Coach’s Corner: A little advice from one of CBM’s coach!

Alright, ultra runners, let’s talk about the real beast of an ultra: your brain. Sure, your legs gotta churn out those 32, 50, 100, or more miles, but it’s your headspace that’ll make or break you when the trails get gnarly. Welcome to the CBM (Can’t Be Mad) style guide to getting your mind ready to tackle an ultra marathon like a champ. We’re diving into why mental grit matters, some science-y bits to back it up, and practical tips to keep you going through the pain.

Why Mental Prep is the Real MVP

Imagine you’re 70 miles deep, your quads are yelling, it’s getting dark, and your brain’s whispering, “Why are we doing this?” Ultra marathons aren’t just about physical stamina. They’re a mental marathon, too. Tons of runners DNF not because their body quits, but because their mind checks out. Whether you’re a trail veteran or a newbie eyeing that first ultra, getting your head right is the key to crossing the finish line. Let’s break it down with some knowledge and tips to keep you locked in.

The Lowdown: Why Your Brain Has to Be as Tough

So, what’s the deal with mental prep? Ultra running is a long haul; hours, sometimes days, of slogging through dirt, rocks, or rain. Mental fatigue is real; it messes with your decision-making and makes every step feel like you’re carrying a fridge. Science says stuff like goal-setting, picturing yourself crushing it (aka visualization), and hyping yourself up with self-talk can legit boost your endurance game.

Here’s the tea:

Expect the Suck: Low moments, like cramps or wanting to nap in a bush, are coming. Prepping for them means you won’t freak out when they hit.
Fuel Your Mood: Feeling like trash often means you’re low on calories or water. Tie your mental check-ins to your snack breaks to keep the vibes going.
Build That Grit: The more you push through tough runs in training, the tougher your mind gets. It’s like leveling up your mental stamina for life, not just races.

Basically, your brain has to be as ready as your body to handle the ultra chaos. Now, let’s get to the good stuff: how to actually do it.

CBM Coaching Tips: How to Get Your Mind Ultra-Ready

Ready to train your brain to be as badass as your quads? Here’s the CBM playbook for building mental toughness that’ll carry you through any ultra.

Chunk It Up, Fam: Don’t stress about the whole 100 miles. Break that race into bite-sized pieces. Think aid stations, a couple hours, or even “get to that big tree.” Focus on the now with some chill self-talk like “just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Practice this on long runs to make it second nature.
Own Your Why and Embrace the Grind: Know why you’re out there. Maybe it’s for your squad, to prove something, or just because you love the adventure. When it gets rough, lean into that. Train in crap weather or push past tired to get comfy with discomfort.
Picture the W: Spend a few minutes before runs imagining the course, hills, mud, all of it, and see yourself handling it like a boss. This preps your brain to stay cool when sh*t gets real.
Hack the Lows: When you’re feeling like garbage, have a go-to routine: Take a deep breath, sip some water, munch a gel, maybe walk a bit. Play a game in your head, distract yourself from the suck. Tie your mental reset to your fueling to snap out of it quick.
Stay Chill, Build Grit: Set goals you can hit but don’t trip if things go sideways. Keep pushing through tough training runs without bailing to build that mental muscle. Slowly crank up your “time on feet” to get used to the long haul.

So, there you go. Your CBM guide to owning the mental game in ultra running. Start small, practice these tips on your runs, and watch your brain become as tough as your trail shoes! Lace up, stay focused, and go destroy some miles!

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