Mindset for runners

Follow Holly at Western States this weekend 27-28 June 2026! Follow Holly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hollyrranson/ What does it take to become one of the best ultrarunners in the world? Talent? Genetics? Mental toughness? After spending months speaking with the people closest to Holly Ranson, I discovered a very different answer. In this special documentary episode, you'll hear from th...

Pressure is something every runner, athlete, and high-performer faces - but how we experience it and respond to it can make all the difference. In this episode, Rob breaks down what pressure really is, where it comes from, and why most of us unknowingly create it ourselves. You'll learn: The psychological roots of pressure and how your brain reacts to it Common ways athletes build pressure on them...

Have you ever wondered why your mind seems to turn against you right when you need it most — in the middle of a tough race, a big workout, or standing on the start line? In this episode, Rob breaks down the three parts of your brain — the Human, the Chimp, and the Computer — and shows you how understanding this simple model can completely change the way you think, feel, and perform as a runner. Dr...

With the 2025 Coast to Kosci ultramarathon just around the corner, I’m re-releasing one of my most meaningful conversations — recorded shortly after I won the 2022 Coast to Kosci 240km ultramarathon. In this interview with the amazing Bex Vandenburg, I share what was really going through my mind during the race — the mental tools, emotional shifts, and lessons that helped me push through fatigue,...

Most runners start for personal reasons — fitness, freedom, challenge, or escape. But there’s a deeper, more powerful layer available to every runner: service. In this episode, Rob explores how your running can serve others — from the people closest to you, to your broader community, to causes that matter deeply. When you shift your focus from what running gives you to what it gives through you, e...

In this episode Rob dives deep into one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in running: reframing. When fatigue hits, when the mind wants to quit, or when a long run feels impossible, reframing lets you change the meaning of what’s happening — and that changes your experience. It’s not about pretending it’s easy; it’s about choosing a different lens to see it through. Rob breaks down how...

Benn Coubrough is a top Australian ultra-trail runner, coach, and awesome human. In this interview, we learn about his journey from personal challenges and family influence to elite racing. Benn shares his ‘three Ds’ philosophy — desire, determination, discipline — plus insights on training, strength work, nutrition, and race-day mindset. Highlights include his 2024 Coast to Kosci victory, UTMB an...

Your long run isn’t just about building fitness — it’s a masterclass in mental training. In this episode, Rob dives into the mindset tools that make your long runs more purposeful, manageable, and powerful. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why purpose matters (5:17) – discover how giving your long run an “intention” changes everything. The truth about fatigue (8:23) – it’s triggered mentally, not physica...

Rob delves into the challenges of overcommitment and how it impacts athletes and their training. He shares personal insights and community experiences to explore why we often say 'yes' to too many tasks and commitments. Listeners will learn about the psychological underpinnings of overcommitment, including fear of missing out and the pressure to be reliable. Rob offers practical strategies to help...

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the world’s first self-belief mental training program-it’s unlike anything else on the planet. It’s transforming the way I think, train, and run–and you’re getting an exclusive first look with me!  Created by my mindset coach, Claudine Chi–a high-performance mindset coach who has worked with Olympic athletes, world champions, and elite performers–th...

Welcome to the Mindset for Runners podcast, where we explore the mental tools and mindsets that assist athletes in pushing through challenging moments in races. In this episode, Rob shares invaluable insights into handling the toughest parts of running by exploring the power of resilience over mere toughness. Drawing from a wealth of sports psychology resources and expert opinions, discover strate...

Join us in this captivating episode of the Mindset for Runners podcast - an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Kate Pippos. Discover how Kate blends the worlds of running and yoga to unlock true potential, find solace, and foster a deep sense of connection in life. From her early beginnings in cross-country racing to her profound experiences in yoga, Kate shares her journey of disciplin...

Chris Beavon is one of ultra runnings most beautiful souls. Chris balances his training with working full-time and having a young family. In this episode Chris shares practical advice and lessons of how he improved his Coast to Kosci 2023 time by more than 7 hours in the following year.  You will learn how to work on your Nutrition, Training and Mindset as well as race preparation to improve and e...

