Pushing Horizons Step by Step

The Edge of Possible | John Kelly | Season 3 Episode 7

What does it take to keep showing up at the edge of human possibility? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with John Kelly, Barkley Marathons finisher, endurance athlete, data scientist, and one of the most thoughtful minds in ultra running. From the psychological challenge of Barkley to the loneliness of multi-day races, John opens up about failure, resilience, discomfort, uncertainty, and why hard things still matter in a world built around convenience. We also dive into: * The mental side of ultra running * Learning through DNFs and setbacks * Barkley Marathons preparation and strategy * Data vs instinct in endurance sports * Appalachian Trail FKT attempt * The difference between pain and danger * Why suffering can create growth * Comfort culture and modern life * Motivation, limits, and human potential This is more than a running conversation. It’s about understanding yourself when things get hard. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. #ultrarunning #barkleymarathons #trailrunning #endurance #podcast #runningpodcast #ultramarathon #johnkelly #mindset #runningmotivation #endurancesports #pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #podcastforrunners

Figuring Out the 100 Mile Mind | Mercedes Siegle-Gaither | Season 3 Episode 6

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, ultra runner and Merrell athlete Mercedes Siegle-Gaither joins the podcast to talk about ultra running, 100 mile races, trail running mindset, endurance training, and the mental side of ultramarathons. We discuss: * 50 mile vs 100 mile racing * ultra marathon mindset * technical mountain running * DNF lessons * fueling and hydration mistakes * HRV, recovery, and training data * women in ultra running * pressure in competitive trail races * Leadville 100 and Hurt 100 * preparing for Arc of Attrition * overcoming self doubt in endurance sports Mercedes shares honest insights into racing difficult ultras, handling setbacks, and learning what it takes to keep going during long endurance events. If you enjoy conversations about trail running, ultramarathons, endurance sports, mindset, and long distance racing, this episode is for you. #ultrarunning #trailrunning #ultramarathon #100miler #endurancesports #runningpodcast #mountainrunning #trailrunner #leadville100 #hurt100 #pushinghorizons #pushinghorizonsstepbystep #pushinghorizonspodcast #podcastforrunners

Noreen Roberts | From “I Can’t” to “Let’s See” | Season 3 Episode 5

What does it take to go from self-doubt to self-belief? In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into the real journey behind ultrarunning: not the podiums, not the highlight reels, but the internal shift that happens when you stop asking “Can I?” and start saying “Let’s see.” This conversation explores the mental battles, DNFs, emotional moments, and personal growth that come with pushing beyond limits. It’s about embracing discomfort, learning from failure, and discovering who you become on the other side of the miles. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay consistent, or wondered what you’re truly capable of, this episode is for you. Keywords: ultrarunning, endurance mindset, running podcast, mental toughness, ultramarathon training, overcoming doubt, running motivation, endurance sports, trail running, personal growth, pain cave, running journey, resilience, long distance running, pushing limits

Roger Milenk | Fueling for Performance: The Basics Most Runners Miss | Season 3 Episode 4

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with Roger, CEO of SQUEEZY Nutrition and one of the pioneers of endurance fueling in Europe, to break down the fundamentals of fueling for performance. Roger shares over 30 years of experience in sports nutrition, starting from introducing energy gels in Germany in the early 1990s to working with athletes across endurance disciplines today. This conversation focuses on the basics most runners overlook, how the body actually produces energy, why fueling matters, and the common mistakes that lead to fatigue, bonking, and poor performance. If you’ve ever wondered how much you should eat during a run, why energy crashes happen, or how to build a proper fueling strategy, this episode gives you a clear and practical starting point. Topics covered: * Energy systems explained (glycogen vs fat) * Why fueling is essential for endurance performance * How many carbs you actually need * Common fueling mistakes runners make * Why copying others doesn’t work * The importance of individualized fueling This is Part 1 of a deeper series on endurance fueling. Keywords: endurance fueling, running nutrition, marathon fueling strategy, ultra running nutrition, glycogen depletion, bonking, carbs per hour, hydration for runners, sports nutrition basics, fueling mistakes runners make, SQUEEZY nutrition, energy gels history

Nicole Linke | From Doubt to Distance: Chasing the Impossible | Season 3 Episode 3

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, I sit down with Nicole Linke: an ultrarunner who returned to running after 8 years away and went from self-doubt to completing some of the toughest endurance races out there. From her first 61K in 2021 to conquering 100 milers, 24-hour races, backyard ultras, and the brutal CCC at UTMB, Nicole’s journey is raw, honest, and powerful. We talk about fear, resilience, eating disorders, self-belief, and what it really takes to push past your limits. This is not a story about instant confidence. It’s about showing up anyway. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable: this one hits hard. Keywords: ultrarunning, Nicole Linke, CCC UTMB, backyard ultra, 100 miler, endurance mindset, trail running, ultra marathon training, mental strength, running podcast, resilience, German ultrarunner, long distance running, pushing limits