Welcome to another episode of the Running Strong Mind-Body Connection podcast, hosted by Karen Bonnet-Natraj. In this inspiring conversation, Karen sits down with her friend and fellow ultra runner, Jared Harding, whose journey from marathon newbie to Cocodona 250 finisher is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community.

Jared opens up about his humble beginnings, facing early DNFs (Did Not Finish) and the lessons learned from those experiences. He shares how moving from road to trail running helped him fall in love with pushing his limits and connecting with a diverse, supportive community. Together, Karen and Jared dive into the mindset needed to persevere through setbacks, the importance of learning from mistakes, and how each race—no matter the outcome—becomes an opportunity for growth.

The heart of the episode centers around Jared’s recent Cocodona 250 adventure, a grueling multi-day race through mud, storms, and sleep deprivation. Jared recounts the highs and lows, including the impact of teamwork and the friendships forged on the trail, the invaluable help of crew and pacers (many of whom he’d never met before), and the moments that pushed him to the edge both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner or just starting out, Jared’s story will inspire you to explore your own boundaries, embrace the power of community, and discover what’s possible when you take that next step—no matter how daunting it may seem. Get ready to be motivated, moved, and reminded that in running and in life, it’s often the journey, not just the finish line, that transforms us.