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Choose Strong

90 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 969 ratings

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. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/support

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Episodes

# 27 Three Things Destroying Your Mental Game (The Mental Game Part 2)

September 16, 2023 06:56 - 28 minutes - 23 MB

In part 2 of the Mental Game, Sally discusses three critical factors that destroy our mindset both in everyday life and racing. Grab a pen & paper for this one- you’ll want to take notes! Please consider supporting our show by downloading the www.sallymcrae.app --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/sup...

#27 How to Stay Mentally Strong (The Mental Game Part 2)

September 16, 2023 06:56 - 28 minutes - 23 MB

In part 2 of the Mental Game, Sally discusses three critical factors that destroy our mindset both in everyday life and racing. Grab a pen & paper for this one- you’ll want to take notes! Please consider supporting our show by downloading the Sally McRae Strength App! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/support

#27 Three Things Destroying Your Mental Game (The Mental Game Part 2)

September 16, 2023 06:56 - 28 minutes - 23 MB

In part 2 of the Mental Game, Sally discusses three critical factors that destroy our mindset both in everyday life and racing. Grab a pen & paper for this one- you’ll want to take notes! Please consider supporting our show by downloading the www.sallymcrae.app --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/support

#26 Finish the Race- BIGFOOT 200 RACE RECAP

August 25, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 82.3 MB

When challenges begin to compound, do you second guess your mission or personal abilities? When is it time to throw in the towel and when should we keep pushing forward? In this candid episode, Sally and Eddie break down the Bigfoot 200 race- an event that took place just 17 days after Sally crossed the finish line of Tahoe 220. Sally takes the listener into the mindset that's helped her overcome again and again while reminding us that's it's okay to feel weak. Sometimes the greatest lessons ...

#25 TAHOE 200 RACE RECAP| Using the brain to triumph over the mind.

August 04, 2023 16:39 - 2 hours - 114 MB

Have you tapped into your powerful mind in difficult situations? Do you believe a strong mind is only for "some" people? Listen as Eddie and Sally break down Sally's grueling journey to finish Tahoe 200, the second race in the GRAND SLAM OF 200s SERIES. From illness to blacking out while alone on the trails, Sally encourages her listeners to believe in the strength we all possess despite the dark and painful challenges in racing, but most importantly, in life. THE YELLOW NIKE TRAIL CHOOSE ST...

#25 The Triumph of the Mind over the Failing Body- TAHOE 200 RACE RECAP

August 04, 2023 16:39 - 2 hours - 114 MB

Have you tapped into your powerful mind in difficult situations? Do you believe a strong mind is only for "some" people? Listen as Eddie and Sally break down Sally's grueling journey to finish Tahoe 200, the second race in the GRAND SLAM OF 200s SERIES. From illness to blacking out while alone on the trails, Sally encourages her listeners to believe in the strength we all possess despite the dark and painful challenges in racing, but most importantly, in life. THE YELLOW NIKE TRAIL CHOOSE ...

#24 The Mental Game (Part 1)

July 15, 2023 03:12 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MB

Mental toughness, fortitude, and overcoming. What & How you think has the power to crush you or strengthen you no matter the season/situation in life. Listen to the start of this multi-series episode and leave encouraged & inspired to work on your mental game. Choose Strong Book: https://www.amazon.com/CHOOSE-STRONG-Choice-Changes-Everything/dp/B0C3FMPSJW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CDKJYBHKJBJM&keywords=choose+strong+book&qid=1689393335&sprefix=choose+srong+book%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1 Sally McRae Streng...

#23 Hellah Runs Western States 100 | Run Streaking, Racing, and Overcoming in Life & Sport

July 07, 2023 19:20 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

Hellah Sidibe aka HELLAHGOOD on social media is well known globally not only for his incredible run streak (since 2017) but for his relentless light and positivity. I was so honored to sit down with my good friend and listen to him share about his upbringing, his soccer career that ended up brining him to running; and his first experience running Western States 100. Follow Hellah on Instagram at @hellahgood9 Checkout Hellah's YouTube channel at HellahGood To support this podcast, please ...

