Choose Strong

Latest Episodes:

#107 Avoiding a DNF With a Better Nutrition Plan + Win a Mammoth 200 Entry Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Nutrition is one of the main reasons you struggle during a race or on a long run. Our bodies are all very unique so you need to find out what works for you. In this episode Sally gives tips on how to make sure nutrition doesn't ruin your race. Enjoy!

Other Episode Highlights:

Mammoth Trail Fest Giveaways
Friendly Strava banter
The confidence of a runner to upload a 3.93 run
Lottery "What If" story
Community Highlights
"Sally Says" - Nutrition during a race
The 2 reasons your race can go south
Training/experimenting with your gut
Tips for racing when your stomach isn't cooperating
The importance of practice, prep & planning

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

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P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

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#106 Jeff Cunningham | The Coach of Peace Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sally sits down and chats with husband, father, lawyer & coach, Jeff Cunningham! Jeff is one of the most genuine guys you will meet. He has a heart of gold and a passion to see others achieve their goals and dreams on the race course. He will encourage you to be kind, dream big & to help others!

Other Episode Highlights:

You’re not who your times say who you are
Growing up in Wynonna, TX
Scared to ask for more ketchup
When your professor throws chalk at you
From shy kid to lawyer
Being relevant
Be additive. Bring value to others
A rising tide, raises all boats. Be a part of the tide thats raising up!
All in vs All consumed
Be scaffolding
Dream big & You might achieve big
Life is not a checklist. Life is a bucket list. Get to work

Follow Jeff on IG: @jdcunningham97

Bat City Track Club: https://www.batcitytc.com/

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

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Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

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#105 Sally's First Injury in a Decade Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

For the first time in 10 years, Sally has been injured. Yes, plans have now changed for the upcoming year, but instead of getting discouraged or frustrated, Sally has found a positive way to view the injury. From new projects to new opportunities, she has shifted focus this year and is actually excited - even through injury. We know this episode will be very encouraging to you - even if you aren't injured. Plus there are many other topics and stories that you won't want to miss!

Other Episode Highlights:

- The most Guinness book of world records held by 1 man

- Spider vs Bear

- Tips for when you see snakes on the trail

- Tales from the trails

- If you can run a road marathon, you can run a 50 mile trail race

- Sally Says - mileage per week vs overall fitness

- Passion project

- The first injury in 10 years

- The importance of strength training

- Navigating injury with a positive outlook

- A visit to an orphanage for perspective

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

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Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

Function Health:⁠ Visit ⁠⁠functionhealth.com/sallymcrae⁠⁠ for $100 off for new members!

ZocDoc: Visit zocdoc.com/sally

Mud/WTR: Visit mudwtr.com/strong for up to 43% off your entire order, plus free shipping and a free rechargeablefrother

#104 Max Jolliffe | COCODONA 250 Race Recap w/ Mackenzie Ross May 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Sally sits down with Max & Mackenzie to recap Max's recent Cocodona 250 race! You will learn about the grit that it takes to push for 200 miles and how often times your mind says yes to moving forward, but yet your body has other plans. Find out how Max is using the setback to pave the way for a comeback!

Other episode highlights:

Balancing training and work/life
Racing/training while sick
Trash bag tip for the rain
Running in mud (or trying to)
Not caffeine for a month strategy
Cellulitis - skin infection

A hospital visit during the race
Run streak comes to end

Being patient in recovery
Satisfy Team Retreat
Dreaming of spending weeks in the mountains
Hard work to create the life you want
Never to late to start what you want to do
Working with your partner/spouse

You can follow & connect with Max here: @woah_max (IG, YouTube, Tiktok) and at ⁠woahmax.com

You can follow & connect with Mackenzie here: IG: @mackenzieannross & mackenzieannross.com

Check out the race website mentioned: whitingranchtrailraces.com

Run Club: @eatmydustrunclub

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/hcwGfcY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Bare Performance Nutrition: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: SALLY

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

iRestore: Visit ⁠⁠irestore.com⁠⁠ and use code SALLY for 25% off or more + free shipping on iRestore Skincare!

Function Health:⁠ Visit ⁠functionhealth.com/sallymcrae⁠ for $100 off for new members!

BonCharge: Visit ⁠https://boncharge.com/⁠ and use code SALLY for 15% off!

#103 Working on Running Goals | Makenzie McRae May 21, 2025

Show notes

Guess who is back from their first year away at college?! MAKENZIE MCRAE! I had a chance to sit down with her in a little Father-Daughter convo to chat about life as a student athlete this past year, and so much more. I know you will love listening to Makenzie share, as much as I did! Enjoy!

Other episode highlights:

A typical week as a student athlete
Favorite workout from Coach Mike Smith
Makenzie' advice to those who aren't motivated to run
Ore-dough ice cream
Dorm scare
Choose Strong listener highlights - kids edition
Naming your coach's baby
Bouncing back from injury
D1 training / recovery
Importance of breaking big goals into smaller ones

Follow Makenize's journey on IG: @makenzie.mcrae

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/21bOEfQ⁠⁠⁠

Sally McRae Strength App: ⁠⁠⁠https://sallymcrae.app/⁠⁠⁠

Sally McRae YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrength⁠

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠https://sallymcraemerch.com/⁠⁠⁠

Bare Performance Nutrition: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition⁠⁠⁠ Code: SALLY

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

Function Health:⁠ Visit functionhealth.com/sallymcrae for $100 off for new members!

Plan to Eat: Visit plantoeat.com/sally for 25% off your annual subscription!

#102 Am I Overtraining or Is This Normal? May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Sally and Eddie have a discussion on a variety of topics, including how to know if you are overtraining. Enjoy!

