"Your Story Your Why" - Michael Otteson - Episode 8

What does it take to miss an Olympic Trials Qualifying mark by just six seconds—and come back hungrier than ever? In this episode of Your Story, Your Why, we sit down with Utah-based marathoner, content creator, and mechanical engineer Michael Ottesen. Known across the running community for his viral race-finish clips and relentless pursuit of a sub-2:16 marathon, Michael opens up about the childhood roots of his high pain tolerance, his grueling four-year journey as an unrecruited walk-on at BYU, and the harsh reality of balancing 100+ mile training weeks with a full-time engineering career and fatherhood.

Whether you are chasing a personal best or trying to navigate your own setbacks, Michael’s raw perspective on "outsuffering" the field and embracing long-term belief will leave you inspired to step back onto the line.

Resources and Links

• Connect with Michael Ottesen: Instagram

• Coaching Platform: Let's Tango Running

• Follow Marathon Journal: Website