In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Rio Mata to talk about what it really means to build yourself through adversity.

At a young age, Rio faced injuries, family challenges, and isolation. Instead of folding, he found the gym, leaned into discipline, and started chasing something bigger. That path led him into bodybuilding, running, coaching others, and now preparing for one of the toughest 100 mile races in the country.

This conversation goes beyond training. It’s about learning through struggle, investing in guidance instead of going it alone, and developing the mindset to keep showing up when things aren’t ideal. From running a marathon through pain to using breathwork to stay locked in, Rio shares how he’s continuing to evolve and push his limits.

Chapters

00:00 Early Struggles & Finding the Gym

04:34 Taking the Risk (Hiring a Coach)

08:10 Why Doing It Alone Keeps You Stuck

13:00 The Breathwork Trick That Helped Him Run Through Pain

19:03 Coaching Others & Leading a Team

22:14 Purpose & Doing Hard Things

30:00 Mindset, Identity, Belief

37:39 First 100 Miler: Why IMTUF?

40:04 Training for the Mountains From Texas

42:19 What He'd Tell His Younger Self

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IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Rio:
IG: instagram.com/itsriomata/


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