E186: Bri Boley: Solo Aventures & Secret Superpowers

What would you do if someone tells you that you're not built for the thing you love most?In today’s episode of The Evolving Adventurer, I chat with ultrarunner, coach, mom and adventurer Bri Boley. What started off as a funny case of mistaken identity at Javelina Jundred this past October led to a powerful conversation about grit, self-belief, and choosing your own path—even when “experts,” injuries, and fear suggest otherwise. Bri shares how a physical therapist once told her she didn't have a "runner's body.” That comment—or her Aries nature—fueled her determination: she went from struggling through three-mile runs and finishing last at a 5K race to thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, racing ultramarathons, and coaching endurance athletes around the world.We venture into the challenges, and realities, of balancing adventure, motherhood, work, and training. Bri opens up about creating guilt-free time for herself, unexpected superpowers that come from being a busy parent, and why sustainable success is about much more than mileage, heart rate data, or race results. You’ll learn lessons that transcend the endurance space: different perspectives on long-term growth, resilience, and building a life that supports your passions.Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, healer, parent, or simply someone trying to reconnect with the things that make you feel most alive, today’s conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration. From solo backpacking adventures at 17 to Cocodona crewing stories to rediscovering joy after burnout, Bri reminds us all that sometimes the most important journey isn't about going farther—it's about returning to who you were before the world told you what you could or couldn't become.Comment BRI and I’ll send you the link.Timestamps:02:29 - How a whim led to eleven years living in a mountain town 03:36 - Bree's upbringing in Corvallis, Oregon, and her early sports journey 05:24 - From cheerleading to running and overcoming injury challenges 07:51 - Discovering her passion for trail and ultrarunning 11:25 - Building endurance through long-distance hikes and trail adventures 12:47 - Transition to ultrarunning with the Colorado Trail and PCT 13:36 - The mindset of grit and determination that drives her pursuits 16:24 - How her own injury history fuels her coaching approach 17:50 - The importance of long-term vision in athletic development 22:08 - Supporting athletes of all levels with empathy and process-oriented goals 25:58 - Balancing training with family life and mom superpowers 28:34 - The significance of time efficiency and intentional self-care 32:36 - Embracing solo adventures to build resilience and confidence 36:28 - Crewing at Cocodona and supporting incredible performances 43:02 - Bri’s upcoming challenge: Oregon Outback 230 in 2026 50:03 - Her love for exploring new trails and avoiding race repetition 58:36 - The power of solitude and quiet in long-distance adventures 62:03 - Connecting with Bree: social media and coaching opportunitiesResources & Links:TrainRight Coaching — Bri's coaching platformCascade Endurance — Endurance coaching organizationBorn to Run by Christopher McDougall — Book that inspired BriWonderland Trail — Epic trail around Mount RainierInstagram — Social media profile