E20: Psychological Scar Tissue: Rebuilding Trust After a Tough Race

In this episode of Rise & Shine, we explore a challenge every endurance athlete faces but few talk about: psychological scar tissue.Using the story of a female ultra runner who experienced cramps and loss of control on a hot, rugged course, we dive into why the nervous system remembers moments of overwhelm as threat long after the race is over. You’ll learn why effort can feel heavier than it should, why your body may feel untrustworthy in familiar conditions, and how the mind sometimes hesitates even when fitness is there.More importantly, this episode gives you actionable strategies to rebuild trust in your body, including naming the threat, restoring agency, practicing controlled exposure, and creating new evidence in training. Whether you’re tackling a trail ultra, a marathon in the heat, or any challenging race, this episode will help you move past mental barriers and approach tough courses with confidence and self-trust.Want to learn about Ascend Human Performance Coaching? Visit us at www.ascendhumanperformancecoaching.com.