Running long - A trail and ultra running talk 177. Eva-Maria Sperger on the Mental Side of Trail Racing
Psychologist and elite trail runner Eva-Maria Sperger joins host Francesco Puppi for a candid conversation about the mental side of performance—self-compassion, motivation, and racing with vulnerability—just ahead of the World Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos.
Eva explains why naming emotions builds real toughness, how to balance “listen to your feelings” with “do the opposite,” and a simple model to unlock motivation: autonomy, confidence, and belonging. They also unpack the difference between working with a sport psychologist vs. a mental coach, why athletes over-do volume to calm anxiety, and how to make better decisions when pain or fear show up.
If you’ve ever wondered “Do I even belong here?” this one will feel like a deep breath and a plan.
What you’ll learn
How self-compassion becomes a performance skill (not fluff)
A practical way to handle negative thoughts without obeying them
Autonomy–confidence–belonging: a simple framework to rekindle motivation
When to choose a sport psychologist vs. a mental coach (and why)
Process > outcome: redefining “success” before your next start line
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Francesco’s links: