Choose Strong
Hosted by Eddie and Sally McRae, Choose Strong is about choosing strength over fear in every situation in life. Strong Mind, Strong Body, Strong Love. Each episode is filled with candid insight, raw and relatable stories and interviews. As a pro athlete, wife, mother, and biz owner, Sally seeks to encourage others to live a strong and courageous life and uses her running as a metaphor for life. The show covers a variety of life focused topics including running, total wellness, mindset, parenting, life balance, the impact of social media, and staying motivated while working toward goals.
Latest episodes
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
#107 Avoiding a DNF With a Better Nutrition Plan + Win a Mammoth 200 Entry
Nutrition is one of the main reasons you struggle during a race or on a long run. Our bodies are all very unique so you need to find out what works for you. In this episode Sally gives tips on how to make sure nutrition doesn't ruin your race. Enjoy!Other Episode Highlights:Mammoth Trail Fest GiveawaysFriendly Strava banterThe confidence of a runner to upload a 3.93 runLottery "What If" storyCommunity Highlights"Sally Says" - Nutrition during a raceThe 2 reasons your race can go southTraining/experimenting with your gutTips for racing when your stomach isn't cooperatingThe importance of practice, prep & planningAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/hcwGfcYSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYChoose Strong Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1249894Want 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:Plan to Eat: Choose Strong listeners can save 25% on an annual subscription to Plan to Eat. Sign up for your free trial at plantoeat.com/sallyFunction Health: Visit functionhealth.com/sallymcrae for $100 off for new members!ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/sally to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today
4 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
#106 Jeff Cunningham | The Coach of Peace
Jeff Cunningham, a lawyer and head coach of the Bat City Track Club, shares his passion for helping athletes thrive. He discusses the importance of building strong relationships in coaching and how emotional support enhances performance. Jeff reflects on his journey from a shy kid to a dedicated mentor, emphasizing that life is more of a bucket list than a checklist. He also highlights the transformative power of kindness and dreaming big, advocating for a mindset where you uplift others as you strive for greatness.
Jun 8, 2025 • 2h 13min
#105 Sally's First Injury in a Decade
For the first time in 10 years, Sally has been injured. Yes, plans have now changed for the upcoming year, but instead of getting discouraged or frustrated, Sally has found a positive way to view the injury. From new projects to new opportunities, she has shifted focus this year and is actually excited - even through injury. We know this episode will be very encouraging to you - even if you aren't injured. Plus there are many other topics and stories that you won't want to miss! Other Episode Highlights:- The most Guinness book of world records held by 1 man- Spider vs Bear- Tips for when you see snakes on the trail- Tales from the trails- If you can run a road marathon, you can run a 50 mile trail race- Sally Says - mileage per week vs overall fitness- Passion project- The first injury in 10 years - The importance of strength training - Navigating injury with a positive outlook- A visit to an orphanage for perspective All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/hcwGfcYSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYWant 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:Function Health: Visit functionhealth.com/sallymcrae for $100 off for new members!ZocDoc: Visit zocdoc.com/sallyMud/WTR: Visit mudwtr.com/strong for up to 43% off your entire order, plus free shipping and a free rechargeable frother
May 31, 2025 • 1h 39min
#104 Max Jolliffe | COCODONA 250 Race Recap w/ Mackenzie Ross
In this episode Sally sits down with Max & Mackenzie to recap Max's recent Cocodona 250 race! You will learn about the grit that it takes to push for 200 miles and how often times your mind says yes to moving forward, but yet your body has other plans. Find out how Max is using the setback to pave the way for a comeback! Other episode highlights:Balancing training and work/lifeRacing/training while sickTrash bag tip for the rainRunning in mud (or trying to)Not caffeine for a month strategyCellulitis - skin infectionA hospital visit during the race Run streak comes to end Being patient in recoverySatisfy Team Retreat Dreaming of spending weeks in the mountains Hard work to create the life you want Never to late to start what you want to doWorking with your partner/spouse You can follow & connect with Max here: @woah_max (IG, YouTube, Tiktok) and at woahmax.comYou can follow & connect with Mackenzie here: IG: @mackenzieannross & mackenzieannross.comCheck out the race website mentioned: whitingranchtrailraces.comRun Club: @eatmydustrunclubAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/hcwGfcYSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYWant 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:iRestore: Visit irestore.com and use code SALLY for 25% off or more + free shipping on iRestore Skincare!Function Health: Visit functionhealth.com/sallymcrae for $100 off for new members!BonCharge: Visit https://boncharge.com/ and use code SALLY for 15% off!
May 21, 2025 • 46min
#103 Working on Running Goals | Makenzie McRae
Guess who is back from their first year away at college?! MAKENZIE MCRAE! I had a chance to sit down with her in a little Father-Daughter convo to chat about life as a student athlete this past year, and so much more. I know you will love listening to Makenzie share, as much as I did! Enjoy! Other episode highlights:A typical week as a student athleteFavorite workout from Coach Mike SmithMakenzie' advice to those who aren't motivated to runOre-dough ice creamDorm scare Choose Strong listener highlights - kids editionNaming your coach's babyBouncing back from injuryD1 training / recovery Importance of breaking big goals into smaller onesFollow Makenize's journey on IG: @makenzie.mcraeAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/21bOEfQSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYWant 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:Function Health: Visit functionhealth.com/sallymcrae for $100 off for new members!Plan to Eat: Visit plantoeat.com/sally for 25% off your annual subscription!
