Dr. Justin Ross is a clinical psychologist and the Director of Workplace Wellbeing at the University of Colorado Health Hospital. He is also a competitive athlete, having qualified for the Boston Marathon 6 times. Dr. Ross has also competed in two Ironman 70.3 distance races, and recently completed the Leadville 100-mile mountain bike race.

Our discussion today focuses on the essential components of mental toughness, and is full of practical advice that you can use in your own training:

The varying definitions of mental toughness
What doesn't work: classic mistakes athletes make when trying to become mentally tough
Learning how to normalize the voice of doubt we all face
What is attentional control and how can we use it for more focused workouts?
How do our daily experiences contribute to mental toughness?
Do non-sport specific activities (like ice baths) build mental toughness?

Mental training is such an important component of finding success as an endurance athlete. I hope our conversation can help you take your training to the next level!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you Previnex!

We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

Thank You InsideTracker!

We’re sponsored by InsideTracker, a company that’s been around for more than 10 years to help you optimize your health, longevity, and performance. To live your healthiest, longest life possible, you need to understand what’s going on inside your body. People age at different speeds. And generic, annual blood work doesn’t properly evaluate your biological age. But InsideTracker does.

InsideTracker is a truly personalized nutrition and performance system, designed to extend your health span and slow down the aging process. Created by leading scientists in aging, genetics, and biometrics, InsideTracker analyzes your blood, DNA, and fitness tracking data to identify where you’re optimized—and where you’re not.

With InsideTracker, you get a daily Action Plan with personalized guidance on the right exercise, nutrition, and supplementation for your body. Add InnerAge 2.0 to any plan to calculate your true biological age, and see how you’re aging from the inside out. For a limited time, get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store!

291. Dr. Justin Ross on Mental Toughness, Psychological Skill-Building, and Confidence

The Strength Running Podcast

291. Dr. Justin Ross on Mental Toughness, Psychological Skill-Building, and Confidence