Mindset for runners Inside the Runner’s Brain: Why It Sabotages You (and How to Stop It)
Have you ever wondered why your mind seems to turn against you right when you need it most — in the middle of a tough race, a big workout, or standing on the start line? In this episode, Rob breaks down the three parts of your brain — the Human, the Chimp, and the Computer — and shows you how understanding this simple model can completely change the way you think, feel, and perform as a runner.
Drawing on Professor Steve Peters’ The Chimp Paradox and A Path Through the Jungle, plus The Brave Athlete by Lesley Paterson and Simon Marshall, you’ll learn how your “chimp brain” can hijack your thoughts, create chaos, and trigger self-sabotage — and how to calm it down when it does.
This episode is all about practical mental skills you can use right away: tools to manage nerves, deal with negative self-talk, handle pressure, and find clarity when your emotions take over.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- The three parts of the brain — and which one is running your race
- How your chimp hijacks you before, during, and after a run
- What it means to “give the chimp a banana” (and how to do it effectively)
- Simple tools to get back into your Human brain when things feel out of control
- Practical strategies from The Brave Athlete to train your chimp and build calm confidence
- How to use the question “What’s the plan?” to stay focused and regain control
- Real examples of how elite runners manage their inner chaos
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to silence your emotions — you just need to understand who’s driving your thoughts. Once you know how to recognise your chimp, manage it, and step back into your Human brain, running (and life) gets a whole lot simpler.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters
- A Path Through the Jungle by Professor Steve Peters
- The Brave Athlete by Dr Simon Marshall & Lesley Paterson
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