What started as a joke between two comedians suddenly turned into one of the most entertaining public events in entertainment. According to Tom Segura, part of what made the 2 Bears 5K an instant hit with fans was the silliness of the concept itself. At the time, neither Segura nor longtime podcast host Bert Kreischer was known exactly as an elite athlete, making the whole concept feel more accessible to everyday people who might never have considered participating in a race before.
“Maybe two fat middle-aged guys who are not well-known decided to do this,” Segura said. “And that it inspired many other people who have never done it to try it.”
Over time, the event grew into something much bigger than the comedian initially expected. What started as podcast banter eventually turned into a full experience that included fitness, comedy, celebrity appearances, fan engagement, and live entertainment. Looking back now, Segura says there is very little he would change about how the event has developed, without wanting them to commit to the idea too quickly.
“I don’t know that I will change much,” he says. “Other than that I wish we had started it years ago.”
A Systematic Approach to Training
While Kreischer tends to adopt a more spontaneous preparation style, Segura admits that he approaches the physical side of the event in a very different way. For him, finishing the race and improving his performance year after year required months of preparation and a disciplined approach to training.
“Bert is a wingman,” Segura said. I can’t do that, so I start getting my miles months in advance.”
Even with the preparations, Segura openly admits that running is not something that comes easily or makes him happy. In fact, he says part of the process every year involves mentally working through his distaste for training until a compromise finally feels rewarding.
He says: “I hate it, running. But I’m slowly starting to accept it as it gets closer.”
That mental shift has gradually become part of his annual routine leading up to this event. While training may not always seem exciting, Segura says running on the calendar gives her a tangible goal to work towards, which ultimately helps her stay accountable for both her condition and overall fitness.
This year, Segura says his main goal is simple: finish the race under 30 minutes while continuing his tradition of improving on his performance from last year.
Reset Due to Discovery
Segura’s current approach to fitness is largely composed of worst basketball injury he suffered in 2020an accident that resulted in severe injuries to his leg and knee and forced him to recover for a long time. He says the experience completely changed the way he thinks about health, training, recovery, and physical longevity.
“Make physical health a priority,” Segura said. “It also makes me listen to my body like I never did before.”
Prior to the injury, Segura admits that he often approached fitness with a mindset focused on pushing the wrong way without paying much attention to recovery or mobility. But after being forced to rebuild his body from the ground up, he developed a greater appreciation for balance, consistency, and performance than simply chasing heavy lifts or beauty goals.
“I’m more focused on mobility training now than ever before,” he explains. “I don’t think about ‘big’ elevators like when I was younger.”
The recovery process also revealed how important mental training is during severe physical disability. According to Segura, one of the biggest revelations throughout rehab was realizing how much thinking ultimately determines whether a person follows through on their goals.
“It makes a lot of sense,” Segura said. “We can all do more, but you have to have the right mindset to prepare and get on with it.”
That realization now shapes much of the way he approaches both fitness and health in general. Instead of relying on motivation alone, Segura believes that consistency and mental training often separate people who make lasting progress from those who struggle to stay committed.
The Fitness Cycle: Consistency and Longevity
These days, Segura’s training is less about extremes and more about building sustainable habits that fit the needs of travel, work, family life, and recovery. Early morning starts with a trip to the gym before the rest of the day is focused on activities.
“I get up around 6:30 or 7 and go to the gym,” he says. “Most mornings I run a mile and then I work out later, so I get cardio and resistance.”
Instead of strictly scheduling recovery days ahead of time, Segura says she’s learned to pay more attention to how her body feels each day. Some days you need to push harder, and others you need to step back and prioritize recovery.
He says: “I take days off as I feel I need them. “I don’t schedule them.”
Sleep has also become a priority throughout her health journey, especially while balancing the physical demands of travel with the realities of parenthood and life on the road.
“Eating clean is not that difficult,” explains Segura. “Sleep can be a real challenge with kids, but you can’t do well in any physical activity if you don’t put sleep first.”
The Most Ignored Fitness Advice
While the modern fitness industry often overwhelms people with complicated procedures, conflicting advice, and unrealistic expectations, Segura believes that more people can benefit from simplifying the process and focusing on consistency over perfection.
He says: “Don’t overthink it. Just do it. It doesn’t have to look good to count.”
That philosophy also became important during the recovery process after his injury. Segura credits physical and occupational therapists with helping him safely return to training and says too many people underestimate how important a little rehab exercise is.
“Do small mundane things that you think are a waste of time,” he says. “It’s the difference between a full recovery and ongoing complications.”
As for the race day itself, Segura expects the same combination of competition, humor, and complete unpredictability that has defined the event since its inception.
“I think we all want to beat each other,” he said. “But we are also old enough to know that we can hurt ourselves.”
And when the race is finally over?
“Drinking Por Osos straight,” Segura said. “Then it’s cold stuffing.”