9 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 13min
#102 Am I Overtraining or Is This Normal?
Sally and Eddie dive into the world of overtraining, offering insights on how to recognize its signs. They discuss the challenges of ultra-running, highlighting Jasmine Parris's groundbreaking Barclay Marathon achievement. Listeners are inspired by stories of personal triumphs, including a 50-mile race and even burrow racing. A humorous quicksand rescue story adds a light-hearted touch, while practical advice on training and recovery keeps the conversation grounded. Get ready for a blend of motivation, laughter, and fitness wisdom!
May 4, 2025 • 1h 23min
#101 Mackenzie Ross | "Help The King"
Meet Mackenzie Ann Ross! Nike Trainer, Strength Coach, Founder of Eat My Dust Run Club and Max Jolliffe's partner...oh and she's running the OC Marathon tomorrow and then immediately flying to Cocodona 250 to crew Max to another finish line. Phew- did we get it all in? I can assure you, No. And in this episode you'll learn about all the things I forgot to note above and why Mackenzie was one of our favorite guests!Be sure to subscribe, rate and leave a review for our show! Every review helps our podcast- thank YOU!Follow Mackenzie's socials:InstagramWebsiteAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/aT7J1cfSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Want 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:Manukora: Manukora.com/SALLY for $25 off your starter kitFunction Health: Visit functionhealth.com/SALLYMCRAE for $100 creditMUD/WTR: Visit mudwtr.com/STRONG for 43% off your entire order Laundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code STRONG at laundrysauce.com/STRONG #laundrysaucepod
Apr 26, 2025 • 2h 29min
#100 Andy Glaze | The Wilderness Inside
In this episode, Sally sits down with Andy Glaze & chats about his upbringing, his love for running, his love for his family, his career and his most recent race, the Arizona Monster 300. Andy will encourage you in so many ways in this insightful conversation! Enjoy! Other episode highlights:- 90 days of Wilderness Academy in Utah- Hiking & falling in love with the outdoors- How his upbringing was prepping him for Ultras- Taking an exercise science class to learn how to exercise- Not being able to get up from the toliet- Sally & Andy to train for an Ironman?- Inspiration from his Grandfather- Training with his son for a marathon- Party Pace- 28 push-ups to 70 push-ups in 6 months- Running to get rid of anxiety & depressionConnect with Andy:IG: @amglazeTikTok: @glazerunsBlogspot: https://amglaze.blogspot.com/All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/aT7J1cfSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Want 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:BonCharge: Go to https://boncharge.com/ and use coupon code SALLY to save 15%Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcraeZocdoc: zocdoc.com/sallyLaundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code STRONG at https://laundrysauce.com/STRONG #laundrysaucepod
Apr 21, 2025 • 52min
#99 Stay Brave
In this episode, Sally encourages us to be brave. Bravery looks different for everyone and applies to all aspects of our life. Sally reminds us that bravery and fear can co-exist, but we can CHOOSE to be brave in the midst of fear. Enjoy! Other episode highlights:Downhill vs uphill running tips Post-Masters Tournament runningSally encouraging YOU with CameoThe choice of braveryBirthday month Stay Brave merch Nighttime running fears You can be brave & afraid at the same time You are a unique painting & have purposeListener emails who are staying brave The curveballs of life & racingWhat does it mean to be brave in your life?Bravery in relationship buildingAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/21bOEfQSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrengthMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYSign up for Sally's newsletter: https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=29dce45e49dbdd96d16d5f625&id=79fff1d38dWant 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:Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcraeLume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code SALLY at LumeDeodorant.com #lumepodZocDoc: zocdoc.com/sally
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 38min
#98 When Everything Changes
Everything changes when you have a child! Your time, energy and focus are the obvious ones, but when we had Makenzie, a lot more changed too. From job changes, moving and driving across the US, starting a business, going back to school at night, and many more. But, as Sally reminds us in this episode, it's okay to feel unprepared. Whatever the big change might be in your life, remember, you are resilient and you will figure out a way. Listen in on this episode and be encouraged to know you can navigate big life transitions! Enjoy.Other episode highlights:- Stair-mill vs. Stair Stepper- Check-in with Sally for her bday month- Eddie learns something new about Sally- Who is better at basketball toss?- Why were diapers so big in the 80's?!- Any other wind haters?- "Sally Says" segment on how to train for altitude - Choose Strong listener highlightsAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/21bOEfQSally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/Sally McRae YouTube: UC_zyfHGL6MWzm36l9TEWFRgMerch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/Bare Performance Nutrition: https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition Code: SALLYEpisode Sponsors:BonCharge: Go to boncharge.com and use coupon code SALLY to save 15%Function Health: http://functionhealth.com/sallymcraeLume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code SALLY at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepodMud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG #mudwtrpod
