Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

Brian Passenti

Buckle Up: Exploring the World of Ultrarunning

Strap on your virtual shoes and join us on a journey beyond the trail. This is Buckle Up, your one-stop shop for everything ultrarunning.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran crushing 100-milers or a curious beginner eyeing your first 50k, we've got something for you.

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27 episodes
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English

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#125
Yesterday · 41 min
Big Swings, Road Angels, and Odd Ducks with Joe Hardin ep.125
What happens when you trade self-doubt for "scary" goals? On the latest episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Hardin—founder of Odd Duck Running, race director, and ultra-distance athlete. Joe’s journey into endurance sports started with sobriety, early morning treadmill walks, and a local 5K. Fast forward to today, and he recently completed Laz Lake’s infamous Vol State 500K—a 314-mile unassisted journey run across Tennessee—in 8 days and 8 hours. Key takeaways from our conversation: The Power of Community: How unexpected kindness from "Road Angels" (volunteers offering porches, showers, and meals) restores faith in humanity during extreme physical efforts. Reframing Milestones: Why there is no such thing as "just a 5K"—every starting line represents a massive personal victory. Taking Big Swings: Why leaders, athletes, and builders should set goals large enough to feel intimidating, because trying and falling short is still a win over staying stagnant. Through Odd Duck Running, Joe is now expanding events, giving back to charity, and creating spaces where every runner feels like they’ve found "their people."
#124
October 23 · 37 min
Pt. 2~ Elliot Murphy's Follow up
Elliot Murphy shares his first 100-mile ultramarathon experience at Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd, discussing the physical and mental challenges, fueling strategies, and lessons learned that can inspire and guide aspiring ultrarunners.
#123
October 15 · 34 min
Faith and Endurance: Elliot's Story
In this conversation, Elliot Murphy shares his journey into ultra running, discussing his preparation for the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd (PHH), his experiences with grief, and how running has transformed his life. He emphasizes the importance of community, mental resilience, and the role of faith in his running journey. Elliot also highlights his partnership with Comfort Zone Camp, a charity supporting young people through grief, as he prepares to run for a cause that resonates deeply with him.Check back in next week to see how it all goes for Elliot!And check out these links too:https://comfortzonecamp.org/https://www.relayforamerica.org/https://www.instagram.com/elliotmurphyy/
#121
October 7 · 47 min
Brian Reynolds: A Story of Resilience
In this conversation, Coach Brian, Mandy Mullen, and Brian Reynolds discuss the challenges and triumphs of Brian's journey as a double amputee who has taken on the Leadville Trail 100. They explore the chaos of back-to-school routines, the evolution of Brian's running journey, and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. Brian shares his experiences with prosthetics, the shift in his mindset towards physical activity, and the significance of his crew during the race. In this conversation, Brian shares his journey through ultra running, focusing on the importance of community support, overcoming challenges with prosthetics, and the emotional highs and lows of racing. He reflects on his experiences at the Leadville Trail, the lessons learned from past attempts, and the joy of finally finishing the race. The discussion highlights the power of inspiration and motivation found in the ultra running community, as well as Brian's future aspirations beyond racing.
#120
October 7 · 42 min
"We Did It!" with Adrian Macdonald
Join us as we delve into Adrian McDonald's remarkable four-time Leadville Trail 100 finish, including three wins, and explore his training, nutrition, and race strategies that make him a top contender in ultra running.
#122
October 5 · 38 min
Revolutionizing Running with BackMyRun.com
In this conversation, Daniel discusses his innovative app, Back My Run, which allows runners to receive motivational voice notes from friends and family during races. The app aims to enhance the running experience by providing emotional support at critical moments. Daniel shares insights into the app's functionality, the inspiration behind its creation, user feedback, and marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the potential for future features and the broader implications of the app in the running community.
#119
August 18 · 46 min
“Dont Let Your Dreams Die” -With Croix Sather
In this conversation, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen speak with Croix Sather about his recent attempt to cross Death Valley in a self-supported ultra marathon. Croix shares his journey from being a carpenter to becoming an ultra athlete, detailing his past attempts at the Badwater crossing, the challenges he faced during his latest attempt, and the lessons learned about resilience and pursuing dreams. Despite not breaking the record or completing the distance, Croix emphasizes the importance of going after one's dreams and the experiences gained along the way. In this conversation, Croix shares his harrowing experience attempting to run in Death Valley, where he faced life-threatening conditions. He reflects on the importance of listening to one's body, the role of support teams in extreme sports, and the emotional aftermath of pushing physical limits. The discussion also delves into finding meaning in challenges beyond extreme sports and the journey ahead, including plans for a documentary and book about his experiences.https://www.deathvalleyrun.com/
August 14 · 34 min
