Hellah Sidibe is the first black man to run across America. Covering 3,061 miles in 84 days, Hellah has spent many years cultivating a mindset of growth, perseverance and positivity that has kept him committed to reaching all of the goals and dreams he has for his life. Today, Hellah shares how fitness first became a part of his life and the methods and techniques he used throughout his transcontinental run to allow him to combat illness, injury and self doubt.

Born in Mali, Africa, Hellah moved to the United States during his teenage years and describes what the initial transition was like for him and his family. Playing soccer throughout his school years and well into college, Hellah reveals to Nick how he initially disliked running as it was often used as a means of discipline during practices.

The conversation then shifts to how Hellah deals with common mental blocks that often come up for athletes who embark on great physical feats. Hellah shares how he has worked to strengthen his mindset and how he uses his lowest moments as a source of motivation.

Nick then dives into the day-to-day details of a transcontinental runner’s life. Hellah reveals how running started out as a personal goal, with the desire to run every day for two weeks. Two weeks turned into one year, which then turned into two years averaging anywhere from 5-7 miles a day. Ready to do something bigger than himself, Hellah used the quarantine period of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to train. With the desire to make it from Los Angeles to New York in 85 days or less, Hellah describes what those first few days were like starting out and how he learned to deal with injuries, the unique challenges of the terrain, and how to coordinate breaks throughout the day. He very quickly developed consistent routines around nutrition, sleep habits, and physical recovery techniques.

Even after the completion of his run across America, Hellah still got up the very next day and went for a run. The episode concludes with Nick and Hellah sharing their everyday habits and morning routines that allow them to get centered for the day ahead. When it comes to running, they advocate that the key to success is to not give yourself the choice as to whether or not you will run that day. If you have something you’re passionate about, find your reason for doing, and when you consistently show up, both Nick and Hellah believe that great things will undoubtedly happen.

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Timestamps:

00:01 - Nick introduces today’s episode with Hellah Sidibe.

01:06 - Introduction to The Bare Performance Podcast.

02:40 - The source of Hellah’s positivity.

04:54 - The transition from Africa to the United States.

07:55 - How fitness became a part of Hellah’s life.

09:19 - Using the tough days to strengthen your mindset.

12:51 - Coping with self doubt.

14:23 - Running across America.

17:21 - Hellah’s methods of physical training.

21:43 - What those first few days were like.

23:31 - A day in the life of a transcontinental run.

29:11 - What was going through Hellah’s head while running.

32:27 - The importance of recovery.

38:24 - Hellah’s everyday morning routine.

39:44 - Give Yourself No Choice: What happens when you consistently show up.

44:35 - Life after Hellah’s transcontinental run.

49:19 - Final Words: Find Your Reason For Doing

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