Why fun matters in ultrarunning

Ultrarunning has a reputation. Serious. Intense. Grueling.

But what if that mindset is actually holding runners back?

In this episode of the Everyday Ultra Podcast, Joe sits down with elite mountain athlete, creator, and all-around high-energy force Mikey Mitchell to challenge some of the most deeply held beliefs in ultrarunning — about toughness, suffering, fear, performance, and what it really means to “do it right.”

Behind the viral content, jockstraps, and unapologetic fun is a serious competitor:
D1 track & cross country background, podium finishes at major mountain ultras, a sub-2:30 marathon, Leadville 100 finisher, and a rapidly growing presence in ski mountaineering.

But Mikey’s biggest impact might not be his results — it’s how he approaches the sport.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Why having more fun can actually make you mentally tougher

• The difference between productive discomfort and unnecessary suffering

• Why finishing matters — even when it’s not your day

• How mountaineering, skimo, and adventure build resilience ultra runners can’t get on flat trails

• The hidden danger of chasing “perfect races”

• Why fear shouldn’t stop you — and when it should

• How to train hard without losing your love for the sport

• What the future of ultrarunning culture should look like

This episode is honest, opinionated, inspiring, and different — just like the sport can be.

If you’ve ever felt burned out, intimidated, or boxed in by how ultrarunning is “supposed” to look…
this conversation might change how you approach the next start line.

🎧 Listen now and rethink what it means to endure better.

SHOW NOTES:

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Mikey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikey.mitch/

Follow Mikey on all social platforms: https://linktr.ee/mikeymitch