Unstoppable Ultra Runner

Susan Donnelly
  • 5.0 (53)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your body isn’t the problem—your mind is. Ultra runners don’t stop because they’re too tired. They stop because doubt, fear, and hesitation convince them to quit. You’ve trained your legs, lungs, and endurance, but when things get tough, does your mindset hold up? True mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing—deep down—that no matter what happens on race day, you have the resilience, grit, and mental strength to keep moving forward. Unstoppable Ultra Runner is for you if you’re asking: *Why do I lose my confidence when a race gets hard? Learn how to trust yourself and stay mentally strong when it matters most. *How do I stop second-guessing myself before a big race? Develop an unshakable belief in your training and your ability to finish. *What’s the secret to pushing through when It seems impossible? Master the mindset shifts that separate those who stop from those who keep going. *How do I handle setbacks without falling apart? Turn challenges into fuel, so you come back stronger every time. *Why do I always play it safe instead of going after big goals? Break free from self-doubt and run with the confidence to chase what you really want. Hosted by Susan Donnelly, a veteran ultra runner with over 150 100-mile ultra finishes, Unstoppable Ultra Runner gives you the mindset focus you need to run your best races. As a coach, Susan has helped ultra runners of all levels—beginners to veterans—build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches their physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, she’ll help you develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of. Follow now and start training the one thing that’s been holding you back. You can connect with Susan at www.susanidonnelly.com

  1. 56. How to Tell an Excuse From a Reason in Ultra Running

    1D AGO

    56. How to Tell an Excuse From a Reason in Ultra Running

    Every ultra runner worries about making the wrong call in a hard moment. Did you back off for a legitimate reason, or did you let yourself off the hook with an excuse? In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most important mental skills an ultra runner can build: how to tell the difference so you can stop second guessing yourself and trust your decisions. You’ll discover two simple tests to help you tell whether you’re acting from an excuse or a valid reason. I’ll show you how to make clearer decisions, avoid the guilt and regret that come from giving in to excuses, and build the kind of self trust that allows you to train and race with greater confidence. For full show notes, transcript PDF, or to book a free consult call, visit susanidonnelly.com/56 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today! Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

    22 min

  2. 3D AGO

    What Do YOU Do Right After a Race?

    Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. Get yours for free here: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template

    3 min
  3. 55. Why Your Race Result Isn’t the Real Story

    APR 29

    55. Why Your Race Result Isn’t the Real Story

    That number next to your name, or those three letters DNF, can feel like they define your entire race. In this episode, I’m diving into why that happens and why it sticks with you, even when you know it doesn’t tell the whole story. You’ll discover how to take control of the story of your race so the result stops holding power over you. I walk you through a simple process to help you look at your race differently, recognize the strengths you showed even in a tough result, and build a version of the story that actually supports your confidence going into your next race. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit susanidonnelly.com/55 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today! Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

    26 min
  4. 54. How Doubt Shows Up in Every Training Phase (& What to Do About It)

    APR 22

    54. How Doubt Shows Up in Every Training Phase (& What to Do About It)

    Why does doubt keep showing up during training, even when you’re doing everything right? You build belief in yourself, only to have it knocked down again by a new wave of doubt that makes you question your progress. In this episode, I break down the hidden pattern behind training doubt and why it can make you feel unprepared, no matter how much work you’ve put in. You’ll learn how doubt shows up differently in the build, peak, and taper phases, and why it doesn’t actually mean anything has gone wrong. When you understand what’s really happening, you can stop reacting to doubt and start trusting your training. This is the key to showing up on race day feeling ready, even when doubt is still there. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit susanidonnelly.com/54 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today! Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

    24 min
  5. 53. DNF Post-Mortem: What Went Right and What to Do Next

    APR 15

    53. DNF Post-Mortem: What Went Right and What to Do Next

    A DNF often feels like the ultimate failure, but what if it’s actually the key to unlocking your next finish? In this episode, I’m diving into a pattern I see with so many of my clients after a DNF: viewing it as a setback instead of a sign that you are getting closer to your goal. So this week, I’ll walk you through the process of reflecting on your race, how to spot the wins that often get overlooked, and the one or two small adjustments that can make all the difference in your next race. Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template here: susanidonnelly.com/mastery-debrief-template For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit susanidonnelly.com/53 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly

    19 min
  6. 52. Handling Doubt Before a Race: 3 Questions to Replace “Can I Finish?”

    APR 8

    52. Handling Doubt Before a Race: 3 Questions to Replace “Can I Finish?”

    That question, “Can I finish?” has a way of taking over your thinking before a race. It feels important, like if you could just answer it, the doubt would go away. But the more you try to solve it, the more it pulls you into worry, keeping your focus on something you can’t actually control instead of the race itself. In this episode, I break down why doubt shows up so strongly before a race and what’s really happening in your brain when you can’t stop questioning whether you’ll finish. I walk you through three better questions you can ask instead, so you can work with your brain, stay grounded in your race, and move forward with clarity even when doubt is still present. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit susanidonnelly.com/52 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today! Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

    19 min
  7. 51. Ultra Math: 5 Strategies to Master It in Your Races

    APR 1

    51. Ultra Math: 5 Strategies to Master It in Your Races

    Ultra math is something every ultrarunner does. We rely on it, we stress over it, and more often than we’d like to admit, we regret the decisions we make because of it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what ultra math actually is and why it can quietly derail your race if you’re not careful. You'll learn five strategies to take control of ultra math instead of letting it control you. From what to do before the race to how to handle calculations in the moment, these tools will help you make better decisions, stay focused, and avoid the kinds of mistakes that lead to regret later. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit susanidonnelly.com/51 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

    29 min
  8. 50. The Truth About Aging in Ultra Running

    MAR 25

    50. The Truth About Aging in Ultra Running

    I’m talking about something every runner who stays in the sport long enough will face: aging. Not as something to cope with, but as the next challenge to meet. I share six ways to think about aging that have helped me and my clients approach this phase with more clarity, intention, and confidence. Because aging doesn’t remove you from ultra running. It asks something different of you. And when you approach it as something to master, not manage, this phase can become one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of your time in the sport. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/50 Connect with Susan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today! Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-template Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

    24 min
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5
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About

Your body isn’t the problem—your mind is. Ultra runners don’t stop because they’re too tired. They stop because doubt, fear, and hesitation convince them to quit. You’ve trained your legs, lungs, and endurance, but when things get tough, does your mindset hold up? True mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing—deep down—that no matter what happens on race day, you have the resilience, grit, and mental strength to keep moving forward. Unstoppable Ultra Runner is for you if you’re asking: *Why do I lose my confidence when a race gets hard? Learn how to trust yourself and stay mentally strong when it matters most. *How do I stop second-guessing myself before a big race? Develop an unshakable belief in your training and your ability to finish. *What’s the secret to pushing through when It seems impossible? Master the mindset shifts that separate those who stop from those who keep going. *How do I handle setbacks without falling apart? Turn challenges into fuel, so you come back stronger every time. *Why do I always play it safe instead of going after big goals? Break free from self-doubt and run with the confidence to chase what you really want. Hosted by Susan Donnelly, a veteran ultra runner with over 150 100-mile ultra finishes, Unstoppable Ultra Runner gives you the mindset focus you need to run your best races. As a coach, Susan has helped ultra runners of all levels—beginners to veterans—build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches their physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, she’ll help you develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of. Follow now and start training the one thing that’s been holding you back. You can connect with Susan at www.susanidonnelly.com

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Donnelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Susan Donnelly
  • Show Website
    Unstoppable Ultra Runner

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