#36 Adversity, Discipline, and Chasing a 100 Miler | Rio Mata

In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Rio Mata to talk about what it really means to build yourself through adversity.At a young age, Rio faced injuries, family challenges, and isolation. Instead of folding, he found the gym, leaned into discipline, and started chasing something bigger. That path led him into bodybuilding, running, coaching others, and now preparing for one of the toughest 100 mile races in the country.This conversation goes beyond training. It’s about learning through struggle, investing in guidance instead of going it alone, and developing the mindset to keep showing up when things aren’t ideal. From running a marathon through pain to using breathwork to stay locked in, Rio shares how he’s continuing to evolve and push his limits.Chapters00:00 Early Struggles & Finding the Gym04:34 Taking the Risk (Hiring a Coach)08:10 Why Doing It Alone Keeps You Stuck13:00 The Breathwork Trick That Helped Him Run Through Pain19:03 Coaching Others & Leading a Team22:14 Purpose & Doing Hard Things30:00 Mindset, Identity, Belief37:39 First 100 Miler: Why IMTUF?40:04 Training for the Mountains From Texas42:19 What He'd Tell His Younger SelfFollow Us:IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcastMusic: instagram.com/mech__beats/Follow Rio:IG: instagram.com/itsriomata/Subscribe to The People Run Podcast for more real stories from everyday runners, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration.