What happens when running stops being about pace, and becomes about freedom?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we sit down with one of the UK’s most accomplished ultrarunners to talk about mental strength, 100-mile races, mountain adventures, DNFs, and the deeper reasons behind pushing limits.

From early 50-mile races in Wales to multiple 100-mile victories, podium finishes, and a top-5 finish at the brutal Dragon’s Back Race (380km), this conversation dives into:

• The mental resilience behind ultrarunning

• What really happens during 100-mile races

• How DNFs shape stronger athletes

• Why trail running builds confidence

• Raising over £10,000 for charity through running

• Women in ultrarunning and representation

• Using endurance sport to support mental health

This is a raw, honest look at what it takes to go far, and why distance can become freedom.

Keywords: ultrarunning podcast, 100 mile race, trail running, women in ultrarunning, Dragon’s Back Race, mental resilience, endurance mindset, UK trail running, charity running, mountain running, DNF lessons, long distance running motivation.

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into an inspiring trail running journey that began in 2023 and quickly escalated into completing some of Hong Kong’s toughest ultra races.

From a first 19km race to finishing the HK100 (103km, 5314m elevation gain), TransLantau 100K, and the brutal HK100 Grand Sam (192km over three days with 8750m elevation gain), this story is about resilience, grit, and community.

Working 12–15 hour days as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, training at 4AM on city roads, and pushing through exhaustion at checkpoint 56km, this episode explores what it truly takes to become an ultrarunner.

We also discuss:

• The mental battle during multi-day ultras

• Training with limited time and access to trails

• The Exchange and Empower Trail Running Scholarship

• Being an ambassador for She Races, Hong Kong’s first female-focused trail race

• Why community matters in trail running

• Using running for mental health and personal growth

If you’re into ultrarunning, trail running, women in sports, HK100, TransLantau, World Trail Majors, endurance mindset, and overcoming adversity, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Josh McDole, ultrarunner and 2025 Triple Crown of 200s finisher. We dive deep into what it really takes to complete Zion 100, Cocodona 250, Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240, all in a single season.

We talk about:

• Running 200+ miles through mountains and desert

• Night four sleep deprivation and hallucinations

• Mental toughness vs physical endurance

• Fueling, recovery, and race strategy

• The emotional moment at mile 200 that changed everything

• What happens when quitting is no longer an option

This is not just about ultramarathons. It’s about mindset, identity, suffering, and what you discover about yourself when everything is stripped away.

If you're training for a 100 miler, a 200 miler, Cocodona 250, Moab 240, or chasing your own version of hard, this conversation will hit home.

#ultrarunning #200miles #moab240 #cocodona250 #trailrunning #ultramarathon #mentalstrength #endurancesports