Trail running helps athletes overcome physical, psychological, emotional, and environmental challenges by building mental toughness. Licenced psychologist and ultrarunner Darcy Piceu advises dividing goals into digestible portions and using simple management tools…
Trail running offers a new perspective on beloved spots and improves mental peace, making it an exciting way to enjoy outdoor activities. Over 10,000 runners spend 20 to 46 hours running, sleeping, and eating on the path to finish the 100-mile Ultra-path du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) competition in Chamonix, France, the Super Bowl of trail running.
Ultraathletes need strong motivation to keep going and do whatever it takes. Ultra-marathoners like Katie Asmuth use mental toughness to overcome physical, psychological, emotional, and environmental challenges. Darcy Piceu, a licensed psychologist, 20-year professional ultrarunner, and two-time UTMB winner, recommends reducing goals into digestible portions and using a calendar to stay on track to reach this peak of mental toughness.
Success in business and sports requires consistency. We have the energy and tenacity to achieve a desired objective, but as we steadily go forward, we learn what works and what doesn’t. With maturity or experience, we listen more inwardly and outwardly and course correct to stay consistent.
Asmuth’s consistency comes from ambiguity. Running 100 miles needs courage regardless of speed or experience. They enjoy the unknown and view obstacles as opportunities to problem-solve and learn about themselves.
Piceu proposes a mindset shift to be consistent if stuck. She kept active by gravel biking and skiing when she wasn’t running or training, and she did the same with her business. If motivation wanes and things get boring, try something new to stay consistent.
Long-term success requires perseverance and fortitude to achieve goals despite obstacles. Trail runners like Piceu and Asmuth are resilient, flexible, and optimistic. Being adaptable and loving training, running, and working through challenging times is key to perseverance.
Asmuth proposes switching kids to workout with your networks. Athletic performance and personal growth require rest and rehabilitation. Sleep is the ultimate recuperation technique, because slowing down helps you speed up.
Joining something bigger is another important lesson. Piceu represents Smartwool, which provides Merino wool socks and clothing for weekend warriors and elite runners. Saucony sponsors Asmuth and makes top-notch running shoes and apparel. Trail running has taught her to trust her team, be open, and be adaptable.
In life and business, being with like-minded people may be encouraging. Ultra-athletes teach problem-solving, prioritization, time management, flexibility, and logistics. These skills can be applied to all facets of life, and running offers highs and lows, a full human experience.
Conclusion
A common way to improve outdoor activities and mental toughness is trail running. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in Chamonix, France, is the Super Bowl of trail running, with over 10,000 runners spending 20 to 46 hours running, sleeping, and eating to finish 100 km. Ultra-athletes need motivation to overcome physical, psychological, emotional, and environmental challenges.
Licenced psychologist, 20-year ultrarunner, and two-time UTMB winner Darcy Piceu advises reducing goals into digestible parts and using a calendar to stay on track. Success in business and sports requires consistency. Trail runners are resilient, flexible, and optimistic.
Asmuth advises connecting with networks to watch each other’s kids for training, and rest and recovery are crucial for athletic performance and personal growth. With Piceu as a Smartwool ambassador and Asmuth sponsored by Saucony, being part of something broader is another important lesson.
Ultra-athletes teach problem-solving, prioritization, time management, flexibility, and logistics. These skills can be applied to all facets of life, and running offers highs and lows, a full human experience.
