The Top 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (And How to Beat Them)

Backyard ultras aren’t won by the strongest runner. They’re won by the runner who can manage their mind hour after hour. In this episode, I break down the five most common mental traps backyard runners fall into and exactly how to avoid them so you can stay in the race long after everyone else is breaking.

You’ll learn why thinking too far ahead destroys your focus, how comparison steals your energy, and why treating normal discomfort like an emergency leads to early taps. We also cover the danger of the “early comfort lie” and how skipping nutrition or maintenance in those first few hours can torpedo your entire race. And finally, I explain the infamous exit narrative. The mental story your brain builds to convince you it’s okay to quit and how to shut it down with clear, predetermined rules.

If you want the full written guide with actionable fixes for all five traps, grab your free copy of The Top 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s staying mentally steady enough to give yourself a real chance. Just one more hour.

Takeaways

Backyard ultras are primarily a mental challenge.

Runners often mentally tap out before they physically can.

Focusing on the present moment is crucial for endurance.

Comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary doubt.

Catastrophizing discomfort can derail your race.

Early comfort can lead to neglecting nutrition and hydration.

The mind creates convincing narratives to justify quitting.

Having a predetermined list of reasons to stop can help.

Training your mindset is as important as physical training.

Staying in the game is key to achieving your goals.

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

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🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

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