Episode 616 - From Bike Shop Kid to UESCA Founder - Rick Prince on Endurance, Coaching & Why Fun Still Matters

What happens when a kid who just wanted a motorbike ends up falling in love with endurance sport instead? In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with Rick Prince, founder of UESCA (https://uesca.com/) - the organisation where I completed my Ultra Running Coach Certification last year. Rick shares the story of how a cool red cycling helmet, a job in a local bike shop, and a love of being outside helped shape a lifelong passion for endurance sport. We talk about Rick’s early years growing up in Pennsylvania, racing bikes seriously as a junior, studying kinesiology, and eventually building a business that set out to raise the standard of education for endurance coaches. He explains why he started UESCA, why so many people told him it was a terrible idea, and why he stuck with it anyway - even through those early years when it felt very hard and success was far from guaranteed. We also dive into the world of endurance and ultra sport more broadly - why more people seem drawn to longer events, trail running, gravel cycling and getting off the road and into nature. Rick shares some great insights around challenge, community, social connection, and why getting outside may be more important than ever in a world full of screens, notifications and constant input. One of my favourite parts of this chat is Rick’s honest take on motivation. He talks about the value of having a goal, trying new things when training feels stale, and not being so rigid with ourselves. He also makes a really strong case for occasionally ditching the data, ignoring the Garmin, and going out for a run or ride simply for the joy of it. Honestly, I think a lot of us need that reminder. This was such a fun conversation - thoughtful, practical, and full of little gems for runners, coaches, and anyone who’s ever wondered why we keep choosing hard things on purpose. Why You’ll Love This Episode • The unexpected story of how Rick first got into endurance sport • What led him from cycling and kinesiology to founding UESCA • Why the early years of building a business were so tough • Thoughts on why ultra and endurance sport keep growing • Why trail and off-road sports feel so appealing right now • The power of community in endurance sport • A very honest look at motivation, injuries, stubbornness and burnout • Why sometimes the best thing you can do is leave the data behind and just go Tips from Rick • Have a goal - but it doesn’t have to be a competitive one. • Keep things fresh by trying new events, trails, or even different types of training. • Don’t assume feeling stale means something is wrong - sometimes it just means you need variety. • You do not need to be rigid all the time. • Every run or ride does not need to be about metrics. • Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is go out there, unplug, and do it for the fun of it. Next Big Adventures Rick shares that UESCA is continuing to expand internationally, including translated certifications, and is also developing new specialist courses around self-defence and trail self-autonomy. He’s also launching a new fitness education business, the Academy of Integrated Human Performance, focused on the fitness industry. ⸻ 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/buy ⸻ 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you (or someone you know) has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email [e-mail] ⸻ 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears. ⸻ ✨ Run easy. Run happy. ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and runners who get it. 👉 https://zenrun.club