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★★★★★

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Your body isn’t the problem—your mind is. Ultra runners don’t stop because they’re too tired. They stop because doubt, fear, and hesitation convince them to quit. You’ve trained your legs, lungs, and endurance, but when things get tough, does your mindset hold up? True mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing—deep down—that no matter what happens on race day, you have the resilience, grit, and mental strength to keep moving forward. Unstoppable Ultra Runner is for you if you’re asking: *Why do I lose my confidence when a race gets hard? Learn how to trust yourself and stay mentally strong when it matters most. *How do I stop second-guessing myself before a big race? Develop an unshakable belief in your training and your ability to finish. *What’s the secret to pushing through when It seems impossible? Master the mindset shifts that separate those who stop from those who keep going. *How do I handle setbacks without falling apart? Turn challenges into fuel, so you come back stronger every time. *Why do I always play it safe instead of going after big goals? Break free from self-doubt and run with the confidence to chase what you really want. Hosted by Susan Donnelly, a veteran ultra runner with over 150 100-mile ultra finishes, Unstoppable Ultra Runner gives you the mindset focus you need to run your best races. As a coach, Susan has helped ultra runners of all levels—beginners to veterans—build confidence, increase performance, and go after big goals with a mental game that matches their physical training. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or your fastest time, she’ll help you develop the mental strength to push past limits and run races you’re truly proud of. Follow now and start training the one thing that’s been holding you back. You can connect with Susan at www.susanidonnelly.com

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Check latest episodes from Unstoppable Ultra Runner podcast

Lottery Season is Here! Ready to Run Your Dream Race?

2026/11/12

Ready to have races you’re proud of? The answer isn’t asking more of your body - It’s using the untapped potential of your mind. I can help you harness that potential in my 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners. This is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call

83. Stop Delaying Your Dream Race: You Need a 3-Year Plan

2026/11/11

You've had your eye on a dream race for years, but somehow, every time registration or lottery season comes around, you find another reason to put it off. The timing isn't right, you're not ready, or life gets in the way. You tell yourself you'll do it next year, but next year comes and goes, and you're still no closer to the starting line. I've fallen into this trap myself, and I see it happen to ultrarunners all the time. The problem isn't necessarily your motivation or ability. It's that you're planning one race season at a time instead of looking at the bigger picture. Tune in this week to discover why a 3-year plan could be the missing piece in achieving your ultrarunning goals. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/83 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

82. How to Take On an Ultra That Intimidates You

2026/11/04

Is there an ultra you've been dreaming about running... but just thinking about entering the lottery makes you nervous? Maybe it's a tougher course, a longer distance, or a race with tight cutoffs. You want to take on the challenge, but the thought of actually getting into the race feels overwhelming. If this is you, I want you to listen in. You'll discover how to turn an intimidating ultra into a challenge you know how to approach. I share how to identify what's making the race feel overwhelming, work through the unknowns one by one, and build the confidence to take on a big goal without waiting another year to feel ready. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/82 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

81. The Power of Facing Your Worst-Case Scenario in an Ultra

2026/10/28

What's the one thing you're most afraid of happening in your next ultra? Maybe it's missing a cutoff, getting injured, or wanting to quit when things get tough. Whatever your worst-case scenario is, you probably do everything you can to avoid thinking about it. But what if avoiding that fear is actually giving it more control over your race? Deliberately facing your worst-case scenario can be one of the most powerful things you do to prepare for an ultra. Join me this week to discover how to take the power away from your biggest race fear and approach the starting line with greater confidence. I share how I help ultra runners examine their worst-case scenarios and make a plan for handling them, so they can stop worrying about what might happen and focus on running their best race. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/81 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

80. The Post-Race Blues: Why You Feel Empty After an Ultra

2026/10/21

The post-race blues are something many ultrarunners experience, but most of us simply push through them or sign up for another race to get excited again. The problem is that chasing your next goal doesn't necessarily fix what's missing. In this episode, I'm exploring why that empty feeling happens, how it can affect your motivation for future races, and why the way you celebrate your accomplishments matters more than you might think. Discover how to move past the post-race blues without rushing into your next challenge. I share practical ways to reflect on your race, recognize the wins you might have overlooked, and fully appreciate what you've accomplished so you can carry that confidence into whatever comes next. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/80 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

