THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST The Miles That Make Us: Habit, Hope, and Finding Your People — Mitch Ammons’ Playbook
Sep 19, 2025
Mitch Ammons, an Austin-based realtor and competitive runner, transformed his life through running after overcoming addiction. He shares how habitual training and community support fueled his journey to a remarkable 2:16 marathon time. Mitch emphasizes the significance of simple routines, accountability, and mental toughness in racing. He reflects on his venture into ultra-marathons, lessons from early DNF experiences, and his quest for Olympic Trials qualification. His story underscores how running can reshape identities and build resilience.
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From Jog To Race Win
- Mitch planned to jog the Austin Marathon for fun but snuck into the front and ended up winning the Austin Half.
- He improvised at the start line and seized the race opportunity despite low expectations.
Break Distance Into Manageable Segments
- Manage long efforts by breaking them into smaller units (laps or segments) to reduce the fear of future pain.
- Use present-focused goals like "one more lap" to prevent quitting from anticipated pain.
Balance Hard Workouts With Recovery
- Go hard in workouts sometimes to build mental toughness but avoid chronic overtraining that harms recovery.
- Aim to finish workouts with 'one left in the tank' when focusing on long-term consistency.