Choose to Endure
Episodes
Pacers, Crews, and the Spirit of Ultras: Are We Losing Something?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ultra running world is evolving rapidly. At major races like Western States, Cocodona, and Moab, we're witnessing the rise of elaborate crew ...
*Special Recast* - Hear Me ROAR! Christy Krchnavy Conquers Cocodona 250 with an Umbrella, High-Fives & the Heart of a Lion
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey everyone!As you’re hearing this, I’m currently out on the trails attempting to complete the Cocodona 250 — a 250-mile journey across Arizona...
Embracing the Golden Hour & the Unique Experience of Finishing Last
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover why finishing last might be the greatest victory in ultrarunning. The Golden Hour—that final stretch before race cutoff—represents a magi...
The Art of Pacing in Ultras: How to Support, Motivate & Be Someone’s Hero
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raw, gritty, transformative—these words describe not just ultramarathons themselves, but the powerful act of pacing another runner through their dar...
Back Stronger: Stuart Secker’s 100-Mile Ultra Comeback After Prostate Cancer
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Secker's return to the Choose to Endure podcast brings a remarkable story of resilience that transcends the typical ultrarunning narrative...
Beyond Marathons: Glenn McRill’s Leap of Faith to 100 Miles at Grasslands
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Glenn McRill toed the starting line at Grasslands 100, he carried years of experience as a marathon runner and Director of Coaching for the San A...
The Impact of Volunteering at Ultramarathons — and Why YOU Should Do It
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every finish line crossed, every aid station that saved your race, every perfectly marked trail section - none of it happens without volunteers. But w...
Heart Rate Variability (HRV): An Ultra Runner's Secret Weapon for Recovery and Performance
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recovery often becomes the forgotten pillar of ultra running performance, especially for those of us who occupy the back of the pack. After crossing t...
200 Miles, One Lens, No Limits: David Solomon’s 2025 Swammie Shuffle Ultra Journey
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to conquer 220 miles of beach, trail, and road when your body is actively fighting against you? David Solomon knows the answer all t...
Swammie Shuffle 200 Recap: The Party Pack’s Outer Banks Ultra Adventure
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes the difference between surviving and thriving during a 200-mile ultra journey? For five back-of-the-pack runners at the 2025 Swammie Shuffl...
Survive the Night: How to Stay Motivated Through Ultra Running’s Toughest Hours
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever found yourself lost in the darkness during an ultra run, questioning why you ever started this crazy journey? Let me take you on a personal adven...
The Hidden Benefits of Making Friends in Back-of-the-Pack Running
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the true magic of ultra running isn't crossing the finish line first, but the friendships formed along the way? Join me, Richard Gleave, ...
Running Your Own Race: Embrace YOUR Pace & Conquer Ultras
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever made the rookie mistake of racing someone else’s race instead of your own? I did during my first 50k ultra, and it taught me an invaluable less...
The Flatlander’s Guide to Elevation Gains: How to Train for Hills You Don’t Have
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if training for a mountainous ultra race while living in a flat city isn't just possible, but actually an opportunity to get creative and re...
How to Save Money on Race Weekends: Travel, Lodging & Gear!
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how your choice of accommodation can make or break your race weekend experience? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my persona...
Master Your Drop Bags: Tips for Success & Mistakes to Avoid
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever found yourself at the back of the pack, wondering how to make your ultra running experience smooth and successful? You're not alone, and on ...
Pacing for the Back of the Pack: How Slow is Too Slow?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever found yourself caught in the adrenaline rush at the start line, only to hit a wall miles before the finish? That's a lesson I learned the ha...
First Time 200 Miles: Joni Watkins’ Inspiring 2024 Across the Years Journey
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*Note: Hopefully it’s not too bad, but apologies for my last 10 minutes’ sound quality, I had a technical problem with the mic, but still wanted t...
Journey Races? Embrace Adventure, Self-Reliance & Ultra Challenges
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine embarking on an ultra marathon where the finish line is not just a destination but a self-navigated and supported journey through breathtaking...
How to Choose an Ultra Running Coach
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to transforming your ultra running journey. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my experiences running ultras since 2017 and disc...
Let Your Inner Beast Run Wild! All-New 2025 Ultra Adventures from Beast Trail Racing
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Passionate ultra-runners Kelli Means and Jeremy Nicolosi transition from the thrill of the run to the excitement of race directing in our latest episo...
Ultra Training on a Tight Schedule: Simple Tips for Busy Runners
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets of balancing a thriving ultra-running career with the demands of everyday life. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I reveal 4 essential ti...
Podcast Update Pre-Season 3: Back from Sabbatical and On the Road with “Annie”
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rediscover the heart and soul of ultra running with me, Richard Gleave, as I kick off our renewed journey on the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcas...