79. Race Crafting: Plan Your Ultra with Confidence

2026/10/14

Knowing your cutoff times, organizing drop bags, and arranging crew support isn’t the same as having a complete race plan. You also need to know how you’ll handle challenges, make decisions under pressure, and adapt when things don’t go as expected. In this episode, I’m introducing Race Crafting, the race-planning process I’ve developed through more than 150 100-mile finishes and years of coaching other ultrarunners. I share how Race Crafting helped one of my clients finally finish Superior 100 on her fourth attempt after three DNFs, and why having a plan can make such a difference. You’ll discover how to replace race anxiety with confidence, prepare for the unexpected, and arrive at the starting line knowing exactly how you intend to run your race. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/79 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

78. How to Make the Leap from 50 to 100 Miles

2026/10/07

You’ve finished 50 miles, and now you can’t stop thinking about 100. But doubling the distance brings a whole new level of uncertainty. Do you need to run a 100K first? Are you really ready for 100 miles? And how do you prepare for a distance you’ve never experienced before? In this episode, I’m sharing the five things I would focus on if I were making my own leap from 50 to 100 miles again. I show you how to prepare for the challenges ahead so you can make strong decisions, adapt when things don’t go to plan, and give yourself the best chance of running a race you’re proud of. You only get one first 100, and the goal is to make it a triumphant adventure while laying a strong foundation for the 100s still to come. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/78 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

77. Why “Go Out Slow” Isn't a Race Plan

2026/09/30

You promised yourself you’d go out slow. And then the race starts. Everyone around you takes off, and suddenly you’re running faster than you planned because you don’t want to get stuck behind slower runners or feel like you’re already falling behind. Before you know it, the race strategy you meant to follow has disappeared in the first few miles. In this episode, I break down why telling yourself to “go out slow” isn’t enough to keep you from getting swept up in the chaos at the start of an ultra. You’ll learn how to plan for the pressures you’ll face when everyone else takes off, make intentional decisions instead of reacting to the runners around you, and start running your own race from the very first step. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/77 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

76. “I Don't Want to Be Here”: How to Stay in the Race When You Want Out

2026/09/23

There comes a point in some races when you just don’t want to be there anymore. The miles feel monotonous, you desperately want them to be over, and suddenly being anywhere but where you are feels like the only thing you want. In this episode, I share why the urge to escape can become a real problem in an ultra. I explain why wanting out isn’t actually the problem, what the problem really is, and how learning to tolerate those uncomfortable feelings can help you stay in your race, be present even when you’re not having fun, and build the mental strength to keep going when your goal is still miles away. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/76 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

75. Why a Bad Stretch Doesn't Mean Your Race Is Over

2026/09/16

In this episode, I’m breaking down the belief that once your race starts going downhill, it will keep getting worse. I explain why a few difficult miles aren’t enough to predict the rest of your race, why the lows you experience aren’t necessarily the start of a steady decline, and how this assumption can convince you that your race is over before it actually is. Learn how to replace “How am I going to do 40 more miles?” with a much more useful question: “What haven’t I tried yet?” so you can give yourself the chance to climb out of a low, keep moving forward, and discover what you’re actually capable of as an ultra runner. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/75 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

74. Your GPS Watch Is Lying to You

2026/09/09

Your GPS watch gives you pace, distance, heart rate, location, and more data than you could ever need during an ultra. But what happens when those numbers aren’t as accurate as you think they are, or when your brain interprets them in a way that sends you straight into panic? In this episode, I’m exploring why your GPS watch isn’t an infallible source of truth and why more data doesn’t necessarily lead to better decisions on race day. I show you where inaccuracies can creep into your watch data, how your brain turns neutral numbers into potential threats, and why reacting to those numbers without questioning them costs so many ultra runners their confidence, race goals, and even their finish. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/74 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

