What does it take to keep showing up for decades?

In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, Ash sits down with ultrarunner Junko Kazukawa, a breast cancer survivor, coach, and one of the most experienced endurance athletes in the sport.

From completing Leadville 100 ten times to racing UTMB, Western States, and Tor des Géants, Junko has spent years pushing her physical and mental limits. But her story goes far beyond race results.

We talk about overcoming cancer, finding purpose through endurance, dealing with DNFs, aging in sport, the difference between pain and suffering, and why she continues to chase finish lines at 62 years old.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when life gets difficult.

• Discovering ultrarunning after cancer

• Leadville 100 and racing 100-mile ultras

• UTMB and lessons from failure

• The psychology of suffering

• Aging and longevity in endurance sports

• Training smarter for long-term success

• Why purpose matters more than motivation

• What keeps her running after decades in the sport

ultrarunning, endurance sports, Leadville 100, UTMB, Western States, Tor des Géants, breast cancer survivor, running podcast, ultramarathon, trail running, resilience, mindset, endurance athlete, women in ultrarunning, aging athletes, ultrarunner interview, long distance running, running motivation, endurance mindset, Pushing Horizons

Topics CoveredKeywords