Running 507 Miles | Choose Strong

For veteran pro ultrarunner Sally McRae, the 2022 racing season looked entirely different than any other year of her career. Instead of chasing podium places, Sally set out to push her own limits while celebrating her mother’s legacy - running 507 miles across 5 races in 81 days.
Bare Performance Nutrition presents CHOOSE STRONG - a film about grit, resilience, and the everyday choices that shape our lives.
Learn more here: www.bareperfor...
The Choose Strong project involved a variety of iconic and uniquely challenging races - the Leadville 100, Angeles Crest 100, Badwater 135, Wildstrubel 108k - and a self-designed challenge to double summit Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states.
Sally’s mindset throughout the 5 ultra-distance efforts was that no matter the circumstance, no matter the challenge, she would keep moving forward.
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Bare Performance Nutrition is a high-quality sports nutrition and health supplement company. The mission is to improve the modern day athlete, adventurer and warrior through training, nutrition and supplementation.
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#YellowRunner #GoOneMore
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[@drewbdarby]

Making this film changed my life. Grateful for the opportunity to share this story 💛

[@john.maynard]

Very well done. Congratulations on a beautiful film.

[@michelevanornum3314]

Beautiful story and beautiful work sharing it

[@Mookiethedog]

Great job dude

[@mikedemott7403]

Amazing work! Thank you!

[@revjoespivey]

Great job Drew! GM1

[@sydneychappell2195]

I lost my mom to cancer three years ago. Coming across Sally’s story a couple of years ago helped me get back into running. Running has helped me get through the darkest time in my life. Thanks for your positive and motivating example, Sally!

[@seanpatrick6210]

Just a grown man over here crying at Starbucks while I watch. So inspirational

[@Meredith_Feira]

I am so inspired by Sally’s story, and her mom’s story. As a young mom of two children, currently battling stage 4 melanoma, so much of Sally’s mom’s story resonates with me. The fear of leaving my children too early has inspired me to choose strong for them. To show them that in my darkest times, that I can keep going. To show them that it’s okay to fall or to have setbacks, but to dust yourself off and keep trying. I started running shortly before my cancer diagnosis, and I have continued to run throughout my cancer treatment (with a few setbacks here and there) for the last two years. Praying that my kids see my strength, and more importantly that they choose strong in their future. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with all of us. It means so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Battlemaiden4]

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

[@blackcloudnoyx4027]

You are so strong. Keep on being strong! We love you. Much of regards, Jeroen ❤

[@deborajacquesvieira2632]

Sending love to you ❤

[@danpattonfit]

Very well done. Freaking awesome achievement. Blown away.

[@petragilmore5668]

I lost my dad as a teenager to suicide. It’s been 25 years since he passed and I’m realizing how much living I’ve chosen/continue to choose because of his choice. His pain in his mind was so great he wasn’t able to find a way out. I started running 6 month ago and I am feeling alive and strong and powerful. I know that I can do so much more than I ever imagined and that I am beyond blessed to found the strength to take on life’s challenges. Thank you Sally and your entire team - this movie/project is one of a kind.

[@kamilrosinski2042]

I very rarely comment on any videos but damn, this one hits hard. What an incredible story. Props to Sally and the crew for making this such high quality production. Loved it.

[@followtheflow2]

Props to Sally and the BPN team for an amazing story that I will watch over and over again when I have self doubts of accomplishing my goals. Also really awesome to see how supportive her family was!

[@collinmorris]

I only saw you once during the Leadville 100, and you were giving someone a huge hug during the race. I totally see now that that is just who you are.

[@Nick_Hafey_83]

My goodness. What an emotional experience that was! The cinematography made me feel like I was right alongside Sally for every step. Kudos to all involved…you did an incredible job! So proud to be part of the Choose Strong Community.

[@amandafinn1942]

My Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer my junior year of high school. Staying on my xc and track teams for the years to come kept me happy when nothing was going right ❤️

[@JustAGuyFromIndianaBoxingTalk]

Sally is incredible. My son and daughter have watched her documentary and other runs of hers and have been choosing strong since. Motivated my whole family and I’m so grateful.

[@10Garinho]

I to lost my mom to cancer about 4 years ago. On her dying days all she ever looked after was everyone other than herself. If that wasn’t courage and strength I don’t know what is. Thank you for inspiring us all sally, and sharing with us your story. Go one more.

