When Glenn McRill toed the starting line at Grasslands 100, he carried years of experience as a marathon runner and Director of Coaching for the San Antonio RoadRunners—but faced the daunting reality of attempting his first 100-mile race with less-than-ideal training. The journey that followed became a masterclass in perseverance, problem-solving, and finding strength beyond physical preparation.

Glenn's running journey began reluctantly. As a soccer player, he specifically chose to be a goalkeeper to minimize running. During his time at West Point and in the Army, running became mandatory rather than recreational. Gradually, this obligation transformed into a mental outlet and eventually a passion—though one firmly rooted in road running until meeting his wife Agatha, an accomplished ultrarunner.

After years of crewing and pacing Agatha through numerous ultramarathons, Glenn decided it was time to attempt his own 100-miler. The Grasslands 100, set in a Texas state park northwest of Fort Worth, presented varied terrain across four distinct loops. Despite expecting flat landscapes, he encountered surprising hills, sandy sections, and even wandering cattle on nighttime trails.

What makes Glenn's accomplishment remarkable was completing this challenge despite limited training. Work commitments had restricted his long runs, with his longest being a disastrous marathon just weeks before race day. Yet this shortage of physical preparation was counterbalanced by mental fortitude and practical wisdom gained from supporting Agatha's ultra career—knowing when to change clothes before nightfall, how to manage nutrition consistently, which foods worked for his stomach, and how to minimize time at aid stations.

Perhaps the most tense moment came around mile 91, when his running companions warned they might miss a cutoff. Despite fatigue, they accelerated to an 11-minute mile pace, with Glenn taking a hard fall but continuing undeterred. They made the cutoff with just five minutes to spare, ultimately completing the full 100 miles.

Glenn's story reminds us that ultra running isn't just about physical capability—it's about problem-solving, adaptability, and refusing to surrender when your mind insists you should. Whether you're contemplating your first ultra or any significant challenge, remember his words: "Your biggest competition isn't other runners or even your body, it's your mind."

Have you faced a challenge that tested your mental limits more than your physical ones? We'd love to hear your story!

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Every finish line crossed, every aid station that saved your race, every perfectly marked trail section - none of it happens without volunteers. But what does volunteering at an ultra actually entail, and why should you consider giving your time?

Richard Gleave dives deep into the rewarding world of ultra running volunteerism, exploring how this often-overlooked aspect of the sport creates not just successful races but stronger communities. Drawing from personal experiences at races from 50-milers to 100+ mile events, Richard shares how volunteering transformed his relationship with ultra running and provided unexpected inspiration during periods of low motivation.

The episode walks through practical aspects of volunteering - from the various roles you might fill to tips for being an exceptional volunteer. Learn how anticipating runners' needs, maintaining a positive attitude, and being flexible can profoundly impact racers' experiences. Richard recounts a powerful moment when a simple act of kindness at an aid station became the turning point in a struggling runner's race day.

Beyond logistics, this conversation explores the deeper rewards of volunteering: the community connections formed, the race insights gained, and the renewed perspective on what makes ultra running special. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner looking to give back or someone curious about the sport without committing to racing distances, volunteering offers a front-row seat to the determination, struggle, and triumph that define ultra running.

Ready to experience ultra running from a different angle? This episode provides everything you need to take that first step into volunteering. Connect with the podcast on social media @choose_to_endure or via email at info@choosetoendure.com to share your own volunteering stories or suggest future topics.

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Recovery often becomes the forgotten pillar of ultra running performance, especially for those of us who occupy the back of the pack. After crossing the finish line of my latest 220-mile ultra adventure, I've been closely monitoring my Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to guide my recovery journey – and the insights have been too valuable not to share.

HRV measures the variation in time between each heartbeat and serves as a window into your autonomic nervous system, revealing the delicate balance between your "fight or flight" response and your "rest and digest" state. When your HRV dips low, your body is waving a red flag that you're under stress – whether from physical fatigue after a grueling race, mental pressure, inadequate sleep, or even an oncoming illness. Conversely, higher HRV readings suggest your body is recovered and ready for training stress.

What makes HRV particularly powerful for ultra runners is how it personalizes recovery. After my recent ultra, my HRV remained at rock bottom for two full weeks – a clear signal that despite my eagerness to return to training, my body needed more time. This metric has repeatedly saved me from the overtraining trap that so many endurance athletes fall into. Beyond simply tracking numbers, understanding HRV helps establish a deeper connection with your body's signals and promotes sustainable training practices that can extend your ultra running journey for years to come.

Want to improve your recovery and performance through HRV monitoring? Subscribe to Choose to Endure for more practical tips designed specifically for back-of-the-pack ultra runners. Share your own HRV experiences or recovery strategies – I'd love to hear how this tool is working for fellow endurance athletes on their ultra journeys.

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