The Mind of an Ultramarathon Runner: Matt Choi on Mental Strength and Endurance

Ep. # 148 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, I sit down with ultra marathoner and content creator Matt Choi to dive deep into his journey from childhood challenges to becoming an ultra-marathon runner. Matt shares how he rebuilt his identity after leaving American football, and the powerful influence David Goggins had on his mindset and approach to life. We get into the raw realities of running, from the importance of nutrition and intuitive eating to the unexpected, like pooping your pants mid-race! Matt also opens up about how running has shaped his mental space, his discipline in content creation, and his advice for new runners. Whether you're into fitness or just looking for inspiration, this conversation is full of motivation and insight! Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Matt Choi’s Instagram click here! For Matt Choi’s YouTue click here! For Matt Choi’s TikTok click here! Sponsored By:  Visit cozyearth.com/pursuit and use my exclusive 40% off code PURSUIT to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. Jaspr is offering an exclusive deal – get $400 OFF with code POW at checkout or go to Again, that’s code POW at jaspr.co for $400 OFF your Jaspr air purifier! Go to ThriveMarket.com/POW for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! That’s ThriveMarket.com/POW  Head to Manukora.com/POW to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook! That’s Manukora.com/POW for $25 off your Starter Kit. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/POW. That’s RocketMoney.com/POW. Show Links: Can’t Hurt Me Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:08 - Matt Choi’s childhood 00:04:37 - Rebuilding his identity 00:06:57 - Influence of David Goggins 00:14:51 - Reasons for running away 00:17:09 - Diving into ultra marathons 00:21:55 - Mari doing the milestone 00:23:44 - Nutrition and intuitive eating 00:28:35 - Eating before or after running  00:29:58 - Running locations 00:33:06 - Pooping your pants while racing 00:34:07 - Food during ultras 00:36:58 - Courtney Dauwalter and other big names in ultras 00:38:53 - Content creation  00:40:35 - Maintaining discipline 00:43:57 - How running has affected his overall life 00:45:23 - Headspace while running  00:47:46 - Advice for new runners 00:49:58 - Content goals and evolution 00:54:43 - Behind the scenes 00:58:29 - Fake running 01:00:11 - Austin run clubs 01:04:01 - Wellness to Matt