[@Battlemaiden4]

I lost my mom when I was 18 years old. Three months after pancreas cancer diagnosis, she left this world and went to heaven. My mom lived an amazing life full of adventures. She was strong. Miss her a lot. Trying to run ultras now, and really you have to choose strong. I'm also a home health palliative care nurse and see patients everyday, just like my mom, choosing strong.

[@shawnjenkins5477]

I can’t count the number of times I started to cry while watching this. This was so good. An early Christmas present. Thanks be to God for giving Sally the strength to get through the tough times in her life and become the bright shining light that she is in this world. While I believe Jesus is the one I should truly mimic, Sally is a earthly example of how to be tough and gritty, yet also very kind and compassionate. Watching this made me an even bigger Sally McRae fan. And thank you to Tyler and Drew for all of your hard work as well. You both helped tell a story for the ages. As a big fan of Sally, it’s clear to me that she places God first in her life, but what’s also clear is that she has an earthly rock as well, and Eddie is that rock. Thank you Eddie for being so awesome and for doing your part to help Sally. Between the Choose Strong podcast and this video, I’ve become a big fan of you as well Eddie.

[@kenmeyertwo]

My first video from her to see, but yeah I was wondering if there was more direct inspiration from the Lord than explained in the film... in that she said "one of my favorite verses" (min 22) implies of course that she has other Bible verses that she likes, too, but of course I know that this was a running video, not a Bible teaching video. Anyhow, thx for sharing your comment. She is gifted and I hope she lives and runs for the glory of God.

[@NauticalWizard]

Thank you for sharing you and your moms story it is truly inspirational! And shout out to the Courtney cameo 28:37

[@kevindecoteau3186]

She "got er done" I am experiencing a pretty big challenge in my life right now, planning on retiring fear of not having enough money, should I quit on my journey etc. I too have thought about asking god to end this struggle that I have had during my life, then I stand up and take a step.

[@Terrilyn_Austen]

I lost my mom to cancer too. Each step, each goal, each achievement I always hear my mothers voice beeing my biggest cheerleader. Thank you for this.

[@hbdabbernrunner9561]

Let’s go sally my name is Eddie also and imtraing for the la marathon

[@amysmith4259]

As a young mom this made me cry, I hope for my kids to see me do hard things, by God's grace He brings us through. Thanks for inspiring us Sally.

[@sarahaileen]

So, I was crying within 5 minutes! I had to watch this after listening to the 16th episode of the Choose Strong podcast. Drew Darby and Tyler McCain were hilarious and tenacious in that episode and seeing all their hard work pay off here is incredible. This film is amazing and captures a depth to Sally's story in a way I haven't seen before. Very moving.

[@99allturbo]

Thank you for being vulnerable in you videos. It shows the human side of athletes like you who not only complete difficult races, but also has to work through a tragedy. You made a grown man cry today,but your words will be remembered, especially on Marathon race day. You are bad ass!💪🏼

[@stuartbell5566]

Watching this today, 2 things were so apparent. 1. Sally is an incredible athlete! Sensational! 2. She has the most remarkable peace about her - just a beautiful outlook on life. And the end was so beautiful at Sally’s mum’s grave. Beautiful story - thanks Sally!!! Jeremiah 29:11 ❤❤❤

[@Steve-vr6mq]

Incredible! What an inspirational person Sally is. This is such a great story and brilliant film. So used to hearing Sally’s infectious laugh in other films, but this captures her drive, determination, mental and physical strength in a tribute to her mum that has blown me away.

[@oliviadoane5758]

Sally you are SO badass

[@plant-basedmommax4574]

I feel like words don’t do justice to this. I cried, laughed and loved this so much. Following your story truly gives me hope in my pain. You are such an inspiration! Thank you!

[@pameverett1990]

I have been working in Oregon all week and have driven 700+ miles and listened to the Choose Strong podcast and now in my hotel room just finished watching this video. My sister who is/was my best friend died in May of 22 and as I watched Sally push through when the body was struggling is so incredibly moving. I now have sister in law struggling with cancer and my niece was just diagnosed with cancer. I want to be their strength when they need it.

[@richardbentley6781]

I lost my mum when I was 17 to cancer.I still struggle to this day with that loss all those years ago. This wonderful video made me cry. You are a fantastic lady. An inspiration to us all. Go Sally.