#22 Fitting it All In, Road to Trails, and More of YOUR questions

June 28, 2023 05:13 - 59 minutes - 48 MB

Sally answers your questions with candid responses and encouraging insight. Support the podcast and download Sally's Strength and Running app here Get Sally's New Book: CHOOSE STRONG and be sure to leave a review! Thank you again for supporting our show! Every download means so much to us! Keep Choosing Strong in ALL you do! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sallymcraepodcast/support

#21 Cocodona 250 - Stronger than the Pain

May 14, 2023 18:53 - 2 hours - 120 MB

We did it- Sally's first 200+ mile race is complete and we have a solid 3 hour episode to break it all down. You'll want to save this for your extra long run or to power you through the next few days as every segment is insightful and encouraging. As with all our episodes, we hope you find strength and encouragement for your own journey in what we have to share. You'll hear the background leading up to the race, the challenges Sally faced, why she chose to wear that green suit and sun hat wi...

#21- Cocodona 250-Stronger than the Pain

May 14, 2023 18:53 - 2 hours - 120 MB

We did it- Sally's first 200+ mile race is complete and we have a solid 3 hour episode to break it all down. You'll want to save this for your extra long run or to power you through the next few days as every segment is insightful and encouraging. As with all our episodes, we hope you find strength and encouragement for your own journey in what we have to share. You'll hear the background leading up to the race, the challenges Sally faced, why she chose to wear that green suit and sun hat wi...

#20 200 Mile Training | The Power in Building Your Team | The Return of Eddie

April 20, 2023 20:21 - 1 hour - 60.3 MB

Get ready for an hour of entertainment & a whole lot of inspiration as Eddie and Sally talk about the build up to the first of 4, 200 mile races this year…building a team, crewing, and of course choosing strong! We want to thank YOU for your support and being a part of the community! If you loved this episode and want to help us continue to put out great content, please consider downloading Sally's Running and Strength app: SALLY'S APP Subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel and follow Sally's tr...

#19 Mac Jackson | Dad, Career, and Crushing His First 100 Mile Race

April 17, 2023 19:29 - 57 minutes - 45.7 MB

Today I sit down with Mac Jackson - a new runner in the ultra world who recently crushed his first 100 mile race in under 20 hours. Mac talks about juggling life as a husband, father, and career man while fitting in the training. Be sure to give Mac a follow @Maction17 on IG! We want to thank you for listening, sharing and supporting our channel. Be sure to check us out at the following media outlets: CHOOSE STRONG PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL SALLY MCRAE STRENGTH APP SALLY MCRAE YOUTUBE CHAN...

#18 The Stronger Way to Train-Quieting the Critics

March 17, 2023 21:51 - 44 minutes - 36 MB

Are you frustrated with your training or tired of people saying you are training wrong? In this special episode, Sally shares her personal story of overcoming self-doubt and a sea of critics to fulfill a childhood dream of becoming a professional athlete. We guarantee you will be encouraged and inspired by this episode no matter where you are in your dream journey- running or not. Episode Topics: 1. The foundation of customized training and letting go of the "perfect way to train." 2. Wh...

#17-Ultra Strength and Community with Pro Tim Tollefson

January 28, 2023 00:35 - 1 hour - 70.3 MB

Tim Tollefson is one of the most well known and accomplished American ultra runners in the world. Since signing his first pro contract 9 years ago, Tim has powered his way up mountains and varied terrain to stand on podiums all over the world, including the most competitive of them UTMB, where he twice placed 3rd as well as 2nd in the CCC. In addition to a long list of 1st place finishes, Tim is well known and loved in the ultra community simply for who he is as a person. Last year, Tim shar...

#16 Courage to Create Something Big- Drew Darby & Tyler McCain

January 13, 2023 19:25 - 1 hour - 78.3 MB

When Drew Darby and Tyler McCain were tasked with filming the CHOOSE STRONG PROJECT they had little knowledge of what they were getting into. In this episode you will learn how these two creators took big risks, overcame personal fears, and pushed beyond their limits to capture a story that has impacted thousands of people around the world.  Check out the CHOOSE STRONG FILM on YouTube Follow Drew Darby and Tyler McCain on Instagram Support our work and download the SALLY MCRAE STRENGTH AP...

