If you plan to run in the toughest endurance races, you need to prepare your body to endure the physical stress. But how do you psych yourself up to withstand the tremendous mental pressure that could mean the difference between crossing the finish line and a DNF? Look no further than Mental Training for Ultrarunning. In Mental Training for Ultrarunning, sport psychology consultant Addie Bracy combines her firsthand coaching and running experience, and those of fellow ultrarunners, to explain how to identify, confront, and overcome the most common and consistent causes for psychological breakdowns during training and competition. You will learn techniques to help you prepare for the mental and emotional challenges, including how to control your nerves and manage your stress response so that you approach the start line feeling confident, calm, and collected; cope with the physical discomfort and extreme exhaustion of competition; stay in the present, and maintain your focus, in the face of adversity; manage doubts and control negative self-talk; and respond to setbacks and roadblocks with a positive, action-oriented approach. You will also hear from successful ultrarunners about the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. Best of all, you will find more than 35 activities designed to help you cultivate and strengthen the skills needed to run with confidence. Whether you're training for your first ultra or looking to compete at a higher level, Mental Training for Ultrarunning will prepare you for the good, the bad, and the worst experiences you might encounter on the trail and track. With expert guidance from athletes who have seen it all, you will learn how to train your mind and achieve your ultimate running goals. Book jacket.