About this episode
In this conversation, Nickademus shares his journey into ultra running, his interest in sports psychology, and the importance of mental training in the sport. He discusses the challenges he faced in running 100 miles and how his experiences led him to pursue a career in sports psychology. Nickademus also talks about his coaching business, Lightfoot Coaching, and its guiding philosophy. He compares European and American ultra races and reflects on the changes in his training and mindset over the years. In this conversation, Nickademus Hollon discusses his experiences and insights as an ultrarunner. He shares the pressure he felt to succeed and be recognized, and how it affected his performance. He also reflects on the similarities between his best performances and the lessons he learned from them. Nickademus emphasizes the importance of holding expectations lightly, staying present, and reacting to the current situation. He offers advice for those transitioning from 100-mile to 200-mile races, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over fitness. The conversation concludes with a fun game of Let's Get Deep and a comparison between Barkley and Tor de Geants races. Takeaways Mental training and sports psychology play a crucial role in ultra running, helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Coaches should focus on the holistic development of athletes, caring about their well-being and personal growth, not just their race results. Self-awareness and understanding the different parts of oneself can help athletes make better choices and perform optimally. High-risk races, such as 200-milers, have gained popularity in recent years, attracting athletes seeking unique challenges and experiences. The mindset and approach to training and racing can evolve over time, influenced by personal experiences, interests, and goals.