EP 742: Training the Panic Out: How Astronaut-Level Preparation Builds Confidence on the Trail

Trail Runner Nation

What do launching into orbit and starting a grueling mountain ultra have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we draw from Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way and NASA’s astronaut training to explore how familiarity—not bravado—builds confidence on the trail. Just as astronauts rehearsed every scenario to make the unknown feel routine, trail runners can train for the unexpected: long stretches without aid, bad weather, gear failures, or the mental fog of mile 90. We discuss how to simulate race conditions, build mental protocols for problem-solving, and control the factors within your grasp. By exposing yourself to stress in training—whether it’s night running, solo efforts, or challenging terrain—you build emotional muscle to stay calm when it matters most. The obstacle isn’t the mountain ahead—it’s the panic in your chest, and with the right preparation, you can take its power away.

It isn't too late to help out the California Biodiversity Project that Adam is supporting. All you do is collect soil samples from the trails you are running!

Check out more about Adam Kimble HERE

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