Ultra running psychology with Dr Chris Gunn

Dr Chris Gunn is a Sport Psychologist who’s built his career on understanding why some athletes reach their potential and others don’t. He’s a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and a published researcher on self-control and motivation in endurance sport. His PhD focused on the “desire-goal conflict”, and he now works with runners, triathletes and cyclists across the UK.

In this episode, Tommy and Chris take apart the idea of “toughness” in ultra running. Chris explains why ignoring pain, thinking positive and gritting your teeth aren’t the answer, and why psychological flexibility is: noticing uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without letting them decide what you do next. They also cover living out your values in hard moments, tracking your “brain macros” in training, alter egos (meet Tough Knuckles), and how small wins build real confidence.

Chris’s new book, a week-by-week guide to the psychology of endurance, is out 1st December. Find out more at chrisgunnpsychology.com.

Today’s Sponsor:

INOV8: Follow this link to get 15% OFF your next pair of trail shoes!
inov8.avln.me/c/QIodrFvXKZYZ

38% OFF THAT’S RUNNABLE COACHING HUB for 3 MONTHS! Build sustainable running habits that last a lifetime! ➡️ JOIN NOW! ⬅️ New intake every month!
tommy-lewis.cocoach.site/thats-runnable-coaching-hub

Wobble: if you’re struggling with something personal right now but don’t want to go through the difficulty of therapy quite yet, why not try Wobble? Go to getwobble.co.uk/thatsrunnable for a discount and get a personalised video from a qualified Therapist within minutes.

SUBMIT A QUESTION: Want to be featured in a future episode of That's Runnable? If you want to submit your own burning question, or a topic you think would be interesting to discuss on a future episode, record a short voice note. We would love to hear from you :)
soundbite.so/record/33875c30bc33f692dad731faa6f81caa

Sign up to the That's Runnable Newsletter
tommy-lewis.boonpage.com/thats-runnable-coaching-hub/newsletter-5f16

Find out more about Tommy’s work here
Follow That's Runnable on Instagram: @thatsrunnable
Follow Tommy on Instagram: @tommyrunpt

Be sure to leave a rating/review and share the podcast with your mates if you've enjoyed this episode.