CLAIRE BARTHOLIC: Pre-Race Mental Prep Hacks & Embracing “Type B” Running

Send us Fan Mail Most runners let self-doubt sabotage race-day confidence, until they learn how to rewrite their mental story. In this episode, running coach and mental training expert Claire Bartholic shares how to turn pre-race anxiety into activation, excitement, and fuel for performance. You’ll learn: 🌀 practical tools runners can use to build mental strength, including positive self-talk, visualization, training logs, and simple breathing techniques. 🌀 how to handle uncertainty, silence negative thoughts, and create non-time goals that make racing feel more joyful and sustainable. We also discuss the shift to a more relaxed method of training aka Type B Running for mental or physical health. Specially, we touch on: 🌀 How to gracefully shift from intense marathon training to a more "Type B" approach to training 🌀 Tips on maintaining your self-identity while embracing a happier, more fulfilling running journey Whether you’re training for a marathon, recovering from burnout, or just want more confidence on the line, this conversation will help you run smarter, calmer, and with more belief in yourself. THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at goodr.com/motherrunners. 💗 HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER. 💗 AQUA OMEGA the world's best omega 3 fatty acids. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER. RESOURCES: · theplantedrunner.com/reset · theplantedrunner.com/beginwithten · Planted Runner Podcast · Instagram: @theplantedrunner TIME STAMPS: 2:03 — Claire explains that what many runners call nerves is really activation, which reframes race day anxiety in a more useful way for marathon mental prep. 3:02 — She expands on the idea of pre-race activation and explains how naming the feeling differently can improve running mindset and race day confidence. 5:46 — Claire shares a simple self-talk phrase, “I choose to feel excited,” that runners can practice as part of positive self-talk and mental strength training. 7:21 — She breaks down self doubt as a story runners tell themselves and shows how confidence before a race can be built through repetition and mental toughness. 9:16 — Claire talks about building running confidence with small steps, tracking progress, and using a training log to reinforce marathon training tips that actually work. 12:09 — She explains how bad races and setbacks can become learning tools, helping runners recover from disappointment and strengthen their race failure mindset. 14:48 — Claire says the biggest marathon skill is uncertainty tolerance, which is a powerful lesson for race day mental prep and long distance running. 15:56 — She recommends guided visualization, including imagining everything that could go wrong, as a way to reduce running anxiety and prepare mentally for race day. 18:27 — Claire shares why deep breathing is an underrated tool for runners, especially for calming the nervous system before a marathon or hard workout. 19:50 — She introduces non-time goals as a way to define success beyond pace, giving runners a smarter race day strategy and stronger marathon goals. Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com . When