Betting On Yourself To Finish

Betting on Yourself: Finding the Finish Line Within

When you line up for an ultra, it’s never just about the miles ahead. It’s about the stories, struggles, and self-belief that get you there. On Beyond The Finish Line, host Joe Hardin sits down with people who know that endurance is more than sport…it’s identity. In this episode, Joe welcomes ultra runner and filmmaker Wes Plate, whose journey reminds every everyday athlete that betting on yourself might be the most courageous step you take.

The Story Behind the Camera

Wes Plate isn’t just an ultra runner…he’s a storyteller with a lens on what makes endurance athletes tick. Through his growing YouTube channel, he’s built a community that celebrates the “mid-pack elite,” those runners who might not grab podiums but who show up with heart and grit. His videos capture the laughter, pain, and persistence that define the sport.

Joe opens the episode reflecting on Wes’s ability to tell stories that feel like running. You know….messy, emotional, beautiful. Wes shares that this perspective was hard-earned. His love for running began in high school track and cross-country but, like many, life threw detours his way. Years of personal struggle, including battles with alcohol addiction, pulled him away from the sport he loved. But running found him again or maybe, he found himself through running.

Rediscovering Purpose Through Movement

After deciding to take control of his health, Wes returned to the trails, one step at a time. His comeback wasn’t easy. It was sweaty, humbling, and full of lessons that endurance athletes know all too well. His first ultra, a grueling 50K, became a crash course in nutrition, hydration, and humility. “I thought I could muscle through it,” Wes laughs, “but ultras don’t let you fake fitness.”

That experience lit a fire. Wes began exploring longer distances and multi-day events, drawn to the chaos and clarity that come when the body says no but the mind says keep going. His adventures took him to iconic races like the Moab 240 and Cocodona 250, where sleep deprivation and self-doubt meet the rawest form of resilience.

For Wes, ultra running became more than a sport, it was an act of self-redemption. Every mile was a reminder that the human spirit is stronger than our fears, and that every finish line can be the start of something new.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Heart of the Community

Wes’s perspective extends beyond personal growth. He’s deeply connected to the community that supports every endurance athlete’s journey. During his chat with Joe, he highlights the volunteers, race directors, and fellow runners who make these events possible.

His latest project, the Copper Kings 100 in Montana, marks his debut as a race director. He describes the role as “chaotic, beautiful, and full of gratitude.” For Wes, organizing a race tied to his family’s history wasn’t just about course design or logistics. It was about the connection between people, place, and purpose.

Redefining the Finish Line

Joe and Wes share a powerful moment in the episode: the realization that the “finish line” isn’t where growth stops bur rather it’s where the next chapter begins. For many endurance athletes, success isn’t measured by medals or times, but by courage, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up.

Wes reminds listeners that betting on yourself means accepting the unknown …. the DNFs, the blisters, the doubts. But it also means believing that you have what it takes to endure. “Every race teaches me something,” he says. “Sometimes the lesson is about pacing. Sometimes it’s about patience. But it’s always about presence.”

A Reminder for Every Everyday Athlete

At Run Tri Bike, we know endurance is a metaphor for life. Wes’s story embodies the truth that taking risks, showing up when it’s hard, and believing in your worth are finish lines worth crossing.

When you bet on yourself, you’re already winning.

🎧 Listen to Beyond The Finish Line with Joe Hardin and guest Wes Plate, a conversation that will inspire you to define your own finish line and keep moving forward, one mile at a time.

ADVERTISEMENT