Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

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.

Revolutionizing Running: Insights from Dr. Jason Karp ep.97

In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with the renowned Dr. Jason Karp to discuss the intersection of sports science, culture, and technology. Dr. Karp takes us through his fascinating journey from a curious student of human anatomy to a leader in the running community. The conversation dives deep into his time coaching in Kenya, revealing how a culture rooted in community and hard work shapes world-class athletes. Dr. Karp also opens up about his latest innovation, RunKasi, an AI-powered coaching app designed to bring real-time, expert guidance to runners everywhere. From the nuances of women’s physiology to the future of remote coaching, this episode challenges the status quo of the running industry.

Running the Show: Behind the Scenes at Run.Windsor with Ellie Martinez

This week, we sit down with Ellie Martinez, the essential "right hand" to our co-host Mandy Mullen. We go behind the scenes to discuss Ellie’s pivotal role at Run.Windsor and what has surprised her most about working in the industry. Plus, Ellie opens up about her lifelong background in sports and draws a fascinating parallel between the patience of hunting and the endurance of ultra running. Thank you for listening—we can't wait to bring you more great content in 2026!