The HigherUp Podcast From Beating Addiction to Running Across America w/ Kallup McCoy | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 57
Aug 14, 2025
In this conversation with Kallup McCoy, a former addict and ultra-endurance athlete, listeners are taken on a journey of resilience. Kallup shares his inspiring story of overcoming addiction and the emotional challenges he faced while running across America in 66 days. He discusses the transformative power of community and spirituality in recovery, and how these experiences fueled his mission to help others through his nonprofit, Rez Hope. Touching on humor, he also shares lighthearted moments from his adventures, emphasizing the importance of compassion and service.
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Why He Ran Coast-To-Coast
- Kallup McCoy ran 2,870 miles across the U.S. from San Diego to Wilmington in 66 days to raise money and inspire people.
- He chose the southern route for less elevation and to run through desert landscapes he wanted to experience.
Near-Miss On A Busy Road
- In New Mexico a truck mirror grazed Kallup's shoulder and left him shaken for an hour on a guardrail.
- He ultimately decided the run's purpose for himself and his nonprofit made the risk worth continuing.
Beat Overwhelm With Ten-Minute Focus
- Kallup broke the run into digestible chunks: focus on the next ten minutes to avoid being overwhelmed.
- That mindset prevented panic and allowed consistent progress day after day.