How Mentally Strong Runners Navigate Injury & Races with Claire Bartholic

How Mentally Strong Runners Navigate Injury & Races with Claire BartholicLearn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨ Mental strength is one of the most overlooked aspects of running performance. Most runners spend countless hours improving their fitness, strength, and nutrition, yet rarely dedicate any time to training their mindset. In this episode, Brodie sits down with running coach and host of The Planted Runner podcast, Claire Bartholic, to discuss the science of cognitive conditioning and how runners can develop greater confidence, resilience, and emotional control.Whether you're struggling with race-day anxiety, negative self-talk, fear of re-injury, or the emotional challenges of a long-term setback, Claire shares practical strategies that can help you train your brain just as deliberately as you train your body.In this episode, you'll learn: What cognitive conditioning is and why it matters for runners  How your self-talk influences performance and confidence  Why race-day nerves aren't necessarily a bad thing  The difference between mental strength and simply "thinking positive"  How to stop spiralling after a missed workout  Practical techniques to manage anxiety before races  Why confidence is built through action, not waiting to feel ready  How runners can better cope with injury setbacks  Strategies to overcome fear of re-injury  The importance of focusing on what you can control  Why your identity as a runner can become problematic during injury  How small wins build self-trust and long-term resilience  The science behind repetition, neuroplasticity, and mindset training Key Takeaways Your brain believes what you repeatedly tell it.  Mental strength can be trained just like fitness.  Confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you build.  Injury recovery becomes easier when you focus on what you can do rather than what you can't.  Race-day anxiety often reflects how much you care, not a weakness.  The way you respond to emotions matters more than the emotions themselves. Resources & LinksLearn more about Claire and her work:The Planted Runner InstaBegin With 10 ProgramThe Planted Runner Website