Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

The (Haglund's) Bump in the Road with Ruairi Moynihan ep108

In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian Passenti is joined by ultra runner Ruairi Moynihan for a raw and honest deep dive into one of the most frustrating injuries for endurance athletes: Haglund’s Deformity. Whether you call it "pump bump" or just a literal pain in the heel, Haglund’s can derail years of training. Brian and Ruairi are at two very different stages of the process—Brian is currently in the thick of the immediate post-op trenches, while Ruairi is nearly two years out from his own surgery. They swap stories on the reality of the procedure, the mental toll of being sidelined, and what it actually takes to get back to the trails. From the gear choices that might be aggravating your Achilles to the moment you decide that conservative treatment just isn't enough, this conversation covers the full trajectory of the surgical journey.

300 Miles of Grit: How Simon Guerard Tamed the Arizona Monster

This week on Buckle Up, we have a very special "welcome home" episode. Former co-host Simon Guerard rejoins Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen to recount his epic finish at the Arizona Monster 300. Three hundred miles is more than just a race; it’s a journey through every physical and mental state a human can experience. Simon pulls back the curtain on the raw reality of the Monster 300, from the blistering heat of Day One to the agonizing injury management that threatened to end his race. Whether you are curious about the logistics of a 300-miler or need a masterclass in mindset shift when things go south, this conversation covers the grit, the community, and the sheer will required to find the finish line.

Trauma, Trails, and Triumphs: Lessons from Maia Detmer ep106

What happens when you trade 20 years of trauma nursing stories for 250 miles of desert trail? This week, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with Maia Detmer to explore her incredible evolution from a high-stress career in a Las Vegas ER to becoming a powerhouse in the ultra-running community. Maia opens up about her transition from unhealthy habits to finding her stride in endurance sports at age 30. We dive deep into the "mental poker game" of the Cocodona 250, the hard-earned lessons of sleep deprivation, and how she balances "maintenance miles" with a demanding professional life. From the shared magic of the Leadville trails to the "unfinished business" driving her toward the Tahoe 200, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, community, and the beauty of getting out of your comfort zone.

300 Hundreds and Counting: The Legend of the Running Jester ep105

This week on Buckle Up, we sit down with a true legend of the trails: Ed Ettinghausen, better known to the community as "The Running Jester." With over 300 hundred-mile finishes and multiple world records to his name, Ed brings a wealth of experience, humor, and heart to the show. In this episode, we explore the man behind the iconic costumes and the drive required to maintain a staggering goal of hitting 100 miles in every 24-hour race he enters. We dive deep into the evolution of ultrarunning, discussing how race organization, course markings, and safety standards have transformed since Ed first hit the dirt. Whether you're curious about the logistics of racing in a jester hat or looking for inspiration to push your own limits, Ed’s journey offers a unique look at the spirit of the ultra community.

More Than Miles: Aaron Nelson on Resilience and Running for a Cause

Lace ’em up and grab a handheld, because we are hitting the trails for a heavy-hitting (but light-hearted) Episode 104! This week on Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen are sitting down with the resilient Aaron Nelson. If you’ve ever had a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) burning a hole in your soul or a "Why" that’s bigger than the miles ahead, this conversation is for you. Aaron is heading back to the start line this May with a serious "redemption" mindset and a heart full of purpose. We’re diving into the grit it takes to return to a race that previously kicked your tail, and how running for a cause—specifically fundraising for cancer treatment—can turn your legs into literal machines.