Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shea Aquilano, who recently tackled the formidable Western States 100! From her beginnings in soccer to finding her stride in trail running during college, Shea shares her unique path to becoming a competitive ultra runner.

In this episode, Shea dives deep into the supportive community surrounding trail running, the critical role of nutrition in her performance as a plant-based athlete, and...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in this episode of Buckle Up as they dive deep into the world of ultrarunning with special guest Matt Scoletti. Get ready for a dynamic conversation that covers everything from the electric energy MCing brings to endurance events to the grit required to overcome challenges like running a 5x Ironman.

Matt shares his compelling personal stories, offering insights into the mindset needed to push throug...

In this engaging conversation, Kilian Korth shares his journey from being a collegiate swimmer to becoming a prominent figure in ultra running, particularly highlighting his experience at the Tahoe 200. He discusses the challenges he faced, including breathing issues known as 'Tahoe lung', and how he adapted his training and nutrition strategies to overcome them. Kilian also reflects on the evolution of ultra running, the i...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen in a powerful conversation with ultra-runner Steve Sammut Nurminen as they dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, from training techniques and recovery strategies to the often-overlooked post-race blues.

Steve shares his inspiring journey, including running for a cause and taking on incredible treadmill challenges, wh...

Get ready for an empowering discussion on running, personal growth, and the power of connection! Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with special guest Suze Kandler for "Embracing the Challenge: Suze Kandler's Running Story." Suze shares her remarkable journey from novice to aspiring ultra-runner, offering invaluable insights into how a powerful mindset and robust support systems have been instrumental in her succes...

Join Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen on this episode of Buckle Up as Brian prepares for the challenging Old Dominion 100 ultramarathon, a key race in his pursuit of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Get an inside look at his meticulous race strategy, aiming for a sub-24-hour finish and that coveted buckle. They share practical insights on endurance running, from strategic training peaks for summer races to invaluable "gas statio...

Lace up for the highly anticipated second installment of our ultra-running deep dive! In this episode, hosts Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen continue their candid conversation with DPT Brian Burkhardt dissecting the intricate world of ultra running with a keen focus on injury prevention and peak performance.Are shin splints truly a bone stress injury? Our expert reveals the surprising truth, shifting the paradigm from common miscon...

In this engaging episode, co-hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian connect with trail running visionaries Terry Chiplin, founder of the US Trail Running Conference, and creator of the innovative ActivAcuity app. We journey through the fascinating evolution of trail running, emphasizing the bedrock of community and inclusivity that defines the sport. Discover how the US Trail Running Conference continues to champion these values, while...

Join us on Buckle Up as we dive deep into the fascinating world of ultra marathons with the remarkable Cody Poskin, fresh off his completion of the grueling Cocodona 250. Brian Passenti and Mandy Mullen explore every facet of Cody's experience, from his unique training approach and the critical role of his family and friends as his race crew, to the burgeoning trend of live streaming in ultra events. Cody doesn't shy away from disc...

Get ready to be inspired! This week on Buckle Up, we're absolutely buzzing to chat with the incredible Edher Ramirez, fresh off his phenomenal 3rd place finish at the legendary Cocodona 250! 🎉

Join us for a truly engaging conversation as Edher, a force of nature on the trails, shares his captivating journey into the world of ultra running. From his early days to tackling the grueling miles of one of the toughest races out there...

Brian and Mandy chat with the amazing Ana Robbins about her recent feat at the inaugural Monster 300! Discover how this Georgia runner, who only started ultras in 2020, went from zero to 300+ miles. Ana shares her rapid progression, the unique experience of inaugural races, and why she skipped shorter distances. Hear about her unconventional training for the Monster, the power of mindset, and the surprising camaraderie of the ultra...

Prepare to be inspired! This week, we delve into the extraordinary world of ultrarunning with the seemingly ordinary Jon Maaraoui. Don't let appearances fool you – Jon's journey is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing significant health challenges from a young age, challenges that would sideline most, Jon has not only embraced ultrarunning but thrived within its demanding landscape.

Jo...

In this engaging conversation, Amy Tucker, founder of Salty Britches, shares her journey of creating a product born out of necessity for her son, who suffered from saltwater chafing. The discussion delves into the challenges of building a brand, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from both entrepreneurship and ultra running. Amy emphasizes the significance of family involvement, the trials of product devel...

In this episode of Buckle Up, Simon and Brian discuss their recent ultra running experiences, the challenges faced during races, and the importance of volunteers. Simon shares his decision to step down from the podcast due to personal commitments, reflecting on the journey they've had together. They also talk about upcoming races and the future of the podcast, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism in race events and t...

In this conversation, Tommy Byrne shares his journey as an ultra runner and the founder of Bigger Than the Trail, an organization dedicated to supporting mental health through the running community. He discusses the mission of his organization, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the growth and future vision for Bigger Than the Trail. Tommy also shares insights on balancing family life with training for ultra marathons, p...

In this conversation, physical therapist Brian Burkhardt discusses the common injuries faced by runners, particularly ultra runners, and how to prevent and treat them. The discussion covers various injuries such as runner's knee, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints, emphasizing the importance of proper training, listening to one's body, and the role of physical therapy in recovery. The conversation also to...

In this episode, Brian, Simon, and Nora discuss Nora's journey to completing her first 100-mile run. They explore the challenges of training, injury recovery, and the importance of community support. The conversation delves into the planning and logistics of the run, the mental barriers faced during the race, and the strategies used to overcome them. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the significance of enjoying the jou...

In this episode, Ricky Urias shares his journey into ultra running, discussing his experiences with addiction, personal struggles, and the supportive community within the sport. He reflects on his participation in various races, including the Hurt 100, and emphasizes the importance of mental health support through organizations like Bigger Than the Trail. The conversation highlights the resilience and camaraderie found in the ultra...

In this episode of Buckle Up, hosts Brian Passenti and Simon Guerard engage in a deep conversation with Chris Morrison, an ultra runner who shares his journey through running, sobriety, and the impact of social media on the running community. They discuss the challenges and joys of ultra running, the importance of community and support, and the strategies for preparing for major races like Cocodona 250. Chris opens up about his exp...