Ep. 8 | From Emergency Medicine to Ultrarunning with John Goldfield

Written By Sarah Bettman

Positivity as a Daily Choice

My guest, John Goldfield, and I kicked off the most recent episode of 'Live Stoked, Lead Stoked' by diving into what it means to live a 'stoked' life. For John, it's about choosing awesomeness over negativity, and finding those nuggets of goodness that turn an ordinary day into a win. It's not merely about being positive; it's about actively seeking and embracing the joy in every moment.

From Pavement to Trail: A Running Revelation

Admitting he wasn't always a runner, John described his shift from road marathons to the beauty of trail and ultra running. His journey from weight loss to participating in 100-mile races is a testament to the transformative power of setting bucket-list goals and embracing new adventures.

The Power of Slow Endurance

John's approach to endurance events struck a chord, teaching me the importance of pacing and strategic hiking following my own experience with exercise-induced burnout. I’ve learned that running isn't always about speed; sometimes it's about endurance, strategy, and the mental game—parallels that apply broadly to life's many marathons.

Finding Joy in Painful Places

Both John and I emphasized the beauty that can be found even in discomfort. Whether it's pausing to appreciate the scenic backdrop during a grueling race or finding a snippet of awe on a tough day, it shows that joy often lurks in the least expected places.

Community, Camaraderie, and Inclusion

Discussing the unique nature of the ultra community, we highlight how the culture of encouragement and inclusivity makes it special. It's not about where you finish in the race, but about the connections you make and the personal victories along the way.

More Than Just a Race: Life Lessons from Endurance

The conversation turned to how embracing life's stench—literal and metaphorical—can be a powerful leadership lesson. John recollected advice to 'revel in' difficulties, linking it to the mindset needed to tackle life's tough moments, like the recent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Future of Racing: New Horizons

Looking ahead, John shared his goals of qualifying for the Western States 100, choosing races not just as stepping stones, but as standalone adventures. I reflected on the importance of living and leading with authenticity, grounded in self-understanding rather than external comparisons.

This episode is a gentle reminder for us all to find our 'stoked life'—to choose awesomeness and embrace every step of our journeys, whether we're on the trail or navigating the many paths life presents us.

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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