Join Coach Brian as we explore the vibrant world of community-building in running, ultra events, and the power of authentic connections. Jason Bahamundi shares insights on grassroots races, supporting fellow athletes, and creating inclusive spaces for all levels.

In this episode of Buckle Up, Coach Brian Passenti is joined by ultra runner Ruairi Moynihan for a raw and honest deep dive into one of the most frustrating injuries for endurance athletes: Haglund’s Deformity.

Whether you call it "pump bump" or just a literal pain in the heel, Haglund’s can derail years of training. Brian and Ruairi are at two very different stages of the process—Brian is currently in the thick of the immediate post-op trenches, while Ruairi is nearly two years out from his own surgery.

They swap stories on the reality of the procedure, the mental toll of being sidelined, and what it actually takes to get back to the trails. From the gear choices that might be aggravating your Achilles to the moment you decide that conservative treatment just isn't enough, this conversation covers the full trajectory of the surgical journey.

This week on Buckle Up, we have a very special "welcome home" episode. Former co-host Simon Guerard rejoins Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen to recount his epic finish at the Arizona Monster 300.

Three hundred miles is more than just a race; it’s a journey through every physical and mental state a human can experience. Simon pulls back the curtain on the raw reality of the Monster 300, from the blistering heat of Day One to the agonizing injury management that threatened to end his race. Whether you are curious about the logistics of a 300-miler or need a masterclass in mindset shift when things go south, this conversation covers the grit, the community, and the sheer will required to find the finish line.