PODCAST · health
Choose Strong
by Choose Strong with Sally and Eddie McRae
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.
Episodes
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#160 | Jon Levitt | Building Community, Following Your Passion & Why Running Helps
In this episode, Sally sits down with longtime friend and fellow podcast host Jonathan Levitt for an honest conversation about the power of running, meaningful friendships, taking risks, and building a life around what you love. Jon opens up about navigating a difficult breakup, finding emotional...
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#159 | Tim Tollefson on Failure, Growth & Community - LIVE from Mammoth Trailfest
***AUDIO ONLY Recorded live at Mammoth Trail Fest, Sally sits down with longtime friend, professional ultrarunner, and race founder Tim Tollefson for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond athletic achievements. Tim reflects on his journey from…
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#158 | Meg Eckert | 636 Miles in 6 Days: Her Record-Breaking Run
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...
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#157 | Rachel Drake | Motherhood, Medicine, & Racing UTMB
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...
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#156 | Rachel Entrekin | Best Year Ever!
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...
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#155 | Sally's Badwater 135 Race Recap
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...
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#154 | Sally's TDS Race Recap!
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...
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#153 | Inside the Crew Behind the Fastest Badwater 135 Ever | Mackenzie Jolliffe & Billy Garner
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...
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#152 | Joe Corcione | The Western States - Badwater Double & Reinventing Your Life
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...
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#151 | Max Jolliffe | Badwater 135 CHAMPION
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,...
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#150 | How to Push Past the Wall, Recover From an Ultra & Believe You Belong
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...
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#149 | Courage, Curiosity & the Road to the Olympics | Anna Gibson
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...
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#148 | Identity, Purpose & the Road Back to Running | Kat Edwards Anderson
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…
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#147 | From Failure to Triple Crown Champion | Kilian Korth on Mental Toughness & Never Quitting
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,...
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#146 | Shin Splints, Recovery, Motivation & Your First Ultra | Running Q&A
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…
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#145 | LIVE with RACHEL ENTREKIN | TrailCon 2026
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....
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#145 | LIVE with RACHEL ENTREKIN | TrailCon 2026
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....
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#144 | Breaking Your Race Into Thirds, Mindset Training, and Running Like a Squirrel
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-down Electrolyte…
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#143 | Andy Glaze is Back
In this episode, Sally chats with the most requested and the most frequent Choose Strong guest, Andy Glaze! Andy is currently in NY for his wife's Hyrox, but was able to find some time to record this episode & also able to coordinate a perimeter run of Central Park run (in true Andy fashion)…
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#142 | What it feels like Recovering from a 200+ Mile race.
In this episode we take a look at what recovery looks like after running 200+ miles. We chat about how long it takes, the food your body craves, the importance of sleep, the importance of your training age in recovery time, and more. Sally shares some valuable tips on how to recover after big...
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#141 | Sally's COCODONA 250 Race Recap
In this episode we dive into Sally's Cocodona 250 race & give you an inside look as to how the race panned out! Sally touches on everything from bib pickup, the shoes she wore, her nutrition, how her body felt, finding solutions to her "low" points, how grateful she was to be at the start after…
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#140 | Cocodona 250 Shoe Line-Up, Lifting After a Run & Sparkling Water
In this episode we chat shoe rotation for the upcoming 250 mile race in AZ, some Sally Says Q & A and we touch on the taper that has begun in Flagstaff. And, as always, we touch on so many other things that you will for sure be entertained by and encouraged by. Thanks for listening! Other episode...
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#139 | How to Build Your Own Ultra Training Camp — Even If You’re Not a Pro
In this episode we talk about the what, why and how of training camps! If you are training for any race, a training camp (by yourself or with others) can be very beneficial. Listen in to find out why you should get a training camp on your training schedule soon! Other episode highlights: The…
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# 138 | Rattlesnakes & Gear Reviews
Sally is out in Flagstaff, AZ this week, so we sat down to chat, virtually this episode. We spend some time talking about safety on the trail when encountering animals/snakes, Sally's un-biased & transparent honesty when reviewing shoes, and on the course Cocodona 250 training. Other episode...
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#137 | The End of Nike Trail
For over a decade, the Nike Trail team has been Sally's team. But, recently, the end has come for Nike Trail. In today's episode, she shares about her Nike Trail experience, the origins, insight, and why there is no longer, Nike Trail. She addresses questions that have come up recently about her...
