"I said, 'No way am I running Western States! That's 100 miles!'" — Rob Krar, Western States Endurance Run winner 2014 Rob Krar is one of the kings of ultra running. He was a middle-distance runner through college, but then threw his running shoes in the trash, insisting he was done with running forever. Famous last words: Though Rob did take a break from running (during which time he worked grueling 12-hour graveyard shifts as a pharmacist), he eventually returned to the sport in a big way — as an ultramarathoner. He has won the most prestigious and competitive ultras, including Western States, Leadville, Run Rabbit Run, and a handful of North Face Endurance Challenge races, to name just a few. Rob is also a vocal advocate for mental health, and on this episode he opens up about his struggles with depression. Rob lives in Flagstaff, AZ, with his wife and fellow ultra runner, Christina. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase! What you'll get on this episode: How and why Rob transitioned from the track to ultra running (4:15) How Rob met his wife, Christina, and the role running plays in their relationship (12:10) How Rob says he found his purpose through running after a difficult time in his life, and why he became drawn to ultras (18:45) What Rob's relationship with pain is like (26:45) How Rob, who is self-coached, plans his training schedule and goal races (33:50) Rob's advice for dealing with injuries, both physically and emotionally (41:10) What Rob tells people who are interested in getting into ultra running (43:50) Rob opens up about his mental health struggles and experience with depression (45:45) What we mention on this episode: Butler University Western States Endurance Run Boston Marathon TransRockies Run Moab Red Hot 33K Hardrock 100 Emily Halnon on Episode 1 of the Ali on the Run Show Dave Mackey Leadman Series Depressions short film Follow Rob: Instagram @robkrar Facebook Twitter @robkrar Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
#2425 - Ethan Hawke
11 Dec 2025
The Joe Rogan Experience
SpaceX Said to Pursue 2026 IPO
10 Dec 2025
Bloomberg Tech
Don’t Call It a Comeback
10 Dec 2025
Motley Fool Money
Japan Claims AGI, Pentagon Adopts Gemini, and MIT Designs New Medicines
10 Dec 2025
The Daily AI Show
Eric Larsen on the emergence and potential of AI in healthcare
10 Dec 2025
McKinsey on Healthcare
What it will take for AI to scale (energy, compute, talent)
10 Dec 2025
Azeem Azhar's Exponential View