# 52. Handling Doubt Before a Race: 3 Questions to Replace “Can I Finish?”

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstoppable-ultra-runner-7312953/52-handling-doubt-before-a-race-3-questions-to-replace-can-i-finish
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstoppable-ultra-runner-7312953/52-handling-doubt-before-a-race-3-questions-to-replace-can-i-finish.md
Podcast: [Unstoppable Ultra Runner](https://stenobird.com/podcast/unstoppable-ultra-runner-7312953)
Published: 2026-04-08T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.susanidonnelly.com/52
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2ec2b7e7-a6f7-460b-b2fa-1eb0cd36a39b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/unstoppable-ultra-runner-7312953/episodes/52-handling-doubt-before-a-race-3-questions-to-replace-can-i-finish
Duration seconds: 1185

## Resource

That question, “Can I finish?” has a way of taking over your thinking before a race. It feels important, like if you could just answer it, the doubt would go away. But the more you try to solve it, the more it pulls you into worry, keeping your focus on something you can’t actually control instead of the race itself. In this episode, I break down why doubt shows up so strongly before a race and what’s really happening in your brain when you can’t stop questioning whether you’ll finish. I walk you through three better questions you can ask instead, so you can work with your brain, stay grounded in your race, and move forward with clarity even when doubt is still present. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/52 Connect with Susan: Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnelly Facebook: facebook.com/susanidonnelly Mentioned in this episode: Introducing: 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners My 1:1 Mental Mastery Coaching for Ultrarunners is a six-month coaching program where we build the mental skills experienced ultrarunners use to handle difficult races well. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same mental patterns in your races and start developing the mindset that lets your training show up when it matters most, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule a free consultation call with me here: unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/book-a-call Click here to book your free consult call!

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## Transcript

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