Can too much training take away your love of running?

In this episode of The Trail Running Briefing, we explore athlete burnout, why trail and ultra runners are particularly vulnerable, and how the constant pursuit of improvement can sometimes become counterproductive.

Drawing on the latest scientific research, we explain the difference between normal training fatigue, overtraining and burnout, and explore how accumulated training demands, insufficient recovery, psychological pressure and everyday life stress can affect both performance and motivation.

More importantly, we discuss practical strategies to recognise the early warning signs, reduce the risk of burnout and maintain a healthy balance between training, recovery and personal life. We also explore how to recover when burnout has already developed and rediscover the enjoyment of running.

Because sustainable ultrarunning isn't about how much training you can tolerate. It's about becoming stronger while protecting your health, wellbeing and love of the sport for years to come.

Key references:

1. Lin, C.-H., et al. (2025). Re-examining Athletes’ Stress-Burnout Relationship: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Sports Studies, 47(2), 110–156.

2. Dišlere, B. E., et al. (2025). A Scoping Review of Longitudinal Studies of Athlete Burnout. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1502174.

3. Reardon, C. L., et al. (2026). Mental Health in Elite Athletes: International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement (2026). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 60(15), 1083–1130.

4. Glandorf, H. L., et al. (2026). Athlete Burnout, Biomarkers, and Mental and Physical Health: A Longitudinal Examination of Physiological Mechanisms and Processes. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 15(3), 299–319.

5. Mountjoy, M., et al. (2023). 2023 International Olympic Committee's Consensus Statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(17), 1073–1097.

6. Saw, A. E., Main, L. C., & Gastin, P. B. (2016). Monitoring the Athlete Training Response: Subjective Self-Reported Measures Trump Commonly Used Objective Measures: A Systematic Review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 281–291.

7. Walsh, N. P., et al. (2021). Sleep and the Athlete: Narrative Review and 2021 Expert Consensus Recommendations. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(7), 356–368.