#15 Heather Jackson and Sean "Wattie" Watkins- The Power in Supporting Others & Heather's Jaw-Dropping Performance at Javelina 100

December 09, 2022 22:26 - 1 hour - 66.7 MB

If you haven't heard of the power team that is Heather Jackson and Wattie yet, be prepared to add them to your "most inspirational" list of people. For 15 years Heather has crushed the Triathlon scene; a career that was lovingly encouraged by her husband, Sean Watkins. Known for her giant smile, disciplined training and relentless optimism, Heather is forging ahead to test herself in new ways in 2023! We are so excited for our community to hear this podcast because you will undoubtedly walk ...

#14 Motivation+Choose Strong 30 Challenge/Life Update

November 06, 2022 04:55 - 46 minutes - 41.2 MB

Sally hosts this episode solo and breaks down her thoughts on how to stay motivated. She also talks about the Choose Strong 30 Challenge and gives a quick life update on family, her book, moving, and her big goal for 2023. For more information on the Choose Strong 30 Challenge happening Nov.7th-Dec. 7th, check out the info here! Check out Sally's Run and Strength app here (it's FREE for the first 7 days!) Thank you for all your support and encouragement! We truly appreciate the reviews, m...

#13 Strength to Start Again-The Double Mount Whitney Summit

October 14, 2022 17:24 - 1 hour - 94.4 MB

On September 29th, Sally stood on the street corner of Main Street and Mount Whitney Portal Road in Lone Pine, CA. She had never summited Mount Whitney before, so why did she think she could pull off summiting the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, not just once but twice? And as if the challenge of summiting twice wasn't enough, Sally chose to start at the very bottom, 23 miles away. The whole route was 92 miles and over 22,000 feet of climbing. In this episode, Sally and Eddie break...

#13 The Double Mount Whitney Summit

October 14, 2022 17:24 - 1 hour - 94.4 MB

On September 29th, Sally stood on the street corner of Main Street and Mount Whitney Portal Road in Lone Pine, CA. She had never summited Mount Whitney before, so why did she think she could pull off summiting the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, not just once but twice? And as if the challenge of summiting twice wasn't enough, Sally chose to start at the very bottom, 23 miles away. The whole route was 92 miles and over 22,000 feet of climbing. In this episode, Sally and Eddie break d...

#12 Breakdown in the Swiss Alps (WildStrubel UTMB 108k Race)

September 22, 2022 21:40 - 2 hours - 114 MB

-We often say, we are capable of more than we know, but how will we ever know what that looks like, unless we try. As Sally stood at the Start of Race #4 in the ChooseStrong Project, she was feeling the effects of racing 3 massive races in the previous 8 weeks. She chose the word GRATITUDE as her focus word and despite the grueling course, found her way to the Finish line once again. -Topics Covered in this Podcast: +The Swiss Alps and Racing WildStrubel UTMB 108k +Training and Recovery o...

#11 The Power in the Struggle at Leadville 100

August 27, 2022 00:24 - 1 hour - 104 MB

Sally knew as she hit the "SUBMIT REGISTRATION" button that Leadville 100 would be especially challenging for her as an athlete. This 100 mile, extreme high altitude race already poses a challenge for anyone not acclimated to altitude, and with Sally's lifelong issues with being able to breathe in and out fully, this course would undoubtedly test her mentally to keep going even when she didn't feel strong. In this episode, we detail Sally's prep going into the race; how her team kept her mo...

#10 Start Strong, Fall Apart, Finish Strong

August 18, 2022 17:36 - 1 hour - 70.6 MB

You have a plan; you prepared relentlessly; and when you set out on your journey everything seems to be going just as planned; and then, when you least expect it; everything falls apart. How do you keep going when what you worked so hard for slips through your fingers? And how do you keep going when everything just plain hurts? In this episode Sally talks about her recent race at Angeles Crest 100 in Wrightwood, California; one of the toughest 100 mile races in the nation. Run entirely in a...

#10 Angeles Crest 100 Race Recap| Choose Strong Project Race #2

August 18, 2022 17:36 - 1 hour - 70.6 MB

You have a plan; you prepared relentlessly; and when you set out on your journey everything seems to be going just as planned; and then, when you least expect it; everything falls apart. How do you keep going when what you worked so hard for slips through your fingers? And how do you keep going when everything just plain hurts? In this episode Sally talks about her recent race at Angeles Crest 100 in Wrightwood, California; one of the toughest 100 mile races in the nation. Run entirely in alt...

