We’re diving into one of the biggest struggles I hear from so many handlers and competitors: “I know I should work out — so why is it so hard to actually stick with it?”

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by that tug-of-war in your head — you want to get stronger and faster for your dog, but your follow-through fizzles out — you are going to love this conversation.

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Sumlin, an amazing mental management coach who works with athletes, handlers, and everyday people to break through the mental roadblocks that get in the way of consistent training. Together, we unpack:

✨ Why connecting to your deeper “why” really matters — and how to reframe boring mobility drills into something that feels motivating and meaningful.

✨ How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking sneak in — and simple reframes you can use when life is busy so you still get a win instead of skipping your workout altogether.

✨ The shift from “I should work out” to “This is who I am.” We explore how seeing yourself as an athlete for your dog changes your commitment, your mindset, and your results.

✨ What to do when your inner critic shows up. [Guest’s Name] shares powerful tips for handling the voice that says, “You’re too old,” or “You’ll never be as fast as them.”

✨ Protecting your energy and avoiding burnout. We talk about how to stop pouring from an empty cup so you can stay strong for your dog — and yourself.

✨ The power of environment and tiny habits. Learn how to build workout cues right into your day, so you don’t have to rely on willpower.

✨ How to bounce back after you fall off track. Because missing a week (or a month!) doesn’t mean you’ve failed — and we’ll help you see how to reset and keep going.

Whether you’re an experienced competitor or just starting your fitness journey, you’ll come away from this episode with fresh mindset tools, practical ideas, and inspiration to help you keep showing up for yourself — and your dog — for the long haul.

🎧 Listen now and let us know what lands for you — we’d love to hear what helps!

You can find Heather’s amazing work, resources, and coaching on her Website at HeatherSumlin.com ,her Patreon bit.ly/4l190BH and her inspiring Podcast — https://bit.ly/4eUcHrk!

For more tools, workouts, and ways to work with me, head to caninehandlerfitness.com And don’t forget to share this one with a friend who might need a little mental boost, too. You’ve got this!

Ready to move better, feel stronger, and run your dog with more speed and control?

Jump into these free handler-specific stretches designed to boost your mobility, prevent injury, and elevate your performance—click here to get started now: https://liz-joyce-fitnes.kit.com/75a61bb61a