All Episodes

March 17, 2025 71 mins

What if the secret to peak endurance wasn’t pushing harder, but going easier?


Today we dive into the world of endurance sports with Brett Blankner—athlete, coach, and host of Zen and the Art of Triathlon. Brett shares how mindfulness, relaxation, and smart training can enhance performance, challenging the common belief that grinding harder leads to success. From swimming 22 miles across Lake Tahoe to completing multiple Ironmans, he reveals how endurance efforts become a form of meditation, transforming both mindset and resilience. We explore Zen philosophy, the power of presence during grueling challenges, and how embracing discomfort leads to personal growth.


Upcoming Meditation Course with MTM starts April 27th sign up HERE


Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:12 - Embracing Endurance: Mindfulness and Pushing Limits

07:10 - Exploring Zen and Mindfulness in Endurance Training

11:55 - Understanding Zen: Relaxing into the Moment

12:59 - Embracing the Moment: Zen Principles in Endurance Sports"

14:15 - The Intersection of Buddhism and Taoism"

18:18 - Exploring Self-Discovery Through Ultra Distance Challenges

19:20 - Embracing the Unknown in Ultra Distance Events

21:01 - Navigating the Mental and Emotional Challenges of Endurance Running

24:55 - Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from Ironman Training

29:13 - Race Realities: Lessons Learned from Endurance Events

34:09 - Endurance Training: Lessons in Mental Fortitude and Self-Discovery

45:52 - Embracing Fear in Adventure Racing

01:07:03 - Exploring Mindfulness and Endurance Training

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Intentionally Disturbing

Intentionally Disturbing

Join me on this podcast as I navigate the murky waters of human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with incredible people—all served with a generous helping of sarcasm and satire. After years as a forensic and clinical psychologist, I offer a unique interview style and a low tolerance for bullshit, quickly steering conversations toward depth and darkness. I honor the seriousness while also appreciating wit. I’m your guide through the twisted labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with dark humor and biting wit.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.