The Psychology Behind Not Finishing a Race

Why do strong, well-trained athletes sometimes stop before the finish line?It’s not always physical.Sometimes, your mind pulls the plug before your body actually needs to.In this episode, we break down:– The hidden mental triggers that make athletes quit– How your brain negotiates discomfort– And what separates finishers from those who step off courseIf you’ve ever DNF’d—or felt close to it—this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and train your mind as hard as your body.

Jad Nachabe entered the world of triathlon five years ago, seeking to understand himself better and unlock different parts of himself. He didn't own a bike, he didn't swim, and he barely ran. Five years on, he has completed 2 X IRONMANs, 6 X 70.3's and many more Sprint and Olympic triathlons. Jad shares how his mindset has changed over the last 5 years and what key tools he learnt through triathlon to help him in other areas of life. If you're feeling a pull toward endurance sport but don't know where or how to start, this show might help you. If you're already doing endurance sport and want to learn how to utilise it in a way to help you enhance life, this show will definitely help you.

In this episode, Rob Jones sits down with Sam King to explore the psychology, identity shift, and suffering behind one of the most extreme endurance challenges imaginable. But this isn’t just a story about miles logged — it’s a story of transformation.Who was Sam before day one? A self-described gamer with big ambition but untapped potential. Who did he become after completing 80 ultras in 80 days? A completely different man.Key topics include:The mental battles behind back-to-back ultramarathonsHow prolonged suffering reshapes identityLeadership lessons forged through extreme enduranceThe unexpected opportunities that followed the challengeWhat this journey unlocked for Sam — and what it could unlock for youWith time to let the dust settle, Sam reflects more deeply than ever before. This conversation goes beyond running. It’s about growth, resilience, and becoming the person you’re capable of being.If you're interested in resilience, personal development, leadership, and pushing beyond perceived limits, this episode will challenge the way you think about what’s possible.

Rob Foster sits down with British National Hill Climb Champion Rachel Galler to unpack her unconventional journey into cycling — from ankle rehab to standing on the top step. They dive into what it really takes to execute a perfect 3-minute max effort and why consistency, not hype, builds champions.Key points:From injury setback to national title — building strength the long wayTraining with power, racing by feel: how Rachel nailed the winning effortManaging stress, perfectionism, and the mindset behind marginal gainsIf you’ve ever needed a reminder that progress is built in the boring bits… this one’s for you.

Stef Reid is a British Paralympic long jumper and sprinter. She is a World Champion, four-time Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist, and five-time world record holder. Stef has a degree in biochemistry, and her adventures off the track include acting, modelling (including being the first amputee to walk the London Fashion Week catwalk!), and serving as Vice President for The Leprosy Mission UK and British Athletics. Stef joins Tom Walker today to talk about her story, how she went from being on a path to play international rugby to suddenly becoming an amputee. How she overcame a victim mindset, transitioned her identity while keeping her values intact and ultimately got on to living a life with no regrets or limitations.We hope you enjoy the show.

In this episode, Rob Jones reflects on his experience at the ARC 100 — widely regarded as the UK’s toughest winter 100-mile ultra footrace.From last-minute entry confirmation and racing through Storm Irene, to 14 hours of darkness, relentless terrain, and a brutal second half that “takes souls,” Rob breaks down the physical, mental, and emotional realities of the race.

Sara Eydmann joins the InnerFight Endurance Podcast from Scotland—ultra runner, counsellor, and one of the most refreshingly honest voices you’ll hear in endurance sport.In this conversation, Sara shares her unconventional path into running, how a long-term eating disorder shaped (and complicated) that journey, and why she set her sights on one of the boldest challenges out there: the North Coast 500—a 500-mile (830km) loop with 10,000m+ elevation, with the ambition of chasing the fastest known time.We talk about the reality behind big challenges: training vs. fueling, injury risk, the pressure of social media, and why “just a marathon” is anything but. Sara also opens up about being diagnosed with autism (2023) and ADHD (2025), masking, nervous system overload, and how running can be both escape and identity.This episode goes deep on:From marathon start line to ultra obsession—and why freedom mattersThe NC500 attempt: what went right, what went wrong, and why it ended on Day 4Eating disorders, RED-S, and the fine line between “performance” and “harm”Neurodivergence in sport: masking, sensory load, and self-trustThe influencer era vs. the foundations: boring runs, consistency, and honestySelf-empathy, imposter syndrome, and learning to cheer for yourselfSara’s closing message is simple and powerful: secrets lose their grip when you share them.Connect with Sara:Find her on Instagram (and more) via Sara Eydmann, or visit mind-and-miles.com.

January arrives with fresh calendars, new kit and big intentions. But too often, the motivation fades by February.In this episode of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones is joined by goal-setting coach and life strategist Heidi Jones to unpack why resolutions fail – and what actually works instead.This is not about setting bigger goals. It’s about setting truer ones.Together, we explore:Why motivation isn’t the problemThe difference between surface-level goals and values-driven intentionsHow endurance athletes can align training, work, family and lifeWhy reflection is the most underrated performance toolHow to choose goals that fit your real life – not Instagram’sWhether you’re planning races, navigating a demanding career, or simply trying to feel better in your body and mind this year, this conversation will help you set goals that create momentum, not pressure.Because you didn’t wake up as a new person on January 1st – and that’s exactly where the power lies.

In this powerful episode, host Rob Jones sits down with Slayde Baker, whose endurance journey took an unexpected and life-altering turn after a herniated disc led to a serious MRSA infection — leaving her unable to stand, walk, or train.Slayde shares the raw reality of:Having her identity tied to performance — and losing it Relearning how to move, train, and trust her body againRedefining success beyond results and podiumsReturning to racing — and qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World ChampionshipsThis episode is a powerful reminder that endurance is not just about physical strength, but patience, perspective, and community.🎧 Essential listening for any athlete navigating injury, burnout, or self-doubt.

Lottie Lucas-Azevedo owns Fawz Concept along with her husband Filipe Azevedo. They are also both professional triathletes and in 2025 Lottie placed 28th in world at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.In this show, Tom and Lottie sit down to discuss her life as a professional, lessons learnt and what she plans on accomplishing in the future. They also discuss the current state of Triathlon and how IRONMAN and T100 look after their athletes.You can follow Lottie on instagram @Lottieljlucas or head to fawzconcept.com