[@stacithirlwell8264]

This was amazing. I had so much adversity and struggle as a youth and I’m not alone like Sally and yes, you have to choose strong to survive it. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story Sally. I’m sure it’s not easy but you know it helps so many.

[@Rich_1]

I just rewatched this after reading Sally’s book and I can now see how important this run was! Thank you Sally for being so strong and sharing your story with us all. It has helped me so much this week as I continue to work through my hurtful upbringing. I will now always Choose Strong 💪💛

[@jeffloflin6316]

Hits very close to home. Our experiences, even the worst, can be used powerfully to help others. I've spent 11.5 years praying with others in a free medical clinic. Amazing and humbling. Best thing I've ever been part of. Looking forward to my first 25k Uroc Va.

[@JulieGayheart]

Simply Incredible! Huge congrats to Sally and BPN Team! Thank you so much for documenting this journey! Love all the things you do surrounding BPN and the support you give your athletes! Sally, those last 10 miles from your childhood home to your Mom's gravesite were an absolute inspiration! Thank You. #choosestrong #goonemore

[@trevorknoll422]

This is amazing. Great job team 👊🏼👊🏼. Sally is a true inspiration

[@MMontana4]

Inspirational! Thanks for sharing Sally!

[@joesph9748]

Wow truly amazing - thank you.

[@BethanyJoyWilson]

This was amazing. I lost my Mom 6 years ago to cancer when I was 30, and have been on a journey of grief and growth. Sally has been so inspiring to me in this effort, but also seeing that this can be done as a mother without sacrificing family is so encouraging.

[@sarahkingston7421]

This woman is the essence of strength, motivation, perseverance and just pure GRIT.. I have adored watching her and am so energized to move. To just cross the finish line..🇨🇦❤️🙏

[@donp2366]

I am 5 minutes in and wow this is going to be awesome. Praying for you sally this had to take everything from you this effort is unreal. So happy for you and your family. Your Mom is so proud of you

[@SAMOKFIT]

WELL THAT EPIC. Talk about a purpose driven life. Keep inspiring sis.

[@creatingcreations2875]

Thank you so much Sally. ❤ This has helped me so much to believe in myself and realize my potential. You are changing so many lives and what you do is absolutely amazing!

[@logantremblay12]

Wow. Absolutely amazing.

[@xandinho17]

Sally is such an inspiration. Would love a “behind the scenes” where Drew and Tyler chat about filming, editing, and reflecting on the film! 🤠🤝

[@susanabele8482]

Throughout the summer, they were posting on Instagram which gives a glimpse into some of the behind the scenes. Definitely worth tracking down.

[@drewbdarby]

We're working on it...planning a podcast eventually.

[@xandinho17]

@@drewbdarby awesome, can’t wait to hear more!

[@Jmisslyn]

What an amazing accomplishment Sally and crew ! I lost my father when I was 17 and he 52 (alcohol), my brother died at 52(IV drug use) and my mother died a sad death at 72 (alcohol). I've had the blessing of being sober for over 16 years and it is not lost on me that everyday I "get to" be on this planet as a gift. I've been a life long athlete and this year just started running. I keep your voice in my head when it's hard, and know that I will get through it all. Thank so very much and special blessings to your mother in love and light.

[@kjerome101]

I was in tears after only two minutes. Sally you are an incredible inspiration and the portrait of strength inside and out. ❤️

[@jenl3122]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your strength with us Sally 💛 you are a remarkable human.

[@Bossman93097]

Female goggins aka you are one tough badass mom, thank you for the words of motivation and bringing awareness to how powerful the mind can be

[@cannuckchick7522]

Your message about what a blessing it is to feel everything, even the pain, because you’re still here and still able to do so really resonates with me. My mom died recently. She was very elderly, but her mind never declined - only her body from years of congestive heart failure. When she was in hospice, she implored us to not waste our health and vitality. It’s been 2 decades since my last marathon, but I’ve got one on my calendar for later this year. Thank you for this amazing film!

[@jt316]

Amazing work by the BPN crew and what an accomplishment for Sally. Thank you for sharing.

