What does it really mean to train your mind like an athlete?

In this episode of The People Run Podcast, sports psychologist Maggie Goodman breaks down the mental tools that fuel performance from everyday runners to competitive athletes. We dive into self talk, imagery, body image, stress recovery, and how to build a process focused mindset that holds up through setbacks, injury, and race day pressure.

If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, burnout, or pushing too hard too fast this one’s for you.

🎧 Topics we cover:
• The power of self-talk (and how to reframe it)
• Imagery for confidence, clarity, and race prep
• Why runners struggle with overtraining and burnout
• Body image and identity beyond the sport
• How to celebrate small wins that fuel motivation
• The role of routine and recovery in high performance
• Mental skills that make you resilient long-term

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sports Psychology in Running
03:23 Maggie's Journey into Sports Psychology
05:39 The Importance of Mindset in Fitness Goals
07:17 Transforming Weight Loss Goals into Meaningful Objectives
09:38 Common Trends Among Runners Training for Chicago Marathon
12:23 Self-Talk Strategies for Runners
15:06 Preparing for Race Day Challenges
19:47 Mental Strategies for Endurance Running
25:32 The Role of Self-Talk and Cognitive Distortions
31:33 Body Image and Self-Acceptance in Athletes
36:36 The Impact of Social Media on Athletic Identity
40:36 The Importance of Expertise in Sports Psychology
41:02 Structuring Your Day for Success
42:56 The Role of Stress Recovery in Performance
47:34 Mental Skills for Runners
51:27 The Power of Imagery in Sports Psychology
56:07 Resources for Aspiring Athletes
58:24 Maggie's Journey and Future Plans
01:01:47 Closing

Follow:
IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Maggie:
IG: instagram.com/mag.goodman/
mgoodmanperformance.com/

Sofie Schunk is a biomechanical engineer, run coach, and Olympic Trials Qualifier living with type 1 diabetes. In this episode, she opens up about chasing the OTQ, crashing mid race, and coming back six weeks later to qualify. We talk fueling, coaching philosophy, strength training, mindset and what it takes to keep going when life gets chaotic.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sophie Schunk
01:49 Sofie's Journey into Running
02:57 Navigating Type 1 Diabetes and Sports
05:10 Transitioning from Soccer to Long-Distance Running
11:50 The Shift to Endurance Challenges
14:07 Early Marathon Experiences and Surprising Success
17:44 Running Without a Watch: A New Perspective
20:13 Balancing Life, Work, and Running
23:29 Balancing Training and Coaching Responsibilities
25:47 Managing Expectations and Fitness Levels
26:56 Glucose Monitoring and Nutrition Strategies
32:14 Family and Community Support in Athletics
35:04 The Birth of Embrace the Grind
38:55 Coaching Philosophies and Athlete Management
46:20 Common Challenges in Marathon Training
47:46 Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in Training
51:09 The Journey to Olympic Trials
55:33 Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
58:59 Mindset and Motivation in Sports
01:05:02 Inspiring Others and Future Goals
01:12:11 Closing

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/

YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast

Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Follow Sofie Schunk:

Instagram - instagram.com/runswithinsulin/
Coaching Website - https://www.letsembracethegrind.com/

Listen, rate, and share if you enjoyed this story. Every episode features everyday runners balancing life, work, and big goals because The People Run.

Dan Marchese has run sub 3 Hr marathons, conquered 100 milers, and still isn’t done. In this episode, we dive into Dan’s transformation from Olympic weightlifting to endurance racing, his tough mindset, strength training for runners, coaching philosophy, and how he’s training to win a Last Man Standing ultra. If you're chasing big goals, this one will light a fire.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dan Marchese and His Journey
07:24 The Transformation from Weightlifting to Running
13:19 Experiences in Ultra Marathons and Early Races
20:45 The Balance of Strength Training and Running
28:13 Becoming a Coach and Mentorship in Running
34:42 Training for 100-Mile Races: A Weekly Overview
37:19 Building the Mindset for Ultra Running
39:10 Comparing Ultra Marathons and Sub-3 Hour Marathons
41:40 The Mental Game of Endurance Racing
42:10 The Importance of Naps in Ultra Running
45:04 Family Support in Endurance Sports
46:12 Finding Inspiration in Influential Figures
50:11 Creating Content and Sharing the Journey
57:09 Pursuing Passion and Personal Growth
01:02:51 Future Goals and Upcoming Races
01:09:38 Closing

Follow:

IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/

YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcast

Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/

Guest Dan:

instagram.com/danmarchese_/

infinitebrandcoaching.myshopify.com/

Listen, rate, and share if you enjoyed this story. Every episode features everyday runners balancing life, work, and big goals because The People Run.