← Buckle Up: An Ultrarunning Conversation
Apr 3, 2026 · 53 min
What happens when you trade 20 years of trauma nursing stories for 250 miles of desert trail? This week, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen sit down with Maia Detmer to explore her incredible evolution from a high-stress career in a Las Vegas ER to becoming a powerhouse in the ultra-running community. Maia opens up about her transition from unhealthy habits to finding her stride in endurance sports at age 30. We dive deep into the "mental poker game" of the Cocodona 250, the hard-earned lessons of sleep deprivation, and how she balances "maintenance miles" with a demanding professional life. From the shared magic of the Leadville trails to the "unfinished business" driving her toward the Tahoe 200, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, community, and the beauty of getting out of your comfort zone.