Finding Strong

About

Ultra endurance athlete and coach, Mark Bottenhorn and Ultra Endurance Athlete Arthur Blue, are on a mission to find the strongest version of themselves. Episodes touch on topics including, performance, fitness, nutrition, mental health, and mindset. Please like, rate, share and subscribe if you find value in our content. 

Arthur: @Arthur.Blue3 
Mark: @bottenhornrunning

Hosted By

Finding Strong

Finding Strong

085: Discipline is Choosing What You Want Most

Strong Session: Discipline. 10 Minutes, All Killer, No Filler. 

In this episode, Mark Bottenhorn discusses the importance of discipline and self-control in achieving long-term goals. He shares a quote from Abraham Lincoln that highlights the conflict between immediate desires and long-term aspirations. Mark emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the ability to assess the consequences of our choices. He also talks about the importance of clarity in setting goals and the habit of building resilience. Mark encourages listeners to regularly evaluate their choices and make decisions that align with their long-term goals. The practical application of saying no to things that don't support our goals is also discussed.


10m
084: The Blue Print - Training Plan & Structure

Summary

In this episode, the first instillation of the Blue Print Series,  Mark, Arthur, and Ashleigh discuss the importance of training preparation and break down the key components of a training program. They emphasize the need to assess current fitness levels, set goals, and reverse engineer the training plan. They also highlight the benefits of running at different paces, incorporating speed work, and adding strength training to improve performance and prevent injuries. The hosts provide insights into their own training routines and share tips for breaking down large goals into smaller milestones. In this conversation, Mark, Arthur, and Ashleigh discuss various topics related to training and preparation for endurance events. They emphasize the importance of power output, compound lifts, and core training for improving athletic performance. The conversation highlights the importance of fueling, hydration, and sleep in the recovery process. They also touch on the role of visualization and mental preparation in achieving race day success. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of logistics and preparation for race day.

Keywords

training preparation, fitness assessment, goal setting, reverse engineering, running paces, speed work, strength training, injury prevention, training, power output, compound lifts, core training, glute activation, mobility work, fueling, hydration, sleep, visualization, mental preparation, logistics, preparation, endurance events


1h 1m
083: Let the Passion Shape the Human

Summary

In this episode, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of staying true to your passions and letting them shape who you are. They share personal experiences of facing setbacks and challenges, such as parenting and health issues, and how their passion for endurance sports has helped them overcome these obstacles. They emphasize the mental and emotional benefits of pursuing physical activities and how it has made them more resilient and fulfilled. They also highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support and inspire you. In this conversation, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of discipline and motivation in achieving personal goals. They explore the role of therapy and exercise in managing mental health, as well as the challenges of staying motivated when faced with obstacles. They emphasize the need to prioritize health and make conscious choices that contribute to long-term well-being. The conversation also touches on the societal factors that influence lifestyle choices and the importance of embracing failure as a part of personal growth. Overall, they encourage listeners to pursue their passions and lead by example.

Keywords

passion, endurance sports, setbacks, challenges, parenting, health issues, mental resilience, fulfillment, support, discipline, motivation, therapy, exercise, mental health, obstacles, health, well-being, societal factors, failure, personal growth, passion, example


51m
082: Lessons Through Adversity - Race Recaps

The gang has mixed results at three recent races. 

In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, Mark, Arthur, and Ash discuss their recent race experiences and the lessons they learned. Arthur participated in a 50K night race to prepare for Leadville and focused on logistics and running with a headlamp. Ash faced challenges with race timing and missed a turn, but learned the importance of giving herself grace and staying focused on the joy of running. Mark won a four-mile race but realized he didn't execute his race strategy and needs to trust himself more. The main takeaways include resilience, embracing adversity, and staying present in the moment. In this conversation, Arthur and Mark discuss their upcoming races and the focus areas for their training in the next 10 weeks. They emphasize the importance of intent in training and the need to push through discomfort to achieve their goals. They also discuss the mental aspect of racing and the importance of logistics and nutrition. Mark highlights the significance of speed work in endurance training and the need to embrace the process. They conclude by reflecting on the lessons learned from overcoming adversity and the importance of self-accountability and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Keywords

race experiences, lessons learned, resilience, adversity, staying present, training, intent, discomfort, mental aspect, logistics, nutrition, speed work, endurance, adversity, self-accountability, pursuit of excellence




