Extreme distances like 100 miles are a head game. Learn how top runners master the toughest trails with mindfulness, humour and the right attitude.
When it comes to ultra runs and distances of 100 miles (around 160 kilometres), most people first think of tough training plans, countless vertical metres and iron discipline. But if you closely follow the reports and interviews of experienced athletes before major events like the Run Rabbit Run 100 in Colorado, you quickly realise: the real magic and the greatest challenge lie in the mental area. Serenity, joy in what you do and a healthy dose of mindfulness are often the deciding factors in reaching the finish line.
How do you approach a race when you start as the defending champion? In an interview with the specialist portal iRunFar, runner Jesse Rich shows a remarkable approach: he sees the event as a playful challenge for his ego. Instead of putting pressure on himself, his goal is simply to go out, run and see what happens. This relaxed approach helps to release the mental block that can be caused by excessively high expectations.
Runner Lauren Puretz, who works as a gynaecologist in her daily life and is a mother of two, also emphasises the importance of this balance. For her, running is a privilege and a balance, not a must. Since she does not have to meet any existential expectations, the sport remains a place of joy and personal challenge for her – even if training and preparation alongside work and family feel like an additional job.
Mental serenity also means accepting nature as it is. In alpine ultra runs, the weather can change quickly. In an interview, Ryan Sullivan reports on a painful lesson from the previous year: he decided against a rain jacket to save weight and promptly ended up in a heavy swamp of sleet and wind. His most important learning for the next adventure was incredibly simple: pack the rain jacket and stay dry. Jeff Mogavero also arrives with a whole selection of rain jackets to be prepared for all eventualities.
Runner Sarah Humble also looks at potential rain forecasts in a relaxed manner. Instead of driving herself crazy beforehand, the motto is: be prepared and take it as it comes. This acceptance takes the fear out of the unknown.
You do not have to sign up for a 100-mile race straight away to benefit from the strategies of the pros. Mental strength and serenity can be cultivated in daily training:
Your takeaway: Mental serenity arises when you let go of the pressure to perform, embrace the adventure and accept nature as it presents itself to you.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.