Mind Over Miles: How to Pushing Through When the Pain Hits

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Hey Reader,

As any ultrarunner will tell you, long-distance races aren’t just about physical endurance—they’re a test of mental strength. Whether you’re tackling a 5K, an ultramarathon, or a challenging project at work, there comes a point where fatigue sets in, doubts creep up, and the temptation to quit looms large. The question isn’t IF you’ll face these moments, but how you’ll handle them when they come.

Breaking Through Mental Blocks

Overcoming mental hurdles is often the key to success. Many runners can tell you that pushing through those moments of pain and self-doubt can lead to some of their biggest breakthroughs. It’s not just about grit; it’s about strategy, preparation, and mindset.

In our recent episode with ultrarunner Elliott Waldock, he shared his experience at the Flower Moon race, where a sudden flare-up of Achilles tendonitis threatened to end his race early. Imagine running while feeling a burning sensation with every step. Some of you have been there. Many would tap out, but Elliott pressed on, focusing not on the pain but on the steps needed to finish.

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3 Tips to Push Through the Mental Blocks:

1. Focus on the Next Small Step When you’re deep in discomfort, thinking about the entirety of the challenge can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on what’s directly in front of you. Elliott didn’t think about the entire race while his Achilles was flaring up; he focused on just getting to the next aid station. Breaking the task into smaller, manageable pieces helps reduce mental overload. I shared with 2 of the runners I coach recently, “You’re not running 100 miles. You’re running aid station to aid station. You’re running 5.3 miles. Then 6.4 miles. Keep doing that until you’re done.”
2. Find Your “Why” I know. I know. This has been talked about a while lot in recent years, but there’s some truth to it. Your reason for showing up is your fuel when things get tough. Whether it’s crossing the finish line, proving something to yourself, or inspiring others, remind yourself of why you started. Elliott’s “why” was simple—he wasn’t going to let a race beat him. That kind of resolve is what pushes you through the hard parts.
3. Accept the Pain (Embrace the suck!)—It Won’t Last Forever One of the best ways to manage pain and discomfort is to acknowledge it without letting it take control. Pain is part of the process, but it’s not permanent. Elliott knew the burning sensation in his foot would eventually fade, and his focus shifted from the pain to the finish line. Embracing discomfort as part of the journey allows you to stay present and push through.

Not Just for Running

This isn’t just about running. Whether you’re working on a major project or navigating a tough period in life, mental blocks are inevitable. The key is learning how to manage your mindset when you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Taking inspiration from ultrarunners like Elliott, who embrace discomfort and push past their limits, can help you do the same in your own pursuits.

If you’re looking to build resilience and mental toughness in your running, or in life, we have more insights for you on the podcast. Catch the full episode with Elliott Waldock here: https://www.theriot.run/elliottw/​

Ready to push your own limits?​
Check out our coaching program for personalized guidance on running smarter, staying strong, and mastering the mental side of endurance racing. Learn more at https://www.theriot.run/coaching.

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On the journey,
David

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