46m
081: Fuel Your Passion - Raul Cardenas Founder of QO Nutrition

Summary

Raul Cardenas, founder of QO Nutrition, joins the podcast to discuss his brand and its unique product. QO Nutrition offers a natural nutrition powder made from six simple whole food ingredients that are wood fire roasted. The product can be used as a meal additive, meal replacement, or for fueling before, during, and after training. Raul shares his inspiration for creating the product, which came from his time spent in the Copper Canyon running with the Tarahumaras. He discovered their use of pinole powder and saw the benefits it provided for endurance running. Raul emphasizes the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients and ensuring the product is third-party tested. Despite the saturated nutrition marketplace, Raul is driven by the belief that his product is needed and can help people improve their performance and overall health. Raul Cardenas shares his journey of building a brand that promotes healthy living through nutrition. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing a business that you believe in and are passionate about. Raul discusses the challenges he faced in the early stages of his startup, including creating momentum and overcoming setbacks. The conversation also explores the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet and the role of nutrition in longevity and performance. Raul highlights the versatility of QO Nutrition's products, such as the Pinole cookies and electrolytes, and shares his vision for expanding the brand in the next three to five years. The episode concludes with advice on taking risks and pursuing one's goals.

Takeaways

QO Nutrition offers a natural nutrition powder made from six simple whole food ingredients that are wood fire roasted.
The product can be used as a meal additive, meal replacement, or for fueling before, during, and after training.
Raul was inspired to create the product after discovering the use of pinole powder by the Tarahumaras in the Copper Canyon.
QO Nutrition emphasizes sourcing high-quality ingredients and ensuring the product is third-party tested.
Despite the saturated nutrition marketplace, Raul believes his product is needed and can help people improve their performance and overall health. Pursue a business that you believe in and are passionate about.
Overcoming challenges and setbacks is part of the process of building a startup.
A whole food plant-based diet can contribute to longevity and improved health.
QO Nutrition offers versatile products, such as Pinole cookies and electrolytes, that can be used for fueling workouts and as healthy snacks.
Taking risks and making the leap are essential for pursuing your goals.

Keywords

QO Nutrition, natural nutrition powder, whole food ingredients, meal replacement, fueling, training, Copper Canyon, Tarahumaras, pinole powder, endurance running, high-quality ingredients, third-party tested, performance, health, QO Nutrition, healthy living, nutrition, startup challenges, whole food plant-based diet, longevity, performance, Pinole cookies, electrolytes, expansion, taking risks


52m
080: Conversations Around Accountability and Discipline

Summary

Mark and Arthur discuss their recent experiences and the challenges they faced in staying consistent with their training and healthy habits. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing training and finding ways to fit it into their busy schedules, even during travel or unexpected events. They also discuss the trend of relying on shortcuts and quick fixes, such as weight loss drugs, and the potential pitfalls of not addressing the underlying habits and lifestyle choices. They express their concerns about the societal pressure to accept and embrace the 'dad bod' as a way to avoid personal accountability and the importance of striving for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The conversation focuses on strategies for maintaining fitness and healthy habits while traveling. The main themes include automating decisions, limiting choices, being flexible, and prioritizing health. Arthur and Mark emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's health and making time for exercise, regardless of age or circumstances. They encourage listeners to share their own experiences and tips for staying fit while on the go.

Keywords

training, consistency, challenges, prioritization, travel, shortcuts, quick fixes, weight loss drugs, dad bod, personal accountability, healthy lifestyle, fitness, health, travel, decision-making, flexibility, prioritization



56m
079: Taking Ownership

079: Taking Ownership

This informal conversation between Arthur and Mark revolves around the theme of taking ownership and accountability in various aspects of life, including fitness, career, and personal growth. The hosts discuss the importance of owning one's current situation and not dwelling on past achievements or future goals. They emphasize the need to enjoy the journey and make small, sustainable changes to achieve long-term success. The conversation also addresses common excuses, such as lack of time, and encourages listeners to prioritize their health and well-being. Overall, the hosts advocate for a growth mindset and extreme ownership in all areas of life. In this part of the conversation, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of taking ownership of one's health and fitness goals. They address common excuses such as lack of time and money, and emphasize the need to make small changes over time. They also discuss the impact of unhealthy habits on long-term quality of life and the importance of finding motivation and inspiration to live a healthy lifestyle. They provide practical advice for making changes, including finding free resources and making small, sustainable changes in nutrition and exercise.