Other Episode Highlights:

The Finisher documentary

Barkley Marathons conversation

A 50k race together?

Choose Strong shake out & live podcast @ a 50k?

How to get out of quicksand

Choose Strong listener highlights

Race with the burros

Racing Barkley Marathons with a partner or a burro?!

Listen to this podcast and you will PR

“Sally Says” segment
Impromptu live call with Coach Jeff Cunningham

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/aT7J1cf⁠⁠

Sally McRae Strength App: ⁠⁠https://sallymcrae.app/⁠⁠

Sally McRae YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrength⁠⁠

Merch: ⁠⁠https://sallymcraemerch.com/⁠⁠

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

Function Health: Visit https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcrae for $100 credit for new members!

BonCharge: Visit https://boncharge.com/ and use code SALLY for 15% off!

iRestore: Visit irestore.com and use code SALLY for 25% off or more + free shipping on iRestore Skincare!

#101 Mackenzie Ross | "Help The King" May 04, 2025

Show notes

Meet Mackenzie Ann Ross! Nike Trainer, Strength Coach, Founder of Eat My Dust Run Club and Max Jolliffe's partner...oh and she's running the OC Marathon tomorrow and then immediately flying to Cocodona 250 to crew Max to another finish line. Phew- did we get it all in? I can assure you, No. And in this episode you'll learn about all the things I forgot to note above and why Mackenzie was one of our favorite guests!

Be sure to subscribe, rate and leave a review for our show! Every review helps our podcast- thank YOU!

Follow Mackenzie's socials:

Instagram

Website

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠https://a.co/d/aT7J1cf⁠

Sally McRae Strength App: ⁠https://sallymcrae.app/⁠

Sally McRae YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrength⁠

Merch: ⁠https://sallymcraemerch.com/⁠

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

Manukora: Manukora.com/SALLY for $25 off your starter kit

Function Health: Visit functionhealth.com/SALLYMCRAE for $100 credit

MUD/WTR: Visitmudwtr.com/STRONG for 43% off your entire order

Laundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code STRONG at laundrysauce.com/STRONG #laundrysaucepod

#100 Andy Glaze | The Wilderness Inside Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sally sits down with Andy Glaze & chats about his upbringing, his love for running, his love for his family, his career and his most recent race, the Arizona Monster 300. Andy will encourage you in so many ways in this insightful conversation! Enjoy!

Other episode highlights:

- 90 days of Wilderness Academy in Utah

- Hiking & falling in love with the outdoors

- How his upbringing was prepping him for Ultras

- Taking an exercise science class to learn how to exercise

- Not being able to get up from the toliet

- Sally & Andy to train for an Ironman?

- Inspiration from his Grandfather

- Training with his son for a marathon

- Party Pace

- 28 push-ups to 70 push-ups in 6 months

- Running to get rid of anxiety & depression

Connect with Andy:

IG: @amglaze

TikTok: @glazeruns

Blogspot: https://amglaze.blogspot.com/

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: https://a.co/d/aT7J1cf

Sally McRae Strength App: https://sallymcrae.app/

Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrength

Merch: https://sallymcraemerch.com/

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

BonCharge: Go to https://boncharge.com/ and use coupon code SALLY to save 15%

Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcrae

Zocdoc: zocdoc.com/sally

Laundry Sauce: Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code STRONG at https://laundrysauce.com/STRONG #laundrysaucepod ⁠⁠⁠

#99 Stay Brave Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sally encourages us to be brave. Bravery looks different for everyone and applies to all aspects of our life. Sally reminds us that bravery and fear can co-exist, but we can CHOOSE to be brave in the midst of fear. Enjoy!

Other episode highlights:

Downhill vs uphill running tips
Post-Masters Tournament running
Sally encouraging YOU with Cameo
The choice of bravery
Birthday month Stay Brave merch
Nighttime running fears
You can be brave & afraid at the same time
You are a unique painting & have purpose
Listener emails who are staying brave
The curveballs of life & racing
What does it mean to be brave in your life?
Bravery in relationship building

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/21bOEfQ⁠⁠

Sally McRae Strength App: ⁠⁠https://sallymcrae.app/⁠⁠

Sally McRae YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sallymcraestrength

Merch: ⁠⁠https://sallymcraemerch.com/⁠⁠

Bare Performance Nutrition: ⁠⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition⁠⁠ Code: SALLY

Sign up for Sally's newsletter: https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=29dce45e49dbdd96d16d5f625&id=79fff1d38d

Want to send us mail? Here is the address if you want to say hi!

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Episode Sponsors:

Function Health:⁠ https://www.functionhealth.com/a/sally-mcrae

Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code SALLY at LumeDeodorant.com #lumepod

ZocDoc: ⁠⁠⁠zocdoc.com/sally

#98 When Everything Changes Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Everything changes when you have a child! Your time, energy and focus are the obvious ones, but when we had Makenzie, a lot more changed too. From job changes, moving and driving across the US, starting a business, going back to school at night, and many more. But, as Sally reminds us in this episode, it's okay to feel unprepared. Whatever the big change might be in your life, remember, you are resilient and you will figure out a way. Listen in on this episode and be encouraged to know you can navigate big life transitions! Enjoy.

Other episode highlights:

- Stair-mill vs. Stair Stepper

- Check-in with Sally for her bday month

- Eddie learns something new about Sally

- Who is better at basketball toss?

- Why were diapers so big in the 80's?!

- Any other wind haters?

- "Sally Says" segment on how to train for altitude

- Choose Strong listener highlights

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Choose Strong Book: ⁠https://a.co/d/21bOEfQ⁠

Sally McRae Strength App: ⁠https://sallymcrae.app/⁠