathoner Jake Jackson. They discuss Jake's inspiring story from not running to running for team USA in France for the 24 hour World Championships. Jake also dives into being a full-time truck driver, how he balances training, and his plans for 2020. You can find Jake on instagram: ultra_trucker You can find the hosts of the Finding Strong...

From Death Valley to Hope Pass After winning the Badwater Ultra Cup Series, conquering the Badwater 135, and Leadville 100 Mile foot race, friend of the podcast Joshua Stevens is back on the show. Michael, Pat and Mark sit down with Joshua as he provides race recaps, gives his take on nutrition and gear and teaches everyone a lesson in humility with his heartfelt messages. You can find Joshua on I...

Pat, Mark, and Michael sit down to discuss building and being a well-rounded athlete. Mark delves into his coaching background and provides insight into the dynamics of weight training, nutrition, running, selecting a coach, and training philosophy.  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...

Pat and Mark sit down with marathoner, husband and adventurer Michael Benvenuto. Michael's journey of adversity, growth, and triumph is inspiring. Michael is coached by Mark, under his platform Run Strong Coaching. Learn more about Michael, his coach/athlete relationship with Mark and his story on today's episode.  WARNING: Big announcement on today's episode.  Opinions, comments an...