Train Your Mind and Go the Distance.

THE UNSTOPPABLE ULTRA RUNNER PODCAST

Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

15. The Hidden 5-Step Process Behind Every Ultra Drop

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the five-step process that leads to every ultra drop. Because while dropping might feel like a single moment of weakness, it’s actually a five-step process that begins long before you reach that aid station.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

14. What If It's Easier Than You Think?

In this episode, I share how believing your race could go better than expected isn't naive or arrogant - it's a legitimate possibility that changes everything. You'll discover why the hardest part isn't the running itself, but letting yourself believe things could go well. You’ll also learn practical tools to shift from constantly anticipating disaster to actually noticing what's going right, transforming not just your results but your entire race experience.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

13. How Planned Breaks Prevent Burnout

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most effective strategies for avoiding burnout: the planned break. Many runners fear taking a break, believing they’ll lose fitness or fall off track. But in reality, taking a break with purpose is essential for sustaining your passion and energy for the long haul. Without intentional breaks, you risk burnout, which can derail your progress and motivation.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

12. Burnout Isn’t What You Think: Recognize the Real Signs

Think you're burned out? In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what burnout is and, more importantly, what it isn’t. You'll learn to distinguish real burnout from its common impersonators and discover why thinking everything is burnout can keep you stuck. You’ll also learn how to recognize when you’re really on the edge of burnout, so you can take action before it takes over.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

11. Why Can’t I Finish? The DNF Question That Holds You Back

Dropping out of races creates a particular kind of shame that goes beyond simple disappointment. But "What's wrong with me?" after DNFs keeps you stuck in shame and poor performance. Discover a simple three-column process to turn painful race experiences into actionable solutions and how to separate race outcomes from your worth.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

10. Build a Cushion on Cutoff: Race Strategy

You want to build a cushion on cutoff… what’s your strategy? Discover a new, patient approach that transforms the race from a survival battle into a controlled, strategic effort where you finish strong instead of just hanging on.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

9. How to Recover from a Disappointing Race

I'll walk through the three essential steps for mental recovery after a challenging race and, through a real client example, I'll demonstrate how this process can turn a devastating DNF into the foundation for eventual 100-mile success.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

8. What to Focus on When Things Get Hard

Instead of simply trying to stay present or push harder, I share a powerful alternative approach. By ruthlessly filtering every thought and decision through the lens of "Does this help me get to the finish?", we can cut through mental clutter and make clear, efficient choices. This method doesn't require feeling confident or strong - it just requires disciplined attention to what truly matters.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

7. How to Stay In the Race When Things Get Hard

How to spot the signs that you're mentally checking out, why your “why” might not be helping, and what to do instead. I’ll share how to turn a distant goal into something emotionally powerful and actionable—so you’re not relying on willpower alone. If you’re ready to fight for your race when it gets hard, this is where you start.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

6. Train Your Brain Like You Train Your Body

Five essential truths that completely reframe how you should approach mental training. I'll walk you through common misconceptions, share stories from my own racing experience (including multiple DNFs), and introduce practical tools you can start using immediately.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

5. Why Ultrarunning Goals Feel Hard

Find out why your big goals aren’t supposed to feel easy. Whether you're training for your first ultra, or setting yourself a target that stretches you, what I share today will help you see setbacks in a new light, while helping you build the mindset that gets you to the finish line every time. 

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

4. How To Manage Pre-Race Anxiety

Discover the simple, practical three-step process that will transform your relationship with pre-race anxiety and ultimately get you to the finish line. This isn't about eliminating anxiety (that's impossible) or forcing positivity (that's exhausting). It's about learning how to acknowledge your anxiety, so you can return to calm and refocus on what matters most.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

3. The Real Risk Isn’t Ambition - It’s Holding Back

A practical five-step framework to make ambition feel safe, so you can chase those big, bold goals without apology. Because ultra running isn't about certainty or perfection—it's about guts, resilience, and taking leaps of faith in yourself when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

2. How to Stay in the Race When Your Brain Wants Out

How to tap into your powerful "why" – not just as a concept, but as a feeling that can become stronger than the urge to quit. When you master this, you don't just finish races – you become the unstoppable ultra runner for whom giving up isn’t an option.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

1. The Missing Piece in Your Ultra Training

The foundational missing piece in your ultra training and common patterns that stop ultra runners from making it to the finish line. You’ll walk away with a mindset tool you can use right away to start shifting your training and race-day results.

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Susan Donnelly Susan Donnelly

Introducing Unstoppable Ultra Runner!

Build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches Your physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, you can develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of.

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