Mark Hoult is the first Australian to complete a double Everesting Challenge on foot. Mark is a father of 4 who takes on big challenges to test his limits and see what he can achieve. An accomplished ultra runner, Mark set this massive goal for many reasons, including raising $16,000 for The Cancer Council, a charity with deep meaning for Mark. He also inspired many people along the way, including...

In this episode we learn how tension is the enemy of efficient running and how we can use our mindset to relax as we run, resulting in better running economy and above all, enjoying our running more. How to join our online community and get access to the workshop 'A Runner's Guide to Owning 2025' on January 16th: https://www.robmasonruns.com.au/community   Summary of the research paper mentioned i...

In the final episode for 2024 I take you through a series of questions to help you review your year of running and set up your 2025. Become a part of the Mindset For Runners Community for just $8 per month here: https://www.robmasonruns.com.au/community Once you join the community you'll get free access to our upcoming online workshop - 'A Runner's Guide to Owning Your 2025' on January 16th - plus...

I was lucky to be on the course doing the commentary for the recent 240km Coast to Kosciuscko ultra marathon.  This episode is a list of lessons and insights I have put together from watching the race so that you can learn and apply them to your next run.   Join our Rob Mason Runs Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1921857798263861   Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r...

I am thrilled to have Maree Connor on the podcast for the second time. Maree recently returned from running the iconic Spartathlon Ultramarathon - a 246km journey from Athens to Sparta along the route run by Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long distance runner, who in 490 BC, before the battle of Marathon, was sent to Sparta to seek help in the war between the Greeks and the Persians. Maree has...

In this episode I unpack the events of a recent 100 mile (162km) race so you can apply the lessons and improve your mindset leading into your next race - whatever distance it may be. I ran the Hume and Hovell 100 Miler last weekend and will share the mindset strategies and techniques I drew on leading up to and during the race. Join me for a free live webinar on running mindset on 23rd October 202...

Grant 'Gilesy' Giles is a highly respected and sought after high-performance coach. He brings a unique combination of technical coaching skills with a deep psychological and hypnotherapy aspect to help his athlete reach and maximise their potential. A former professional triathlete, Gilesy draws on his years of competitive triathlon experience and blend it with his studies in psychotherapy, hypnot...

In this episode we delve into the essential elements that make up a successful running mindset plan. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just getting into running, having the right mental framework can make all the difference in achieving your goals and enjoying the journey. We'll break down the key components of a running mindset plan, including: Goal Setting Self-Talk Understanding Yourself...

Having a clear goal is a key step in mindset work for running. Having a personal running mission statement is the next level in linking your next run to a bigger purpose. In this episode we explore what a running mission statement is and how you can create one to understand the deeper meaning behind why you run.  It is another way that running can be the vehicle to unlock more of your potential an...

Stephen Redfern is one of Australia's greatest ultra runners. After finding his place in ultra running in 2014, he burst onto the scene, regularly winning or podiuming in the biggest races in Australia. A multiple time Australian 24 hour representative, Stephen's running has evolved from 100km and 100 mile races to multi day races, including the coveted Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 mile rac...

Brent Ford is an ultra runner, AFL player, the News Director for a radio network in Canberra, and the host of the popular Peak2soon podcast. In part 1 of this inspiring interview with Brent, we learn how seeing 140.8kg on the scales was the catalyst for Brent to start running. Listen to his mindset as he navigates the journey to running ultramarathons, how he deals with setbacks, and the people wh...

This second half of a fascinating interview with Brent Ford takes us deeper into his mindset and approach to running. Hear how he prepares for races, how he stoped a mental downward spiral during a marathon, and his three tiered approach to setting goals. Follow Brent here: https://www.instagram.com/peak_2_soon_running?img_index=1 Brent's Blog: https://peak2soon.substack.com/ To find out more abou...