Mastering the Mind: Neal Palles on Mental Resilience in Endurance Sports

No Limits: Jake Jackson Talks Life and Training

Welcome back to Buckle Up, everyone! Today I am incredibly excited to share a conversation that gets right to the heart of why we challenge ourselves on the trails. My guest today is Jake Jackson, and we sat down to talk about everything from the deep philosophies of life to the daily grit of training. Jake’s journey into the endurance world is nothing short of incredible. Back in 2011, by his own admission, he found himself a bit overweight, smoking to get by, and realized it was time for a massive shift. He and his wife decided to make a change and joined a gym. For Jake, the treadmill stood out as a safe place to start—and as we always say in this sport, the rest is history. Since those first steps on the treadmill, Jake has truly done it all. He has represented the US National Team in the grueling 24-hour discipline and tackled some of the toughest, most technical mountain races out there. But he’s not done pushing his limits. Right now, Jake is turning his focus toward the 200-plus mile distance, working to figure out the complex nuances and put those massive puzzle pieces together. And trust me, when he finalizes that puzzle, watch out! I had a blast catching up with Jake, and I know you’re going to get a ton out of his story and insights. Before we dive into the episode, it would mean the absolute world to me if you’d take a quick second to leave a comment, hit that like button, and subscribe to the show wherever you're listening or watching. Your support keeps this podcast moving forward. So, buckle up, and happy running, friends!

Mastering Endurance: Sierra DeGroff’s Ultra Running Insights

Join me for an inspiring conversation with ultra runner Sierra DeGroff as she shares her journey from Midwest track athlete to seasoned ultra marathoner. Discover her insights on training, race experiences, community, and her unique approach to the sport.

Mastering the Mind: Neal Palles on Mental Resilience in Endurance Sports

In this episode, Neal Palles, an ultra-running coach and mental health professional, shares insights on integrating mental health, performance psychology, and athletic training. Topics include acceptance commitment therapy, handling DNF experiences, and building mental resilience for endurance sports.

Zero Shortcuts: How Josh Lee Shed 250+ Pounds and Found Ultra

From 450 pounds to running over 100 miles on foot in less than three years—today’s episode is nothing short of extraordinary. This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Josh Lee to unpack his incredible transformation. Josh didn't just change his physical health; he completely revolutionized who he is as a husband, father, and employee. Interestingly, he did it by choosing to be "selfishly" dedicated to his own growth—proving that showing up for yourself is the ultimate prerequisite for showing up for the people you love. Josh doesn't believe in quick fixes, shortcuts, or cheat codes. Instead, he found that consistent, hard work is the best medicine for life's challenges. The ripple effect of his transformation is deeply empowering, and his journey is just getting started. Buckle up, friends—this is a great one!

From the Fleet to the Finish Line: This is Chris Marcinek

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Marcinek fresh off his incredible finish at the Cocodona 250, where he crossed the line in a staggering 85 hours. We dive deep into Chris’s transition from the Navy to the trails, uncovering the discipline and mental fortitude required to tackle one of the most iconic point-to-point ultramarathons in the country. From navigating hydration crises to the profound impact of community support, Chris shares the raw, unfiltered reality of running 250 miles through the Arizona desert. Whether you are eyeing your first ultra or are a seasoned multi-day athlete, this conversation is packed with tactical advice on pacing, course familiarity, and the power of a dedicated support crew. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed Chris's journey! Follow along for more deep dives into the world of elite endurance and trail culture.