Episode 87: This is Your Brain on Ultras - Unlocking the Mental Strategies That Fuel Endurance Success

In Episode 87 of Trail Society, the gang is back together for a deep dive into the intersection of ultra running and cognitive performance. Corrine, Hillary, and Keely unpack recent research from the world of Backyard Ultras, where a group of Belgian scientists explored the effects of extreme endurance on the brain. The study, conducted during an April 2023 event, found that while sleep deprivation and fatigue did slow reaction times, for the athletes that lasted the longest, physical performance remained stable. This episode explores how mental fortitude — the ability to push through the struggle to continue — might be just as critical as physical endurance in ultra running and beyond. Can the mental endurance required for these extreme races teach us how to better manage our effort and focus in other areas of life?

We also shift gears into the world of self-esteem and positive self-talk, exploring how these mental strategies can enhance athletic performance and improve overall well-being. With insights from psychological research, Hillary guides us through the latest findings on how positive self-talk can boost motivation and confidence in athletes. Whether you're running a race or tackling a big challenge in life, the ability to stay focused, motivated, and positive can make all the difference. Tune in for a conversation on how ultra runners and everyday athletes alike can leverage their mental game to go further, faster, and stronger.

We are launching our own YOUTUBE channel!  Subscribe and watch us live every week and stay tuned for other drops in the future! <3

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail

www.freetrail.com - subscribe and JOIN US IN SLACK

&

Our Title Sponsor is The Feed!!! Follow the link to get $20 to spend every quarter ($80 every year!): https://thefeed.com/trailsociety + a cool Trail Society water bottle!

Keep sliding into our DMs with your messages, they mean so much to us! @trail.society

Articles: 

Outside: How Often Should You Replace Your Sports Bra? https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/how-often-should-you-replace-sports-bra/

Outside Debrief on Backyard Ultra Article by Alex Hutchinson: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/effects-of-backyard-ultras/

Backyard Ultra: De Pauw K, Ampe T, Arauz YLA, Galloo X, Buyse L, Olieslagers M, Demuyser T, Corlùy H, Lamarti S, Provyn S, Jones AM, Meeusen R, Roelands B. Backyard running: Pushing the boundaries of human performance. Eur J Sport Sci. 2024 Oct;24(10):1432-1441.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11451558/

Self Esteem and Self-talk Articles:

Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2022). Is high self-esteem beneficial? Revisiting a classic question.American Psychologist, 77(1), 5–17.

https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2022-48842-002.html

Park SH, Lim BS, Lim ST. The Effects of Self-Talk on Shooting Athletes' Motivation. J Sports Sci Med. 2020 Aug 13;19(3):517-521. PMID: 32874104; PMCID: PMC7429435.