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Unstoppable Ultra Runner

Susan Donnelly

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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35 episodes
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Wednesday · 15 min
82. How to Take On an Ultra That Intimidates You
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
October 28 · 23 min
81. The Power of Facing Your Worst-Case Scenario in an Ultra
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
October 21 · 20 min
80. The Post-Race Blues: Why You Feel Empty After an Ultra
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
October 14 · 23 min
79. Race Crafting: Plan Your Ultra with Confidence
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
October 12 · 4 min
Race Crafting: How to Build Your Ultramarathon Plan Before Race Day
You’ve trained for months, prepared your gear, and mapped out your nutrition and aid station strategy. But have you actually planned how you’re going to run your race? In this episode, I’m introducing Race Crafting, my signature process for building a complete ultramarathon race plan. Through this coaching package, we’ll create your pacing strategy, map out your course, prepare for challenges, and build a mental plan for the moments when things get hard. You’ll leave with a roadmap for your race and a clearer understanding of the decisions you’ll make along the way. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here I can't wait to work with you!
October 7 · 18 min
78. How to Make the Leap from 50 to 100 Miles
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
September 30 · 16 min
77. Why “Go Out Slow” Isn't a Race Plan
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
September 23 · 16 min
76. “I Don't Want to Be Here”: How to Stay in the Race When You Want Out
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
September 16 · 18 min
75. Why a Bad Stretch Doesn't Mean Your Race Is Over
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
September 9 · 21 min
74. Your GPS Watch Is Lying to You
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
September 2 · 22 min
73. Training Plan Entitlement: The Trap That Can Cost You Your Race
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
August 26 · 14 min
72. The Top 3 Distractions Stealing Time From Your Race
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
August 19 · 19 min
71. The Infinite Game: A Better Way to Approach Your Ultra Running
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
August 12 · 21 min
70. What Coaching Really Gives You as an Ultrarunner
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: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
August 5 · 21 min
69. "My Body Betrayed Me" (The Poisonous Thought Hurting Your Ultrarunning)
After a disappointing race, it's easy to look for someone or something to blame. You trained hard. You followed the plan. You did everything you could. So when your race falls apart, the thought, "My body betrayed me," can feel completely justified. But what if that seemingly harmless thought is quietly damaging your confidence, your motivation, and your future as an ultrarunner? This week, discover how to evaluate a disappointing race without turning against yourself, why taking responsibility gives you more control instead of less, and how building trust with your body can help you race with more confidence for years to come. If you've ever walked away from a race feeling like your body let you down, this episode will give you a healthier, stronger way to move forward. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/69 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
July 29 · 18 min
68. The Goal That Feels Safe vs. The Goal You Want
There's a moment before every race where you make a bet on yourself, and most runners don't realize they're making it. Do you go after the goal you really want, knowing you might not achieve it? Or do you choose the goal that feels safer because you're afraid of falling short? That one decision shapes how you approach your race before you ever reach the starting line and says far more about what you believe you're capable of than most ultra runners realize. In this episode, I explore why so many ultra runners hold themselves back before the race even begins. I break down the hidden cost of choosing the safe goal, why fear often disguises itself as being realistic, and how the goal you choose influences your race strategy, your confidence, and the relationship you build with yourself as an ultra runner. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/68 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
July 22 · 19 min
67. There Is No Right Way to Do Ultrarunning
What if the biggest thing holding you back in ultrarunning isn't your fitness, your training, or your mindset, but a set of rules you never consciously agreed to? Many of us unknowingly carry beliefs about what an ultrarunner is supposed to do, what races we're supposed to run, how much we're supposed to suffer, or what success is supposed to look like. Over time, those expectations can quietly turn a sport we love into something that feels heavy. In this episode, hear some of the most common assumptions in ultrarunning that may be stealing your enjoyment of the sport, and discover what becomes possible when you stop chasing someone else's version of ultrarunning and start defining your own. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/67 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
July 15 · 18 min
66. Making Big Race Decisions When There Is No Right Answer
You've been training hard for a race when suddenly, an unexpected setback forces you to rethink your plans and you’re faced with a decision that feels impossible. Do you push through an injury and hope for the best? Downgrade your distance? Skip an event you've been training for all year? Every option has risks, the clock is ticking, and the pressure to make the "right" choice leaves you feeling completely stuck in decision paralysis. This episode will give you a practical way to stop spinning in indecision, let go of the need for certainty, and move forward with far less wasted mental energy. You'll discover how to stop second-guessing every option, make big race decisions with confidence, and choose the path that moves you closer to your goals. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/66 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
July 8 · 16 min
65. Why Finishing Your Race Isn't Selfish (Even When You're Last)
Have you ever considered dropping out of a race because you felt guilty for making everyone wait on you? You realize you're the last runner on the course, the aid station is packing up, and you don't want to keep the volunteers waiting any longer, especially when they've already given up their weekend to help. In this episode, I unpack one of the most common and powerful mindset traps ultra runners face: believing you're inconveniencing volunteers, your crew, or the race director by staying in the race. I explain why those thoughts feel so convincing, what volunteers, crew members, and race directors really feel about you staying in the race, and how changing the way you think about receiving help can transform your entire race experience. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/65 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Do you have a big race coming up? I can help you make the most of all that training. My signature, proven process for planning a race is now open for registration. It’s called Race Crafting and it gives you four one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Go to https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/race-crafting to learn more. Register and Learn More About Race Crafting Here
July 1 · 2 min
Train Your Mind to Race as Well as Your Body
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

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