When Your Mind Says Stop — How to Reframe Your Thoughts and Keep Moving Forward
In this episode Rob dives deep into one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in running: reframing.
When fatigue hits, when the mind wants to quit, or when a long run feels impossible, reframing lets you change the meaning of what’s happening — and that changes your experience. It’s not about pretending it’s easy; it’s about choosing a different lens to see it through.
Rob breaks down how reframing works from both a brain and performance perspective, drawing from:
Professor Steven Peters’ Chimp Paradox model — and why managing your “chimp” matters mid-race
The science from Giles et al. (2018) showing how reframing reduced perceived effort during endurance exercise
The link between the prefrontal cortex, oxygenation, and your ability to stay calm, logical, and focused
And how to access the flow state — where running feels effortless and free — by “feeling more, thinking less.”
Then, Rob shares a full toolkit of reframes inspired by NLP, coaching, and mindset research — simple phrases that can change everything when your mind is screaming to stop.
You’ll Learn:
How the brain responds under pressure — and how to stay in the human brain, not the chimp
Why reframing lowers perceived effort and keeps motivation high
10+ practical running reframes you can use instantly
How to practice reframing in training so it’s automatic on race day
A new way to think about pain, fatigue, and limits
Key Quotes:
“Runners who reframed rated the same hard run as easier — nothing changed physically, only mentally.”
“When fatigue says ‘I can’t,’ answer back with ‘I won’t quit.’ That flips control back to you.”
“Reframing is about choice: the run is the same, but how you talk to yourself changes everything.”
Learn more about Pete Shaw’s excellent NLP training (and more) here:
https://www.scaryandexciting.com
Read the full study from the episode here:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6232759/
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47:56
Benn Coubrough: Coast to Kosci Reigning Champion and Australian Ultra Running Legend
Benn Coubrough is a top Australian ultra-trail runner, coach, and awesome human. In this interview, we learn about his journey from personal challenges and family influence to elite racing. Benn shares his ‘three Ds’ philosophy — desire, determination, discipline — plus insights on training, strength work, nutrition, and race-day mindset. Highlights include his 2024 Coast to Kosci victory, UTMB and Tarawera experiences, DNFs, and preparation for the Moab 240 mile in October 2025.
Learn from Benn's practical advice on building consistency, adapting during races, strength training, and planning for ultra events.
Follow Benn on Instagram here:
bennycoubs_ultrarunner
For more information on Benn's Coaching:
www.strokenolimitscoaching.com
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1:24:40
Mental Training Tools Every Runner Needs for The Long Run
Your long run isn’t just about building fitness — it’s a masterclass in mental training. In this episode, Rob dives into the mindset tools that make your long runs more purposeful, manageable, and powerful.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why purpose matters (5:17) – discover how giving your long run an “intention” changes everything.
The truth about fatigue (8:23) – it’s triggered mentally, not physically, and you can train for it.
Chunking strategies (14:00) – how to break down a long run into achievable sections.
Self-talk skills (16:58) – practical examples to keep you steady when it gets tough.
Running as a test of self (32:36) – why every long run is more than just training.
Rob also shares how the Mindset for Runners Community will now help shape the podcast — so if you’re not yet part of it, now’s the time to jump in.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, ultra, or just want to get more from your weekly long run, this episode gives you the mental tools to go further than you thought possible.
Join the Mindset For Runners Course, the complete mental skills program designed for everyday runners who want to unlock their potential. As a podcast listener, use the discount code MFRPODCAST at checkout to save 10% on your enrolment.
👉 https://www.robmasonruns.com.au/course
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Overcommitted? Why Runners Take On Too Much (and How to Fix It)
Rob delves into the challenges of overcommitment and how it impacts athletes and their training. He shares personal insights and community experiences to explore why we often say 'yes' to too many tasks and commitments.
Listeners will learn about the psychological underpinnings of overcommitment, including fear of missing out and the pressure to be reliable. Rob offers practical strategies to help identify when you're overcommitted and provides tools to manage your commitments effectively, ensuring alignment with personal values and goals. Discover how to implement circuit breakers, the 'Yes-Damn Effect,' and other techniques to maintain balance between training and life's other demands.
Join Rob as he encourages listeners to reassess their commitments, make informed decisions, and create more time for intentional training and personal fulfilment. Whether you're juggling family, work, and training, or just seeking a more balanced approach to your passions, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice to achieve your true potential.
Join the final cohort of the Mindset For Runners Course for 2025 here:
https://www.robmasonruns.com.au/course
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Build Unstoppable Self-Belief with Mindset Coach, Claudine Chi
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the world’s first self-belief mental training program-it’s unlike anything else on the planet. It’s transforming the way I think, train, and run–and you’re getting an exclusive first look with me!
Created by my mindset coach, Claudine Chi–a high-performance mindset coach who has worked with Olympic athletes, world champions, and elite performers–this mental training program is the most transformational habit I’ve ever built, and it takes just 5 minutes a day. Our conversation is packed with insights, practical tools, and self-belief applications you can start using straight away. You won’t want to miss this one!
Here's where to get The Athlete's Ultimate Self-Belief Journal:
https://www.claudinechi.com/journal/
South Africa