Leadville Trail 100 Run- 2026 Course Reroute and Updates
In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen discuss their extensive experiences with the Leadville Trail 100, including the impact of recent wildfires on the course and the resulting reroutes. They dive deep into the reroutes and how it will impact the event from the participant perspective. There are slight changes for the crew and pacer exchanges. They emphasize the importance of understanding the logistical changes for runners and crews, particularly regarding aid stations and nutrition planning. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of adapting to course changes and the community's support for the race. Ultimately, they express excitement for the upcoming event and encourage listeners to support the local economy.
#118
August 10 · 38 min
Conquering the Collegiate Peaks Loop with Doug McCaw II
Episode Overview:In this episode, Coach Brian sits down with ultra runner Doug McCaw II to break down his recent adventure on the Colorado Trail's infamous Collegiate Peaks Loop in late June. Doug shares the highs, lows, and crucial adjustments that allowed him to push through extreme altitude, brutal terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather. Beyond the trail, they dive into the power of community, mental resilience, and how you can get involved with Elevate Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through active support. The Collegiate Peaks Loop Challenge: A deep dive into route logistics, elevation profiles, and what makes this section of the Colorado Trail one of the most grueling endurance tests in the Rockies. Dialing in the Strategy: How consistent preparation, precise pacing, and smart nutrition/sleep management transformed Doug’s performance compared to previous attempts. High-Altitude Execution: Managing maximum heart rate efforts, adapting to harsh weather windows, and overcoming physical fatigue above tree line. Driven by Purpose: Exploring the mission behind Elevate Kids and how aligning endurance efforts with non-profit work fuels mental toughness when the going gets tough.
#117
August 4 · 59 min
Running Beyond the Stigma with Katharina Hartmuth
When we think of elite mountain runners pushing their limits on some of the world’s most grueling courses—like Hardrock 100—we often focus solely on physical grit. But what happens when the biggest challenges aren't the vertical gain, but the internal struggles we carry along the way? In this episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation, we sit down with world-class ultrarunner Katharina Hartmuth for a deeply honest conversation on mental health, therapy, and the true meaning of resilience on and off the trail. We dive into the story behind the compelling documentary Katarina by Ethan Newberry, exploring how running can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions while recognizing why it’s never a replacement for professional help. Katharina opens up about cultural shifts around mental health, navigating training through mountain challenges and wildfires, breaking down stigmas in sports, and the incredible support network within the ultra community. Whether you're lining up for your next 100-mile race or navigating your own personal peaks and valleys, Katharina’s perspective is a vital reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength—and that better times are always ahead. Youtube: https://youtu.be/y3dPZEEwTFI?si=hFTweUpxTmJiVXxt
#116
July 13 · 52 min
Do It Now: Michael Wardian’s 30 Years of Ultras and His Next Wild Challenge
What does it take to "suck the marrow out of life"? If you’re ultra running legend Michael Wardian, it means spending 30 years at the absolute peak of endurance sports, winning the World Marathon Challenge three times, and recently breaking the world record for running seven 50K ultramarathons on seven continents in seven days. But Mike isn't looking backward. With a massive Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through-hike starting this week and a future challenge to row across the Atlantic, he joins the show to share the raw grit, mental strategies, and pure love of adventure that fuels his relentless engine. In this episode, we dive deep into the brutal logistics of racing the globe, how he balances a world-class training regimen with family life, how he handles the handshake with fear on massive trail projects, and why his ultimate advice to anyone chasing a big dream is simple: Do it now. Please consider donating to Michael's PCT fundraiser Protect Our Winters. https://www.mikewardian.com/
#115
July 5 · 54 min
The Joy of Biking: Freedom and Advocacy
In this engaging conversation, Taylor Nichols shares his unique journey as an ultra biker, connecting generations through his biking adventures across America. He discusses his advocacy work for safe streets and the importance of creating a biking-friendly environment. The conversation also delves into the emerging trends of e-bikes and e-motos, exploring the need for regulation and safety. Throughout, Nichols emphasizes the freedom and joy that biking brings, while addressing the critical issues of road safety and urban planning. In this engaging conversation, Taylor Nichols shares his experiences of long-distance cycling, the meditative aspects of biking, and the connections formed through the journey. He discusses the challenges faced as a bike advocate, the importance of community, and the unexpected joys encountered along the way. The dialogue emphasizes the possibilities of cycling as a means of exploration and personal growth, while also highlighting the kindness of strangers met on the road.
#115
June 18 · 48 min
No Limits: Jake Jackson Talks Life and Training
