In this engaging conversation, Alex Larson and Dr. Erin Ayala explore the multifaceted world of endurance sports, focusing on the mental and psychological aspects that influence performance. They discuss personal connections, training insights, managing expectations, and the importance of deliberate practice. The conversation delves into the challenges of anxiety, body image, and aging, while also emphasizing the significance of defining personal success and building resilience. With practical strategies and relatable anecdotes, this dialogue serves as a valuable resource for athletes seeking to enhance their mental performance and overall well-being.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections

02:51 Training Progress and Expectations

05:48 Understanding Plateaus in Performance

08:42 Deliberate Practice and Goal Setting

11:39 Defining Success and Personal Goals

14:36 Managing Race Day Nerves and Anxiety

18:38 Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact

21:14 Managing Anxiety Through Characterization

23:25 The Role of Nutrition in Anxiety Management

24:38 Coping with Anxiety During Races

27:30 Navigating the Low Points in Endurance Events

31:00 Building Mental Toughness and Resilience

32:37 Strategies for Different Race Distances

35:47 Building Confidence for Big Goals

38:55 Navigating Post-Event Transition

41:05 Redefining Athletic Identity

42:03 Aging and Athletic Performance

44:35 Body Image in Endurance Sports

50:07 Recommended Reads for Athletes

51:38 Connecting with Erin Ayala

Guest Bio:

Dr. Erin Ayala (she/her) is the owner and founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, a mission-driven applied sport psychology practice based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that serves athletes across the U.S. and Canada. As a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with over a decade of experience in sport psychology, Dr. Ayala blends clinical expertise with athletic insight to deliver evidence-based support tailored to endurance athletes—including LGBTQ+ individuals, women, non-binary athletes, and those navigating life transitions like injury recovery or retirement .

In her practice, she develops dynamic, interactive sessions that draw on health psychology, positive psychology, and mindfulness-based therapies. She helps clients reframe challenging thoughts, clarify values, set meaningful goals, and foster self-compassion while championing rest, quality sleep, and joy in sport.

Beyond therapy, Dr. Ayala supports the broader sport psychology community by offering CMPC mentorship working with clinicians to meet certification requirements through personalized mentorship and tailored resources. She’s also an accomplished endurance athlete herself boasting multiple national podium finishes in gravel, fat-bike, ultra-endurance, and virtual racing .

Dr. Ayala’s academic contributions include over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and her work has been featured in Trail Runner, Bicycling Magazine, and The New York Times .

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian
Books include: The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris, Meditation for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman, and The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train and Thrive by Jim Afremow
Erin’s Contact

◦Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skadisportpsychology

◦Website https://www.skadisportpsychology.com/

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition
Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com

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