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.For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit <a href="https://www.susanidonnelly.com/8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.susanidonnelly.com/8</a>Connect with Susan:Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly</a>Mentioned in this episode:FREE TRAINING: 5 Steps to Take On Any Race With ConfidenceDate: August 21, 2025
Time: 12PM ET/11AM CT/10AM MT/9AM PT

What You’ll Learn:
- What puts you in control of your negative thinking
- The race skills every ultrarunner needs
- The mindset skills that build inner strength

To register, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/masterclass<a href="https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/masterclass">5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21</a>

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. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/8 Connect with Susan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: FREE TRAINING: 5 Steps to Take On Any Race With Confidence Date: August 21, 2025 Time: 12PM ET/11AM CT/10AM MT/9AM PT What You’ll Learn: - What puts you in control of your negative thinking - The race skills every ultrarunner needs - The mindset skills that build inner strength To register, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/masterclass 5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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.For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit <a href="https://www.susanidonnelly.com/8" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.susanidonnelly.com/8</a>Connect with Susan:Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly</a>Mentioned in this episode:FREE TRAINING: 5 Steps to Take On Any Race With ConfidenceDate: August 21, 2025
Time: 12PM ET/11AM CT/10AM MT/9AM PT

What You’ll Learn:
- What puts you in control of your negative thinking
- The race skills every ultrarunner needs
- The mindset skills that build inner strength

To register, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/masterclass<a href="https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/masterclass" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21</a>

8. What to Focus on When Things Get Hard

Your body isn’t the problem—your mind is.
Ultra runners don’t stop because they’re too tired. They stop because doubt, fear, and hesitation convince them to quit. You’ve trained your legs, lungs, and endurance, but when things get tough, does your mindset hold up?
True mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing—deep down—that no matter what happens on race day, you have the resilience, grit, and mental strength to keep moving forward.

Unstoppable Ultra Runner is for you if you’re asking:
*Why do I lose my confidence when a race gets hard?
 Learn how to trust yourself and stay mentally strong when it matters most.
*How do I stop second-guessing myself before a big race?
 Develop an unshakable belief in your training and your ability to finish.
*What’s the secret to pushing through when It seems impossible?
 Master the mindset shifts that separate those who stop from those who keep going.
*How do I handle setbacks without falling apart?
 Turn challenges into fuel, so you come back stronger every time.
*Why do I always play it safe instead of going after big goals?
 Break free from self-doubt and run with the confidence to chase what you really want.

Hosted by Susan Donnelly, a veteran ultra runner with over 150 100-mile ultra finishes, Unstoppable Ultra Runner gives you the mindset focus you need to run your best races. As a coach, Susan has helped ultra runners of all levels—beginners to veterans—build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches their physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, she’ll help you develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of.

Follow now and start training the one thing that’s been holding you back.

You can connect with Susan at www.susanidonnelly.com

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Your body isn’t the problem—your mind is. Ultra runners don’t stop because they’re too tired. They stop because doubt, fear, and hesitation convince them to quit. You’ve trained your legs, lungs, and endurance, but when things get tough, does your mindset hold up? True mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing—deep down—that no matter what happens on race day, you have the resilience, grit, and mental strength to keep moving forward. Unstoppable Ultra Runner is for you if you’re asking: *Why do I lose my confidence when a race gets hard? Learn how to trust yourself and stay mentally strong when it matters most. *How do I stop second-guessing myself before a big race? Develop an unshakable belief in your training and your ability to finish. *What’s the secret to pushing through when It seems impossible? Master the mindset shifts that separate those who stop from those who keep going. *How do I handle setbacks without falling apart? Turn challenges into fuel, so you come back stronger every time. *Why do I always play it safe instead of going after big goals? Break free from self-doubt and run with the confidence to chase what you really want. Hosted by Susan Donnelly, a veteran ultra runner with over 150 100-mile ultra finishes, Unstoppable Ultra Runner gives you the mindset focus you need to run your best races. As a coach, Susan has helped ultra runners of all levels—beginners to veterans—build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches their physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, she’ll help you develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of. Follow now and start training the one thing that’s been holding you back. You can connect with Susan at www.susanidonnelly.com

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