What's harder than running a hundred miles? Spending hours convinced you're letting everyone down. In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most destructive mental patterns in ultra running: the overwhelming guilt of disappointing your crew, pacers, and volunteers when your race isn't going as planned. I'm sharing why this guilt trap is so insidious, how it makes dropping out feel like the "right" thing to do, and the crucial mental shifts you need to reclaim your race.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/27

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You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Just do it scared.” But pretending fear isn’t there or trying to push it away only adds more pressure. In this episode, I break down a smarter way to actually “do it scared.” By changing how you think about fear, noticing it, and using it as a guide instead of an obstacle, you can show up mentally stronger and run with confidence - even when your nerves are at their peak.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/26

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The difference between dropping from an ultra and quiet quitting is profound. When you drop, at least you make a conscious decision. When you quiet quit, you keep moving through aid stations, consuming calories, going through all the motions - but mentally, you've already thrown in the towel.

Tune in this week to learn four specific race strategies that will enable you to stay mentally engaged when things get tough, and discover what's actually possible when you stop writing the story before it's over.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit www.susanidonnelly.com/25

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Ever had worries about your next ultra derail your race prep and ruin race day? The standard advice is to not worry and think positively, but that doesn't make the worry disappear… it often makes you worry even more.

Instead of telling you to just worry less, I’m introducing you this week to a counterintuitive approach called strategic pessimism. Tune in to discover the secret to turning your race-day anxiety into productive preparation, leaving you ready to handle anything your next race throws at you.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/24

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In this episode, I share a story about a snake, termites, and the mindset shift that can transform how you approach challenges on the trail. When you start seeing your race as a series of problems to navigate rather than a perfect path to the finish, everything changes. You’ll leave doubt behind, build confidence, and approach every ultra knowing that success is about what you do with the challenges that come your way.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/23

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Most of us don’t know what “giving it our all” looks like. We think we’ll recognize it when we see it in others, but when it comes to our own performance, we’re left guessing. That uncertainty can leave even a strong race feeling unfinished. In this episode, I’m exploring what it really means to give your all in a race. Once you understand how to define your all for yourself, you can stop second-guessing every mile and start building the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve given your best.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/22

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We've all been there. Miles into a race, everything feels harder than it should, energy tanks, and it feels like your race is over. But that moment isn’t the end. It’s a low, and it’s completely normal. The difference between finishing and dropping isn’t avoiding lows. It’s spotting them early and responding. In this episode, I break down what a low is, why it happens, and how runners often mistake it for the end of the race. I’ll also guide you through the signs to watch for so you can recognize a low before it takes control.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/21

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In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple, effective 5-step training plan specifically designed for the mental side of ultra running. I’ll show you how to shift your focus from “just surviving” the mental hurdles to actively building mental resilience, confidence, and race-day strategies that work. You won’t need to be a mental toughness expert to execute these steps. They’re practical, repeatable tools that you can start using right away to improve your mindset.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/20

Connect with Susan:

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