Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tonya Olson, a physical therapist and expert on ultra running foot care. She dives deep into why proactive foot health is a non-negotiable for ultra runners, not just a post-race afterthought.

Dr. Olson shares crucial insights on preventative care, common foot issues, and the absolute necessity of a dedicated foot care kit. She explains how a little knowledge about your feet and the right...

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of endurance sports photography on this episode of Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation. With cohost Mandy still busy cleaning up cones, we're thrilled to welcome guest host Jeff Iosa to join Coach Brian.

This week, Brian and Jeff sit down with renowned ultra-running photographer Anastasia Wilde. Anastasia shares her incredible journey, from a traditional photography career to becoming...

In this episode of Buckle Up, Rachel Downey shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, detailing her experience at the Leadville Trail 100. She discusses overcoming significant health challenges, the importance of support from crew and pacers, and her strategies for nutrition and hydration during the race. Rachel reflects on the emotional aspects of race day, her mental resilience during night running, and her future plans in...

Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen welcome ultra-runner Jordan Moon to this episode of Buckle Up. They discuss all things running, from tackling the grueling Leadville Trail 100 to Jordan's remarkable journey of running across America.

Hear how Jordan pushes his own limits and builds the mental resilience and perseverance needed to go the distance. They also get into the vital role of family support, the challenges of intense training, an...

Join Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen for a powerful conversation with ultrarunner Kendra Kettelhut. In this episode, Kendra opens up about her incredible journey to the legendary Leadville Trail 100, sharing how this challenging race has become her "second home."

You'll hear Kendra's honest reflections on the pivotal role sobriety and personal growth have played in her running. She dives deep into the magic of the Leadville community, ...

Join Coach Brian and Jonathan Levitt, host of the popular podcast "For The Long Run," for a deep dive into the dynamic world of trail running and endurance sports. In this insightful conversation, they explore the remarkable evolution of the outdoor industry, Jonathan's unique career path, and the powerful role of community in shaping the sport.

From the history of iconic events like the Leadville race to the rise ...

Get ready to lace up your shoes and dive deep into the world of ultrarunning! In this inspiring episode of "Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation," cohosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with the remarkable Walter Handloser. Walter shares his incredible personal journey of completing 100 one hundred-mile races—a feat that once seemed "stupid" but evolved into something "amazing."

From transformative weight loss and his athl...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultrarunning veteran Tim Vail. Tim takes us through his incredible journey, from his early love for running and triathlons to conquering the iconic Western States 100. He dives deep into his meticulous endurance training regimen, sharing insights on how he prepares his body and mind for the most demanding races.

Discover the critical role of nutrition strategies in Tim's success, as he ...

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...