Unstoppable Ultra Runner

Susan Donnelly
  • 5.0 (51)
  • 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. 52. Handling Doubt Before a Race: 3 Questions to Replace “Can I Finish?”

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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

  3. MAR 30

    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
  4. 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
  5. 49. The “Experiment of One” Mindset for Ultra Runners

    MAR 18

    49. The “Experiment of One” Mindset for Ultra Runners

    A lot of runners approach races like tests, whether they realize it or not. You train, prepare, and show up feeling like everything is about to be graded. Did I do enough? Am I ready? What if I blow it? In this episode, I’m sharing a completely different way to think about races, one that takes the pressure off and makes ultra running more productive and a lot more enjoyable. Instead of seeing a race as a test you either pass or fail, I want you to see it as an experiment. Your race plan is not a script you have to execute perfectly. It is your best current hypothesis about what will work. When you start treating races this way, you stop chasing a grade and start building a body of work you can be proud of over time. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/49 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!

    26 min
  6. 48. What Ultra Runners Can Learn from Olympic Champion Eileen Gu

    MAR 11

    48. What Ultra Runners Can Learn from Olympic Champion Eileen Gu

    What if the key to running your best race is not training harder, but training your mind? When things get tough deep into an ultra, the real challenge is not your legs. It is the thoughts in your head and how you respond to them. In this episode, I share what ultra runners can learn from Olympic champion Eileen Gu. She approaches her mind the same way she approaches her sport, as something she studies, tinkers with, and improves over time. If you have ever tried to distract yourself from negative thoughts during a race or wished you could just get out of your head, this episode will show you a different path. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/48 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!

    19 min
  7. 47. How to Manage Fatigue Brain: Strategies for Ultra Races

    MAR 4

    47. How to Manage Fatigue Brain: Strategies for Ultra Races

    Fatigue brain is something every ultrarunner faces at some point, especially in longer races. It’s when physical and mental exhaustion starts to impair your decision-making, and you can’t think clearly or focus. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what fatigue brain is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to manage it during a race. Racing with fatigue brain can lead to mistakes, like making impulsive decisions or doubting your ability to finish. But here’s the good news: it's not some mysterious, uncontrollable force. With the right strategies, you can still race well even when you’re physically exhausted. I’ll walk you through simple ways to manage fatigue brain, like how to make decisions ahead of time, plan for potential mistakes, and stay focused even when you’re mentally drained. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/47 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!

    25 min
  8. 46. Point-to-Point Courses: Face Your Fears to Grow as a Runner

    FEB 25

    46. Point-to-Point Courses: Face Your Fears to Grow as a Runner

    If you’ve been defaulting back to loop races because they feel safer, simpler, or easier to plan than point-to-point courses, this episode will help you see point-to-point races in a completely different light. I walk you through how to rethink the unknown, level up your race planning, rely on drop bags instead of pressure on your crew, handle wildlife fears logically, and even see night miles as peaceful instead of scary. Facing your fears about point-to-point races is not about forcing yourself to suffer. It is about expanding what you believe you are capable of and choosing the race you actually want to run. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://www.susanidonnelly.com/46 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!

    26 min
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Trailer

5
out of 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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Susan Donnelly
  • Show Website
    Unstoppable Ultra Runner

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