Chasing Big Goals, Raising Little Humans | Careth Arnold | Pushing Horizons: Step by Step

Chasing Big Goals, Raising Little Humans | Careth Arnold | Pushing Horizons: Step by Step

What does it take to balance elite ultrarunning with motherhood? In this episode, I sit down with Careth Arnold, one of the top-ranked ultrarunners in the United States, to talk about her journey from a recreational runner and mother of two to competing at some of the biggest trail and ultramarathon races in the world. We discuss her rapid rise in the sport, 100-mile racing, Western States, TDS, Hardrock, training while raising young children, overcoming setbacks, dealing with DNFs, race nutrition struggles, and the mindset required to keep showing up when things don't go as planned. Careth shares why every race is just another brick in the wall she's building, what success means to her, and how motherhood has shaped her approach to endurance and life. Whether you're an ultrarunner, trail runner, parent, or someone chasing ambitious goals, this conversation is packed with lessons about resilience, consistency, and pushing beyond perceived limits. * Ultrarunning and motherhood * 100-mile races * Western States 100 * TDS by UTMB * Hardrock 100 * Trail running mindset * Dealing with failure and DNFs * Nutrition challenges in ultras * Training while raising children * Endurance, resilience, and growth Careth Arnold, ultrarunning, trail running, ultramarathon, 100 mile race, Hardrock 100, Western States 100, TDS UTMB, motherhood, women in sport, endurance athlete, trail runner podcast, running podcast, ultrarunner interview, mountain running, endurance mindset, ultra trail running, female ultrarunner, running motivation, Pushing Horizons Podcast Topics Covered:Keywords

Charlie Shelbourne | From the Desert to the Mountains | Marathon des Sables, Dragon’s Back & 100 Mile Ultras | Season 3 episode 8

In Season 3 Episode 8 of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultra runner and former Royal Marines Commando Charlie Shelbourne for a deep conversation about endurance, suffering, and pushing human limits. From completing Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert to taking on the brutal Dragon’s Back Race across Wales and the Arc of Attrition 100 mile race by UTMB, Charlie shares the highs, the failures, the mistakes, and the mindset behind ultra endurance racing. This episode covers: * Marathon des Sables 2024 * Dragon’s Back Race 2024 * Arc of Attrition 100 by UTMB * Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100K * Ultra running mindset * Military discipline and endurance * Fueling mistakes and race nutrition * Running through the night * Sleep deprivation and hallucinations * Mountain running and elevation training * The psychology of endurance sports If you enjoy conversations about ultra marathons, trail running, endurance mindset, and adventure racing, this episode is packed with honest insight and real experience from the pain cave. Keywords: ultra running podcast, ultramarathon podcast, Marathon des Sables, Dragon’s Back Race, Arc of Attrition, UTMB, trail running podcast, endurance sports, mountain ultras, 100 miler, endurance mindset, ultra runner interview, adventure racing, running motivation, ultra marathon training.

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