[@ilaydagurel8005]

this is one of the greatest run-documentary i ve watched. Thank you Sally for sharing all these very sincere and intimate/ private thoughts and feelings with us. Thanks to BPN and media for creating and sharing this amazing video with us. My mom lost her mother due to breast cancer when she was 14. That effected all of her life decisions, thoughts, basicly her life journey. and she lost her father 4 years after that. She is 60 today and still cries and griefs for her mother. So i owe most of my memories with my mom to my grandma which my mom couldnt have because of her mothers illness. So maybe i dont know or understand how it feels from the first hand, but i can observe. Thank you Sally

[@alexandraa2133]

What a story, what a production. Amazing work from everyone involved.

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Yes, to quote you Sally, the most important thing I learned in 12 years running Ultras is the power of the mind. I have run 72 ultras and completely understand that.

[@manniezubia]

Sally is a true beast💪 Team BPN

[@michelefortino3233]

You are representing God here on earth as a light Sally and have encouraged me immensely to get my feet back to the pavement. God Bless lady.

[@austinmyers1406]

An amazing story, beautifully told!

[@23Gears]

You're an amazing story teller and a fantastic inspiration. I lost my strong Mum to cancer far too early after a life as a ballet dancer. Your final run had me in tears. ❤

[@marinaduarte5553]

Thanks Sally & all the team for this amazing determination and film.

[@sethepley]

Beast.

[@lisarunsfast7368]

This journey was so beautiful, so tough, and so meaningful. Thank you for this Sally. I just lost my mother to cancer a month ago. This really tugged at my heart, in a good way. Thank you for this celebration of life.

[@annamariebeauty]

This is a masterpiece!

[@garyvaughn207]

I lost my father to cancer in 2017. He was my life’s inspiration. He was my biggest supporter. I miss him everyday.

[@Myke_Juliet]

Awesome Job both Sally and BPN. Ya'll got me in the god damn feels on this. Nice to know I'm still human and what the human body is capable of. Thank You

[@_jandjdesigns]

Thank you Sally & BPN team. This film is amazing and is changing lives. Mindset is everything and this has helped mine in so many ways. Sally, you are changing lives!!! Thank you for being you and sharing it with the world. Thank you ❤

[@angelfitlosophy3688]

Way to go sally!!! 💪🏻💪🏻🙌🏻

[@JilHagen]

Oh my god, what a beautiful documentation. I am such a fan now. Thank you thank you for everyone who took part on creating this film. Sally, you are awesome, such an inspiration.

[@signaturenil6984]

The fact we get to watch this for FREE on KZbin blows my mind!

[@chrislsanders]

So inspiring Sally!! 💪 And the storytelling, shooting & editing. Props Drew & Tyler on a masterpiece! Can tell a ton of work went into this👏 These are great. Hopefully more in the works!

[@joshl_08]

Just simply inspiring

[@aadamadkins2927]

Remarkable stuff. So moving. Amazing how much it’s opening up for me regarding the loss of my mother. I see so much of myself in Sally’s story. Thank you for putting this piece together. It’s helping a lot of people.

[@richardfletcher4704]

Wow. BPN makes incredible videos. Inspirational and really powerful.

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

its the second time ive watched it and, again, tears are all over my face. This movie is so incredibly good! Sally, you are amazing and an inspiration to many (including myself)! Tyler, Drew - i have no words.. This movie is truly next level! The rest of the team - you guys are awesome!!! A big hug for y'all!

[@AlpinePreparedness]

Incredible.

What an amazing Woman! And what a wonderful film, the music, the storytelling, the footage from all the running, that was a wonderful experience to watch, thank you very much!

[@S.F.Martin100]

Great Great Great!! We have so much power within us and sadly not everyone can tap into it. It’s only the few that can find the power to continue and experience life to the fullest! Way to go Sally!!❤🎉

[@limkelvin1246]

Thanks Sally for sharing such heartfelt moments, truly inspiring. Cheers to BPN team too for the awesome works in putting such moments on screen for all of us!

[@jimp9991]

Living it, you ooze integrity and transparency Sally, so much more impactful than preaching it. ❤️💪🏻 PS This video should come with a warning: before watching ensure you have a full box of Kleenex to hand! Well done to all those involved in producing this beautiful video, excellence and pathos shine through in every area of the production.

[@kevinriley4041]

Wow! This is one of the most powerful ultra stories I’ve ever watched. Completely changed my mindset. Just Amazing!

