What happens when running stops being about pace, and becomes about freedom?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with one of the UK’s most accomplished ultrarunners to talk about mental strength, 100-mile races, mountain adventures, DNFs, and the deeper reasons behind pushing limits.

From early 50-mile races in Wales to multiple 100-mile victories, podium finishes, and a top-5 finish at the brutal Dragon’s Back Race (380km), this conversation dives into:

• The mental resilience behind ultrarunning

• What really happens during 100-mile races

• How DNFs shape stronger athletes

• Why trail running builds confidence

• Raising over £10,000 for charity through running

• Women in ultrarunning and representation

• Using endurance sport to support mental health

This is a raw, honest look at what it takes to go far, and why distance can become freedom.

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, 100 mile race, trail running, women in ultrarunning, Dragon’s Back Race, mental resilience, endurance mindset, UK trail running, charity running, mountain running, DNF lessons, long distance running motivation.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into an inspiring trail running journey that began in 2023 and quickly escalated into completing some of Hong Kong’s toughest ultra races.

From a first 19km race to finishing the HK100 (103km, 5314m elevation gain), TransLantau 100K, and the brutal HK100 Grand Sam (192km over three days with 8750m elevation gain), this story is about resilience, grit, and community.

Working 12–15 hour days as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, training at 4AM on city roads, and pushing through exhaustion at checkpoint 56km, this episode explores what it truly takes to become an ultrarunner.

We also discuss:

• The mental battle during multi-day ultras

• Training with limited time and access to trails

• The Exchange and Empower Trail Running Scholarship

• Being an ambassador for She Races, Hong Kong’s first female-focused trail race

• Why community matters in trail running

• Using running for mental health and personal growth

If you’re into ultrarunning, trail running, women in sports, HK100, TransLantau, World Trail Majors, endurance mindset, and overcoming adversity, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Josh McDole, ultrarunner and 2025 Triple Crown of 200s finisher. We dive deep into what it really takes to complete Zion 100, Cocodona 250, Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240, all in a single season.

We talk about:

• Running 200+ miles through mountains and desert

• Night four sleep deprivation and hallucinations

• Mental toughness vs physical endurance

• Fueling, recovery, and race strategy

• The emotional moment at mile 200 that changed everything

• What happens when quitting is no longer an option

This is not just about ultramarathons. It’s about mindset, identity, suffering, and what you discover about yourself when everything is stripped away.

If you're training for a 100 miler, a 200 miler, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, or chasing your own version of hard, this conversation will hit home.

#ultrarunning #200miles #moab240 #cocodona250 #trailrunning #ultramarathon #mentalstrength #endurancesports

What happens when fitness stops being something you do and starts becoming who you are?

In this episode, I sit down with Jon to unpack a journey that moved from team sport to solo endurance. From discovering running after football ended, to tackling 24-hour races, hundred milers, brutal mountain ultras, and completing all six World Marathon Majors, this conversation goes far beyond finish times.

We talk honestly about ego, pressure, sponsorship expectations, injuries, burnout, and the thin line between loving the process and being consumed by it. Jon opens up about why ultra running felt different, how community changed his perspective, and why setbacks don’t mean failure, they mean adjustment.

This episode is about endurance, identity, resilience, and learning when to push and when to step back.

If running has ever felt like more than just training, this one will resonate.

Keywords:
ultra running, marathon running, endurance mindset, running identity, mental resilience, ultra marathon training, world marathon majors, trail running, race strategy, running community, injury comeback, athlete mindset

Not every race ends at the finish line.
Some end with a decision.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into the realities of ultrarunning beyond results. We talk about building mental strength through failure, learning from DNFs, and why knowing when to stop can be just as powerful as pushing through.

This conversation covers the full picture:
mindset under pressure, fueling and nutrition, training through uncertainty, racing in extreme environments, and running with purpose through charity-driven events.

An episode about resilience, self-awareness, and the strength that’s built in the dark moments most people never see.

Perfect for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone navigating hard seasons while still choosing to move forward.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we explore what happens when joy, not ego, becomes the driving force behind running.

This conversation dives deep into the mental side of ultrarunning, including DNFs, burnout, loss of motivation, and the pressure to constantly perform. We talk about why some races fall apart despite perfect preparation, how life context affects performance, and why stepping back can sometimes be the strongest move forward.

This episode is for runners who have questioned their love for the sport, struggled after a tough race, or felt disconnected from why they started running at all.

Topics covered:

• Running through joy vs running to prove something

• DNFs, burnout, and emotional recovery

• Why mindset matters more than fitness over long distances

• Community, perspective, and long-term sustainability in running

• Finding meaning beyond results and finish lines

🎧 A raw, honest conversation for runners who want to stay in the sport for the long run.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, running mindset, DNF recovery, endurance mindset, trail running podcast, running motivation, mental toughness, joy in running, pushing horizons podcast

What keeps someone going when the race stretches beyond 100 kilometers, the body starts to fail, and quitting would be the easy option?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we explore what it really means to find joy inside suffering. This is a deep, honest conversation about ultrarunning, long-distance racing, and the mindset required to stay calm when things go wrong.

We talk about UTMB, Hardrock 100, Tor des Géants, multi-day racing, pressure at the front of the pack, and how to stay grounded as expectations rise. Beyond races, this episode dives into purpose, identity, resilience, and why joy still matters even in the hardest moments.

This one isn’t about glorifying pain.
It’s about understanding it, working with it, and learning how to keep going without losing yourself.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, trail running, endurance mindset, UTMB, Hardrock 100, Tor des Géants, women in ultrarunning, mental toughness, endurance psychology, long distance running, mountain running, resilience, pushing horizons podcast

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Steps by Steps, I sit down with Alyssa Clark, one of the most accomplished endurance athletes in ultrarunning today.

From breaking the 24-hour barrier at HURT 100 to winning Moab 240 and standing on podiums at some of the toughest races in the world, Alyssa’s journey is not about shortcuts or hype. It’s about patience, durability, and learning how to stay present when things get uncomfortable.

We talk honestly about endurance mindset, how to tell the difference between pain and danger, recovery beyond the physical, training for 100-mile and 200+ mile races, handling DNFs, and why being brave sometimes means starting without knowing how it will end.

This conversation is for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone chasing the edge of their own potential.

Keywords:
ultrarunning podcast, endurance mindset, ultra marathon training, women in ultrarunning, 100 mile race, 200 mile ultramarathon, Moab 240, HURT 100, trail running podcast, mental toughness, recovery in ultrarunning, pushing limits