Endurance isn’t just about how far we go. It’s about what we carry, what we face, and how we heal along the way.

In this episode of Enduring Minds, I’m joined by my co-host Evan Birch for a deeply honest conversation with ultra-runner and community leader Derek Sprau. We move beyond race results and training plans to explore the mental and emotional side of endurance sports where growth often begins in discomfort.

Derek shares why ultra running became more than a sport for him. It offered space for reflection, a supportive trail running community, and a way to process grief after losing a close friend in his twenties. We talk openly about survivor’s guilt, sobriety, mental health, therapy, and why asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

This conversation highlights how endurance athletes can use running as a tool for self-awareness, gratitude, and healing. All of this can happen while also reminding us that we don’t have to do the hard work alone. Community, vulnerability, and presence are just as important as miles logged.

If you’re an everyday athlete navigating loss, burnout, or a challenging chapter in life, this episode will resonate. Enduring Minds is where endurance mindset meets real life—and where showing up honestly matters more than showing up fast.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and keep moving forward...one honest mile at a time.

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