Pursuit of Wellness: The Mind of an Ultramarathon Runner with Matt Choi

Hosted by Mari Llewellyn

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn sits down with Matt Choi, a renowned ultramarathoner and content creator based in Austin. This discussion delves deep into Matt's transformative journey from his challenging childhood to becoming a dedicated endurance athlete, exploring themes of mental strength, discipline, and personal growth.

Early Life and Influences

Matt Choi opens up about his upbringing, highlighting the significant impact of being raised by a single mother alongside an older brother. Moving frequently during his childhood—living in New Jersey, Las Vegas, and Maryland—instilled in him adaptability and resilience.

"[...] the different adversity that you go through, kind of not having, like, a fatherly figure in your house all the time played a role in me really enjoying sports and finding passion in it."
[02:28] Matt Choi

These experiences fostered his love for sports, providing him with mentorship and a sense of stability through athletic endeavors.

Transition from American Football to Ultramarathon Running

Matt recounts his transition from being a Division 1 football player to embracing ultramarathon running, a shift that prompted an identity crisis.

"I kind of hung up the cleats and started to have my own little identity crisis of, like, who am I if I don't have this sport that I spent and dedicated my life to?"
[05:00] Matt Choi

Running became a catalyst for redefining his identity, helping him move beyond his past in football and discover a new realm of personal achievement and endurance.

Influence of David Goggins

A pivotal moment in Matt's mental transformation was reading David Goggins' book, "Can't Hurt Me," which profoundly influenced his mindset.

"Goggins has definitely transformed me and you and so many millions of people."
[08:25] Matt Choi

Matt emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and failure, aligning with Goggins' philosophy of building mental resilience.

"Being uncomfortable and failing is okay."
[07:59] Matt Choi

Mental Strength and Overcoming Doubts

The conversation shifts to the psychological aspects of ultramarathon running. Matt discusses the mental battles runners face during long races, such as self-doubt and the temptation to quit.

"Over a couple hours or a marathon, there's a lot of mental doubt and insecurities that start to creep in—like, just stop, why continue?"
[05:10] Matt Choi

He shares personal anecdotes illustrating the unwavering determination required to push through pain and maintain focus on long-term goals.

Running as a Tool for Personal Growth

Matt describes running not just as a physical challenge but as a profound vehicle for personal development. He highlights how running has helped him build discipline, enhance his mental space, and foster a relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

"Running is like a challenge. It's a vehicle for me to prove to myself that I can do hard things."
[15:56] Matt Choi

His perspective underscores running's role in nurturing a growth mindset, applicable beyond athletics into everyday life and professional endeavors.

Ultramarathon Insights: Preparation and Nutrition

Matt offers valuable insights into the logistics of ultramarathon running, focusing on gear selection, particularly footwear, and nutritional strategies essential for endurance racing.

"Most shoes should have durability to run 300 or 400 miles. It's really individual, like a diet—no one size fits all."
[18:27] Matt Choi

He discusses the importance of adaptability in nutrition, sharing his preference for intuitive eating over strict calorie tracking:

"I'm probably eating anywhere from 3,500 to 4,500 calories. I'm burning probably similar."
[24:45] Matt Choi

Matt emphasizes consuming easily digestible calories during races and the necessity of finding what works best for each runner's unique physiology.

Content Creation and Media Strategy

Balancing his passion for running with content creation, Matt explains how he leverages media to support his athletic pursuits. He views himself as a media company, using platforms like TikTok and YouTube to share his journey, engage with a community, and create revenue streams through sponsorships.

"If I don't focus on content, I'm not going to be able to do this as a full-time job."
[39:14] Matt Choi

Matt highlights the symbiotic relationship between his running and media efforts, where content creation not only documents his experiences but also fuels his ability to compete and connect with others.

Advice for Aspiring Runners

In offering guidance to listeners interested in ultramarathon running, Matt stresses the importance of mindset, consistency, and gradual progress.

"Never say you can't do anything. Start small, reassure yourself, and change the way you speak to yourself."
[48:08] Matt Choi

He advocates for incremental goals, such as starting with manageable distances and progressively increasing as confidence and capability grow.

Closing Thoughts on Wellness

Concluding the episode, Matt defines wellness as creating a sustainable lifestyle that promotes longevity and continuous personal growth.

"Wellness to me means creating a sustainable lifestyle that could be repeated over time. I want to live as long as I can and function and move my body as long as possible."
[64:19] Matt Choi

His holistic view encompasses physical health, mental resilience, and the joy derived from pursuing meaningful challenges.

Conclusion

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of Matt Choi, illustrating how overcoming personal adversity and embracing the rigors of ultramarathon running can lead to profound personal transformation. Matt's journey underscores the power of mental strength, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, providing valuable lessons for listeners seeking to enhance their own well-being and pursue their best selves.

Find Matt Choi Online:

• TikTok & Instagram: @mattchoi_6
• YouTube: Matt Choi

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive content of the conversation between Mari Llewellyn and Matt Choi.