[@ryanwaddington1598]

Fantastic!!! What a beautiful story, sensationally inspiring woman and beautiful visuals! A truly inspiring person we should all endeavor to emulate!

[@JustHall87]

Thanks for the contagious yawn at 9:51 Sally 🤣🤣

[@tomgreentree6721]

Thank you so much for your inspiration, your example, your witness. Choose Hope! Choose Strong!

[@jorgenunes8160]

This is the most inspiring running film I have ever seen! Thank you BPN and Sally!

[@thejeffinvade]

KZbin keep recommending those videos to me, the distances are getting longer and longer..... I thought marathon is crazy, then I learn ultra. I thought running 100k is ridiculous, then I leant about 100mile races, then 200, now this?

[@Brand0n1337]

My knees where killing me and I had to pee so bad lol. Your video help me finish an hour and 5 mins run. I can’t imagine what you felt, you’re and inspiration sally!!

[@Songs-ts1ps]

Yes Sally. I can relate with every tear, step and word. Thank you thank you thank you thank you

[@carmenhochstetler3260]

Crying so many tears. Thank you for sharing your story. You have inspired me to choose strong. ❤

[@reknirbecurb]

Beautiful Powerful Hopeful Inspiring Gritty Tough Infectious Amazing Peaceful Painful Determined Togetherness Transcendental Personal Human Real Ground Zero. Thank you! Such a beautiful short film about life, real, down to earth, heartfelt existence. Your moms is smiling down on you, smiling through you, smiling from within you and nobody or nothing can ever take that away, no power can wrestle that from your hand. Up she goes, up and up into the mountains and into the darknesses and into the mornings and into the twilights and when the whole landscape comes falling down on top of her she does this little thing… she kinda switches her brain off a little bit and just does the next thing, she’s moving, she’s gliding, she’s bouncing, she’s striding, she’s a daughter and she’s a mom, she’s a blessing, she’s become

[@kiter93kiter]

Sally has been such an inspiration for the last weeks for me!! I decided to start training for an ultra marathon myself. Im wondering how all this running especially ultra marathon will work on the body in the long term? Can anyone suggest or even maybe Sally, could you provide some infos about injuries or refer to a podcast were you talked about injuries? Thanks a lot! Keep pounding!

[@RuthAstbury]

last weekend I completed an ironman70.3 Valencia - the run was super hard and what kept me going was the thought of some of my friends who are fighting cancer right now - and I thought - they don't get the chance to do this. So, I get this so much. thank you. love from Wales x

[@AndAbr21]

Thank you Sally. I remember laying in my bed and asking any god to take my life and give it to someone who could make more use of it. I’m not sure how I carried on, but I did, and here I am watching you. Onwards. This too shall pass.

[@VinceLoschiavo]

Amazingly and impressively done, congratulations!

[@markmorales7465]

Inspectional!!!! Mindset is a gift. Thank you for being a light to illuminate the path.

[@DnBarPoet77]

Wow! That was a touching testimony and tribute...beautiful! 💖

[@the_aussie_boy]

Thank you for this amazing video. I barely ever comment on videos but this one really made my heart melt. Thank you again to everyone that put this video together. And what a great job you did Sally! 😄😄

[@treyozee2685]

You're amazing Sally! Great work aswell BPN.

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Great video guys. I would suggest making the font on the captions bigger especially for people watching this on a TV.

[@scriptorium-in-candelight]

reminds me of a song--U2--So cruel....push...choose strong..!

[@anastasiafua]

brilliant production / i teared up / I feel so darn inspired. So glad I found the film as it was mentioned in Sally’s podcast 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 well done!

[@anfibocris]

Great movie and inspirational. Not just running inspirational but life, hope inspirational.

[@kimpincombe4436]

Sallie, I have read your book and watched all your videos!! I am crying watching this video!!! You are truly my inspiration for running! I had a lot of trauma as a child and had to overcome so much and running has taught me that we can do anything and that we are stronger than we ever imagined!! ❤

[@timreading5005]

Thank you so much for sharing your pursuit of excellence, we all raising each other up. My love to you and yours 🙏🏼 💚 💣 ♒

[@sydnee1320]

So many parts of this video I was tearing up. She's very inspirational. Thank you for sharing this.

[@nataliedecent9665]

@ 38min Tony Anderson - In the distance.. I love this song truly reflects at this point in the film. Thank you for sharing your story