#294: The Four Pillars of Mental Toughness & the R4 Principle of Refocusing

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build through motion, repetition, and reflection. 💥In this episode of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones and Dan Bagley unpack the science and practice behind mental toughness and refocusing under pressure. Whether you’re pushing through a long run, preparing for a race, or navigating life’s daily challenges, this conversation offers a clear playbook for staying composed, confident, and in control.They break down the Four Pillars of Mental Toughness — Challenge, Confidence, Commitment, and Control — and explore how each one shapes your ability to handle setbacks, build self-belief, and follow through on your goals.You’ll also learn the R4 Principle — React, Relax, Renew, Refocus — a simple but powerful framework to help you reset when things don’t go as planned. From practical mindset tools to real-life endurance stories, Rob and Dan share strategies to strengthen your mental game both on and off the course.🎙️ Tune in to discover:How to break big goals into smaller, achievable stepsWhy resilience grows through action, not motivationSimple cues to refocus during tough momentsHow reflection builds lasting confidenceBecause endurance isn’t just about your body — it’s about your mind.#IfEndurance #MentalToughness #Resilience #EnduranceMindset #Focus #Motivation

AI training apps aren’t fringe anymore—they’re steering runners into races, shaping programs, and shifting the coach–athlete relationship. In this conversation, Rob, Sharon, and Dan get honest about where AI helps, where it harms, and how real coaching fills the gaps. From Strava’s social pull to training plans that ramp too fast, we unpack who thrives with AI, who gets left behind, and how to blend tech with human nuance without losing the “care” that keeps athletes healthy and progressing.In this episode:The draw of AI tools: convenience, community, and decision-fatigue reliefHidden downsides: comparison traps, overreaching, and context-blind pacesWhy beginners often need humans more than algorithmsRPE vs pace, hills and elevation, HRV/sleep, and the data AI ignoresAccountability: push notifications vs a coach who actually checks inEquity & nuance: female athletes, older runners, youth, neurodiversity, and medical historyA practical middle ground: using AI plans with human touchpoints

In Episode 292 of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob Jones and Dan Bagley break down two very different race experiences: Backyard Ultra and the Berlin Marathon.From running through the night and battling “wobble” moments, to the challenges of chasing a fast marathon PB, they share powerful reflections on mindset, endurance, and the lessons athletes can apply in training, racing, and life.

In this episode, we sit down with Steph to dive into the story of Ladies Run Club and its journey over the past five years. From unforgettable marathon memories in Vienna to the growth of international races and training camps, Steph shares how the club has built a unique balance of coached training and genuine community.We talk about the culture shift in running—especially for women—as more athletes take on challenges they once thought impossible. Steph also reflects on the power of personal connection, the domino effect of inspiration within the group, and what makes LRC stand out from other running communities.Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this conversation highlights how running isn’t just about miles—it’s about courage, growth, and belonging.

This week on the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, Rob and Dan Bagley dive into the latest running news and training insights. They break down Adidas’ ambitious 100K project and the attempt to crack six hours, the addition of Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan to the 2025 New York City Marathon, and new Strava–UTMB data showing the rapid growth of trail running worldwide.Dan also shares his buildup to the Berlin Marathon, including how he’s adapted training in Dubai’s summer heat, the role of treadmill sessions, and the mental lessons he’s learned along the way. Finally, in their “Clear It Up” series, Rob and Dan unpack one of the most misunderstood training terms in running: tempo running. What it really means, how it differs from threshold training, and how everyday runners can use it to improve.Whether you’re chasing a PB, exploring trail running, or just trying to understand the science behind the jargon, this episode has you covered.

This week’s InnerFight Endurance Podcast takes a personal turn as host Rob Jones reflects on turning 40 and what longevity in endurance really means.Rob shares the lessons, training shifts, and mindset changes that help athletes run strong well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. From prioritizing strength training and smarter recovery, to rethinking goals and embracing consistency, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone who wants to stay injury-free, motivated, and in love with the sport for decades.Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned athlete, this conversation will help you future-proof your training and keep running strong long after the finish line moments fade.

This week on The InnerFight Endurance Podcast, we welcome back Rob Foster for an inside look at one of the world’s most iconic half marathons – the Great North Run. With over 60,000 runners taking to the streets of Newcastle every year, it’s more than just a race: it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and culture. Rob shares stories from his own experiences, the event’s fascinating history, and what makes it such a unique fixture in the global running calendar. From its Guinness World Record-breaking size to the unforgettable energy of the crowds, this episode dives deep into why the Great North Run continues to capture the imagination of athletes worldwide.Precision fuel and hydration discount: https://visit.pfandh.com/innerfight

Whether you’re lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, this week’s show has something for every runner.Rob and Dan bring you the latest from the UAE and UK endurance scenes — from the buzz of running 42 kilometres inside Dubai Hills Mall, to the growth of trail racing in Hatta, and what’s happening with InnerFight Endurance in the UK. They also unveil The InnerFight Way programmes: structured, community-driven training plans that give you clarity, accountability and confidence heading into big races like the Abu Dhabi Marathon and Ultra Trail Dubai.Along the way, they dive into the real issues all runners face — how to beat boredom, why rounding up distances matters more than you’d think, and the powerful impact of adding strides into your training for speed, efficiency and stronger race-day performance.Tune in, take what you need, and apply it to your own running journey. Whether you’re just getting started or building towards your best marathon yet, this episode will give you the tools to move forward with purpose.Precision fuel and hydration discount: https://visit.pfandh.com/innerfight

Learn about the Endurance Mindset with Marcus Smith, Rob Jones, and Rob Foster! In episode 286 of the InnerFight Endurance Podcast, we explore what it really takes to build the endurance mindset, overcome challenges, and train both mind and body for peak performance. Perfect for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to strengthen mental resilience. Listen, learn, and start applying the endurance mindset today!

You don’t always need more running to become a better runner. In this solo short episode, Dan shares 7 practical ways to improve your running without putting on the trainers, from strength training and mobility to mindset, nutrition, and recovery.Perfect if you’re injured, time-crunched, or just want to train smarter.Plus, hear more about the InnerFight Way to T100 and Abu Dhabi Marathon training plans — fully remote and structured via TrainingPeaks.