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#136 | Champion's Mindset | Getting Through the Tough Parts
In this episode we answer a few of the most asked questions about mindset, that Sally has received. Sally gives insight and tips, on mindset, from her vast race experiences as a pro for over a decade. We are so grateful you pushed play! Please subscribe and head over to Apple Podcasts and leave…
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#135 | Zone 2 Benefits, How Many Strength Sessions Are Enough? & Stomach Issues While Racing
Listen in as we discuss the importance of preemptive gut health, how many times a week you should strength train while training for a race and the importance of the zone 2 slog. Thanks again for choosing to listen to this podcast. We are so grateful you pushed play! Please like, subscribe and…
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#134 | Running Races as Training, Winter Olympics, & Running After Leg Day
We are back again to bring you a bit of everything in this episode. From Sally training on the Cocodona 250 course, some Winter Olympics banter, and some solid "Sally Says" questions & answers. We know you will enjoy this one! Other episode highlights: Visual / mental training on the course you...
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#133 | Andy Glaze | Goals & Hard Seasons
In this episode, Sally sits down with a fan favorite and a Choose Strong podcast regular, Andy Glaze! Andy shares about his most recent races, his 300 mile week, writing his book, upcoming races and opens up about some current struggles he is facing. You will love this conversation. Enjoy. Other...
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#132 | Strength Training for Runners
In this episode Sally breaks down the importance of strength training for runners. She shares exercises, tips, reasons why and how often you should strength train. Plus, if you stick around to the end, she gives a very 'Sally-esque' encouragement to you! Thanks for listening! Other episode...
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#131 | Long Haul 100 Recap
Sally sits down in this episode to recap her first race in over a year, the Long Haul 100. She shares about the goals she had for the race, gear, nutrition, the FL trail community, her knee, breaks down each loop & much more! Enjoy! Chose Strong Shakeout Run @ 8am Jan 31. Meet at HB Corner Market...
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#130 | The Courage to Try
Listen in as we chat about having the courage to try & the importance of not waiting for tomorrow to start. You will be encouraged by Sally's mindset as she prepares to get to a start line to pursue a goal she's had for a long time. And, as always, there is much more in this episode for your...
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#129 | Making Today Count & Long Haul 100 Prep
As Sally nears the start of a 100 mile race, at the Long Haul 100, she shares about her training, goals for the race and the importance of being obsessed with the day you're in. Other episode highlights: Surf City HB 1/2 shake out in February FRHVY swag giveaways at the shakeout Eddie wimping out...
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#128 | New Year, New Chances & New Opportunities
A New Year brings new chances, new days and new opportunities. Join us this episode as we close out 2025 and look forward to 2026! Happy New Year! Enjoy. Other Episode Highlights: New YouTube series - Run Far, Lift Heavy Run For a Claus 5k Giveaway winners announced Another “running” Guinness…
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#127 | Greg Kelley | Turning Graveyards into Gardens
After being falsely accused and wrongfully imprisoned, Greg rebuilt his life—emerging as a devoted husband, father, business owner, and ultramarathoner. In this episode, he shares a deeply powerful story of perseverance that will motivate you to pursue your goals and live with purpose for the…
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#126 | Running Back to Life | Rachel Entrekin on Recovery, Resilience, and Redemption
Joining the Choose Strong podcast in this episode, is Rachel Entrekin! She is a Norda athlete, and has had recent victories at Cocodona 250, High Lonesome 100 & The Mammoth (and MANY more) . Enjoy getting to know Rachel a little more as she joins Sally in an awesome chat! Enjoy! Other Episode...
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#125 | Full Body Workout For Ultra Runners, Running in Sand & A Giveaway!
Thank you for listening to our show! We are so grateful that you CHOOSE to listen. Listen to this episode to see how you can be entered in our giveaway, to say THANK YOU. Other Episode Highlights: Sally talks weather - again Giveaway to say thank you Bears & World Record talk Brick by Brick...
