Mark Wilson: England Rugby World Cup Finalist Turned Ultra Runner

What happens when you've reached the pinnacle of your sport and it's all over?In this episode we sit down with Mark Wilson—former England international, 2019 Rugby World Cup finalist and Newcastle Falcons legend—to talk about life after professional rugby and why he's found a new challenge in ultra running.Since retiring from rugby, Mark has thrown himself into some of the UK's toughest endurance events, including the Arc of Attrition 100 and the iconic Paddy Buckley Round. We discuss the similarities and differences between elite rugby and ultra running, the mindset required to succeed, coping with retirement from professional sport, and why pushing yourself never really stops.Whether you're an ultra runner, rugby fan, or simply fascinated by high performance and resilience, this conversation is packed with honest insights, inspiring stories and plenty of laughs.In this episode we cover: Why he fell in love with ultra running after retirement The mindset of elite athletes Identity and purpose after professional sport Tackling the Arc of Attrition 100 and the Paddy Buckley Round Advice for anyone starting their own endurance journeyThis episode is proudly sponsored by Harrier Trail Running.To celebrate, we're giving away Harrier's Ultra Trail Bundle—including a race vest, Z-poles, hydration bottles, safety essentials and more.To enter:✅ Like the giveaway post✅ Follow the podcast and Harrier Trail Running✅ Tag your friends⭐ Bonus entry: Share the post to your Instagram StoryFull giveaway details can be found on our Instagram page.🎁 WIN a Harrier Ultra Trail Bundle worth over £260!If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating, follow the show, and share the episode with your friends. Every share helps us reach more runners, inspire new adventures, and grow the trail and ultra running community.⁠⁠⁠⁠Coaching enquiries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the show via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and buy us a coffee.We’re proud to be supported by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Protein Rebel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — get 15% off with code TTF15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beta Outdoor Sports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where you can get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BV Sports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ compression and apparel, plus 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Näak Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ products to fuel your adventures using TTF10.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trailskin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ get 20% off with TTFS_20Don’t forget to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join our Strava club to connect with fellow trail lovers and celebrate your own achievements.👉 Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trails, Tales, and Fails Facebook Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to continue the conversation and connect with fellow trail and ultra runners.