#9 Finding Strength in Weakness at Badwater 135

July 19, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MB

The World's Toughest Footrace starts at Badwater Basin in California, 282 feet below sea level and travels 135 miles, over 3 mountain passes; ending at Mount Whitney Portal (the entrance to the tallest mountain in the lower 48 States). The race is known for it's extreme heat and harsh conditions with temperatures reaching close to 130F. Over a decade ago, Sally crafted a goal for herself to win the race, which she did after her second attempt in 2021. In 2018 and 2021, Sally endured constant...

#8 The Choose Strong Project Announcement

July 10, 2022 04:14 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

In this episode Sally shares about a challenging project she has been quietly working toward and how YOU can join! +Intro to the Choose Strong Project +The 6 races totaling 500+ miles that Sally will be racing in the next 5 months +The reason why 2022 is the year Sally has been anticipating for more than half her life. +How the community and how people have already been sharing their Choose Strong stories. +Run, Hike, Ride, or Lift on July 11th as Sally tackles her 3rd Badwater 135. Do ...

#7 Deb Hamberlin's Race Recap of her Cocodona Experience

June 02, 2022 16:21 - 1 hour - 99.8 MB

In this episode I sit down with Deb Hamberlin, as she recaps her first try at the 200 mile distance. She finished 19th woman at COCODONA 250. I coached Deb for 4 years and this was my first time carving out a training plan for this distance. Deb is one of the kindest and most helpful runners in the ultra community and so to see her accomplish this incredible feat brought me great joy! During our conversation we discuss: +Deb's background as an athlete and her humble start in sports in scho...

#7 How to Train and Execute a Successful 200 Mile Race | Deb Hamberlin

June 02, 2022 16:21 - 1 hour - 99.8 MB

The sport of ultras is seeing an increase in the number of 200+ mile races, yet we are still learning about what it takes to train and execute a successful attempt at these monster races; which in many ways, is exciting! The human body is capable of so much more than we often give it credit for and the most basic way of discovering our capabilities is by simply trying.  In this episode I sit down with Deb Hamberlin, who executed a powerful race day to finish 19th woman at the recent COCODON...

#6 Fear and Danger on the Run

April 27, 2022 18:37 - 1 hour - 37.3 MB

You'll want to save and share this episode because it's FULL of real-life experiences Sally has had in her 20 years as an endurance runner. In this episode, Sally is joined by Eddie as she discusses some of her biggest fears when she first started running, especially on the trails and how she overcame them. She offers advice, tips, and a good dose of FIRM responses that women can used when being harassed while out on a run or when threatened.  Topics Covered: -Being stalked and followed on...

#5 Shalane Flanagan: “One Who Leads”

March 04, 2022 06:19 - 1 hour - 25.2 MB

When you know your purpose in life and you choose to give it your 100% best effort every day of your life; this is what it looks like! Meet the legendary Shalane Flanagan and hear her inspiring story from childhood to present day and what she’s planning to do this year! Shalane is an American distance runner, Olympic medalist, and winner of the NY City Marathon, to name just a few! Listen and be inspired; you don’t want to miss this episode! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.sp...

#4 Training your Body & Mind

February 16, 2022 17:08 - 50 minutes - 24.2 MB

In the final episode of The Body Series, I address the questions YOU sent me- which are some of the most popular I receive on a weekly basis. We discuss food, strength training while running, motivation, and how to approach running with a healthy mindset. I am joined in this episode by the ever patient Eddie McRae; my best friend and husband. For the links I discuss in the episode, you can check out: My Strength Training and Running app:  https://sallymcrae.app If you have any questions ...

#3 Eddie Spaghetti Shares about His Body

January 31, 2022 19:29 - 23 minutes - 19.1 MB

This episode is brought to you by the Sally McRae App: https://sallymcrae.app  Finally an app that helps you understand how to incorporate strength training into your running program PLUS so much more! Check it out and thank you in advance for your support. Show Notes: -Joined by my husband as well as being my best friend since I was 18 years old, Eddie shares some stories and insight about his journey with body image and how it affected him as an athlete. -I also share a brief story abo...

Eddie Spaghetti Shares about His Body (Episode 3)

January 31, 2022 19:29 - 23 minutes - 19.1 MB

This episode is brought to you by the Sally McRae App: https://sallymcrae.app  Finally an app that helps you understand how to incorporate strength training into your running program PLUS so much more! Check it out and thank you in advance for your support. Show Notes: -Joined by my husband as well as being my best friend since I was 18 years old, Eddie shares some stories and insight about his journey with body image and how it affected him as an athlete. -I also share a brief story abo...

#3 The Body Part II

January 31, 2022 19:29 - 23 minutes - 19.1 MB

This episode is brought to you by the Sally McRae App: https://sallymcrae.app  Finally an app that helps you understand how to incorporate strength training into your running program PLUS so much more! Check it out and thank you in advance for your support. Show Notes: -Joined by my husband as well as being my best friend since I was 18 years old, Eddie shares some stories and insight about his journey with body image and how it affected him as an athlete. -I also share a brief story about ho...

The BODY Part One

November 19, 2021 18:40 - 34 minutes - 53.5 MB

In this 3 part Body series, I answer questions from listeners about issues surrounding body image and address some of the common comments I have gotten over the years regarding my own body. My desire is to encourage others to focus on what the body can DO rather than focusing on criticisms or beliefs that we need to change our bodies in order to do what we love. This is one of my favorite topics to talk about so I am breaking it up into 3 parts.  I am joined by my husband Eddie McRae, who k...

#2 The BODY

November 19, 2021 18:40 - 34 minutes - 53.5 MB

In this 3 part Body series, I answer questions from listeners about issues surrounding body image and address some of the common comments I have gotten over the years regarding my own body. My desire is to encourage others to focus on what the body can DO rather than focusing on criticisms or beliefs that we need to change our bodies in order to do what we love. This is one of my favorite topics to talk about so I am breaking it up into 3 parts.  I am joined by my husband Eddie McRae, who k...

The BODY (Episode 2)

November 19, 2021 18:40 - 34 minutes - 53.5 MB

In this 3 part Body series, I answer questions from listeners about issues surrounding body image and address some of the common comments I have gotten over the years regarding my own body. My desire is to encourage others to focus on what the body can DO rather than focusing on criticisms or beliefs that we need to change our bodies in order to do what we love. This is one of my favorite topics to talk about so I am breaking it up into 3 parts.  I am joined by my husband Eddie McRae, who k...

Welcome to the Choose Strong Podcast/Intro Episode

October 23, 2021 15:24 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode: *Intro and Welcome to the first episode *The launch of CHOOSE STRONG and what to expect from future episodes *Call to action: Tell me what YOU hope to hear on my podcast by visiting sallymcrae.com------> Contact Form *Closing Encouragement: Be Courageous/ See IG post from October 20, 2021 Choose Strong is a podcast focused on encouraging others to live a strong and purposeful life. You can expect to hear life stories from your host Sally McRae and her guests that focus ...

Welcome to the Choose Strong Podcast(Episode 1)

October 23, 2021 15:24 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode: *Intro and Welcome to the first episode *The launch of CHOOSE STRONG and what to expect from future episodes *Call to action: Tell me what YOU hope to hear on my podcast by visiting sallymcrae.com------> Contact Form *Closing Encouragement: Be Courageous/ See IG post from October 20, 2021 Choose Strong is a podcast focused on encouraging others to live a strong and purposeful life. You can expect to hear life stories from your host Sally McRae and her guests that focus ...

#1 Welcome to the Choose Strong Podcast

October 23, 2021 15:24 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode: *Intro and Welcome to the first episode *The launch of CHOOSE STRONG and what to expect from future episodes *Call to action: Tell me what YOU hope to hear on my podcast by sending an email to [email protected] *Closing Encouragement: Be Courageous/ See IG post from October 20, 2021 Choose Strong is a podcast focused on encouraging others to live a strong and purposeful life. You can expect to hear life stories from your host Sally McRae and her guests ...