Choose to Endure

Episodes

April 19, 2024

The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide

Prepare to be captivated by the sheer grit and tenacity required for backyard ultras, as I guide you through the raw and transformative world of this unique race format. Imagine stepping into a competition where the end is a…
April 12, 2024

Mindset & Mental Wellbeing w/ Shannon Mick: Unlocking the Potential to Transform Your Ultra Running.

Ever felt like the last few miles of an ultra were battling not just your body, but your mind? I'm Richard Gleave, and together with counselor and ultramarathon aficionado Shannon Mick, we unravel the mental labyrinth of ult…
April 5, 2024

Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use

Trekking poles: essential gear or just extra bulk and stress? That's the question we tackle head-on as we traverse the divisive subject of pole use in ultra running. With a landscape as varied as the runners who cross it, w…
March 29, 2024

Jackalope Jammin’ w/ Chris Trevino: What it’s All About & Why YOU Should Sign Up!

Chris Trevino joins us on an odyssey into the soul of ultrarunning, where the grit of the Jackalope Jam meets the warmth of a community that laughs, endures, and transforms together. Picture a tent city alive with camaraderi…
March 22, 2024

Maximizing Music: How to Tune Up Your Ultra Training & Race Day Strategy

Ever wondered how a simple playlist could be your ultimate ultrarunning ally? Strap on your favorite running shoes and join me, Richard Gleave, as I take you through the rhythmic heart of ultra running. We'll uncover the tra…
March 15, 2024

Ultra Essentials Part 3 of 3: Training Plans, Injury Prevention/Management, Choosing the Right Events, The Ultra Community

Welcome back to Ultra Essentials. The 3 part series where we’ve been reminding you of the basics of ultra running in a bite sized, consumable format without trying to overwhelm you with science or information. Hopefully givi…
March 8, 2024

Strategies for Handling Setbacks in Ultras w/Garrett Fredrick of The Trail Trash Podcast

Join us as Richard sits down with Frederick Garrett, delving into the transformative power of ultra running. Garrett's journey from the darkness of depression to the punishing yet rewarding world of endurance sports is not j…
March 1, 2024

The Grand Finale: My 300K Tour de los Tejas - Part 2

Brace yourself for a tale of endurance that'll have you both wincing and cheering from the sideline in the second and concluding part of the Tour de los Tejas race report. On Day 3 of the formidable Tour, I found myself ba…
Feb. 23, 2024

Texas A&M Cadet Ethan Kimes’ Record Setting 830 Mile Self-Supported Trans-Texas FKT

Embarking on a quest that stretches the limits of human endurance, Ethan Kimes, a cadet from the US Army and Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, captivates us with the narrative of his record-setting ultra run across the Lone Star St…
Feb. 19, 2024

Choose to Endure Podcast Trailer

Hey there! I'm Richard Gleave, your guide on this journey we call ultra running. With 7 years under my belt and countless miles from 50Ks to 200s, I've learned a thing or two about enduring—especially from the back of the pa…
Feb. 16, 2024

Kicking Off the Adventure: Inside My 300K Tour de Los Tejas - Part 1

Embark on an epic adventure with me, Richard Gleave, as we relive the 2021 Tour de los Tejas—an ultra marathon like no other. Covering 186 miles around Texas with the Crazy Eight, we faced the raw beauty of the open road, le…
Feb. 9, 2024

Marisa Rogers: The Art of Race Directing & How Runners Can Contribute to a Successful Race

Marisa Rogers, formerly of Ultra Expeditions race company is no stranger to the extreme dance with nature and endurance that is ultra race directing. Her journey from a personal weight loss triumph to the helm of some of the…
Feb. 2, 2024

Ultra Essentials Part 2 of 3: Hydration Strategies, Clothing & Gear and Navigating The Trails

