Mike Fitzsimmons became only the second person in history to complete the 178-mile Reno Tahoe Odyssey solo — finishing in 45 hours and 5 minutes through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

But this episode isn't just about running. It's about mastering your mindset when everything in you wants to quit, building resilience through adversity, fueling your body for peak performance, and why success — in business, athletics, or life — is won one step at a time.

Host George Goodwin sits down with ultrarunner Mike "Fitz" Fitzsimmons to unpack the physical, mental, and emotional lessons from one of the toughest endurance races in America.

In this episode you'll learn:
✅ How to stay mentally strong during impossible challenges✅ Why "running the mile you're in" changes everything✅ The three versions of yourself that keep you moving forward✅ Why your tribe determines your success✅ What a vegan ultramarathon athlete actually eats✅ How to overcome self-doubt and stop quitting on yourself✅ Why the real reward is found in the struggle — not the finish line

Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, leader, or simply someone chasing a big goal, this conversation will leave you motivated to take the next step.

Episode Highlights
🏃 Becoming only the second solo finisher in Reno Tahoe Odyssey history🧠 The mindset that carried Mike through 178 miles💥 Battling cramps, exhaustion, and mental fatigue🤝 Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters🥔 Nutrition strategy during 45 hours of nonstop running🌱 Thriving as a vegan endurance athlete⛰️ Lessons every entrepreneur can learn from ultrarunning🔥 Why discomfort is where growth happens

About Mike Fitzsimmons
Mike "Fitz" Fitzsimmons is an ultramarathon runner, endurance coach, and member of Reno's running community. In 2026, he became just the second athlete ever to complete the 178-mile Reno Tahoe Odyssey as a solo runner, setting a new course record while inspiring thousands with his grit and perseverance.

Connect with Mike
📸 Instagram: @fromfattofitz
✉️ Email: fitzcoaching@gmail.com

Connect with George Goodwin
🌐 enjoykobu.com
🔗 linkedin.com/in/georgegoodwin
✉️ george@innovaragency.com

About GroceryPulse
GroceryPulse is hosted by George Goodwin, fourth-generation grocer, entrepreneur, and founder of Kōbu Kombucha Powder. Each week we sit down with leaders across grocery, CPG, health, entrepreneurship, and high performance to uncover practical lessons that help you build a healthier business — and a healthier life.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction02:15 Becoming the second solo finisher08:45 The mental battle of 178 miles18:20 Learning to stay present29:15 Your tribe determines your success39:40 Nutrition and fueling strategy48:30 Life lessons from ultrarunning57:10 Rapid-fire questions1:05:45 Final advice

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and follow GroceryPulse for more conversations with the leaders shaping grocery, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and performance.

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