Addie Bracy (She/Her)

"I think every ultra runner I know would benefit from having a copy of this book in their locker, and I heartily recommend it to everyone." Craig Jackson Read all of Craig's review of @AddieBracy 's Mental Training for Ultrarunning on @UltraRunMag bit.ly/3mmAOHX

@emiliambenton @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Thank you for sharing this resource. Diversity and inclusion definitely continues to be an issue in our sport and I'm hopeful that we are working towards positive change.

Question 6: For the those running or considering running ultra-distances, what are the challenges/barriers you face, both physical and mental? #ukrunchat @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU

@ultrapostie @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU It can definitely be time consuming. I like to approach training as finding a way to fit running into my life and not fit my life into running. It can be helpful perspective.

@AddieBracy @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU the bigger the goal race, the more training sort of consumes life. Which can be fine! But balance is also important, as there are other parts of my life I want to focus on as well. So it's all about timing? I guess that's my challenge, finding good enough timing in life :)

@ultrapostie @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU I love this visual. I'm going to steal this one for my next race!

@AddieBracy @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU When I have negative thoughts, I "crumple" them up like a piece of paper in my hand, and I blow that away into the wind. This is surprisingly useful! Lots of practice with it though, for real haha

For Question 4, I want to know - How do you maintain mental focus when you're running? #ukrunchat @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU

@TheSteveBenson @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Great strategy! In Sport Psychology we call this "chunking."

@AddieBracy @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Break it down into stages. 10k = 2 lots of 5k. Half marathon. 2 10k's. Etc etc!! It's the old "How do you eat an Elephant? One mouthful at a time". Only way I can do it 👌

@UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Absolutely - there's a lot of research around zoning out and disassociating as a useful mental tool in distance running.

@AddieBracy @HumanKineticsEU I like to drift away to the point where its "unfocused". You come back around and you have done another mile. Things like music, podcasts and the scenery help me to "drift off"!

@EmmaCornish82 @UKRunChat If it's consistent tightness and soreness that sticks around then more recovery is likely needed! Anything in the pool or water can be great for recovery while still allowing for some aerobic training.

Hell everyone! Excited to be chatting with you all this evening.

@HumanKineticsEU @UKRunChat Absolutely! The body loves variety. I'm a big fan of skiing and mountain biking.

Back to us for Question 3 - Do you find that training outside of running can help improve your running performance, for example do you do yoga or strength training? #ukrunchat @UKRunChat @AddieBracy

@AndyLane27 @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Imagery is extremely powerful! You're right - visualizing where you'll be running and then adding components of mental strategy tools to the imagery script will increase your chance at success on race day.

@UKRunChat @AddieBracy @HumanKineticsEU Mental preparation? How? How about learn about the course and then doing imagery to develop a mindset of being able to cope. Ms thinking through your self talk and have. Mantra ready

For question 2, I'm curious - how do you all mentally prepare for a run or a race? @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU

@hotson_neil @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Sometimes I like to use positive distractions such as music or listening to a podcast. But, learning to be present is important! Engaging in mindfulness practice outside of training will help develop attentional control that will carry over into running.

one for @AddieBracy please Addie? @HumanKineticsEU #ukrunchat twitter.com/hotson_neil/st…

@UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Personally, I like to revisit my "why" for the race/event/challenge. When I remember what kind of experience or adventure I'm seeking it makes me feel more excited and less nervous. It's all about the journey.

@AddieBracy @HumanKineticsEU Do you have any tips on how you prepare please @AddieBracy ? #ukrunchat

@leegorman35 @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU I love this strategy! Adaptability is an important mental skill and it's awesome that you build that into your plan.

@AddieBracy @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU I go through my planned route in my mind and make plans for shorter or longer depending on how I feel 🏃‍♂️👍

@80percentvegan @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Self belief is huge! Where do you go to find that belief before a big challenge?

@AddieBracy @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU I just try to believe in myself and think that anything is possible

@UKhotfoodchat @UKRunChat @HumanKineticsEU Absolutely! Thinking about the rewards that come after the finish line can be super motivating!

@stuyoso @HumanKineticsEU @UKRunChat Great book and a must read for any ultra runner! Good luck in your first ultra Stu!

@HumanKineticsEU @UKRunChat @AddieBracy So far.. this👇 Interesting read about pushing the body to extreme limits. Right up my street as I embark on my first ultramarathon later this year.

A nice and easy one to kick things off...Question 1: What’s your favourite running book/magazine/blog/podcast and why? #ukrunchat @UKRunChat @AddieBracy

@UKhotfoodchat @HumanKineticsEU @UKRunChat I haven't seen that! I'll have to check it out. Good recommendation!