In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Jaci sits down with Jon Fischer, founder of Phase One, to explore what it really means to “stand the line” in racing and in life.

From surviving military training and near-death experiences to battling suicidal ideation and rebuilding his life through faith, fatherhood, and daily discipline, Jon shares the raw journey behind his evolution from performance-chasing ultrarunner to values-driven man.

Together, they unpack:

• Why consistency matters more than intensity
• How suffering can forge endurance, character, and hope
• The shift from outcome goals to values-based living
• How your weakest moments are your defining moments
• Confidence tokens
• Suffering is a gift to find out what you can endure
• Why daily, unseen work shapes who you become
• The power of backyard and last-one-standing formats to reveal your true limits
• How to match fear with courage when you step to the line

Jon also shares why he runs six miles every single day. Not for performance, not for validation, but as a commitment to holistic strength: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

This episode is an invitation to volunteer for discomfort, to show up when motivation is gone, and to inspire yourself first.

Because the finish line isn’t what defines you; the daily decision to stand the line again does.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of “one more,” this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Phase One at https://www.phase1missions.com/ and follow on Instagram.

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast

📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website