Everyday Ultra From Injury to Podium: How One of Ultrarunning’s GOATs Made an Epic Comeback - Pete Kostelnick
After a tragic car accident left him with a shattered pelvis and months in a wheelchair, Pete Kostelnick wondered if his ultrarunning career was over.
Two years later, he landed back on the podium at Badwater 135—running 40 minutes faster than his original winning time.
In this episode, Pete shares how he rebuilt from the ground up, shifted his mindset, and returned to racing stronger than ever. We talk about his new training philosophy, how he balances high goals with low expectations, and why having fun might be the key to long-term success.
If you’ve ever faced injury, burnout, or doubt, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective on endurance, resilience, and longevity.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to bounce back mentally and physically after a major injury
Why lowering expectations can actually lead to better results
Pete’s new approach to training: less mileage, more consistency
The mindset shift from proving others wrong to proving yourself right
How cross-training, off-seasons, and variety can unlock peak performance
What it’s really like to run across America (and why Australia may be next)
Pete Kostelnick is an elite ultrarunner, world-record holder for the fastest run across America, and a multi-time podium finisher at Badwater 135. Known for his relentless work ethic and unmatched mental toughness, Pete has completed some of the toughest ultramarathons on Earth—often back to back.
Huge thank you to Pete for coming on the show!
SHOW LINKS:
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