Special guest! Elizabeth Bespalov talks Barkley!

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, we’re back from our UK adventure and catching you up on all the running, travel, and turbulence (hello, jet lag!). We share insights from our runs abroad, the struggle of returning to routine, and the powerful reminder of just how crucial sleep is for performance and recovery. Plus, after rotating back into new running shoes, we felt the difference—big time. It’s your friendly nudge to check your shoes and keep your feet (and joints) happy. Tune in for stories, laughs, and real-world reminders to support your strongest running self.

Ron and I chat about our UK adventures so far...and some of the interesting town names here in England :)

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Coaching Podcast, we bring you updates from our whirlwind trip to Scotland and dive deep into the raw and honest recount of the Isle of Skye Ultra — where Isobel faced brutal conditions and made the tough call to DNF. 🌧️🌪️ With driving rain, gale-force winds, and zero visibility, it was a true test of grit and respect for the mountains.Ron and Isobel unpack what it means to respect a race, how to stay grounded in your ‘why’, and why training in all conditions is essential — not just physically, but mentally too. Whether you're an ultra runner or just love the stories behind the miles, this one’s a powerful listen.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a running mate who needs a dose of real talk and resilience!

In this episode, Izzy and Ron tackle a common but costly mistake many athletes make—racing their training. If you've ever pushed a session too hard to chase a Strava segment or beat your last effort, this one’s for you. We unpack the risks of turning workouts into unofficial races, from increased injury risk to arriving at race day already cooked. Learn how to train with purpose, keep your ego in check, and arrive at your start line fresh, fit, and ready to fire.

Aaron Crook is no stranger to extreme endurance, but his recent victory at the 6633 Arctic Ultra — a 620km foot race through brutal Arctic terrain — took his limits to an entirely new level. In this episode, Isobel and Ron dive deep into Aaron’s preparation, mindset, nutrition, and the brutal realities of racing in temperatures that can drop below -30°C.He shares the highs, the hallucinations, the problem-solving, and the personal transformation that happened mile by frozen mile. Whether you're training for your first 50k or chasing your own wild ultra dreams, this conversation will light a fire in you.

Today, Ron and I give our updates then discuss the importance of training suffering. If you don't ever suffer in your training, when you start to suffer in a race it will be a big shock!

Ron and I give our running life updates, then we discuss using motivation vs discipline for running. Enjoy!

Isobel's daughter Elizabeth comes on the podcast to share her experience as crew at The Barkley Marathons.

The Runner's Fuel: Why Carbs are King.Carbohydrates are quickly converted to glucose, the body's primary energy sourceGlucose is stored in muscles and liver as glycogen, which fuels intense exerciseRunning depletes glycogen stores, making carb intake crucial for performanceThe Mental Game: How Carbs Affect Your Running Psychology.Carbs influence serotonin production, affecting mood and motivationProper fueling can prevent the dreaded "bonk" or "hitting the wall"Mental clarity and focus improve with adequate carb intake

Ron and I chat about my Barkley experience! And boy, was it an experience. This is a tale of trials and tribulations: enjoy!