Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ron Aladeniyi, an ultra runner who shares his journey to the Leadville 100. They discuss the importance of community, gratitude, and personal growth in the world of ultra running. Ron reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy he finds in the journey rather than just the destination. The co...

In this conversation, Cameron Pearson shares his journey from triathlons to ultra running, highlighting the importance of community, mental strength, and preparation in endurance sports. He discusses his experiences at various races, including Moab and Tahoe, and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the running community through volunteering. Cameron also reflects on his training strategi...

Join us for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation with Deborah Anderson , a competitive ultra athlete who just secured a phenomenal third-place female overall finish at the grueling Moab 240 ! Deborah shares the complete story of her radical transition from a non-runner to an elite endurance competitor, starting at the age of 35. She dives deep into the high-stakes world of ultra running...

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through. He highlights the critical ro...

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov , one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K . What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause. Dan...

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through. He highlights the critical ro...

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov , one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K . What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause....

Buckle Up: An Ultra Running Conversation – Exploring the Ultra Running Community Hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian are flying solo this week to unpack their latest deep dives into the world of endurance sports. Get ready for an episode full of insights and stories from the heart of the ultra running community! Join us as we recap key takeaways from the US Trail Running Conference , focusing on th...

In this engaging conversation, Mark Vega shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering motorcycle accident and two strokes to becoming a passionate ultra runner. He discusses the transformative power of running, the importance of community support, and his emotional experiences during his first marathon. Mark emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue one's passions, especially for...

This week, join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen as they dive into the wild world of ultra running with special guest Paul James Johnson ! Get ready for a thrilling ride as Paul shares his incredible journey from marathons to tackling epic 200-mile races. Ever wonder what it's like to run for days with little to no sleep? Paul spills the beans on the sleep deprivation , mental challenges , and the...

Join coaches Brian and Mandy Mullen as they sit down with ultra runner Andrew Kelly to dive deep into his incredible journey. In this episode, Andrew shares how he went from a daily running streak of nearly 2,000 days to conquering some of the world's most challenging races, including the Badwater 135 . Discover how sobriety profoundly impacted his performance and mental health, and hear his u...

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tonya Olson , a physical therapist and expert on ultra running foot care. She dives deep into why proactive foot health is a non-negotiable for ultra runners, not just a post-race afterthought. Dr. Olson shares crucial insights on preventative care , common foot issues, and the absolute necessity of a dedicated foot care kit . She explains how a little know...

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of endurance sports photography on this episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation . With cohost Mandy still busy cleaning up cones, we're thrilled to welcome guest host Jeff Iosa to join Coach Brian. This week, Brian and Jeff sit down with renowned ultra-running photographer Anastasia Wilde . Anastasia shares her incredible journey, from a trad...

In this episode of Buckle Up, Rachel Downey shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, detailing her experience at the Leadville Trail 100. She discusses overcoming significant health challenges, the importance of support from crew and pacers, and her strategies for nutrition and hydration during the race. Rachel reflects on the emotional aspects of race day, her mental resilience during nig...

Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen welcome ultra-runner Jordan Moon to this episode of Buckle Up . They discuss all things running, from tackling the grueling Leadville Trail 100 to Jordan's remarkable journey of running across America . Hear how Jordan pushes his own limits and builds the mental resilience and perseverance needed to go the distance. They also get into the vital role of family support ,...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen for a powerful conversation with ultrarunner Kendra Kettelhut. In this episode, Kendra opens up about her incredible journey to the legendary Leadville Trail 100 , sharing how this challenging race has become her "second home." You'll hear Kendra's honest reflections on the pivotal role sobriety and personal growth have played in her running. She dives deep into t...

Join Coach Brian and Jonathan Levitt, host of the popular podcast "For The Long Run," for a deep dive into the dynamic world of trail running and endurance sports. In this insightful conversation, they explore the remarkable evolution of the outdoor industry, Jonathan's unique career path, and the powerful role of community in shaping the sport. From the history of iconic events like...

Get ready to lace up your shoes and dive deep into the world of ultrarunning! In this inspiring episode of "Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation," cohosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with the remarkable Walter Handloser. Walter shares his incredible personal journey of completing 100 one hundred-mile races—a feat that once seemed "stupid" but evolved into something "amazing." From tra...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultrarunning veteran Tim Vail. Tim takes us through his incredible journey, from his early love for running and triathlons to conquering the iconic Western States 100 . He dives deep into his meticulous endurance training regimen, sharing insights on how he prepares his body and mind for the most demanding races. Discover the critical role of nutrition st...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shea Aquilano , who recently tackled the formidable Western States 100 ! From her beginnings in soccer to finding her stride in trail running during college, Shea shares her unique path to becoming a competitive ultra runner . In this episode, Shea dives deep into the supportive community surrounding trail running, the critical role of nutrition in her pe...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in this episode of Buckle Up as they dive deep into the world of ultrarunning with special guest Matt Scoletti. Get ready for a dynamic conversation that covers everything from the electric energy MCing brings to endurance events to the grit required to overcome challenges like running a 5x Ironman . Matt shares his compelling personal stories , offering insights...

In this engaging conversation, Kilian Korth shares his journey from being a collegiate swimmer to becoming a prominent figure in ultra running, particularly highlighting his experience at the Tahoe 200. He discusses the challenges he faced, including breathing issues known as 'Tahoe lung', and how he adapted his training and nutrition strategies to overcome them. Kilian also reflects on th...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in a powerful conversation with ultra-runner Steve Sammut Nurminen as they dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of ultra running , from training techniques and recovery strategies to the often-overlooked post-race blues . Steve shares his inspiring journey, including running for a cause and taking...

Get ready for an empowering discussion on running , personal growth , and the power of connection! Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with special guest Suze Kandler for "Embracing the Challenge: Suze Kandler's Running Story." Suze shares her remarkable journey from novice to aspiring ultra-runner, offering invaluable insights into how a powerful mindset and robust support systems...

Join Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen on this episode of Buckle Up as Brian prepares for the challenging Old Dominion 100 ultramarathon, a key race in his pursuit of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Get an inside look at his meticulous race strategy, aiming for a sub-24-hour finish and that coveted buckle. They share practical insights on endurance running, from strategic training peaks for summer r...