Choose Strong

Tara Dower, an ultra runner and thru-hiker, shares her adventurous journey in the world of endurance sports. Fresh from her record-breaking Javelina 100, she discusses her transformation from a soccer-playing youth to an elite runner influenced by a documentary on the Appalachian Trail. Tara reveals her struggles with anxiety and the lessons learned from her first DNF at Mammoth. She also offers insights into trail culture, nutrition mishaps, and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the joy found in every mile.

Tommie Runz, a passionate runner, ultrarunner, and sobriety advocate, shares his inspiring journey from addiction recovery to endurance racing. He discusses his early experiences with running, including qualifying for Boston with a time of 2:48. Tommie recounts his grueling solo 340-mile Speed Project and the challenges faced during the Javelina 100, where he developed the mantra 'Figure it Out.' He highlights the importance of community in his journey and teases exciting upcoming projects, including a mini-documentary on Javelina.

Explore resilience as Sally navigates her injury journey, sharing insights on finding blessings amid setbacks. Discover practical race-day advice, community highlights from run clubs, and inspiring athlete stories from Javelina weekend. Learn about mental strength through consistent training and the importance of staying involved, even when sidelined. Dive into Sally's cautious return-to-running plan and hear about her upcoming YouTube series documenting her rehabilitation. Plus, enjoy a blend of lighthearted banter and personal anecdotes!

Explore the unspoken rules of the trail with insights from Sally’s extensive experience. Discover practical passing strategies, the importance of communication, and how to navigate conflicts while racing. Learn about adapting your etiquette based on local trail culture and hazards, plus the pros and cons of using headphones while running. Sally shares fun stories and highlights the significance of community and kindness among trail users. Finish your season strong with tips on connection and self-care off the trails!

Explore the power of human connection and why real community matters as Sally shares her insights from a recent speaking tour. Discover stories of resilience and joy, like a man hiking with ice cream. Learn about the importance of prioritizing fitness for busy parents and the impact of constant screen time on youth. Sally also offers practical advice on cleaning hydration bladders and shares her morning routine tips for starting the day strong. It's a vibrant chat celebrating togetherness, gratitude, and health!

Andy Glaze, a veteran ultrarunner and battalion chief, returns to share his incredible journey of resilience and the emotional toll of writing his upcoming memoir. He reveals how he's maintained an astounding 288 consecutive weeks of 100-mile runs and the challenges he faced while editing his book. Andy discusses the vital role of failure in building mental toughness, recounts harrowing racing experiences, including a mudslide during a race, and emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling on social media.

The hosts dive into the power of the 'What If' mentality, encouraging listeners to push through challenges. They share personal fitness journeys, detailing how to ease back into routine after time off. Engaging discussions on the impact of supportive partners in racing ignite inspiration, while insights on managing stuff versus goals highlight the essence of minimalism. The transformative power of surprising progress is celebrated, along with practical tips for finding race pacers. Fashion tips and home renovation stories add a fun twist!

Sally is back from France so we chat about her week over at UTMB. We also cover what to look for when/if you are looking at getting a running pack/vest. Where do you start? What are the important components you should look for when deciding which pack is best for you? And, for fun, we chat through Sally's vast knowledge of Fantasy Football :) and she picks a Fantasy Ultramarathon team. Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:- Pumpkin Spice Latte's in September- UTMB week podcasts and food choices - Building the best Ultramarathon Fantasy Team - Listeners Choosing Strong!- Meet up in Nashville?- The right way to pronounce Missouri - Curbside Ministries in KY ⁠https://www.curbsideministries.com/⁠ Going to be a Javelina this year? Let us know what you will be doing out there! Send us an email at contact@sallymcrae.comAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae Strength App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Podcast YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Merch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bare Performance Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: SALLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Strava Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!6771 Warner Ave. P.O. Box 2051Huntington Beach, CA 92647Episode Sponsors:Janji: Go to ⁠⁠⁠janji.com ⁠⁠⁠and use code CHOOSESTRONG for 10% offBoncharge: Go to boncharge.com and use coupon code SALLY to save 15%MUD/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at https://ambassadors.mudwtr.com/STRONG #MUDWTRPODFunction Health: Visit https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcrae

Sally dives into the impact of IT band pain on runners, offering insights on strength training and rehabilitation strategies. She also shares tips on running during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of monitoring heart rate and listening to one's body. The conversation includes the vibrant atmosphere of UTMB, networking for creative careers, and heartfelt family updates as McKenzie heads to college. Sally highlights the importance of proper running technique to prevent injuries while maintaining a positive community vibe.

Injuries can be discouraging and frustrating. But with some perspective, they can be something you didn't know you needed. Join us this episode as Sally shares how injuries can be the secret to unlocking something much more for you. Other Episode Highlights:- Juice fasting- Choose Strong listener mail- Bears swimming in your pool- Snake advice - 50 mile training plan- 1/2 marathon on the horizon?- Choose Strong community highlights50 Mile Training Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae Strength App⁠⁠⁠⁠All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae Strength App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Podcast YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Merch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bare Performance Nutrition⁠⁠⁠ Code: SALLY⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Strava Group⁠⁠⁠Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!6771 Warner Ave. P.O. Box 2051Huntington Beach, CA 92647Episode Sponsors:BON CHARGE: Go to boncharge.com and use coupon code SALLY to save 15%Janji: Go to janji.com and use code CHOOSESTRONG for 10% offMud/WTR: Get up to 43% off your order at mudwtr.com and use code STRONGiRestore: Head over to irestore.com for discounted prices when you use SALLY