Choose Strong

Ultrarunning legend Harvey Lewis joins Sally to share his extraordinary journey from an unlikely teenage marathoner to one of the world's most accomplished endurance athletes, revealing how optimism, adaptability, and mental toughness have shaped his life. They explore the psychology of pushing beyond perceived limits, the power of staying present, and Sally's exciting announcement that she's taking on her first official Backyard Ultra. Enjoy!

OTHER EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How Harvey’s mother encouraged his ambitious goals and helped shape his adventurous mindset.
Balancing fatherhood, college, work, and ultrarunning at just 20 years old.
Why Harvey recommends three dedicated crew members for success in a Backyard Ultra.
How backyard races become psychological battles filled with mind games and strategy.
Why pizza, mac and cheese, cookies, and guacamole are part of Harvey’s race-day nutrition.
13+ years of commuting without a car.

KEEP UP WITH HARVEY:
INSTAGRAM: @harveylewisultrarunner
YOUTUBE: @harveyandkelly
WEBSITE: runquesttravel.com

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the show by taking advantage of the deals from our sponsors:
OAK ESSENTIALS: Use code SALLY  at oakessentials.com to get 15% off your first purchase! #OakEssentials #ad
WARBY PARKER: Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at warbyparker.com/SALLY — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad
BUBS NATURALS: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals.  For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code SALLY at Bubsnaturals.com

In this episode, Sally sits down with longtime friend and fellow podcast host Jonathan Levitt for an honest conversation about the power of running, meaningful friendships, taking risks, and building a life around what you love. Jon opens up about navigating a difficult breakup, finding emotional strength through running, leaving his corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying true to yourself in a world driven by social media and outside expectations.

OTHER EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
From Hating Running to Marathons

Breaking the Three-Hour Marathon Barrier

The Origins of For the Long Run — How conversations with inspiring athletes became a podcast.

Why Small Steps Build Momentum — Practical advice for turning an idea into something meaningful.

The Value of Genuine Curiosity & why Jon prefers deeper conversations over chasing podcast rankings.

Finding Your People Through Running

The Great Running T-Shirt Debate

Favorite Running Fuels and Nutrition

Running Shoes and Injury Management

Recovery Tools Worth Discussing — Sauna sessions, blood flow restriction, compression socks, and Normatec boots.

KEEP UP WITH JON:
INSTAGRAM: @jwlevitt
PODCAST: For the Long Run
PODCAST: Long Run Labs
SUBSTACK: Long Run Labs
WEBSITE: ForTheLong.Run
X (TWITTER): @jwlevitt
LINKEDIN: Jonathon Levitt

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner⁠⁠⁠

Support the show by taking advantage of the deals from our sponsors:
DAVID PROTEIN: ‘Buy 4 cartons and get the 5th one free’ at Davidprotein.com/SALLY
ONESKIN: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SALLY at https://www.oneskin.co/SALLY  #oneskinpod
MUD/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at  mudwtr.com/STRONG #mudwtrpod

***AUDIO ONLY
Recorded live at Mammoth Trail Fest, Sally sits down with longtime friend, professional ultrarunner, and race founder Tim Tollefson for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond athletic achievements. Tim reflects on his journey from an overlooked young runner to one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, opening up about setbacks, personal struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and how running can become something far greater than chasing finish lines.

Other Episode Highlights:
Tim's journey from soccer to professional running

Why finishing Leadville meant more than the podium

The inspiration behind creating Mammoth Trail Fest

Tim's experience pacing Sally at Cocodona 250

Why Tim has no plans to run a 200-miler

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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⁠⁠⁠Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner⁠⁠

Support the show by taking advantage of the deals from our sponsors:
MOUNT TO COAST: Save 20% off The Sonoma Fall Classic at ultrasignup.com with code CHOOSESTRONG20
ORION SLEEP: Save 15% off at ⁠orionsleep.com/SALLY

In this episode, Sally gets a chance to chat with friend, ultrarunner, and world-record holder Meg Eckert about her remarkable journey from being too afraid to show up for her first 5K to becoming one of the world’s top multi-day runners. Meg recently ran more than 636 miles in six days, becoming the first woman to surpass 1,000 kilometers in the event. She opens up about pacing, fear, joy, discomfort, her relationship with running, and the mindset that continues to push her toward discovering what she’s capable of. Thanks for pushing play. Enjoy!

Other Episode Highlights:
Skipping her first 5K out of fear
Why she started running because of her dog
Meeting her husband through running
Often runs to work—and arrives earlier than when she drives
Meg's love of six-day races
How she is very particular about tying her shoes
Why brushing your teeth mid-race feels amazing
Teaching middle school vs. hour 130
How joy and suffering can coexist
Training her gut with short-run gels
How she still thinks she can improve the record

Keep Up With Meg:
INSTAGRAM: @_megeckert

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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⁠⁠⁠Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner⁠

Support the show by taking advantage of the deals from our 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 SALLY
ORION SLEEP: Save 15% off at orionsleep.com/SALLY

In this episode, Sally chats with her friend, and Elite ultrarunner, Rachel Drake, who shares what it looks like to pursue big dreams while raising two young children and working 65–80-hour weeks as an anesthesia resident. She opens up about UTMB, returning to running after pregnancy, leaning on family support, and learning that different priorities can take the lead during different seasons of life. You will be encouraged by Rachel's drive and commitment to excellence in all she does! Enjoy!

Other Episode Highlights:
How running helps the emotionally demanding experiences she encounters at the hospital
Sally eating Rachel's pre-race sweet potatoes
The perspective of suffering from illness vs suffering in a race
UTMB training 50-60 miles a week
Overnight shifts days before UTMB
Running after pregnancy
Having an older brother helped to develop her competitiveness

Keep Up With Rachel:
STRAVA: Rachel Drake
INSTAGRAM: @rachelraedrake
YOUTUBE: @ultrafamilyhustle

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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⁠⁠Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner⁠

Be sure to take advantage of the deals from our sponsors:
ONESKIN: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SALLY at https://www.oneskin.co/SALLY  #oneskinpod
LAGOON SLEEP: Use code CHOOSESTRONG for 15% off at LagoonSleep.com/CHOOSESTRONG