Ultra Tip Tuesday #8: The Chimp Paradox & Ultra Running: Your Mind’s Secret Race
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About this listen
In ultra running, your brain isn’t just one voice — it’s two.
🐒 The Chimp: Emotional, impulsive, scared of pain and discomfort. It wants to stop when things get tough.
🧑💼 The Human: Logical, goal-focused, calm under pressure. It knows the long game and pushes through.
The trick?
Don’t fight your Chimp — work WITH it.
✅ Acknowledge when your Chimp screams “Quit!”
✅ Calm it down with positive self-talk and reminders of your why
✅ Let your Human plan, pace, and focus on progress
✅ Use your Chimp’s energy — channel fear and frustration into determination
Ultras aren’t just physical — they’re a mental battle.
Master your inner Chimp, and the miles become your playground.
What’s your go-to way to calm your Chimp mid-run? Drop it below! 👇
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