
Advertise on podcast: Choose Strong
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
158 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2021/10/23
Latest episode
2026/09/30
Average duration
100 min.
Release period
8 days
Description
Hosted by Eddie and Sally McRae, Choose Strong is about choosing strength over fear in every situation in life. Strong Mind, Strong Body, Strong Love. Each episode is filled with candid insight, raw and relatable stories and interviews. As a pro athlete, wife, mother, and biz owner, Sally seeks to encourage others to live a strong and courageous life and uses her running as a metaphor for life. The show covers a variety of life focused topics including running, total wellness, mindset, parenting, life balance, the impact of social media, and staying motivated while working toward goals.
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#158 | Meg Eckert | 636 Miles in 6 Days: Her Record-Breaking Run
2026/09/30
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 fearWhy she started running because of her dogMeeting her husband through runningOften runs to work—and arrives earlier than when she drivesMeg's love of six-day racesHow she is very particular about tying her shoesWhy brushing your teeth mid-race feels amazingTeaching middle school vs. hour 130How joy and suffering can coexistTraining her gut with short-run gelsHow 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.
Sally McRae Strength App
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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
#157 | Rachel Drake | Motherhood, Medicine, & Racing UTMB
2026/09/25
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 hospitalSally eating Rachel's pre-race sweet potatoes The perspective of suffering from illness vs suffering in a raceUTMB training 50-60 miles a week Overnight shifts days before UTMBRunning after pregnancyHaving 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.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
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Sally McRae YouTube
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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
#156 | Rachel Entrekin | Best Year Ever!
2026/09/19
Fresh off an incredible second-place finish at UTMB, Rachel shares what it was really like navigating the overwhelming crowds, racing alongside the best in the world, and fighting to hold onto second place in the final miles. She also opens up about her surprise mountaintop engagement, life with Will, wedding plans, Switzerland, pickleball, her upcoming Snowman Race in Bhutan, and why she’s more committed than ever to doing things her own way! You'll love this conversation. Enjoy!
Other Episode Highlights:
The overwhelming UTMB start Glitter on the start line Being chased for 2nd placeTrying to find her "positive attitude" Her fiance, Will, "The King of Switzerland" Wedding planning
Keep Up With Rachel:
Substack: @rachelentrekin
IG: @rachel__entrekin
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
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Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner
Be sure to take advantage of the great deals from our sponsors!
ORION SLEEP: Visit orionsleep.com/SALLY to get 15% off.
PRIMAL QUEEN: Our listeners get a FREE MONTH of Primal Queen plus FOUR FREE GIFTS at PrimalQueen.com/SALLY #ad
#155 | Sally's Badwater 135 Race Recap
2026/09/04
Just days before Badwater 135, Sally received an unexpected call offering her a spot in the race after she had already stopped heat training and shifted her focus toward TDS in the Alps. With only five days to prepare, she chose to say yes, reset her expectations, and approach one of the toughest races in the world very differently than she had in the past. Sally shares how slowing down, listening to her body, leaning on an incredible crew, and letting go of performance goals turned into one of her most meaningful race experiences. Enjoy!
Giveaway will last for 10 days from the release of this episode.
Other Episode Highlights:
Another giveaway!Managing recurring stomach problems during ultrasKnee update after nearly 500 miles of racingMeeting her crew for the first time the day before the racePopsicle at mile 25 creates a problemRunning the final miles with Joe CorcioneBarely eating from mile 45-120 McDonald's hash brown saves the day Community highlights
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Substack @SallyMcRaeYellowRunner
Be sure to take advantage of the great deals from our sponsors!
MUD/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG #mudwtrpod
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 #laundrysaucepod
#154 | Sally's TDS Race Recap!
2026/08/28
Fresh off the finish line in Chamonix, Sally recaps her first TDS—one of the most rugged races in the UTMB week—after battling rain, massive climbs, a brutal fall, a badly injured leg, and the loss of her poles. She shares how gratitude, perspective, and repeatedly choosing to take the next step carried her through to the finish line and helped turn a difficult race into a powerful reminder that feeling weak doesn’t mean you have to quit! It’s a long one, but it is worth it! Enjoy!
Other Episode Highlights:
Starting from the last corralSurviving the midnight stormThe aggressive first cutoff checkpointRunning, falling, sliding down in the rainSeven-thousand-foot mountain climbsRacing the last half of the TDS race without poles (crazy!)Why mountain gear really mattersAn encouragement for YOU to keep going
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode Sponsors:
TRUE NUTRITION: Get 20% off your first order at truenutrition.com/CHOOSESTRONG with code CHOOSESTRONG
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.
#153 | Inside the Crew Behind the Fastest Badwater 135 Ever | Mackenzie Jolliffe & Billy Garner
2026/08/22
In this episode, Sally chats with Mackenzie Jolliffe and Billy Garner. They take us behind the scenes of crewing Max Jolliffe during his historic Badwater 135, revealing the planning, pacing, nutrition, split-second decisions and teamwork required to keep him moving. They also share what the experience taught them about trust, friendship, staying calm under pressure and serving someone else without needing the spotlight. Enjoy!
Connect with Mackenzie & Billy!