Welcome back to Buckle Up, everyone! Today I am incredibly excited to share a conversation that gets right to the heart of why we challenge ourselves on the trails. My guest today is Jake Jackson, and we sat down to talk about everything from the deep philosophies of life to the daily grit of training. Jake’s journey into the endurance world is nothing short of incredible. Back in 2011, by his own admission, he found himself a bit overweight, smoking to get by, and realized it was time for a massive shift. He and his wife decided to make a change and joined a gym. For Jake, the treadmill stood out as a safe place to start—and as we always say in this sport, the rest is history. Since those first steps on the treadmill, Jake has truly done it all. He has represented the US National Team in the grueling 24-hour discipline and tackled some of the toughest, most technical mountain races out there. But he’s not done pushing his limits. Right now, Jake is turning his focus toward the 200-plus mile distance, working to figure out the complex nuances and put those massive puzzle pieces together. And trust me, when he finalizes that puzzle, watch out! I had a blast catching up with Jake, and I know you’re going to get a ton out of his story and insights. Before we dive into the episode, it would mean the absolute world to me if you’d take a quick second to leave a comment, hit that like button, and subscribe to the show wherever you're listening or watching. Your support keeps this podcast moving forward. So, buckle up, and happy running, friends!
#114
June 12 · 44 min
Mastering Endurance: Sierra DeGroff’s Ultra Running Insights
Join me for an inspiring conversation with ultra runner Sierra DeGroff as she shares her journey from Midwest track athlete to seasoned ultra marathoner. Discover her insights on training, race experiences, community, and her unique approach to the sport.
#113
June 5 · 52 min
Mastering the Mind: Neal Palles on Mental Resilience in Endurance Sports
In this episode, Neal Palles, an ultra-running coach and mental health professional, shares insights on integrating mental health, performance psychology, and athletic training. Topics include acceptance commitment therapy, handling DNF experiences, and building mental resilience for endurance sports.
#112
May 25 · 50 min
Zero Shortcuts: How Josh Lee Shed 250+ Pounds and Found Ultra
From 450 pounds to running over 100 miles on foot in less than three years—today’s episode is nothing short of extraordinary. This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Josh Lee to unpack his incredible transformation. Josh didn't just change his physical health; he completely revolutionized who he is as a husband, father, and employee. Interestingly, he did it by choosing to be "selfishly" dedicated to his own growth—proving that showing up for yourself is the ultimate prerequisite for showing up for the people you love. Josh doesn't believe in quick fixes, shortcuts, or cheat codes. Instead, he found that consistent, hard work is the best medicine for life's challenges. The ripple effect of his transformation is deeply empowering, and his journey is just getting started. Buckle up, friends—this is a great one!
#111
May 15 · 1 hr 3 min
From the Fleet to the Finish Line: This is Chris Marcinek
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Marcinek fresh off his incredible finish at the Cocodona 250, where he crossed the line in a staggering 85 hours. We dive deep into Chris’s transition from the Navy to the trails, uncovering the discipline and mental fortitude required to tackle one of the most iconic point-to-point ultramarathons in the country. From navigating hydration crises to the profound impact of community support, Chris shares the raw, unfiltered reality of running 250 miles through the Arizona desert. Whether you are eyeing your first ultra or are a seasoned multi-day athlete, this conversation is packed with tactical advice on pacing, course familiarity, and the power of a dedicated support crew. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed Chris's journey! Follow along for more deep dives into the world of elite endurance and trail culture.
#110
May 4 · 52 min
The “Enoughness” Mindset with Stephanie Rosebaugh ep110
With the Cocodona 250 just days away, this episode features a deep dive with Stephanie Rosebaugh. Both Mandy and Steph are heading to the starting line this week, and we explore Steph's unique journey to this monumental race. From navigating the mental battlefield of "backyard" formats to the philosophy behind her memoir, The Power of Enoughness, Stephanie shares how she balances the grit of 200-plus mile races with family life and emotional health.Steph's Fundraiser for Bigger Than The Trail:https://runsignup.com/stephscoco2026Steph's Book Pre-Order:https://books.manuscripts.com/product/the-power-of-enoughness/
#109
April 24 · 54 min
The Power of Authentic Connections in Ultra Running
Join Coach Brian as we explore the vibrant world of community-building in running, ultra events, and the power of authentic connections. Jason Bahamundi shares insights on grassroots races, supporting fellow athletes, and creating inclusive spaces for all levels.
#108
April 16 · 56 min
The (Haglund's) Bump in the Road with Ruairi Moynihan ep108
In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian Passenti is joined by ultra runner Ruairi Moynihan for a raw and honest deep dive into one of the most frustrating injuries for endurance athletes: Haglund’s Deformity. Whether you call it "pump bump" or just a literal pain in the heel, Haglund’s can derail years of training. Brian and Ruairi are at two very different stages of the process—Brian is currently in the thick of the immediate post-op trenches, while Ruairi is nearly two years out from his own surgery. They swap stories on the reality of the procedure, the mental toll of being sidelined, and what it actually takes to get back to the trails. From the gear choices that might be aggravating your Achilles to the moment you decide that conservative treatment just isn't enough, this conversation covers the full trajectory of the surgical journey.

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