
Show Notes
Joining the Choose Strong podcast in this episode, is Rachel Entrekin! She is a Norda athlete, and has had recent victories at Cocodona 250, High Lonesome 100 & The Mammoth (and MANY more) . Enjoy getting to know Rachel a little more as she joins Sally in an awesome chat! Enjoy!
Other Episode Highlights: Recent Norda athlete! Background to how Rachel started running High school battle of identity and self-worth Rehab 2x Ultrarunning “saved her life” Running in the southeast How Rachel got into trail running A French speaker?! Balancing full time work & high level training Racing 1000 miles this past year PT background & how that’s helped stay injury free The importance of the slow build 2026 plans
Connect with RACHEL at: Substack: @rachelentrekin IG: @rachel__entrekin Be sure to follow Rachel on IG and to find out more about her upcoming summer Ultra Trail Mount Blanc Camp and how you can join!
All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here. Choose Strong Book Sally McRae Strength App Choose Strong Podcast YouTube Sally McRae YouTube Choose Strong Merch Bare Performance Nutrition Code: SALLY Choose Strong Strava Group
Episode Sponsors: Hello Fresh: Visit hellofresh.com/SALLY10FM for 10 FREE meals + breakfast for life. ZocDoc: Go to zocdoc.com/SALLY to book a top-rated doctor today Janji: Go to janji.com and use code CHOOSESTRONG for 10% off iRestore: Unlock your best skin with @iRestorelaser! Subscribe & Save for 25% off or more + free shipping on iRestore Skincare AND get HUGE savings on the iRestore Illumina Face Mask with code STRONG at irestore.com/STRONG! #irestorepod
More from Choose Strong
In this episode, Sally sits down with longtime friend and fellow podcast host Jonathan Levitt for an honest conversation about the power of running, meaningful friendships, taking risks, and building a life around what you love. Jon opens up about navigating a difficult breakup, finding emotional strength through running, leaving his corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying true to yourself in a world driven by social media and outside expectations.
***AUDIO ONLY Recorded live at Mammoth Trail Fest, Sally sits down with longtime friend, professional ultrarunner, and race founder Tim Tollefson for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond athletic achievements. Tim reflects on his journey from an overlooked young runner to one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, opening up about setbacks, personal struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and how running can become something far greater than chasing finish lines.
In this episode, Sally gets a chance to chat with friend, ultrarunner, and world-record holder Meg Eckert about her remarkable journey from being too afraid to show up for her first 5K to becoming one of the world’s top multi-day runners. Meg recently ran more than 636 miles in six days, becoming the first woman to surpass 1,000 kilometers in the event. She opens up about pacing, fear, joy, discomfort, her relationship with running, and the mindset that continues to push her toward discovering what she’s capable of. Thanks for pushing play. Enjoy!
In this episode, Sally chats with her friend, and Elite ultrarunner, Rachel Drake, who shares what it looks like to pursue big dreams while raising two young children and working 65–80-hour weeks as an anesthesia resident. She opens up about UTMB, returning to running after pregnancy, leaning on family support, and learning that different priorities can take the lead during different seasons of life. You will be encouraged by Rachel's drive and commitment to excellence in all she does! Enjoy!
Fresh off an incredible second-place finish at UTMB, Rachel shares what it was really like navigating the overwhelming crowds, racing alongside the best in the world, and fighting to hold onto second place in the final miles. She also opens up about her surprise mountaintop engagement, life with Will, wedding plans, Switzerland, pickleball, her upcoming Snowman Race in Bhutan, and why she’s more committed than ever to doing things her own way! You'll love this conversation. Enjoy!