What if becoming a better athlete had less to do with pushing harder and more to do with changing the way you think?
In this episode, Alex Larson sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Rachel Goldmanto explore the mental side of endurance sports. From perfectionism and body image to stress, flexibility, and the pressure athletes place on themselves, this conversation dives into the psychology that shapes both performance and well-being.
Dr. Rachel shares why so many endurance athletes get caught in all-or-nothing thinking, how chronic stress impacts both the mind and body, and why learning to adapt, rather than striving for perfection, can help you perform better over the long term. Together, Alex and Dr. Rachel discuss practical mindset shifts that can help athletes navigate training through busy seasons of life without losing sight of what matters most.
Whether you're training for your next race, balancing family and work, or simply trying to build a healthier relationship with food and exercise, this episode offers practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and compassion.
Why endurance athletes are especially prone to all-or-nothing thinking
How chronic stress affects performance, recovery, and overall health
The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset in training
Why flexibility often leads to greater long-term success than perfection
How social media influences body image and athletic identity
Practical ways to reframe comparison and quiet negative self-talk
Why fueling for performance requires both physical and psychological flexibility
How to define your own "healthy, happy weight" instead of chasing a number on the scale
The importance of viewing food as fuel while maintaining a balanced relationship with eating
Why "training for life" may be the healthiest approach to both sport and everyday living
Follow Dr. Rachel on social media: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelnyc/
Website: https://www.drrachelnyc.com/
Get Dr. Rachel’s Book When Life Happens https://amzn.to/4g4KGzl
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:50 The Role of Running in Mental Health
05:51 Stress Management and All-or-Nothing Thinking
08:38 Navigating Life's Challenges and Flexibility
11:27 The Impact of Stress on Performance
14:10 Reframing Goals and Expectations
17:24 Training for Life: Preparing for the Unexpected
20:19 Body Image and Comparison in Athletes
28:01 Body Diversity in Athletics
30:45 Reframing Body Image and Performance
33:30 Food as Fuel: The Athlete's Perspective
37:26 Bridging the Gap: Knowing vs. Doing
41:34 Managing Setbacks: Injuries and Identity
46:26 Practical Tools for Change: Insights from the Book
This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.
If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.
You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com.
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