In this episode, we chat with ultrarunner Jon about his journey from sobriety to trail running, the challenges of ultras, and how running has transformed his life. Discover how embracing hard things can lead to profound personal change.

keywords

ultra running, sobriety, personal growth, trail running, mental health, endurance, motivation, lifestyle change

key topics

Jon's journey from alcohol to running The impact of ultrarunning on mental health Race experiences and lessons learned Balancing life, sobriety, and athletic pursuits The importance of community and support in recovery

sound bites

"We were in the clouds, I guess." "I just enjoy getting out on the trails." "It's important for them to see me do hard things."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Race Experience 05:14 Journey into Ultra Running 10:01 Sobriety and Transformation 20:26 Family and Support 25:45 Future Races and Aspirations 33:40 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

What does it take to train for 100-mile races. In this episode, we sit down with Max a fire academy technician by day and ultrarunner by passion to talk about everything from his first steps into the sport to toeing the line at some of the most iconic races in the country. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just ultramarathon-curious, Max's story is equal parts practical and inspiring.

• How Max got into ultrarunning — the moment a regular runner becomes someone who voluntarily runs 50+ miles through the mountains
• Balancing a demanding career with endurance training — how shift work, physical fatigue, and mental load factor into a training plan
• Training strategies that actually work — race prep, building mileage, and how to peak at the right time
• Gear breakdown — Max's go-to shoes, packs, and hydration systems, and why he chose them
• Fueling for the long haul — nutrition strategies from training runs to mid-race aid stations
• Race stories from the trail — including his experiences at Western States, Born to Run, and more
• Handling the hard stuff — weather, tough terrain, and the mental game when things go sideways
• The ultrarunning community — why the people in this sport are unlike any other
• What's next — bucket list races and goals on the horizon

Connect with Max

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3140220

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Flying90

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflying90/

What's this episode about?

In this raw and honest conversation, Robbie and Justin open up about the mental and physical battles they've faced — from grinding through ultramarathon training to confronting the harder terrain of mental health. Whether you're chasing a finish line or just trying to get through the week, this one's for you.

• Mental health awareness for men — breaking the stigma and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• Innovative training methods — how overspeed training and elevation work can unlock performance you didn't know you had
• Masculinity & confidence — what it really means to show up strong, in sport and in life
• Balancing the grind — keeping your mind right while pushing your body to its limits
• Personal stories — Robbie and Justin share their journeys through injury, mental health struggles, and what pulled them through

• Your mental fitness matters as much as your physical fitness — train both
• Overspeed and elevation training aren't just for elites; they can reshape how any runner moves and thinks
• Confidence isn't something you're born with — it's built through hard things
• Vulnerability among men isn't weakness. Talking is how we heal

You don't have to white-knuckle it alone. Real strength means reaching out.

🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (US)

• 🧠 Movember Foundation — men's health, mental health & suicide prevention

• 💪 Man Therapy — a bold, no-nonsense mental health resource built specifically for men

• 🤝 Mental Health America — screening tools, resources, and finding local support

• 😟 Anxiety and Depression Association of America — resources, therapist finder, and support for anxiety and depression