Welcome to The Runner's Mindset!
Build an Ultra-Resilient Mindset
Most trail and ultra runners train their body; the best train their mind.
Run stronger, braver & more consistently with mental training and mindset coaching.
At The Runners Mindset, I help trail and ultra runners develop the confidence, flexibility, and mental endurance to handle whatever the trail — or your mind — throws at you. Using evidence-based, sport psych tools you’ll learn how to manage negative self-talk, reduce pre-race anxiety, stay consistent in training, and perform with purpose on race day.
Want to know more about how I can help?
Curious about how mental skills training can help your running?
If you are stepping up a distance, taking on a big race event or coming back from a DNF - mental skills training can give you the tools to get through the tough sections of a long run or race, manage the stresses of race day and be able to respond calmly in the moment when it feels like your race is done.
Email me now to find out how we can work together. Offering individual consultations (30 or 60 mins) as well as group programs (see below).
NEW COURSE - Self-Talk on the Trail
When the trail starts to feel tough...
Have you ever noticed how the voice in your head gets louder?
- “I don't know how I'll ge through this run."
- “This hurts more than it should.”
- “I don’t feel like eating right now.”
- "I felt like I could have pushed harder out there - I had plenty left when I crossed the finish line."
These thoughts might show up during a training run or race (or sometimes after!)
And they’re often not accurate.
A more practical way to approach this
This 4-week program is designed to help trail and ultra runners learn how to work with that internal voice during difficult moments in training and racing.
Rather than trying to ignore or override these thoughts, the focus is on understanding them — and responding in a way that helps you stay engaged.
In this program you'll actually learn HOW to:
• Understand why “slow down” and other unhelpful thoughts show up
• Know when to challenge a thought and when to step back from it
• Use self-talk and attentional cues during fatigue
• Build your own self-coaching strategies for runs and races
How it works
- 4-week program (next intake mid-2026)
- Weekly live group session (AEST)
- Practical tools you can apply during real runs
- Access to materials for 3 months
Join the program
👉 This round of Self-Talk on the Trail has closed enrolments. Secure your spot on the waitlist for the next intake in mid-2026.
Why Mental Training Matters
You’re doing all the right physical training. But something still feels missing.
You strength train.
You follow a plan.
You eat well, stretch, rehab, do the mobility…
But when the race gets tough, your mind still tries to talk you out of it.
Mental training is the piece that brings everything together.
It’s the difference between slowing down vs. pushing through.
Between panicking vs. staying composed.
Between surviving an ultra vs. actually running the race you trained for.
At The Runners Mindset, you’ll learn exactly how to think, react, and refocus when things get challenging — so you can perform with the confidence and steadiness you’ve worked so hard to build.
What You'll Learn
Evidence-based tools you can actually use on the trail
The workshops and membership teach you mental skills that work in real races, including:
- Managing negative self-talk before and during long efforts
- Reducing pre-race anxiety so you arrive calm and ready
- Staying consistent even when life is busy
- Training your mind just like you train your body
- Handling discomfort so you stop backing off when it gets hard
- Setting brave, meaningful goals (not just “I just want to finish”)
- Coming back from injury or DNF with confidence
- Staying mentally steady in backyard ultras and multi-lap formats
You’ll become a runner who can adapt, stay focused, and keep moving with purpose — no matter what happens out there, building your running mindset to deal with all the challenges.
Who This Is For
The runners who get the most out of this work are:
- First-time ultra runners who want to feel more confident and prepared
- Mid- and back-of-the-pack runners who know they’re capable of more
- Busy runners juggling work, family, and training
- Backyard ultra runners wanting a stronger, steadier mental game to go
'one more yard'
- Athletes who already do strength, rehab, and nutrition — but know mindset work is the missing piece
If you’re ready to run with more confidence, consistency, and purpose… you’re in the right place.
Why Work With Me
Australian psychologist specialising in trail and ultra running
I’m Katherine Watson, a clinical psychologist and mental performance coach for trail and ultra runners.
My approach combines:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Training)
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Training)
- Mindfulness
- Real-life ultra experience
- A deep understanding of endurance psychology
You’ll get mental training that’s science-based, practical, and tailored to long-distance running — not recycled sports clichés or generic mindset advice.
I understand the psychology.
I understand the sport.
And I help runners bring both together so they can run at their best.
Contact Me
The Runner's Mindset
Online anywhere in Australia or in selected locations for in-person workshops
Hours
Today | By Appointment |
The Runners Mindset Blog
Who is The Runner's Mindset?
The Runners Mindset Story
My name is Katherine Watson. I'm a psychologist with a long-term love for running. I combined the latest science and know-how with my passion for helping other people to create The Runner's Mindset. I'm here to help you get the most out of your training because we know a strong running mindset makes the difference. Whether you are a beginner starting out to run your first 5k or something longer (think half-marathon, marathon or ultra-marathon), I am here to help you build and fine tune your mental skills to make the most of your training and racing. Happy running everyone!
Subscribe to my email list for top tips for mental mastery
Stay up to date with the latest mental performance research for runners and hear when my new courses are available. No spam, ever.
Copyright © 2026 The Runner's Mindset - All Rights Reserved.