Joe Corcione on Addiction, Recovery, and Everyday Ultra Running
- Claire Shorenstein, MS RD CSSD CDN
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
In Episode 129 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by ultrarunner, coach, and host of The Everyday Ultra Podcast, Joe Corcione.
Joe’s story is not the typical “natural-born athlete” narrative. He was never active growing up, and he struggled with drugs and alcohol as a teenager and young adult.
But as Joe puts it, “You can become someone new if you’re willing to do the work.” This work gradually helped him get sober, finish over 25 ultramarathons, coach runners around the world, and build the Everyday Ultra community.
Throughout our conversation, you’ll notice a powerful theme around the stories we tell ourselves. Joe and I explore how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset shaped his recovery from addiction, his approach to training, coaching, and racing, and his relationship with food.
This episode covers far more than ultrarunning nutrition. It's about adopting new identities, staying flexible, making small shifts to everyday habits, and learning how to fuel both your body and your life in a way that’s actually sustainable.
Mindset Shifts: From Addiction to Ultra Running
In this episode, we discuss how early beliefs can quietly shape the choices we make for years to come. Joe shares how growing up feeling “unathletic,” being picked last by his peers, and internalizing the idea that he wasn’t good at sports became part of his identity.
As drugs and alcohol entered the picture later on, those beliefs deepened, and nutrition, movement, and other forms of self-care took a back seat. It didn't help that Joe had been on Adderall since he was young to treat his ADHD, which dampened his appetite and made it all the more difficult to remain well-nourished.
Joe’s journey to recovery wasn’t about flipping a switch. He was able to get sober and start running by making small changes over time, learning new skills, staying persistent even when it felt really hard, and gradually replacing old coping mechanisms with healthier ones.
Small, consistent shifts in behavior (whether that be in your nutrition, training, or mindset) is what always leads to big, lasting change.
We also talk about how endurance sports can sometimes attract people with addictive tendencies. While that doesn’t make you “broken,” it does highlight the importance of developing multiple coping tools (not just running) to protect your long-term mental and physical health. (If you're wondering if you might be exercise dependent, listen to this episode.)
Over the years, Joe’s mindset has shifted from a fixed view of who he “was” to one rooted in curiosity, learning, effort, and patience. It’s this mindset that has shaped his work as an ultra running coach and podcaster, helping athletes pursue their training in a way that’s sustainable, flexible, and supportive of long-term health.
Key Takeaways From Joe Corcione of Everyday Ultra
The stories we tell ourselves can either limit or expand what we believe is possible
A growth mindset is essential for long-term progress in endurance sport (and in life!)
Small, consistent shifts are what often lead to big, sustainable changes
Nutrition is key for ultra running performance, and also for recovery and mental health
Exercise can be a powerful coping tool, but it shouldn’t be the only one
Longevity in sport requires adequate fueling and rest
Joe Corcione’s journey is a great reminder that endurance sport doesn’t have to be about punishment, proving worth, or outrunning your past. It can be about building trust with your body, learning new skills, and showing up with compassion and curiosity, even when things aren’t perfect.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in an old identity, struggled with all-or-nothing thinking, or wondered whether your relationship with exercise and nutrition is truly supporting you, I think you’ll really resonate with this episode.
Looking for Support Beyond This Episode?
If Joe’s story sparked some internal reflection around fueling, training, or the role exercise plays in your life, you don’t have to navigate that on your own. I work with endurance athletes who want to fuel in a way that supports both performance and long-term well-being, without rigid rules or burnout.
Here’s what one client had to say about working together:
"I started working with Claire to better structure my recovery nutrition and race day nutrition plans to meet my goal of sustaining higher training volume and improving marathon speed as I age. I have become much more informed, strategic, and intentional with my carbohydrate intake and fluids before and during hard workouts/long runs. This has helped my performance, my recovery, and my confidence! I also really appreciated the way she blends compassion with a no-nonsense approach."
-Jessica S.
Here are a few ways to get support:
Join my low-cost, low-commitment Fuel for Life Crew membership for just $39/month (cancel anytime)
Browse my nutrition masterclasses (all are also included in the membership)
Download my free fueling resources
Fill out a new client inquiry form for comprehensive 1:1 coaching (limited spots available)
Support the Eat for Endurance Podcast
If you're enjoying this show, here are a few easy ways to support me:
Leave a 5-star rating and write a review wherever you get your podcasts
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Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.
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