Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

Miles, Media, and a Side of Sour Cream with Greggi off the seggi ep102

Strap in for a high-energy episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation! This week, Mandy and Coach Brian are joined by the man, the myth, the legend: Greg Veregin—better known to the community as Greggi off the Seggi. We’re diving deep into the secret sauce of the ultra-endurance world: the Burrito League. Greg shares his journey from a spark of inspiration in a college classroom to becoming a coach and a pivotal figure in how we experience races through live streaming. This episode isn't just about miles; it's about the connections, the culture, and the inclusive spirit that makes the trail community feel like home. * The Origin Story: How a college professor inadvertently set Greggi on a path toward the ultra world. * The Burrito League Phenomenon: Breaking down how this unique event is fostering deep community engagement and friendships. * The Digital Trail: How live streaming is changing the way we connect with races and each other in real-time. * Coaching & Growth: Greg’s transition into coaching and his philosophy on supporting runners of all levels. * The Future of Ultra: A look at expanding participation and keeping the sport inclusive and welcoming.

From Frustration to Innovation: The Orange Mud Story ep101

In this engaging interview, Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud, shares his journey from frustration with gear to creating innovative products for endurance athletes. Discover how passion, design, and community-driven feedback have shaped a thriving business in the outdoor sports industry.

Fueling for Performance with Dr. Stephanie Howe ep100!

Welcome back to the show! In today’s episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down for a rapid-fire session with the incredible Dr. Stephanie Howe, PhD. As both a world-class ultra-runner and a registered dietitian with a background in exercise physiology, Stephanie brings a rare blend of elite athletic experience and rigorous scientific expertise to the table. Throughout this conversation, we explore why nutrition is far from a one-size-fits-all formula, emphasizing the importance of individualized strategies for endurance athletes who all face unique digestive tolerances and performance goals. From navigating the dietary challenges of the holiday season and the specific nuances of vegan nutrition to the critical roles of sodium in hydration and the timing of carbohydrates for recovery, no stone is left unturned. Whether you’re looking to master your fueling for an ultra-endurance event or simply trying to anchor healthier habits into your daily routine, Stephanie’s evidence-based approach offers practical, actionable insights for athletes at every level. Let's dive in and learn how to bridge the gap between training hard and performing at your absolute best.

Pushing Limits: The Endurance Story of Ben Niebla ep99

In this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast, hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian welcome ultra runner Ben Niebla, who shares his journey from hiking in New Hampshire to becoming an accomplished ultra runner. Benjamin discusses his early experiences with sports, his transition into trail running, and how he found a community that supports and inspires him. He recounts his first ultra race, the challenges he faced, and how he developed a passion for the sport, culminating in his recent participation in the 'Across the Years' race, where he achieved a remarkable 200-mile finish. Throughout the conversation, Ben emphasizes the importance of community in ultra running, sharing anecdotes about the camaraderie he experienced during races. He reflects on the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, particularly during the unique format of 'Last Man Standing,' and how he coped with the struggles he faced. The episode concludes with Ben's insights on recovery, training, and his future goals in the sport, leaving listeners inspired to push their own limits and embrace the journey of endurance running.

Leading by Example: Building Resilience One Mile at a Time with Chris Avery ep98

Buckle up! This week, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with Chris Avery, a man who went from "accidental runner" to planning one of the most ambitious physical feats we’ve ever heard on the show. Chris shares the story of how a spur-of-the-moment marathon with zero training ignited a fire that hasn’t gone out since. Now, he’s preparing for his biggest "why" yet: running the entire perimeter of the United States in 2027 with his family by his side. In this episode, we discuss: * How a "run every day" streak can shift your entire identity. * The 2027 Challenge: Why Chris is taking his family on a journey around the edge of the country. * The mental grit required to lead by example for your children. * Why "starting small" is the only way to achieve something massive.