Are you scared that your entire race will come down to one defining moment? That you’ll be exhausted or in pain, and you’ll fall apart and quit? This fear is common among ultra runners, but it’s based on a fundamental misunderstanding of what an ultra truly is. In this episode, we’ll explore why the "make-or-break" moment isn’t as dramatic as it seems and how your choices throughout the race build momentum. By shifting your focus from a single decision to the thousands of successful choices you’ve already made, you’ll approach your race with more confidence.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/18

Connect with Susan:

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Mentioned in this episode:

FREE TRAINING: 5 Steps to Take On Any Race With Confidence

Date: August 21, 2025

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

Cutoff stress can be the difference between crossing the finish line and dropping out of a race. In this episode, I'm tackling cutoff prediction stress, which happens when you imagine being close to cutoff at some future point. Worrying about something that’s not happening yet feels necessary, but it's actually making things worse. Through six powerful mindset shifts, I'll show you how to stop this pattern before it wears you out.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/17

Connect with Susan:

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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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 ultimately, how you start to take ownership of your potential.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/16

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 before you reach that aid station. By recognizing these five steps early, you can break the cycle and stay in the race.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/15

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 possibility that changes everything.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/14

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 powerful tool for long-term success.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/13

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 burnout can keep you stuck. You’ll also learn how to recognize when you’re really on the edge of burnout, so you can take action before it takes over.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/12

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 possibility, not fear.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/11

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

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 from a survival battle into a controlled, strategic effort where you finish strong instead of just hanging on.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/10

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21

A disappointing race result can leave us confused, gutted, and questioning everything about our training and abilities. Today, I'm sharing how to transform that disappointing race experience into valuable data that will make you stronger. I'll walk through the three essential steps for mental recovery after a challenging race and, through a real client example, I'll demonstrate how this process can turn a devastating DNF into the foundation for eventual 100-mile success.

For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/9

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

5 Steps Masterclass Aug 21