As she approached her first 100-mile race, our writer Emily Halnon, struggled with limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. In our featured piece, she explores how mental conditioning is as important as physical conditioning, and leaves us with some tips on how to train your mind to handle mental hurdles and self-doubt.

This week, Buzz and Corrine get real about how they tackle injury and the healing process.

Then, Corrine interviews Emily Halnon about the emotional crash she experienced after running her dream race, the Hardrock 100. Emily first wrote about this in “The Runner’s Low” for UltraSignup News.

Later, Buzz gives Steven from Georgia some tips on training for race day elevation when you don’t live at altitude.

The Trailhead Podcast is an UltraSignup production. This episode is presented by Sidas. Use promo code “Trailhead20” for 20% off your purchase at Sidas.com.

Make sure the last thing you need to worry about is your feet on race day by using these essential foot care products from Sidas. 

• Sidas Running Socks
• Sidas Gel Protection Products
• Footcare accessories

Need some last race day motivation? Relive the final of the Golden Trail World Series in Madeira. Watch now. 

• Runs between 3-4 times per week
• Has a weekly training mileage of around 50K
• Owns five pairs of running shoes
• Races four times per year
• 21% have run 100 miles or more
• 47% started running in the last ten years
• 65.6% have volunteered at a race

? Costly Kicks: With new brands like Speedland boldly asking $375 for a pair of running sneakers, iRunFar asks: Do trail running shoes cost more than in the past? The answer, YES, even when adjusted for inflation. “The average [price] has climbed to $160.20.”

?? Tendon Support: Tendons and ligaments are mostly made up of collagen. But do collagen supplements actually help strengthen connective tissue? Outside magazine’s Alex Hutchinson takes a look.

⬆️ Regrets, We Have a Few: People like to say, “You’ll never regret going on a run.” Laura Green lists some of the runs she deeply regrets.

?? Tweet of the Week: “Who is in Courtney Dauwalter’s competitive orbit in ultra-trail events? Who could give her a run for her money? Or is she totally and completely in a class of her own right now?” ~ Finn Melanson

? A New Long Trail: Construction on a new trail connecting Washington, D.C. to Washington State is underway by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy. When completed, the new multi-use route called the Great American Rail-Trail will run 3,700 miles across America.

? Rules for a Better Life: Though he left out trail running, Mark Manson put together a pretty good list of rules for a better life.

➡️ Lastly, here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week.