Matt Choi's Leadville & Marathon Journey, being Authentic, and dealing with Social Media

The Dad Bods and Dumbbells Podcast

Send us a text

What happens when a Division 1 football player swaps his helmet for running shoes? Join us as we welcome the dynamic Matt Choi, who shares his inspiring journey from the gridiron to the roads and trails of marathons and ultra-running. Initially poised to become a personal trainer, Matt took a surprising pivot during the pandemic, finding his niche on TikTok as a running influencer. Guided by Gary Vee’s advice, he embraced the platform to share his passion, and his journey rapidly gained momentum. Matt opens up about the mental and physical transitions required to excel in endurance running, offering insights into how his football discipline has shaped his current path.
Listeners will be captivated by tales of Matt's incredible achievements, including his quest to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors, with Tokyo being a particularly hard nut to crack. Discover the rigorous ways runners can earn their spot in these prestigious races and the potential for Sydney and Cape Town to join this elite circuit. We also dive into Matt's personal feats, such as running across South Korea and tackling the grueling Leadville 100 ultra-marathon. These stories highlight the mental resilience needed to push through even the toughest challenges, as well as the emotional connections formed through these endeavors.
Beyond the races, our conversation covers essential topics like injury prevention and recovery strategies for runners, especially those just starting in their 30s and 40s. Matt shares valuable advice on strength training, plyometrics, and the importance of a positive mindset when dealing with setbacks. He candidly discusses navigating criticism, staying true to oneself amidst fame, and the dynamics of building trust and relationships in the world of running. Wrapping up, we reflect on Matt’s continued growth and the exciting possibilities for his future, fueled by determination and an unwavering belief in unlocking one's true potential.
Follow Matt Choi on Social https://www.instagram.com/mattchoi_6/
Check out Matt's Youtube Leadville 100 Documentary: https://youtu.be/gf3WLvVPYtg?si=VnoJqCrU7H0wA4UY

Follow Mitch: http://instagram.com/runwithmitch
Follow Bart: http://instagram.com/bartonguybryan
Follow the Podcast: http://instagram.com/dad_bods_and_dumbbells
Visit Mitch's website: http://Bigboysruntoo.com
Visit Barton's Training Website: http://teambryanwellness.com

Chapter

1. From Football to Marathon Influencer (00:00:00)

2. Running the World Major Marathons (00:08:49)

3. The Challenge of Endurance Running (00:12:23)

4. Running Across Korea (00:15:26)

5. Running Injury Prevention and Recovery (00:19:24)

6. Navigating Criticism and Self-Confidence (00:25:29)

7. Navigating Relationships Through Fame (00:34:20)

8. Building Trust Through Adversity (00:37:32)

9. Setting the Stage for Future Success (00:42:19)

10. Unlocking the Potential Within (00:49:27)

11. Support and Recognition in Running (00:54:46)