Uphill Athlete Podcast UTMB Findings and Future Goals with Chantelle Robitaille and Alyssa Clark
Jan 14, 2025
Chantelle Robitaille, Director of Coaching at Uphill Athlete, interviews Alyssa Clark, a professional trail runner who recently placed 11th at the historic UTMB. They dive into Alyssa's remarkable mindset shift, emphasizing joy and adaptability over perfectionism. Alyssa shares her journey of resilience, the importance of a supportive community, and mental strategies to stay present during races. Their conversation highlights gratitude and self-compassion as essential components of success, proving that the ultra running journey is as much about personal growth as it is about competition.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Initial Approach and Mindset Shift
- Alyssa Clark initially approached UTMB with a rigid mindset of discipline and perfection.
- This led to unhappiness and a DNF at Madeira, prompting self-reflection and a coach change.
The Importance of Joy in Running
- Clark realized that joy is crucial for running success, contrasting with her earlier focus on strict discipline.
- She rediscovered her love for running, comparing herself to huskies who run with pure enjoyment.
DNF, Mental Strategies, and UTMB Performance
- Despite a DNF in Quebec, Clark decided to race UTMB, focusing on mental strategies.
- She felt prepared for anything and prioritized controlling the controllable, leading to a strong performance despite challenges.