Keywords

ownership, accountability, fitness, career, personal growth, growth mindset, excuses, time management, ownership, health, fitness, excuses, time, money, small changes, motivation, inspiration, nutrition, exercise


54m
078: Strong Session - Get Better TODAY

Summary

In this conversation, Mark and Arthur discuss the importance of perseverance and discipline in training. They share personal experiences and strategies for staying motivated and pushing through challenging workouts. They emphasize the significance of focusing on the present moment and the short-term goals to achieve long-term success. The conversation highlights the mental and physical benefits of staying committed to the training process.

Takeaways

-Building discipline and resilience in training is crucial for long-term success.
-Visualizing and mentally preparing for challenging situations can help improve performance.
-Setting short-term goals and focusing on the present moment can enhance motivation and commitment.
-Training not only benefits physical fitness but also contributes to mental well-being and personal growth.

Keywords

perseverance, discipline, motivation, training, mental toughness, short-term goals, long-term success

21m
077: James 'Frenchy' Lambert - Choose Positivity

Summary

In this episode of the Finding Strong podcast, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue interview James Lambert, also known as Frenchy, a middle-of-the-pack ultra runner who is currently battling stage four cancer. Frenchy shares his journey from being a magician to becoming an ultra runner, his love for the sport, and how he approaches races with a positive mindset. He also discusses his cancer diagnosis, his treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and his plans for future races. Throughout the conversation, Frenchy emphasizes the importance of choosing positivity and finding small victories in everyday life. In this part of the conversation, Frenchy discusses the importance of giving back and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. He shares a message of support from his friend Andy Glaze and talks about the inspiring impact Andy has on others. Frenchy also mentions his involvement with the Brave Like Gabe organization, which highlights stories of people with rare cancers. He emphasizes the power of accepting love and support from others and encourages listeners to choose positivity and focus on small daily improvements. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming races and the launch of Finding Strong merchandise.

https://www.bravelikegabe.org/mybravestory/2024frenchy
Instagram: @Frenchyrun

Keywords

ultra running, cancer, positivity, treatment, MD Anderson, race goals, giving back, supportive community, message of support, Andy Glaze, Brave Like Gabe, accepting love, choose positivity, small daily improvements, upcoming races, Finding Strong merchandise

Takeaways

  • Frenchy, a middle-of-the-pack ultra runner, shares his journey from being a magician to becoming an ultra runner.
  • He emphasizes the importance of choosing positivity and finding small victories in everyday life.
  • Frenchy discusses his cancer diagnosis, his treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and his plans for future races.
  • He highlights the support and motivation he receives from his wife, who is also an accomplished ultra runner. Giving back and surrounding oneself with a supportive community is important in any endeavor.
  • Accepting love and support from others can be uplifting and empowering.
  • Choosing positivity and focusing on small daily improvements can lead to personal growth and success.
  • Participating in organizations and charities can provide opportunities to give back and support others.
  • Upcoming races and the launch of Finding Strong merchandise are exciting developments for the hosts.
53m
076: Strong Session - Stay The Course

In this strong session, Mark Bottenhorn and Arthur Blue discuss the importance of staying the course and not quitting when things get tough. They emphasize the need to push through adversity and persevere in order to achieve success. They also provide strategies for quieting the urge to quit, such as filtering out distractions, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, and practicing discipline. The conversation highlights the significance of choosing what you want most over what you want in the moment and aligning your actions with your long-term goals.


Keywords

staying the course, not quitting, pushing through adversity, perseverance, filtering out distractions, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, practicing discipline, aligning actions with goals

Takeaways

  • Quitting is something that many people struggle with, but it's important to know when to quit and when to push through adversity.
  • Staying the course and not quitting when things get tough is crucial for achieving success.
  • Filtering out distractions and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help you stay focused and motivated.
  • Practicing discipline and choosing what you want most over what you want in the moment are key to staying on track.
  • Aligning your actions with your long-term goals is essential for staying the course.
16m

Hosted by

Finding Strong