“Iron Will” Sprouse: Overcoming Injury, 100-Mile Streaks, Double Grand Slam & Running Wisdom!
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring conversation with William "Iron Will" Sprouse, who shares his incredible journey from weighing over 300 pounds to c...
Nick Hancock: Strength Training for Ultrarunners, CCC Recap & Building Maximum Mileage Coaching Success
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could strengthen your running performance while spending less time on your feet? Discover the secrets to achieving this balance with Nick ...
4R’s Bonus Episode: A Request, Races, A Reveal, and a Reminder For You
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like life is running you instead of the other way around? This bonus episode is just what you need! I open up about the whirlwind that'...
Movement is Medicine: Dr. Matthew Brackney on Muscle Mechanics, Injury Prevention, and Keeping You Running Strong
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to preventing running injuries with Dr. Matthew Brackney, a leading chiropractic sports practitioner, on this episode of Choose to ...
Built to Last: DURABILITY for the Back-of-the-Pack Ultra Runner & Why You Should Be Focusing On It
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if durability could mean more than just physical toughness in ultra running? In this solo episode of "Choose to Endure," come along wit...
Gut Instinct: Lauren Callahan of Goddess Health Shares How Diet, Reiki & Holistic Coaching Can Impact Ultra Running Performance
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an incredible conversation with Gut Health Expert, Reiki (ray-kee) Master and Nutrition, Performance & Recovery Coach Lauren Callaha...
Seth Epley: Rising Young Ultra Runner Talks Sobriety, YouTube, Epic Race Blowups & His Upcoming Moab 240!
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can someone transform their life through the power of running? Meet Seth Epley, an extraordinary young ultra runner who shares his inspiring journ...
Kansas Buckleheads’ Jonathan Prosser Shares His First 200-Mile Race Experience At The Amazing New “Summit 200”!
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to conquer a 200-mile race through the Colorado mountains? Ultra runner and Kansas Buckleheads trail group officionado Jonathan Pros...
Fueling for the Long Haul: Expert Nutrition Tips for Ultra Runners with Gaby Villa of IntensEATfit
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your endurance performance with expert insights from sports nutritionist and dietitian Gaby Villa of IntensEATfit. Di...
V for Victor-y! Victor Ballesteros Drops In To Chat About His Company Victory Sportdesign and Their Amazing Bespoke Ultra Running Drop Bags!
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet all-round trail legend MISTER Victor Ballesteros, the visionary behind Victory Sportdesign and the Tamalpa Headlands 50K. In this episode of Choo...
6 Days in the Dome: “Living an Ultra Life” Podcast Host Mike Horner Walks Us Through The Race & His Mammoth 322 Mile Finish!
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Horner's journey to becoming an accomplished back-of-the-pack ultra runner at the age of 50 is nothing short of inspiring. Starting his ultr...
Western States 100: “Red Shorts Guy” Chris Culpepper and The Active Joe Sponsored Runner Karen Ellis Share Their Contrasting Race Experiences
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a BUMPER episode packed with not 1, but 2 stories from the recent Western States 100 event!! It’s a 2-FOR-1 !! Grab a coffee, sit down and...
Mastering Sleep for Ultra Performance w/Sleep Coach & Author Amanda Chocko
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can optimizing your sleep be the ultimate game-changer for endurance athletes? Join us on this insightful episode of Choose to Endure as we explore th...
Caveman Challenge: Jeff Colgrove of Caveman Endurance shares a look at his BRAND NEW RACE in Denison, TX!
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode of Choose to Endure, we sit down with ultramarathon runner Jeff Colgrove, who shares his transformative journey from high school...
Team USA’s Megan Eckert: Reluctant Runner to Big’s Backyard and Inspiring The Next Generation
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What turns a reluctant runner into an elite athlete representing the USA? Join us for a compelling episode as we sit down with Megan Eckert, an accomp...
Why Do We Do These Things Called Ultras? A Collection of 17 Personal Reasons, Shared By Listeners Just Like You…
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What drives someone to push their physical and mental limits in ultrarunning? Join me, Richard Gleave, as we explore this compelling question and unco...
Talking 'Bout a Revolution: PATH Projects' Cutting-Edge Running & Lifestyle Apparel w/CEO Scott Bailey and Co-Founder Floris Gierman.
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what it takes to disrupt an industry and create the perfect running and lifestyle gear? On this episode of Choose to Endure, we bring ...
Feeling Burned Out? Finding Balance Between Athletic Performance and Living a Fulfilling Life
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to optimize your ultra running performance without sacrificing your happiness and well-being? Join me, Richard Gleave, on Cho...
