Choose to Endure

The ultra running world is evolving rapidly. At major races like Western States, Cocodona, and Moab, we're witnessing the rise of elaborate crew villages, multiple pacers working in shifts, and suppo…

Hey everyone!

As you’re hearing this, I’m currently out on the trails attempting to complete the Cocodona 250 — a 250-mile journey across Arizona from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff.  Bib #184 if you …

Discover why finishing last might be the greatest victory in ultrarunning. The Golden Hour—that final stretch before race cutoff—represents a magical convergence of determination, community support, …

Raw, gritty, transformative—these words describe not just ultramarathons themselves, but the powerful act of pacing another runner through their darkest moments. While crossing finish lines gets the …

Stuart Secker's return to the Choose to Endure podcast brings a remarkable story of resilience that transcends the typical ultrarunning narrative. Just eight months ago, Stuart received a prostate ca…

When Glenn McRill toed the starting line at Grasslands 100, he carried years of experience as a marathon runner and Director of Coaching for the San Antonio RoadRunners—but faced the daunting reality…

Every finish line crossed, every aid station that saved your race, every perfectly marked trail section - none of it happens without volunteers. But what does volunteering at an ultra actually entail…

Recovery often becomes the forgotten pillar of ultra running performance, especially for those of us who occupy the back of the pack. After crossing the finish line of my latest 220-mile ultra advent…

What does it take to conquer 220 miles of beach, trail, and road when your body is actively fighting against you? David Solomon knows the answer all too well. Living with fascioscapulohumeral muscula…

What makes the difference between surviving and thriving during a 200-mile ultra journey? For five back-of-the-pack runners at the 2025 Swammie Shuffle 200, the answer emerged organically when they f…

Ever found yourself lost in the darkness during an ultra run, questioning why you ever started this crazy journey? Let me take you on a personal adventure through the moonlit trails where perspective…

What if the true magic of ultra running isn't crossing the finish line first, but the friendships formed along the way? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share the heartwarming tales and connections that…

Ever made the rookie mistake of racing someone else’s race instead of your own? I did during my first 50k ultra, and it taught me an invaluable lesson about the power of pacing. In this episode of th…

What if training for a mountainous ultra race while living in a flat city isn't just possible, but actually an opportunity to get creative and resilient? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my person…

Have you ever wondered how your choice of accommodation can make or break your race weekend experience? Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my personal adventures navigating the world of ultra runnin…

Ever found yourself at the back of the pack, wondering how to make your ultra running experience smooth and successful? You're not alone, and on this episode of Choose to Endure, you'll discover how …

Ever found yourself caught in the adrenaline rush at the start line, only to hit a wall miles before the finish? That's a lesson I learned the hard way at the Lighthouse Hill 50k, when my excitement …

*Note: Hopefully it’s not too bad, but apologies for my last 10 minutes’ sound quality, I had a technical problem with the mic, but still wanted to keep the audio and chat going!

In this episode of C…

Imagine embarking on an ultra marathon where the finish line is not just a destination but a self-navigated and supported journey through breathtaking landscapes, and camaraderie trumps competition. …

Unlock the secrets to transforming your ultra running journey.  Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share my experiences running ultras since 2017 and discuss the potential impact of having a coach, especi…