How to Build Mental Resilience for Endurance Performance | #58 ft. Neal Palles

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Neil Palles, an ultra running coach and psychotherapist, to discuss mental flexibility for endurance athletes. We explore the role of fear and anxiety in protecting athletes, the importance of mental health and performance, and the connection between endurance sports and real-life resilience. Neil shares his background as a therapist and mental performance coach, and how he helps athletes overcome psychological challenges specific to sport and competition. We also discuss the use of imagery and self-talk in enhancing mental performance. This conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and the ability to pivot and adapt in order to overcome challenges. We also emphasize the importance of mental flexibility and positive self-talk in achieving resilience and success. About Neal: Neal Palles is a licensed clinical social worker with dual training as a psychotherapist and mental performance coach. Neal lives and works in Longmont, Colorado just outside of Boulder. As a therapist he specializes in providing therapy to athletes who may be struggling with a range of life issues from anxiety, to depression, managing life stresses such as work and school as well as athlete specific issues surrounding injury, change in career, as well as struggles with coach and team dynamics.   As a mental performance coach he seeks to help athletes elevate and enhance performance through the development of psychological skills as well as to help athletes overcome psychological challenges specific to sport and competition. Neal works with a range of athletes in different sports but has a strong affinity to endurance and mountain sports. Neal is an accomplished marathoner and ultra endurance athlete and can often be found running and biking around Leadville, Colorado in the summer. TAKEAWAYS - Fear and anxiety are normal and serve to protect athletes, but it's important to develop mental flexibility to overcome them. - Mental health and mental performance are interconnected, and optimizing mental performance in endurance sports can translate to other aspects of life. - Psychotherapy and mental performance coaching can help athletes overcome psychological challenges and enhance their performance. Enjoying these podcasts, subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want us to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Follow Neal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nealpalles/ Or visit his website - https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and the Role of Fear and Anxiety 13:23 The Connection Between Mental Health and Performance 34:23 Embracing Fear and Discomfort 41:36 The Power of Adaptability 50:34 Continual Growth and Development 01:02:12 Observing Thoughts and Self-Talk KEYWORDS mental flexibility, endurance athletes, fear, anxiety, mental health, mental performance, psychotherapy, sport, resilience, imagery, self-talk, fear, discomfort, growth, success, anxiety, self-protection, perfectionism, imperfection, failure, self-awareness, pivot, adapt, mental flexibility, positive self-talk, resilience