Into the Ultraverse: Chase & Casey Hammond Talk Ultraverse Supplements, Races and Their EPIC New Event - Summit 200!
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a journey into the Ultraverse featuring bespoke races and nutrition designed for the ultra-endurance athlete with Chase and Casey Hammond of...
Hear me ROAR! Christy Krchnavy Conquers Cocodona 250 with an Umbrella, High-Fives and the Heart of a Lion
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Ultra Expeditions Race Director Christy Krchnavy laced up her shoes to start the Cocodona 250 mile race through the rugged Arizona landscape, s...
Podcast Updates, What’s Coming Up in Season 2 and a Listener Call To Action (CTA) for YOU!
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to elevate your ultra-running game as your host Richard Gleave takes you through an exclusive reveal of what's in store for the second ...
What’s In A Name? Unpacking The Story Behind “Choose to Endure”
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You asked, so here it is!! Embark on a short BONUS journey with me, Richard Gleave, as we explore the parallels between ultra running and life's ...
Red Dirt Revelations: Scott & Kurt Share Their 100-Mile Louisiana Adventure
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how the body and mind recover after a grueling 100-mile ultra marathon? Kurt LaCroix and Scott Weidenbacher, ultrarunning powerhouses, j...
Race Cancelled? How to Navigate the Emotions and Find a Positive Outcome
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As your ultra-endurance companion, I have weathered the storm of race cancellations alongside you, feeling the sting of lost opportunities and hard wo...
The Rise of Backyard Ultras: Exploring their Popularity & Why they Captivate Runners Worldwide
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Mindset & Mental Wellbeing w/ Shannon Mick: Unlocking the Potential to Transform Your Ultra Running.
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Trekking Poles in Ultra Marathons: Boost or Burden? + Tips For Effective Use
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
Jackalope Jammin’ w/ Chris Trevino: What it’s All About & Why YOU Should Sign Up!
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, e...
Maximizing Music: How to Tune Up Your Ultra Training & Race Day Strategy
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Ultra Essentials Part 3 of 3: Training Plans, Injury Prevention/Management, Choosing the Right Events, The Ultra Community
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Strategies for Handling Setbacks in Ultras w/Garrett Fredrick of The Trail Trash Podcast
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Richard sits down with Frederick Garrett, delving into the transformative power of ultra running. Garrett's journey from the darkness ...
The Grand Finale: My 300K Tour de los Tejas Finish - Part 2
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Texas A&M Cadet Ethan Kimes’ Record Setting 830 Mile Self-Supported Trans-Texas FKT
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Choose to Endure Podcast Trailer
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Kicking Off the Adventure: Inside My 300K Tour de los Tejas - Part 1
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 aro...
Marisa Rogers: Behind the Scenes of Race Directing & How Runners Can Contribute to a Successful Race
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marisa Rogers, formerly of Ultra Expeditions race company is no stranger to the extreme dance with nature and endurance that is ultra race directing. ...
Ultra Essentials Part 2 of 3: Hydration Strategies, Clothing & Gear and Navigating The Trails
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to ‘Ultra Essentials’, your bite sized comprehensive refresher-guide to mastering the world of ultra running - this is Part 2 of the ...
Cross Training Q&A w/Coach Vicki Allen: Boosting Race Performance for Back of the Pack Ultra Runners
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ultra Essentials Part 1 of 3: Introduction, Choosing the Right Footwear & Thinking About Nutrition
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ultra Essentials is your comprehensive refresher-guide to mastering the world of ultra running. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time, returni...
Karen Ellis: From Half-Marathons to Western States 100 w/ “The Active Joe” Sponsor Entry & Tips for How You Could Be Selected, Too!
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we dive into Karen Ellis's transformation from a casual half marathoner to a powerhouse ultrarunner, embodying the spirit of our lat...
Spartan Races with Robert B. Foster: Similarities to Ultra Running and Why They Might Be a Great Complement to your Ultra Training
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Mastering Mountains: Bigfoot 200 Recap with Ultra Runner & Wildsense Co-Owner Jason Hanley
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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-div...
Running for a Cause: Veteran Runner Lisa Decker Previews the Annual Snowdrop 55hr Ultra, in Support of Pediatric Cancer
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Kelli Means’ Business: Tips and Advice From First-Time Volunteer to Ultra Marathon Finisher
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Conquering Moab: Insider Story from Two-Time Moab 240 Finisher Casey Sanders
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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&...
Stuart Secker: Adventures and Lessons From International Ultra Running
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Breaking the 50K Barrier: How I Finished My Emotional First Ultra Marathon
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Choose to Endure Podcast Introduction; What/Who is the Show All About? with Host Richard Gleave
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...