Unstoppable Ultra Runner

For years, I prefaced every race conversation by saying, “I’m slow.” I thought I was just being honest about my pace. But the way we talk about ourselves has a profound impact on how we perform and what we believe is possible. In this episode, I’ll explain how shifting your language can open up new possibilities for how you approach races, how you see yourself in the ultra running community, and u...

We’ve all faced that moment of hearing ourselves say, “I’m done.” Even as those words leave your mouth, part of you feels like it’s not the right call. So how did you get there? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 5-step process that leads to every ultra drop. Because while dropping might feel like a single moment of weakness, it’s actually a five-step process that begins long bef...

Most runners approach ultras braced for the worst, convinced that earning a buckle requires matching the course difficulty with an equal amount of misery. But this mindset trap doesn't prepare you for the race - it just weighs you down before you even reach the starting line. In this episode, I share how believing your race could go better than expected isn't naive or arrogant. It's a legitimate p...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most effective strategies for avoiding burnout: the planned break. Many runners fear taking a break, believing they’ll lose fitness or fall off track. But in reality, taking a break with purpose is essential for sustaining your passion and energy for the long haul. Discover how you can incorporate these breaks into your training schedule, making them a p...

Most ultra runners who feel exhausted or unmotivated actually aren’t experiencing true burnout. Instead, you might be dealing with fatigue, stress, or temporary dips in motivation. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what burnout is and, more importantly, what it isn’t. You'll learn to distinguish real burnout from its common impersonators and discover why thinking everything is burnou...

Dropping out of races creates a particular kind of shame that goes beyond simple disappointment. In this episode, I break down why asking "What's wrong with me?" after DNFs keeps you stuck in shame and poor performance. You’ll learn a simple three-column process to turn painful race experiences into actionable solutions and how to separate race outcomes from your worth, allowing you to race from p...

You want to build a cushion on cutoff… what’s your strategy? Most runners sprint off the line, trying to build a buffer early, but end up trashed in an aid station. What if you had the mindset tools to let the pack get ahead, then slowly start passing people, one after another?  Tune in this week for a new strategy for building a cushion on cutoff. This patient approach transforms the race fr...

When races get difficult, our brains flood us with worst-case scenarios and reasons to quit. While staying present and focusing on the next step ahead can help calm racing thoughts, this approach alone isn't always enough. Sometimes it can actually prevent us from thinking strategically and managing our race effectively. Today, I share my strategy for what to actually focus on when things get hard...

You’ll learn how to spot the signs that you're mentally checking out, why your “why” might not be helping, and what to do instead. I’ll share how to turn a distant goal into something emotionally powerful and actionable—so you’re not relying on willpower alone. If you’re ready to fight for your race when it gets hard, this is where you start. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more informati...

You’ve probably heard that ultra running is 90% mental, yet most of us were never taught how to properly train our brains. We try random mental tricks or repeat mantras that crumble when the race gets difficult. The truth is, mental training isn't about motivational quotes or occasional pep talks—it's a systematic approach that requires consistent practice, just like building physical endurance an...

Find out why your big goals aren’t supposed to feel easy. Whether you're training for your first ultra, or setting yourself a target that stretches you, what I share today will help you see setbacks in a new light, while helping you build the mindset that gets you to the finish line every time. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/5 Connec...

Is your upcoming race filling you with that familiar knot of anxiety? Tune in this week to discover the simple, practical three-step process that will transform your relationship with pre-race anxiety and ultimately get you to the finish line. This isn't about eliminating anxiety (that's impossible) or forcing positivity (that's exhausting). It's about learning how to acknowledge your anxiety, so...

A practical five-step framework to make ambition feel safe, so you can chase those big, bold goals without apology. Because ultra running isn't about certainty or perfection—it's about guts, resilience, and taking leaps of faith in yourself when the outcome isn't guaranteed. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/3 Connect with Susan: Instag...

How ultrarunners can tap into their powerful "why" – not just as a concept, but as a feeling that can become stronger than the urge to quit. When you master this, you don't just finish races – you become the unstoppable ultra runner for whom giving up isn’t an option. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/2 Connect with Susan: Instagram: ht...

The foundational missing piece in your ultra training and common patterns that stop ultra runners from making it to the finish line. You’ll walk away with a mindset tool you can use right away to start shifting your training and race-day results. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/1 Connect with Susan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...