Mackenzie: Instagram & TikTok
Billy (William): Instagram & TikTok
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode Sponsors:
ORION SLEEP: Visit orionsleep.com/SALLY and save 15% off with code SALLY
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
#152 | Joe Corcione | The Western States - Badwater Double & Reinventing Your Life
2026/08/15
In this episode, Sally chats with her good friend, rockstar pacer, podcast host and ultrarunning coach, Joe Corcione! Joe shares how running helped transform his life from addiction and unhappiness into nearly eight years of sobriety, a coaching career, and a deep belief that people can change through consistent effort. Joe also chats about his demanding Western States–Badwater double and the larger lesson that growth comes from embracing difficult challenges! Enjoy!
Other episode highlights:
Prioritizing rest and mental freshness over additional fitness.His first coach, Zach Bitter, gave him crucial confidence by immediately believing in his ambitious racing goals.Badwater fulfilled one of Joe’s long-held dream races and became a major “full-circle” moment.How friendships, crews, and shared moments often become more memorable than race times or placements.Joe’s coaching mission
Follow Joe:
Coaching: Theeverydayultra.com
Podcast: The Everyday Ultra
Instagram: @joecorcione
YouTube: @everydayultrapodcast1473
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
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Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode 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 #laundrysaucepod
Mud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG! #mudwtrpod #sponsored
#151 | Max Jolliffe | Badwater 135 CHAMPION
2026/08/07
Fresh off his historic Badwater 135 win, in a time of 20:53:41 (the new course record!), Max Jolliffe joins the Choose Strong podcast to chat with Sally about his race & training leading up to race day. You'll gain insight into his mindset as he raced, his race strategy, how he heat trained, fueling and how hiring a coach changed everything for him. Enjoy!
Keep up with Max!
STRAVA
WOAHMAX.com
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
FAVES (Badwater Gear)
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
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Episode Sponsors:
MOUNT TO COAST: Visit mounttocoast.com and use code CHOOSESTRONG to save 10%.
ALLOY: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code STRONG for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully
ONESKIN: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SALLY at https://www.oneskin.co/SALLY #oneskinpod
#150 | How to Push Past the Wall, Recover From an Ultra & Believe You Belong
2026/07/31
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 App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
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Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode 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 #laundrysaucepod
TRUE 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
#149 | Courage, Curiosity & the Road to the Olympics | Anna Gibson
2026/07/31
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: @annaagibsonn
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
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Episode 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
#148 | Identity, Purpose & the Road Back to Running | Kat Edwards Anderson
2026/07/28
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 losing
Follow Kat!
Substack Moab 240 Film Coaching Instagram
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Sally McRae Strength App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode 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
ONE SKIN: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SALLY at https://www.oneskin.co/SALLY #oneskinpod
#147 | From Failure to Triple Crown Champion | Kilian Korth on Mental Toughness & Never Quitting
2026/07/22
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: @runtoughmindset
IG: @kiliankorth
Watch his documentary, Forged in Failure, on August 1 @ 6pm MST: https://www.youtube.com/@UltrAspireHydration/featured
Want 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 App
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Episode Sponsors:
TUMBLE: Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at http://tumbleliving.com/SALLY
LAGOON SLEEP: Check out LagoonSleep.com/CHOOSESTRONG for 15% off. Code: CHOOSESTRONG
BIOPTIMIZERS: Get 15% off at bioptimizers.com/STRONG Code: STRONG
#146 | Shin Splints, Recovery, Motivation & Your First Ultra | Running Q&A
2026/07/14
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 App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode 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
#145 | LIVE with RACHEL ENTREKIN | TrailCon 2026
2026/06/30
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 App
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode 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 sponsored
Mud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code STRONG at mudwtr.com/STRONG! #mudwtrpod #sponsored
#144 | Breaking Your Race Into Thirds, Mindset Training, and Running Like a Squirrel
2026/06/19
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 App
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.
Choose Strong Book
Choose Strong Podcast YouTube
Sally McRae YouTube
Choose Strong Merch
Choose Strong Strava Group
Thank 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
Podcast reviews
Read Choose Strong podcast reviews
AL!143~joy 2026/09/22
FAV PODCAST
Love this podcast! Sally and Eddie always brighten my day, whether they’re talking about running, strength training, family or just joking around!
Stacia Anne 2026/09/16
Choose Strong
Always feel encouraged.
DaniB9586 2026/09/13
My favorite podcast
This is my favorite podcast to listen to either when working out or when on my commute. I love that I can also have my kids around and in fact enjoy h...
Runwithjoy 💛 2026/09/11
Amazing podcast!🤩
I love the choose strong podcast! Sally is truly such an inspiration. I love listening to both Sally and Eddie, they bring so much joy to my runs. Her...
NTRunner 2026/09/11
Best ever
I’ve been listening to Sally since the start and it has always been a great podcast. I loved when Eddie joined full-time because their relationship an...
Rita runner C 2026/09/11
My running partner
I love to listen Sally’s podcast while on the treadmill. Most definitely makes the miles go faster. I have my first 200 miler in a couple of weeks and...
georgette_flores 2026/09/11
Helps Me Keep Choosing Strong Through Every Season
I loved listening to Choose Strong before pregnancy, throughout my pregnancy, and now as a new mom. Through every stage of motherhood, Sally’s message...
Csneill 2026/09/11
Motivation!
The promise of finishing episode 155 was enough to get me off the couch after work last night to finish the last hour of Sally’s badwater experience l...
saropp 2026/09/09
Never A Dull Moment
Are you in a good place, riding the high of life? Listen to Choose Strong! Are you in a rough patch, trying to figure out your life? Listen to Choose ...
Wrennie13 2026/09/09
Amazing pod!
Whenever I need an extra dose of inspiration I know exactly where to go!!! Thank you for making this!
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