What does it take to keep moving when everything inside you wants to quit?
This week I sit down with Jon Sheldon, Marine Corps veteran, leadership coach, and founder of BelleauWood Coaching. Although Jon doesn't coach ultrarunners, the principles he teaches apply directly to running, business, leadership, and life.
We dive into the mental side of performance:
Why you have to count the cost before chasing big goals.
How to build resilience before adversity arrives.
The difference between motivation and discipline.
Creating decision filters for high-pressure situations.
Why elite performers simplify their thinking when things get hard.
Lessons from military leadership that translate directly to ultrarunning.
Whether you're training for your first marathon, your first 100 miler, or simply trying to become more disciplined in everyday life, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.
Episode Highlights
The hidden cost behind every meaningful goal
Why mindset matters more than motivation
Building discipline that lasts
How Marines prepare for difficult situations
The "Intent • Inspect • Initiate" framework
Decision filters for difficult moments
Why gratitude can become a performance tool
Training your mind before race day
Presented by Mount to Coast
This episode is brought to you by Mount to Coast.
I've been putting their shoes through hundreds of training miles and have been genuinely impressed with both the R1 Road Shoe and the T1 Trail Shoe. They're comfortable right out of the box, incredibly durable, and built specifically for endurance runners.
Save 10% with code: RIOT10
Check them out:
https://mounttocoast.com
Discount Code: RIOT10
Connect with Jon Sheldon
Website: https://belleauwood.coach
Instagram: @belleauwood_coaching
Connect with Run the Riot
Website: https://www.theriot.run
Coaching: https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@runtheriot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtheriot
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runtheriot
