Coree Woltering on Sobriety, Trail Running & Lessons from the Ice Age FKT | Fireside Chat

In this compelling 135th episode of the Fireside Chat on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Aum Gandhi sit down with elite endurance athlete Coree Woltering for a deep dive into his journey from triathlon to trail running, and his powerful decision to pursue a sober life. Coree, known for his impressive trail running feats and charismatic personality, opens up about his athletic evolution, his groundbreaking records, and the mindset shifts that led him to embrace sobriety. Starting Out in Endurance Sports Coree’s journey in endurance sports began in triathlon, but his passion eventually steered him toward the trail running world. His pivotal experience pacing at the Leadville 100 sparked a new love for trail running. Coree discusses how this shift transformed his training, approach to racing, and view on what endurance really means. The conversation explores Coree’s first ultra race—a 50K in California—and what drove him to continue pushing the boundaries, leading to events like the Eco Challenge and races designed to challenge his curiosity, courage, and endurance. Chasing Adventure and Breaking Records From the Hong Kong Nine Dragons to the Ice Age Trail Fastest Known Time (FKT), Coree shares thrilling insights from some of his most ambitious races. He recounts his epic 1,100+ mile Ice Age Trail journey, completed in just 21 days, emphasizing the mental resilience and adaptability it required. Known for taking things “10 seconds at a time,” Coree shares lessons learned about pacing, staying grounded, and the power of short-term focus during grueling events. This section is a treasure trove of advice for athletes pushing their limits, reminding us of the strength in adaptability and perseverance. A Path to Sobriety One of the most inspiring aspects of Coree’s journey is his nearly three-year path to sobriety. He speaks candidly about his decision to quit drinking, explaining how his endurance athlete mindset supported his decision to go sober cold turkey. Having voluntarily checked into rehab in November 2021, Coree outlines the social challenges of early sobriety, particularly in an environment where drinking is often the norm. His reflections on this topic provide valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path, as Coree illustrates the positive impact that his sober journey has had on both his life and his athletic performance. A Look into Coree’s Personality Listeners are treated to a lighter side of Coree’s personality as he shares his unique food preferences—pineapple on pizza (yes!), a love for Double Stuff Oreos, and his top choices for candy and dessert. Coree’s fun and quirky tastes give fans a glimpse of his life outside the trails, making this episode both relatable and entertaining. From vanilla ice cream to sushi in Japan, Coree’s stories about food add another layer to his multifaceted personality, reminding us that athletes are more than just their records. This episode is an inspiring blend of athletic grit, personal growth, and heartfelt honesty. Coree Woltering’s story will leave you motivated to face life’s challenges head-on and take pride in every step of your own journey. Tune in for an unforgettable Fireside Chat with one of endurance sports’ most engaging athletes!