Speaker’s notes
Talking with running friends about distance we like to run.
“50 miles is too short. The race doesn’t really get interesting until you’ve gone 60 miles.”
I found the same thing when I first ran 50 miles.
I was proud I’d met my goal. It took effort and mindset to keep going.
Next morning I went to cheer for friend in the 100.
He was at mile 87. I looked at his face and said, “I never got to experience that level running 50 miles.”
The next year I signed up for the 100.
My wife asked me “Why?”
I didn’t have an answer right away. All I knew was that something was burning in my gut that I needed to do this.
I finally came up with, “I need to know if I have what it takes to run that far.”
My friend is right. It doesn’t get interesting until you’ve run 60 miles.
My observation: Halfway through the race isn’t mile 50. It’s mile 73!
You have to have a plan and a mindset for mile 73.
This came to me when I heard that KU was in the final 4 again this year.
I haven’t followed college basketball for the past 6 years.
But I flashed on a memory from back in the 90s when Roy Williams was coaching KU.
Typical game – KU build a big lead in first half. Second half they’d relax and end up losing or, if they won, only by a hair.
Recording this before the game. Don’t know how they played this time.
This memory got me thinking about the mindset for performance – ultramarathons.
First 50 miles isn’t the challenge. Yes, you need a plan/strategy.
But the true test comes at 73 miles.
The mindset you need at 73 miles is totally different from what you need at 50 miles.
At 73 miles:
You’re running in the dark.
Your feet hurt.
Your legs hurt.
You’re chafing in places you never expected to.
Something unexpected has happened.
You don’t want to eat what you need to.
Your mind is telling you why all of the above will be over if you quit.
What often happens at mile 50 is you get a “confidence cushion.”
You’ve pushed through a few challenges. But you’re doing well. Maybe even ahead of your goal pace.
Like KU – go into half-time w/ a comfortable lead.
Confidence cushion makes your mindset relax.
- Lose focus
- Forget the fundamentals
Remember: Mile 73 is the halfway point.
Ultramarathon mindset is for life
Same happens when you set goals.
Weight loss for example.
Lose 10 pounds or more.
Lose focus.
Social pressure, or decide to reward yourself.
Once, twice, three times
Gain 5 pounds back.
Lose focus.
Neglect the fundamentals.
The strategy for mile 73 and beyond.
- Plan to finish
Set your mind on reaching the outcome you want. Remember your halfway point isn’t mile 50.
- Adapt to changes and challenges
Every race is different. You can’t plan for every contingency. Adapt, improvise, and keep moving forward.
- Focus on the fundamentals.
Ultra: manage fuel, hydration, and energy. Run the mile you are in. Keep moving forward.
This strategy works for any goal you have, in running or in life.
Life is not a sprint, it’s not even a marathon. Life is an ultramarathon.
And you need an ultramarathon mindset to succeed.
As an ultramarathon mindset coach, I work to help you develop these strategies to get you on your way to whatever EPIC THING you want to achieve.
Running 100 mile, writing a book, starting a business, doing stand-up comedy.
What is the thing that makes your soul come alive. That’s your EPIC THING.
Contact me at ultramindsetpodcast.run for a free 25 minute “mindset reset” consultation. I will help you with the biggest obstacle you feel is blocking you.
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