73. Training Plan Entitlement: The Trap That Can Cost You Your Race

2026/09/02

Training plan entitlement is the belief that choosing and completing the right training plan means you’re owed a good race. In this episode, I’ll show you why this thinking can undermine your self-trust, how handing your decisions and expectations over to a training plan can actually work against you, and what to do instead so you’re prepared to handle whatever happens on race day. Discover how to use your training plan as a tool without letting it make your decisions for you and learn how to build the kind of self-trust that doesn’t depend on having an easy race, but on knowing you can handle a hard one. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/73 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

72. The Top 3 Distractions Stealing Time From Your Race

2026/08/26

If you're constantly worried about cutoff, it's easy to assume you need to train harder or run faster. But you may already have more time available than you realize. The problem is that without noticing it, you could be giving that time away mile after mile to distractions that have nothing to do with getting you to the finish line. In this episode, I share the top three distractions I see stealing runners' attention and valuable race time, and explain how each one pulls your focus away from what you need to be doing right now, whether that's maintaining your pace, fueling consistently, or simply paying attention to the trail in front of you. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/72 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

71. The Infinite Game: A Better Way to Approach Your Ultra Running

2026/08/19

In this episode, I introduce one of the core philosophies behind my coaching: the concept of the infinite game. I explain why viewing ultra running as one long game, rather than a series of make-or-break races, changes everything. No single race can ever be a verdict on your ability, and changing your mindset on this lowers the fear of failure, and helps you race with more confidence, freedom, and enjoyment. When you stop treating every race like the final exam of your ultra running, you free yourself to learn from every experience, and keep growing for years to come. This episode will show you how embracing the infinite game can help you let go of unnecessary pressure, and enjoy the challenge of becoming a better ultra runner one race at a time. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/71 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

70. What Coaching Really Gives You as an Ultrarunner

2026/08/12

We often think coaching is about learning mental skills, improving race execution, or building better plans. But this week, I explain why some of the biggest breakthroughs in ultrarunning come from something much harder to measure: having someone who helps you stop holding yourself back, and gives you permission to chase the goals you really want. Whether you're preparing for your first ultra, returning from a setback, or wondering what's missing in your running, this episode will show you what coaching really gives you as an ultrarunner. I share what my own recovery taught me about the value of coaching, and explain why belief, permission, and consistent support can change far more than your race results. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/70 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

Podcast reviews

Read Unstoppable Ultra Runner podcast reviews

5 out of 5

53 reviews

★★★★★

DogRoco 2026/08/23

Enlightening and Helpful

Susan provides well considered advice and suggestions that give you food for thought about ultrarunning and capabilities. I also have takeaways from ...

★★★★★

Ouachitarunner 2026/06/04

Your gift of encouragement appreciated

You have provided so much encouragement to me at exactly the right times. I hope your are encouraged through your recovery journey. Stay focused stay ...

★★★★★

AngelaT! 2026/05/02

Love this podcast!

Always great information. I find myself taking notes! I listen to each podcast twice. I always find something the second time around that I didn’t ca...

★★★★★

FerlinghettiGirl 2026/04/22

Thank you!!!

I’m training for my first ultra 50 miles for 50 years around the sun, and this podcast has been such an inspiration and so often a relief to hear I’m ...

★★★★★

alexinohio88 2025/08/03

Best Running Podcast

This is the best running podcast I’ve found! I check daily for new episodes and connect so well to all of them. Susan has a way to cut the fluff and g...

★★★★★

HardRockMom21 2025/05/19

Practical advise

Easy to listen to and understand. Good advice for all of life’s problems.

★★★★★

Caligirl5683 2025/05/03

It’s your mind!

I am not an ultra runner-yet! I have aspirations of doing this. I have ran several marathons-some great and some not so great. I have always had the a...

★★★★★

Cowbell Fever 2025/05/02

Become the Version of me that Finishes, Wins!

Only three episodes in and I’m already thankful to have Susan’s words echoing in my mind. I have had a couple of DNSes for my very favorite races late...

★★★★★

@scottykummer 2025/05/02

Great Idea

This is so great. I’m glad you are sharing your infinite wisdom with this in podcast form. Excited to follow on your podcast journey!!

★★★★★

CN from SF 2025/05/02

Celebrating!

I love the way Susan's stories are so relatable. She boldy talks about tough momemts in ultrarunning, and shares her wisdom. Her podcast gives practic...

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