How do you change your mindset about what is possible with your running

How does a runner go from running a 19-minute 5k to running the same pace (6:10 per mile) for an entire marathon at the Olympic Trials just two years later?

That’s the story of 2:41 marathoner Meagan Nedlo. In this interview, we’re going to get inside the head of a runner who overcame the mental constraints of meteoric improvements and the questions about just how far she could take her running.

You’ll learn how she overcame the adversity of bad races along the way and how she balances a full-time work schedule and travel schedule that has her on the road almost 20 days per month.

Meagan is going to tell you exactly how she did it and teach you how you can apply the lessons she learned along the way to your running. Here are the actionable highlights from the interview:

1. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith in your training

Meagan was training on her own with pretty good success when she decided to start working with a coach to see what she could do. This decision lead to her competing in college at the age of 26, winning multiple All-American titles, and completely changing her mindset about what she thought was possible.

Take Action:
Don’t be afraid to take chances with your training and push yourself. Find a local running group with runners who are faster than you and join in off the back or take the next step and give yourself the resources and chance to succeed.

2. Even huge improvements come in small steps

While Meagan eventually found herself running her 5k pace for a full marathon, the process didn’t happen overnight. She took very small steps each season she ran and remained patient and positive, even when things didn’t go perfect.

Take Action:
It’s perfectly fine to set big, over-reaching goals, but remember that reaching them should come in small, bite-sized chunks. Trying to drop 30 minutes off your marathon time to qualify for Boston doesn’t have to happen all in one training segment.

3. Don’t let setbacks stop you

Meagan lined up everything perfectly to qualify for the Olympic Trials at the 2011 Houston Marathon. She had special drinks, great training, good weather and tons of family support, but she ended up dropping out after falling way off pace. Luckily, she mentally rebounded and qualified in less than ideal conditions just two weeks later.

Take Action:
Not everything is going to go your way in every race. Sometimes you have everything perfectly lined up and your body or the weather don’t cooperate. Don’t let it mentally defeat you, use the bad race as motivation to do even better next time.

4. Don’t make excuses

Meagan works a full-time job, runs 100+ miles per week, and travels some 20 days per month for work. She never lets this get in the way of her training and is quick to adapt when things don’t go perfect, and she’ll tell you how she approaches it mentally.

Take Action:
When you want to take your running to that next level, you have to make the sacrifices. Don’t let excuses get in the way of your goals.

This is an awesome interview, especially if you have doubts about how far you can take your own running. Get ready for some specific and actionable lessons you can apply to your training today!

Watch this week’s show now

Download the podcast version here