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Choose to Endure
Richard Gleave
71 episodes
5 months ago
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 support systems that rival military operations. This transformation prompts a critical question: are we creating two distinct versions of our beloved sport? As someone who typically races without crew support, I've always found the magic of ultra running in those raw moments of solitude – when it's ju...
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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 support systems that rival military operations. This transformation prompts a critical question: are we creating two distinct versions of our beloved sport? As someone who typically races without crew support, I've always found the magic of ultra running in those raw moments of solitude – when it's ju...
Show more...
Health & Fitness
Fitness,
Sports,
Running
Episodes (20/71)
Choose to Endure
Pacers, Crews, and the Spirit of Ultras: Are We Losing Something?
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 support systems that rival military operations. This transformation prompts a critical question: are we creating two distinct versions of our beloved sport? As someone who typically races without crew support, I've always found the magic of ultra running in those raw moments of solitude – when it's ju...
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6 months ago
13 minutes

Choose to Endure
*Special Recast* - Hear Me ROAR! Christy Krchnavy Conquers Cocodona 250 with an Umbrella, High-Fives & the Heart of a Lion
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 want to follow/cheer along!! Since I couldn’t record a fresh episode this week (for obvious reasons!), I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations from last year: my chat with Christy Krchnavy about her 2024 Cocodona experience. Christy shared some incredible insights about the mental...
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6 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

Choose to Endure
Embracing the Golden Hour & the Unique Experience of Finishing Last
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, and raw emotion that captures the true essence of our sport. What does it really mean to be a DFL (Dead Freaking Last) finisher? Far from failure, crossing the line in the final moments before cutoff demonstrates extraordinary resilience and heart. While front-runners showcase incredible athletic...
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6 months ago
16 minutes

Choose to Endure
The Art of Pacing in Ultras: How to Support, Motivate & Be Someone’s Hero
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 glory, it's the unseen heroes running alongside exhausted athletes who often make those finishes possible. For aspiring pacers, preparation is everything. Understanding your runner's goals, communication preferences, and race strategy before you start makes all the difference. Should you lead from...
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6 months ago
15 minutes

Choose to Endure
Back Stronger: Stuart Secker’s 100-Mile Ultra Comeback After Prostate Cancer
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 cancer diagnosis that would change everything. Four months ago, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate. And incredibly, just ten weeks after resuming training, he completed his 21st 100-mile race at the Daufuskie Island 100 in South Carolina. The conversation takes us through Stuart's entire j...
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6 months ago
47 minutes

Choose to Endure
Beyond Marathons: Glenn McRill’s Leap of Faith to 100 Miles at Grasslands
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 of attempting his first 100-mile race with less-than-ideal training. The journey that followed became a masterclass in perseverance, problem-solving, and finding strength beyond physical preparation. Glenn's running journey began reluctantly. As a soccer player, he specifically chose to be a goa...
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7 months ago
52 minutes

Choose to Endure
The Impact of Volunteering at Ultramarathons — and Why YOU Should Do It
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, and why should you consider giving your time? Richard Gleave dives deep into the rewarding world of ultra running volunteerism, exploring how this often-overlooked aspect of the sport creates not just successful races but stronger communities. Drawing from personal experiences at races from 50-...
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7 months ago
13 minutes

Choose to Endure
Heart Rate Variability (HRV): An Ultra Runner's Secret Weapon for Recovery and Performance
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 adventure, I've been closely monitoring my Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to guide my recovery journey – and the insights have been too valuable not to share. HRV measures the variation in time between each heartbeat and serves as a window into your autonomic nervous system, revealing the delicate balanc...
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7 months ago
15 minutes

Choose to Endure
200 Miles, One Lens, No Limits: David Solomon’s 2025 Swammie Shuffle Ultra Journey
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 muscular dystrophy (FSHD) hasn't stopped him from pursuing ultra endurance challenges that would break many other runners. David's journey through the recent Swammie Shuffle 200 takes us from the beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks through moments of profound crisis and unexpected beauty. Having bee...
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7 months ago
58 minutes

Choose to Endure
Swammie Shuffle 200 Recap: The Party Pack’s Outer Banks Ultra Adventure
What makes the difference between surviving and thriving during a 200-mile ultra journey? For five back-of-pack runners at the 2025 Swammie Shuffle 200, the answer emerged organically when they formed what they affectionately dubbed "the Party Pack." This episode pulls back the curtain on an unforgettable adventure along North Carolina's Outer Banks (#OBX), where the collective energy of the group transformed individual suffering into shared triumph. Richard Gleave hosts fellow Party P...
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8 months ago
1 hour 25 minutes

Choose to Endure
Survive the Night: How to Stay Motivated Through Ultra Running’s Toughest Hours
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 perspectives shift, and challenges morph into serene experiences. Discover how the tranquility of running under a starlit sky can transform a daunting obstacle into one of the most beautiful parts of your ultra running journey. In this episode, I share how breaking the long nights into manageable segments he...
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8 months ago
17 minutes

Choose to Endure
The Hidden Benefits of Making Friends in Back-of-the-Pack Running
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 flourish at the back of the pack. While the front runners might chase the clock, we savor each grueling mile, the camaraderie, and the shared struggle that transforms strangers into lifelong trail buddies. From cherishing aid station snacks together to conquering brutal climbs, these experiences ...
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8 months ago
14 minutes

Choose to Endure
Running Your Own Race: Embrace YOUR Pace & Conquer Ultras
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 the Choose to Endure, dive into the heart of what it means to truly embrace your own pace. We'll unpack strategies that help you remain focused on your unique goals and strengths, ward off burnout, and find inspiration in, rather than competition with, faster runners. By crafting a pacing plan and s...
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8 months ago
15 minutes

Choose to Endure
The Flatlander’s Guide to Elevation Gains: How to Train for Hills You Don’t Have
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 personal journey of preparing for a 15,000-foot vert race from the pancake-flat landscapes of Houston, TX. I promise you'll learn how to transform your treadmill into a powerful 'tread hill' and utilize it as your vertical training master, complete with practical tips for making those long, monotonous s...
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9 months ago
14 minutes

Choose to Endure
How to Save Money on Race Weekends: Travel, Lodging & Gear!
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 running on a budget. From the camaraderie of camping near the race venue to the plush comforts of distant hotels, each option offers unique advantages and challenges. Balancing race weekend excitement with financial responsibility can become a skill every back-of-the-pack runner can master. Discov...
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9 months ago
15 minutes

Choose to Endure
Master Your Drop Bags: Tips for Success & Mistakes to Avoid
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 to transform your drop bags into essential race tools that cater specifically to your needs. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I share personal stories and practical advice on packing drop bags like a pro. By turning these bags into personalized mini aid stations, you’ll be equipped to handle any weathe...
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9 months ago
18 minutes

Choose to Endure
Pacing for the Back of the Pack: How Slow is Too Slow?
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 led to an early burnout. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I dig into the art of pacing in this episode of Choose to Endure. Reflecting on my own journey as a back-of-the-pack ultra runner, I share how strategic pacing isn't just about speed—it's about survival. From understanding the critical importanc...
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9 months ago
15 minutes

Choose to Endure
First Time 200 Miles: Joni Watkins’ Inspiring 2024 Across the Years Journey
*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 Choose to Endure, we spotlight the incredible Joni Watkins, a trailblazing ultra-runner from the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Her story is one of transformation and triumph, culminating in her conquering a formidable 200-miles at Phoenix's 2024 Across the Years event. Joni opens up about the men...
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9 months ago
40 minutes

Choose to Endure
Journey Races? Embrace Adventure, Self-Reliance & Ultra Challenges
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. Join me, Richard Gleave, as I unravel the allure of journey races—those epic point-to-point adventures that redefine traditional racing. On this episode of Choose to Endure, I share personal tales from the trails and explore the mindset needed to tackle these self-sufficient expeditions. Discover ...
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10 months ago
16 minutes

Choose to Endure
How to Choose an Ultra Running Coach
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, especially for those navigating new distances or feeling lost in the balance of training and recovery. With stories and practical advice, we'll explore whether a coach is a luxury or a necessity for the back-of-the-pack runners who make up the heart and soul of the ultra running community.Discover ...
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10 months ago
15 minutes

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 support systems that rival military operations. This transformation prompts a critical question: are we creating two distinct versions of our beloved sport? As someone who typically races without crew support, I've always found the magic of ultra running in those raw moments of solitude – when it's ju...