Welcome back to ‘Ultra Essentials’, your bite sized comprehensive refresher-guide to mastering the world of ultra running - this is Part 2 of the 3 part series, where we will get into another 3 chapters worth of info. I’m R…
Jan. 26, 2024

Cross Training Q&A w/Coach Vicki Allen: Boosting Race Performance for Back of the Pack Ultra Runners

Do you feel like you're always the one bringing up the rear in ultra-running events? Worry no more, because Vicki Allen joins us with her treasure trove of cross-training wisdom that's sure to shake up your routine. Together…
Guest: Vicki Allen
Jan. 19, 2024

Ultra Essentials Part 1 of 3: Introduction, Choosing the Right Footwear & Thinking About Nutrition

Ultra Essentials is your comprehensive refresher-guide to mastering the world of ultra running. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time, returning to the trails after a break, or you’re a seasoned ultra marathoner, this …
Jan. 12, 2024

Karen Ellis: From Half-Marathons to Western States 100 w/ “The Active Joe” Sponsor Entry & Tips for How You Could Be Selected, Too!

Join us as we dive into Karen Ellis's transformation from a casual half marathoner to a powerhouse ultrarunner, embodying the spirit of our latest Choose to Endure podcast episode. We revel in Karen's tales from the pavemen…
Guest: Karen Ellis
Jan. 5, 2024

Spartan Races with Robert B. Foster: Similarities to Ultra Running and Why They Might Be a Great Complement to your Ultra Training

When life throws you into the deep end, how do you swim? Robert B. Foster, an obstacle course veteran, coach and host of the Shut Up and GRIND podcast joins me to recount his epic saga of transformation. Our conversation tra…
Dec. 29, 2023

Mastering Mountains: Bigfoot 200 Recap with Ultra Runner & Wildsense Co-Owner Jason Hanley

Have you considered what it might take to complete a 200-mile race in treacherous mountain terrain? Grab your running poles and join us for a deep-dive with our guest, Jason Hanley; experienced ultra runner and co-owner of W…
Guest: Jason Hanley
Dec. 22, 2023

Running for a Cause: Veteran Runner Lisa Decker Previews the Annual Snowdrop 55hr Ultra, in Support of Pediatric Cancer

In our recent conversation with Lisa Decker, a veteran ultra runner, we discover the power of human resilience and the spirit to fight back even when the odds are stacked high. Lisa, with her fervor for life, running, and …
Guest: Lisa Decker
Dec. 15, 2023

Kelli Means’ Business: From First-Time Volunteer to Ultra Marathon Finisher

Are you curious about what it takes to run an ultra-marathon? Maybe you’re considering stepping up from a Marathon? Or perhaps you're intrigued by the unique camaraderie and deep connections formed in the world of ultra runn…
Guest: Kelli Means
Dec. 8, 2023

Conquering Moab: Insider Story from Two-Time Moab 240 Finisher Casey Sanders

Ever been the last one picked at gym class? Imagine transforming into an ultra-marathon runner, completing grueling 50k, 50 mile races and more. That's the inspiring journey of our guest, Casey Sanders. As he takes us throug…
Guest: Casey Sanders
Nov. 27, 2023

Stuart Secker: Adventures and Lessons From International Ultra Running

Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of English ultra-runner Stuart Secker, who transformed office banter 13 years ago into a passion for long-distance running. With an impressive track record of 16 completed race…
Guest: Stuart Secker
Nov. 15, 2023

Breaking the 50K Barrier: My Emotional First Ultra Marathon Adventure

Brace yourself for a wild ride! In this episode, I bare all about running my first Ultra Marathon, the Lighthouse Hill Ranch 50K. I talk you through the exhilaration, the trepidation, and the sheer determination that got me …
Nov. 7, 2023

Choose to Endure Podcast Introduction, with Host Richard Gleave

Quick intro to the Choose to Endure podcast. A little about me and then some background/context to describe the genesis and intent of the show. Ever wondered about the tenacity it takes to run at the back of the pack, where…