How To Run Your First Ultra Marathon – Mental Toughness and overcoming race day mind struggles

Mental toughness is critical to succeed in ultra running. But what exactly will go through your mind during an ultra marathon, and how can you best prepare to overcome these struggles? I don’t think I’m particularly gifted physically, but I’ve worked hard on my mental toughness to overcome challenges. Today, I want to help you build mental toughness by breaking down the mind stages you’ll likely face during a race and providing you with race day tips to overcome these obstacles. I’ll illustrate whenever possible with real-life example from my races such as Badwater 135 miles, Leadville 100 miles, etc.

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Every race is different, and there is no “one-size-fits -all” with mental toughness. But there are clear stages we almost invariably go through during a race. Knowing this along with simple tips will help you come prepare and armed. The doubt, the pain – these are normal and can ruin your race. You can either be your worst enemy, or strongest supporter – the choice is yours!

One could think that further you are in a race, the more difficult it will become. But it couldn’t be further from the truth! Sure, your body will progressively get tired, but your mind will play wild rollercoaster especially when you looking too far ahead, and suffering for things that are yet to come.

In this new training series on How to run an ultra marathon, I use my experience finishing over 29 x 100 miles ultra marathon, and the lessons I've learned. I may not be the fastest, but I get to that finish line – and I want to make sure you do the same!

What would you like me to cover? Feel free to leave suggestions in comments below! (some planned ones already include fueling, salt, blisters)


Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!

I hope that’s helpful, and as always - Thanks for watching!
Simon

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