The Ultra Mindset is your mind’s ability to train and race. The first thing you the ultra runner need to bring to the table is a ‘can do attitude’. Once you have this in place, a positive mindset with belief in yourself and your abilities can be developed. It is through meeting the challenges of an ultramarathon running program and through undertaking the journey to the start line, and ultimately, finish line of your ultra marathon that personal growth occurs.
In ultra running a positive mindset includes your attitude towards training and racing. Do you have long-term consistency in your training? Do you have the discipline to train? Even when it’s wet, cold, humid or hot? Or do you make excuses? Are you mentally tough when it comes to the back end of a training set or race? What’s your resilience like? You certainly didn’t get into this because it was going to be easy!
A ‘can do attitude’ and a positive mindset is a common strength of an ultra runner. What ultra runners typically lack is the accountability and ultra running knowledge needed to achieve the results that they desire. It is regular for ultra runners to put in the time and effort but simply not be achieving the results that they should be and deserve. They are performing way below their capabilities!
Come race day, provided you have met the challenges of an ultra running program you will have certainty you will reach the finish line in your personal best time.
Common Mistakes Ultra Runners make with regards to developing their mindset are:
- A positive self belief in one’s ultra running abilities is not developed through a training plan; as a result you lack confidence on the start line.
- Long-term consistency in training is not developed despite a positive attitude. You have a positive attitude and love running but need some accountability to steer your energy in the right direction.
Bring a can do attitude to your training, have a training plan that extends you, challenge’s you, and causes you to think about your running.
Enjoy the adventure!
Run, smile and have fun.
Nick