325. Mental Toughness Is a Skill and Here’s How to Train It

325. Mental Toughness Is a Skill and Here’s How to Train It

From Running Lean by Patrick McGilvray

March 20, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how mental toughness can be trained as a skill for runners.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need to be more mentally tough,” but had no real idea how to actually do that…this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth—mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not reserved for elite athletes or people with superhuman discipline. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be trained. In this episode—Mental Toughness Is a Skill Here’s How to Train It—I’m going to break this down in a way that actually makes sense for real runners with real lives. No fluff. No hype. Just practical, actionable ways to build the kind of mindset that helps you stay consistent, push through hard runs, and follow through on the goals you say you want. Because if you can train your body, you can train your mind. Start The Leaner, Stronger Runner Project If you’re putting in the miles but not getting the results you want… something is off. Maybe you’re running a lot but the weight isn’t changing. Maybe you feel tired all the time. Maybe running actually feels harder than it should. And deep down you know this: You shouldn’t have to grind this hard just to stay the same. That’s exactly why I created The Leaner, Stronger Runner Project. This is a…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick McGilvray

Topics covered

  • mental toughness
  • running
  • mindset training
  • fitness
  • goal setting

Keywords

  • mental toughness
  • running
  • mindset
  • training
  • fitness
  • goals
  • consistency

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