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#124 | Start Now
*** AUDIO ONLY *** What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for the perfect time? The perfect skill? Are you afraid of what might happen if you start and something goes wrong? As you listen to this episode, be encouraged and even challenged to start whatever you have been dragging your feet to…
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#123 | Grateful | Thanksgiving Edition
Listen along as you run your local Turkey Trot, 5k, or on your long drive to Uncle Larry's for some turkey! This Thanksgiving Edition episode will make you laugh and get you thinking about what YOU are grateful for. We are so thankful for YOU who listen to us each week. Thank you & Happy...
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#122 | Beginning to Ultra
Join us as we chat about different seasons of parenting, why Sally isn't allowed to visit Makenzie at college anymore, why your feet hurt during ultras and much more! Thanks for listening. We love and appreciate you all. Connect with Sally on LINKEDIN & on SUBSTACK All links, discounts…
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#121 | Tara Dower | A Star
Fresh off her course record at Javelina 100, Tara Dower joins Sally in a great conversation! Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights: 40 days 18 hours 6 min to break the AT FKT in 2024 Growing up playing soccer & rugby in college Gained mental toughness from a drill sergeant in the army (her brother)...
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#120 | Figure it Out w/ Tommie Runz
*** AUDIO ONLY *** Tommie Runz is a dad, a podcast host, fast marathoner, ultrarunner, a future Cocodona 250 finisher (if Sally can get her way) , and all-around great guy. Listen in as Sally chats with the recent Javelina 100 finisher as the talk about sobriety, running 340 miles, and so much...
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#119 | Thriving Through Injury
How would you react if something that was important to you was taken away? Would you lose hope? Become bitter? Or, would you look for the blessings after the sadness and frustration wear off? Listen in as Sally shares a bit of her journey these past few months being injured. She has some great...
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#118 | Trail Etiquette | The Unspoken Rules
In this episode, we address the unspoken rules of the trail while racing and training. If you are a beginner on the trails or a seasoned vet, there is something of value for you in this episode. Sally shares some stories from her years of experience on the trails and some 'rules of thumb' she…
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#117 | Human Connection, Dealing With Information Overload, How to Clean Your Bladder & Starting the Day Strong
Back from speaking and a few live events, Sally shares about the importance of human connection & the longing we all have for community. Other Episode Highlights: Fall is here and so are the allergies Trailfest & Mammoth 200 chat Hiking for ice-cream Speaking in Missouri Impactful stories and...
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#116 | Andy Glaze | Success Through Failure
Back by popular demand is our friend, Andy Glaze! It's always a blast and a great conversation when Sally & Andy sit down to chat. We hope you enjoy getting to know Andy a bit more in this episode! Thanks for listening. Episode Highlights: 288 weeks of 100 mile weeks "Smile" merch Writing a book...
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#115 | The "What If" Mentality, Getting Race-Day Fitness Back, & Transformations
Join us in this episode as we bounce around and touch on many topics! Something for everyone in this episode. If you have ADD, you will love this episode :) Okay, even if you don't, you'll love it too. Thanks again for tuning in and listening. Enjoy! A Few Episode Highlights: Sally multitasking &...
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#114 | Choosing the Right Pack, UTMB Week Recap & Sally's Fantasy Ultramarathon/Football Picks
Sally is back from France so we chat about her week over at UTMB. We also cover what to look for when/if you are looking at getting a running pack/vest. Where do you start? What are the important components you should look for when deciding which pack is best for you? And, for fun, we chat…
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#113 | How IT Band Pain Nearly Took Running Away From Me
In this episode, Sally answers a few listener questions, from IT band pain to running while pregnant. In true Sally fashion, she uses her vast experiences to shed some light on these topics! Other Episode Highlights: - UTMB week insight - Networking and making connections at UTMB - Choose Strong...
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#112 The Life-Changing Perspective While Injured | Rookie Forever
Injuries can be discouraging and frustrating. But with some perspective, they can be something you didn't know you needed. Join us this episode as Sally shares how injuries can be the secret to unlocking something much more for you. Other Episode Highlights: - Juice fasting - Choose Strong…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Choose Strong with Sally and Eddie McRae
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Choose Strong have?
Choose Strong currently has 160 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Choose Strong about?
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...
How often does Choose Strong release new episodes?
Choose Strong publishes regularly with 160 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Choose Strong?
You can listen to Choose Strong on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Choose Strong?
Choose Strong is created and hosted by Choose Strong with Sally and Eddie McRae.
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