243. How to Build Real-World Mental Toughness (a behind the scenes coaching call)

Training your brain to handle the difficult moments in workouts and races is an essential skill for runners. If you’re new to the mental training, this coaching call will help you learn the practical ways to develop and implement these techniques.

Joining us is Patrick, a member of our Team Strength Running coaching program. Patrick began running a decade ago to improve his health, and discovered his love for the marathon.  

Patrick is a 3:39 marathoner who wants to improve his mental toughness along with his race times. Patrick wants to improve the disconnect between body and mind that slows us down in the painful, late stages of a race where we all struggle.

We discuss:

• Finding ways to get out of your comfort zone on a regular basis
• Racing shorter distances more regularly to improve marathon confidence
• Practicing using vivid mental imagery to prepare for the tough patches of a race

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about  mental skills with our free email course
• Read more about how to use mantras to improve your running 
• Join Patrick in Team Strength Running for ongoing advice and support

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.