Choose to Endure
by Richard Gleave
Latest episode
Pacers, Crews, and the Spirit of Ultras: Are We Losing Something?
Pacers, Crews, and the Spirit of Ultras: Are We Losing Something?
About this podcast
Welcome to the "Choose to Endure" podcast, the go-to show for back of the pack ultra runners. Join us as we explore uplifting stories, interviews, gear and training tips, all tailored towards the unsung heroes at the back end of the ultra universe.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 71 episodes
- Pacers, Crews, and the Spirit of Ultras: Are We Losing Something? · 13 min · Season 3 Episode 22The 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…
- *Special Recast* - Hear Me ROAR! Christy Krchnavy Conquers Cocodona 250 with an Umbrella, High-Fives & the Heart of a Lion · 1 h 3 min · Season 3 Episode 21Hey 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…
- Embracing the Golden Hour & the Unique Experience of Finishing Last · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 20Discover why finishing last might be the greatest victory in ultrarunning. The Golden Hour—that final stretch before race cutoff—represents a magical convergence of…
- The Art of Pacing in Ultras: How to Support, Motivate & Be Someone’s Hero · 15 min · Season 3 Episode 19Raw, gritty, transformative—these words describe not just ultramarathons themselves, but the powerful act of pacing another runner through their darkest moments. While crossing…
- Back Stronger: Stuart Secker’s 100-Mile Ultra Comeback After Prostate Cancer · 48 min · Season 3 Episode 18Stuart 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…
- Beyond Marathons: Glenn McRill’s Leap of Faith to 100 Miles at Grasslands · 52 min · Season 3 Episode 17When 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 Impact of Volunteering at Ultramarathons — and Why YOU Should Do It · 14 min · Season 3 Episode 16Every 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…
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV): An Ultra Runner's Secret Weapon for Recovery and Performance · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 15Recovery 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…
- 200 Miles, One Lens, No Limits: David Solomon’s 2025 Swammie Shuffle Ultra Journey · 58 min · Season 3 Episode 14What 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…
- Swammie Shuffle 200 Recap: The Party Pack’s Outer Banks Ultra Adventure · 1 h 25 min · Season 3 Episode 13What 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…
- Survive the Night: How to Stay Motivated Through Ultra Running’s Toughest Hours · 18 min · Season 3 Episode 12Ever 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…
- The Hidden Benefits of Making Friends in Back-of-the-Pack Running · 15 min · Season 3 Episode 11What 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…
- Running Your Own Race: Embrace YOUR Pace & Conquer Ultras · 15 min · Season 3 Episode 10Ever 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…
- The Flatlander’s Guide to Elevation Gains: How to Train for Hills You Don’t Have · 15 min · Season 3 Episode 9What 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…
- How to Save Money on Race Weekends: Travel, Lodging & Gear! · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 8Have 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…
- Master Your Drop Bags: Tips for Success & Mistakes to Avoid · 18 min · Season 3 Episode 7Ever 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…
- Pacing for the Back of the Pack: How Slow is Too Slow? · 15 min · Season 3 Episode 6Ever 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…
- First Time 200 Miles: Joni Watkins’ Inspiring 2024 Across the Years Journey · 40 min · Season 3 Episode 5*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!…
- Journey Races? Embrace Adventure, Self-Reliance & Ultra Challenges · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 4Imagine 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…
- How to Choose an Ultra Running Coach · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 3Unlock 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…
