In this powerful episode, I sit down with elite ultrarunner Lucy Bartholomew, a name that’s become synonymous with endurance, vulnerability, and grit. From running her first 100K at age 15 to standing on the podium at Western States, finishing UTMB and the Ironman World Championship, Lucy has pushed her body and mind through the extremes of trail and ultra running.
But her journey isn’t just about race results.
We talk about burnout, comebacks, the mental toll of high-level competition, and how she redefined her relationship with running. She opens up about the pressure of online expectations, her evolving approach to nutrition and recovery, the realities of professional sponsorship, and why joy, longevity, and mental health matter more than medals.
If you’ve ever questioned your why, hit a low after a big high, or just wanted to understand what truly fuels the people pushing the edge, this episode is for you.
🏔️ Topics we cover:
Lucy’s start in ultra running and racing with her dad
Podium at Western States and the crash that followed
How burnout reshaped her view of training
The truth about fueling, body image, and recovery
Finishing UTMB and Ironman six weeks apart
The role of community, coaching, and social media
What success means beyond the finish line
