These are some books I've found helpful on the theory & mental prep side of things:
I've been dipping in and out of some of these books for a few years. I'm a super slow reader so to make sure I hadn't missed any key points I used Chat GPT to summarise each book and then asked it for applications in training for and running a 1,000 mile ultra. A quick way to consolidate learning & catch stuff I've missed.
Some of the key take-aways for me from these books are:
Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance - Brilliant book esp the concept that perception of effort matters more than physical limits. This is super powerful & I've used this in ultra runs before. Eg If there are sections of route you have run, your brain can over-ride your body and tell it that it was fine last time so you can do it this time. (I've been trying to do a fair bit of training on the route, mainly for this reason).
Practice of Groundedness - Break it down. It's about the next mile, the next step, the next breath & getting to the next checkpoint. Not worrying about 1030 miles. Live in the moment. Also lean on your support system & give back to others - stronger together.
Mindset - A simple concept around the benefits of a "Growth Mindset". Applications have included recognising when to use the word "yet". Eg I am not very good at doing one-legged squats on the Vibro plate in the gym...YET. Really growing & learning from mistakes. Many of mine involve forgetting things, which links to...
Black Box Thinking - Use checklists. I'm planning on having a checklist for start of day, lunchtime & end of day. Thus I won't be sitting in the van at start of day expending nervous energy on what I might have forgotten (to do). => Greater confidence and having a system for not forgetting important things when fatigued.
Passion Paradox - Be process oriented (and enjoy the process) not outcome obsessed. Don't attach identity to achievement. Also a recognition that following a passion is incompatible with balance. (Was I just after that as a "confirmation bias" to stop work?)
Peak Performance - Be clear on your "why?" True progress happens during recovery not just effort. Training in challenging conditions. (Two of my long training weeks involved extremes - The snow in Wales in November and the 35c heat of altitude training on the equator in Tanzania. Not expecting to have more extreme weather than that on RunBrit).
Do Hard Things - Embracing discomfort & training for it. Train yourself to make independent decisions under stress. Build confidence through preparation. Eg Long solo runs unsupported.
Grit (not pictured) - Effort over talent: You don't need to be the fastest, you need to be the one who refuses to quit. Long term focus: Train consistently & trust the process. Take RunBrit one mile at a time.
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