Mantras, Marathons & the Mental side of Hard Things with Alyssa Clark

I sit down with pro ultrarunner Alyssa Clark to talk about racing at the highest level, dealing with self-worth and performance, and why hallucinating pandas might be a sign you're doing something right.

Follow Alyssa online:

Substack: https://substack.com/@alyssaclark3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theory_in_motion/

Alyssa just won the legendary Hurt 100 and holds the Supported FKT on the Pinhoti Trail, but her journey to the top has been anything but easy. We dive into her start in ultras (skipping the marathon entirely), the challenges of racing in Europe, the reality of going pro, and the game-changing impact of working with a mental coach.

We also get into the weeds on topics like hydration strategy, sleep deprivation, why pacers and crew can be tricky, and how Strava sometimes kills the vibe. Alyssa opens up about running 95 marathons in 95 days, starting her Substack "Theorizing in Motion," and building a life around motion—both literally and creatively.

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Whether you're into 200 milers, mental performance, or just love hearing real talk from someone who’s been through the highs and lows of this sport, this one's packed with insight, humor, and straight-up honesty.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.