The Uphill Goat - A High Performance Podcast

Brazilian racing driver Luiz Cordeiro says racing is like “playing chess at high speed.” Every move demands total focus, split-second decision-making, and the courage to act before an opportunity disappears.
Luiz joins AJ Conover to share his journey from rental karts to professional car racing, endurance competition, and driver coaching. He explains what separates a fast driver from a winning one, how racers balance aggression with control, and why losing often teaches more than winning.
They also explore the surprising physical demands of karting, the financial realities of building a racing career, Luiz’s creative approach to earning sponsorships, and how cycling helped him rediscover competition after stepping away from the track.
This is a conversation about speed—but even more about discipline, resilience, calculated risk, and giving everything you have to the pursuit that calls you.

Most athletes chase performance, but few understand the mental and spiritual power that fuels it. Christian Allen, pro trail and marathon runner, reveals how his faith and mindset transform his training, recovery, and race day — even with four kids and a part-time business.In this exclusive conversation, Christian shares the behind-the-scenes of pushing limits in the mountains, avoiding injuries, and maintaining balance amid chaos. Discover his unique strategy of visualization, goal-setting, and positive affirmations—practices that keep him at the top of his game and grounded in purpose. From his fourth-place finish at uphill Worlds to aiming for Olympic trials, his story challenges everything you thought was possible for endurance performance.
You'll explore:
How faith guides Christian through setbacks and triumphs in racing and life
The specific mental routines that turn dreams into reality, including writing goals around the house and strategic visualization
Practical tips for balancing training and family, from managing sleep to leveraging support systems
The importance of tiered goals and accountability in achieving at your limits
Why perseverance, belief, and joy are the true keys to sustained endurance success
Why does this episode matter? Because understanding the inner game unlocks true potential. If you're striving for your best—whether on trails, roads, or in life—you'll find actionable insight that rewires your mindset and boosts your confidence. Christian’s story is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and intentional performance, perfect for athletes, coaches, or anyone chasing a higher version of themselves.
Tune in to learn how a few simple mental shifts can elevate your training, sustain your motivation, and deepen your purpose—so you can crush your goals with joy and conviction.

Follow Adam @adamleeburns

Most runners dream of breaking barriers — but Adam Burns did something almost unimaginable in less than two years. After only a year and a half of running experience, he became the fastest person to run across Utah—covering over 415 miles in just 9 days while battling extreme fatigue, injuries, and brutal conditions. His story isn’t just about endurance; it’s about transforming despair into purpose and proving that with grit, you can redefine your limits. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re capable of more, Adam’s incredible journey will push you to believe in the power of mental strength and relentless action.
In this episode, Adam takes us behind the scenes of his record-breaking run, from setting a seemingly impossible goal to navigating injuries and mental hurdles along the way. He shares raw insights on how he fueled his insane daily mileage—eating 9,600 calories a day, from Chick-fil-A sauce and ground beef to endless candy—and how he kept going through sheer grit. You’ll discover the mental strategies that get him out of bed at 5 a.m., the importance of setting goals that scare you, and why suffering is the secret weapon in ultra running and life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone battling your own mental demons, Adam’s perspective on pushing through adversity will resonate deeply.
Why do most people underestimate what they’re capable of? Because they never push past the point of discomfort. Adam’s story highlights how mental resilience—not just physical ability—is the key to extraordinary achievement. His mission to raise funds for suicide prevention through running underscores the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. If you’re craving motivation, seeking a new perspective on perseverance, or looking for lessons on setting goals that actually challenge you, this episode is your blueprint for unlocking unstoppable resilience.
Perfect for anyone ready to challenge their perceived limits and turn impossible goals into reality. Whether you're navigating personal struggles, chasing ultra endurance goals, or just looking for a dose of real inspiration, Adam’s relentless spirit and honesty will leave you more determined than ever. Prepare to be inspired to run your own race—whatever that may be—and never lose hope.

What keeps someone riding for life while others quit after a few months?
In this episode, I sit down with cyclist and content creator Nic to talk about the mindset behind enjoying cycling, building an authentic community, and learning to “ride your ride.”
We discuss:
How Nic got into cycling through his dad
Why the cycling community is unlike any other sport
Building a social media following without chasing followers
The balance between performance and enjoyment
The dangers of comparison—on the bike and in life
Trends in cycling, gear, and content creation
Why challenging your limits matters
Whether you’re a new cyclist, an experienced rider, or simply someone trying to enjoy the journey a little more, I think you’ll take something away from this conversation.
If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another cyclist.
Follow Nic:
Instagram: @cyclist.nic

Follow The Uphill Goat:
Instagram: @2percentperformance

Most companies kill their best growth channels by scaling too fast.
Nadia Ruiz reveals the counterintuitive timing strategy behind her record-breaking marathon runs and how the lessons she learned during the Everest Marathon can transform your own approach to success — whether you're chasing a fitness goal, a career milestone, or personal resilience.
Follow her here: Instagram
In this gripping episode, Nadia shares the raw reality of running the Everest Marathon, navigating extreme altitude, brutal terrain, and her own physical and mental limits. She uncovers the hidden power of slow, deliberate progress and how your ability to show up, day after day, separates the champions from the quitters. You'll discover her unique approach to altitude adaptation, the importance of patience in peak achievement, and why embracing vulnerability can unlock true strength.
We break down Nadia’s inspiring journey from her earliest marathons at age 14, her obsession with collecting experience over results, and the mental toughness required to persist through loss, trauma, and doubt. She reveals the mindset tools that helped her beat the odds, including her daily gratitude practices, the significance of consistency over speed, and her fearless pursuit of longer, harder challenges. You'll learn how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones and why resilience is built one small step at a time.
Why does knowing your limits matter? Because aging as an athlete doesn’t mean slowing down — it means evolving and embracing new stages of possibility. Nadia’s story is a powerful reminder that performance is as much about mindset as physical ability, and her lessons are essential for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to give up. Regardless of your goals, her journey invites you to see setbacks as opportunities and to live with purpose beyond the finish line.
By sharing her struggles with addiction, grief, and mental health, Nadia exemplifies vulnerability and authenticity — qualities that make her a true inspiration. She reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always hope, and sometimes reaching out to a stranger can be the most crucial step toward healing. If you’re seeking resilience, courage, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly push your boundaries, this episode is your catalyst.
Perfect for endurance athletes, high performers, or anyone looking for motivation to face life’s steepest climbs — both on and off the trail. Nadia's story demonstrates that the real race is against your own fears and limitations, and the finish line is where your transformed self awaits. Hit play and discover how to turn life's toughest moments into your greatest victories.
Why this works: The opening lines immediately present an intriguing insight into the episode's core—using Nadia’s Everest Marathon experience as a metaphor for success and personal resilience. The body emphasizes specific lessons, challenges, and transformations, building curiosity while highlighting concrete tactics. The closing reinforces the emotional and practical value, encouraging listeners to take on their own "mountains" with a new mindset. The copy balances storytelling, technical insights, and emotional appeal to maximize engagement and curiosity.