Ultra running isn’t just about logging miles; it’s about mastering your mindset with mental training. As races get tougher and distances stretch longer, mental resilience has become just as crucial as physical conditioning.

Whether you’re prepping for your first ultramarathon, aiming for a top finish in a 100-mile race or taking on a life changing ultra challenge, developing a strong mentality game can be the key to your success.

Why Mental Training is Essential for Ultra Endurance

Many ultra marathon runners have learned the hard way: your body might be ready, but if your mind isn’t, you won’t finish. And in 2025, the ultra-running community is more aware than ever of the importance of mental endurance.

Here are my 3 key reasons mental training matters:

Race conditions are unpredictable: From forestry trails to mountain trails, hot weather to cold weather, sun to rain to snow, mental adaptability is critical.

Training evolution: Runners are incorporating more recovery methods, doing more cross-training, and cognitive work than ever before.

Mental fatigue: Mental exhaustion leads to reduced performance in ultra trail races and ultimately success rate.

You wouldn’t toe the line of a 100 miler without physical training, so why neglect your mental training plan? After a few years of trial and error in my training and many ultra races later, here’s how I have built my mental toughness for ultra marathons:

Here are 5 proven methods I use to train my mindset for ultras:

1. Run Without Distractions

Leave your headphones at home, especially on long training runs. No music, no podcasts, nothing. Learn to embrace silence and boredom, just like during those lonely nighttime miles at mile 70. I rarely take headphones out on my training runs and never listen to music or podcasts in races. This allows me to focus on breathing rhythm, running technique and keeping my heart rate under control. And when things get tough this is what trains your mindset to get comfortable doing difficult things.

2. Know Your ‘Why’

Before a training block and certainly before race day, write down your personal reasons for running and for taking on this race. Keep them close, literally. Tape them to your drop bag, save them as your screen saver on your phone or even write them on your wrist. I’ve found purpose helps carry me through the darkest and hardest miles, late in a race.

3. Train in Tough Conditions

You’ve heard the saying ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’. Purposefully add challenges to your runs: run in bad weather, include night running alone, run after low sleep, run on depleted energy. I’ve found by simulating discomfort in training, I desensitised my brain to stress during actual races, I’ve become comfortable when things are tough.

4. Practice Mindfulness Daily

Even just five minutes a day can significantly improve your ability to manage race-day stress. I introduced an ice bath to my recovery routine 2 years ago and use the 5 minutes in there to really switch the noise off and find calm in my head. Other alternatives include using apps like Headspace or Calm to build focus and body awareness.

5. Use Mental Visualisation

Visualisation really helps breaking the journey down for me. The days leading into a race I visualise the finish line, crossing it and receiving that 100-mile buckle. I visualise the journey, running through different race scenarios: hydration issues, trail setbacks, pushing through fatigue. I prepare my mind to cope with difficult situations, so it isn’t a surprise when it happens.

In ultra running, the true finish line isn’t always at mile 100, it’s in your mind. By integrating mental training into your weekly routine, you’re not just preparing to finish, you’re preparing to thrive.

No matter how daunting the distance, your strongest asset will always be the power of your mind. Believe in it, and there are no limits to how far you can go.