{"podcast":{"title":"For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running","slug":"for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472","podcast_index_feed_id":242472,"rss_url":"https://anchor.fm/s/81032c4/podcast/rss","website_url":"https://forthelong.run","image_url":"https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/1252793/1252793-1726600323036-8c49fa0c3fc65.jpg","author":"Jonathan Levitt","episode_count":432,"summary":"Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself. From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all. Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.","last_synced_at":null,"page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472"},"episode":{"title":"What Happens When You Choose the Hard Thing with Brendan Morgan","slug":"what-happens-when-you-choose-the-hard-thing-with-brendan-morgan","published_at":"2026-05-01T07:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472/what-happens-when-you-choose-the-hard-thing-with-brendan-morgan","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472","url":"https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/episodes/What-Happens-When-You-Choose-the-Hard-Thing-with-Brendan-Morgan-e3ingr5","audio_url":"https://anchor.fm/s/81032c4/podcast/play/119308581/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-3-30%2F69ff53e7-d815-400f-b30d-e952ad0ad1b4.mp3","summary":"Brendan Morgan is an ultrarunner who found running in 2023 by doing something most people avoid. He started because he hated it. Since then, he’s gone all in. From completing a 4x4x48 just months after starting to running across Pennsylvania, Brendan has quickly built a reputation for taking on challenges that push both his body and mind to the edge. But what stands out isn’t just the distance. It’s the mindset behind it. In this conversation, Brendan talks about why running became more than just a physical outlet. It’s something he can fully control in a world where most things aren’t. That idea has shaped how he approaches challenges, how he deals with adversity, and how he shows up for others. He also shares how his past experiences and mental health journey influence the way he uses running as a tool, not just for himself, but to create space for others to feel seen and supported. Whether it’s running across a state to raise awareness or showing vulnerability online, Brendan is intentional about how he uses his platform. This episode is about choosing discomfort on purpose, understanding why that matters, and exploring how far you can go when you lean into it. Jon and Brendan talk about: starting running because he hated it and what kept him coming back using running as something you can fully control when life isn’t how pushing physical limits translates into mental resilience the role running plays in his mental health and day-to-day happiness developing a deeper “why” through ultramarathons and long efforts running across Pennsylvania and using extreme challenges to raise awareness the experience of running Double Boston and what it revealed the contrast between quiet miles and race-day energy how past experiences shape his approach to discomfort and growth why…","meta_description":"Brendan Morgan is an ultrarunner who found running in 2023 by doing something most people avoid. He started because he hated it. Since then, he’s gone all…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2769,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472/episodes/what-happens-when-you-choose-the-hard-thing-with-brendan-morgan/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-the-long-run-exploring-the-why-behind-running-242472/what-happens-when-you-choose-the-hard-thing-with-brendan-morgan.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}