How documenting runners became a cheat code

In today’s episode, I sit down with Matt “Shapiro the Hero” — one of the most creative minds in endurance sports and one of the toughest, most resilient humans you’ll ever meet.

You’ve seen his work everywhere: Black Canyon, Mammoth, Cocodona, Sally McRae, Max Jolliffe… but today, you get to hear the story behind the lens — the journey that turned Matt from a talented photographer into a 200-mile finisher and a pillar of the endurance community.

We dive into:

✨ How documenting epic runners became a “cheat code” for his own ultra-running

✨ The moment he realized he could run 200 miles

✨ His wild 2024 triple — Ute 100 → Mogollon Monster → Mammoth 200

✨ His powerful journey through alcoholism, relapse, therapy, and ultimately sobriety

✨ Why runners with “all-or-nothing” personalities must learn balance

✨ The unexpected pacer who changed the final miles of his 200

✨ His philosophy for getting better one tiny step at a time

This is one of the most raw, honest, and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show. Matt’s story is a reminder that endurance isn’t just about races — it’s about rebuilding your life, choosing a healthier path, and believing you can do hard things even when your past tells you otherwise.

If you need a spark of motivation or a reminder that you can turn things around, this is the episode.

Huge thank you to Matt for being on the show!

SHOW LINKS:

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Matt's website: https://matthew-shapiro.com/