In this episode, Sally answers listener questions about overcoming mental barriers during races, stepping up from the half marathon to longer distances, recovering after a first ultra, and building a career in trail-running media. We also have an honest and encouraging conversation about body image, comparison, and why every runner—regardless of pace, size, or experience—belongs in the running community. Thanks for tuning in - enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:How to prepare for the mental wall that often appears late in a marathon or ultra.Why identifying your fears before race day can help you respond differently when things get hard.The simple race-day strategy of slowing down, walking, fueling, and refusing to let temporary discomfort make the decision for you.How to know when you are ready to move from a half marathon to a marathon or 50K.Why curiosity and excitement may be better indicators of readiness than waiting to feel completely confident.The biggest training adjustment when moving up to the marathon: gradually extending the weekly long run while including recovery weeks.What nausea, shaking, poor sleep, and temperature-regulation problems after a first ultra may reveal about hydration and depletion.Practical advice for entering trail-running photography, filmmaking, or media by creating consistently, building relationships, and starting humbly.Why comparison can convince runners that they do not belong—even when they are already doing the bravest thing by showing up.Sally’s reminder that your pace, body shape, and clothing size do not determine whether you are a “real” runner.Choose Strong Community Highlights Send in your questions! Record Them Here All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:LAUNDRY 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 #laundrysaucepodTRUE NUTRITION: Save 20% off on your first order at https://www.google.com/url?q=http://truenutrition.com/CHOOSESTRONG&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1785516341703360&usg=AOvVaw0YlTvPhlPLHQHv_CxkqjlB
Jul 31
1 hr 55 min
Elite runner and mountain athlete Anna Gibson joins Sally to share the unexpected journey that took her from the 1,500-meter semifinals at the U.S. Olympic Trials to ski mountaineering’s debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Anna opens up about saying yes before she felt ready, winning the race that sent Team USA to the Games, the emotional comedown that followed, and why joy, vulnerability, and community matter more than any result. Enjoy!Other Episode Highlights:The funny reality of learning a brand-new sport while chasing the Olympics.Behind-the-scenes moments from Anna’s crash course in ski mountaineering.How staying curious and being willing to look like a beginner opened unexpected doors.What it feels like when a casual “yes” suddenly becomes a life-changing opportunity.Why even elite athletes have awkward moments, doubts, and plenty to learn along the way.Why the people beside you matter more than any title or finish line.Follow Anna's Adventures: @annaagibsonnAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:LAGOON SLEEP: Go to LagoonSleep.com/CHOOSESTRONG and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. Use the code CHOOSESTRONG for 15% off your first purchase.BIOPTIMIZERS: Go to http://bioptimizers.com/strong and use code STRONG to get 15% off your entire order.BUBS NATURALS: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For a limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code SALLY at Bubsnaturals.com
Jul 31
1 hr 8 min
In this episode , Sally chats with ultrarunner Kat Anderson in an honest conversation about the winding road that shaped her life—one filled with unexpected detours, difficult seasons, and a renewed sense of purpose. From growing up in a hardworking family to rediscovering her passion for running, Kat shares how every chapter prepared her for the next. Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:Why Kat walked away from running—and what brought her backThe dangers of tying your identity to performanceHow a toxic coach nearly ended her running careerThe power of faith during life's hardest seasonsHow CrossFit prepared her for 200+ mile racesThe Cocodona 250 lessons that changed her foreverWhat it takes mentally to race at the elite levelThe value of hard work learned from childhoodHow to find purpose beyond winning and losingFollow Kat! Substack Moab 240 Film Coaching InstagramAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:QUALIA: Magnesium, multiplied. 10 forms for total support. Go to https://qualialife.com/SALLY to get 50% off and save an extra 15% with the code SALLYONE SKIN: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SALLY at https://www.oneskin.co/SALLY #oneskinpod
Jul 28
1 hr 42 min
In this episode, Sally talks with Triple Crown champion, Kilian Korth, who shares the remarkable journey that shaped him—from childhood endurance adventures and collegiate swimming to devastating setbacks, career uncertainty, and becoming one of the world's best 200-mile ultrarunners. Together, Sally and Kilian dive deep into resilience, failure, identity, and why the greatest breakthroughs often come from embracing discomfort, letting go of control, and refusing to quit. Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:How Kilian's childhood adventures and competitive swimming shaped the mindset he races with today.The solo backpacking trip that changed his life and led him to ultrarunning.Why getting kicked off his college swim team became one of the best things that ever happened to him.Behind-the-scenes stories from Cocodona 250, including racing through a torn tendon.The difference between quitting and failing—and why failure is essential for growth.Why letting go of control can make you stronger in running and in life.The Stoic principles Kilian uses to stay calm when everything goes wrong.Why the best ultrarunners aren't always the most talented—they're the ones who can suffer the longest.Why your toughest days reveal who you really are.An honest conversation about social media, criticism, and staying true to yourself.Follow Kilian:Substack: @runtoughmindsetIG: @kiliankorthWatch his documentary, Forged in Failure, on August 1 @ 6pm MST: https://www.youtube.com/@UltrAspireHydration/featuredWant Kilian as your coach? Check here if he has spots available: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:TUMBLE: Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at http://tumbleliving.com/SALLYLAGOON SLEEP: Check out LagoonSleep.com/CHOOSESTRONG for 15% off. Code: CHOOSESTRONGBIOPTIMIZERS: Get 15% off at bioptimizers.com/STRONG Code: STRONG
Jul 22
2 hr 16 min
In this episode, Sally covers a ton of ground recapping her time in Olympic Valley and answering some great questions from YOU our listeners. We know there will be a few nuggets of wisdom & tips for you to conquer life, training or your next race. Thank you for listening! Also, be sure to enter the giveaway. We will be picking winners JULY 21. All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:ALLOY: Head over to https://www.myalloy.com/ and use code STRONG for $20 off your first order.Mud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG! #mudwtrpod #sponsored
Jul 14
1 hr 35 min
In this LIVE episode from TrailCon 2026, Sally sits down with Rachel Entrekin — 3x Cocodona 250 Champion, holder of 15 FKT records, and one of the most real, relatable, funny, and genuinely inspiring people in the sport. Enjoy!All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% off your entire order with code SALLY at bubsnaturals.com sponsoredMud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG! #mudwtrpod #sponsored
Jun 30
42 min
In this LIVE episode from TrailCon 2026, Sally sits down with Rachel Entrekin — 3x Cocodona 250 Champion, holder of 15 FKT records, and one of the most real, relatable, funny, and genuinely inspiring people in the sport. Enjoy!All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% off your entire order with code SALLY at Bubsnaturals.com #sponsoredMud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG! #mudwtrpod #sponsored
Jun 30
42 min
In this episode we dive into some great questions that will make you a better runner and have better success in your racing. We also share about a small giveaway and much more in this packed 90 mins. Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:June - Busy season Graduation party run-downElectrolyte reminder from Coach Sally World Cup is here! Sally running & commentating at Broken Arrow TrailCon & Western States WeekSally wants to meet YOUCommunity Highlights - International ThemedA Giveaway!Sally SaysHow to start a race w/o blowing upHow to finish a race with gas left in the tankBreaking your race into 3rdsFull body workout for ultra runners What distance should I race after a 50kHow far out from a race should I do a solo training camp Strategies/exercises to prevent you from falling on the trailIf you love listening to this podcast, we would really appreciate it if you would head over to Apple and leave us 5 star review - thank you! Download Sally's Strength App! Sally McRae Strength AppAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupThank you to the episode sponsor!ALLOY HEALTH: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code STRONG for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully
Jun 19
1 hr 27 min
In this episode, Sally chats with the most requested and the most frequent Choose Strong guest, Andy Glaze! Andy is currently in NY for his wife's Hyrox, but was able to find some time to record this episode & also able to coordinate a perimeter run of Central Park run (in true Andy fashion) which he shares about. As always it was a great conversation between Sally & Andy. Enjoy. Other Episode Highlights:Andy's recent race/adventure scheduleSmile or You're Doing it Wrong - the book launch & toursBook signing tour with Harvey Lewis while running from Cincinnati to Columbus, OH (128 miles) "Moving" aid stationRunning 250 miles from NY to DC for America's 250thWorker's Comp challenge that Andy is dealing with in his personal life and how he is managing itThe Spine race (England to Scotland) is up nextTouring NYC Merch update Andy's Merch: https://www.andyglazemerch.com/Andy's Book: https://a.co/d/05f9t2CVAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book Sally McRae Strength AppChoose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava GroupEpisode Sponsors:Bioptimizers: Go to bioptimizers.com/STRONG and use code STRONG for 15% off
Jun 7
1 hr 9 min
In this episode we take a look at what recovery looks like after running 200+ miles. We chat about how long it takes, the food your body craves, the importance of sleep, the importance of your training age in recovery time, and more. Sally shares some valuable tips on how to recover after big efforts or after running 200+ miles while weaving in her own experiences, specifically her most recent Cocodona 250 race. Enjoy! Download Sally's Strength App! Sally McRae Strength AppAll links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.Choose Strong Book Choose Strong Podcast YouTubeSally McRae YouTubeChoose Strong Merch Choose Strong Strava Group
May 31
1 hr 18 min
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