On this episode of The Project Endure Podcast, Joe Rinaldi sits down with Adam Burns — endurance athlete, ultra-runner, and mental health advocate — for a powerful conversation about hope, discipline, and choosing meaning in the midst of struggle. Adam shares his journey from using fitness as a way to cope with bullying, depression, and anxiety, to completing an Ironman becoming the fastest person to ever run across the state of Utah. He opens up about his lifelong battle with depression, suicidal ideation, and the pressure of high achievement, and how running became both a lifeline and a tool for self-discovery. Joe and Adam explore the role of discipline in building resilience, the importance of grace when standards feel crushing, and the influence of family, faith, and community in enduring hard seasons. The conversation also dives into Adam's record-breaking 9-day, 8-hour run across Utah to raise awareness for suicide prevention, the brutal terrain and headwinds he faced, and the unwavering support of his crew that helped him keep moving forward. From surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow, to embracing discomfort in pursuit of something meaningful, this episode is a profound reminder that endurance is not about avoiding pain, but learning to live with purpose through it. Give this episode a listen as we dive deep into Adam's life and learn about what persistence, perspective, and endurance mean to him.
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