259. Landon Hildebrand, Registered Psychologist | Beyond PRs: Rethinking Psychological Health in Running

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Landon Hildebrand is an Edmonton-based Registered Psychologist, trail runner, and co-owner of Approach Psychology.

When Landon first joined me on the podcast, he introduced the idea of joy as a motivator. This time, he takes that concept further — reframing joy as a litmus test for psychological health in both running and life.

What makes this conversation especially powerful is the perspective Landon brings. Last time, he spoke mainly as a psychologist who happens to be an athlete. This time, he shows up first as an athlete — one who also happens to be a psychologist. With honesty and vulnerability, Landon shares the personal health challenges and stresses he’s faced over the past year, and how they’ve forced him to re-examine his relationship with sport, self, and well-being.

Together, we explore:

• Why being psychologically healthy doesn’t always look like PRs or “successful” races
• How big, unplanned life events can be catalysts for deeper healing and growth
• How therapy buzzwords — safety, trust, peace, freedom, vulnerability, curiosity — play out in real life
• Why applying these principles often takes much longer than simply learning them
• How joy can serve as a compass when we feel stuck or lost

Landon’s blend of humour, insight, and personal reflection makes this a deeply relatable episode for anyone navigating the ups and downs of running and life beyond the pursuit of PRs.

Connect with Landon:

• Register for his Endurance Mind online workshop Nov 19th: https://tinyurl.com/53bub6ek
• Instagram: @approachpsychology and @landon_ approachpsych
• Website: approachpsych.ca
• Landon's first episode on Inspired Soles: Elevating Your Mental Game

Connect with Carolyn:

• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin

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