160: The Psychological Cost of Chasing PBs

160: The Psychological Cost of Chasing PBs

From The Running Channel Podcast by The Running Channel

March 7, 2026 · 50 min · Season 1 · Episode 160

About this episode

The episode discusses the psychological cost of chasing personal bests in running and the pressures from social media.

We’re LIVE from ASICS in London, where Andy, Rick and Sarah explore the psychological toll of constantly chasing a personal best. Together, they discuss how social media and constant comparison are increasing the pressure on runners to always run faster and hit new time goals. As runners, chasing a PB can be exhilarating and motivating for us and act as a powerful way to stay focused by pushing your limits. But what happens when that drive starts to take a toll? Can it lead to inevitable burnout and anxiety? The Running Channel Podcast tackles one big topic each episode, amongst helpful tips and light-hearted chat on the latest news in the running world. Hosted by Sarah Hartley (amateur runner) and Andy Baddeley (former pro runner) alongside Rick Kelsey (recovering runner), the TRC Podcast is friendly, jargon-free, and the perfect accompaniment to your runs. Join The Running Channel Club for exclusive additional podcast episodes, bite-sized courses, live Q&As and so much more! Head to The Running Channel Club For all enquiries contact podcast@therunningchannel.com . If you liked this, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And leave us a 5* review and rating, it…

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy Baddeley, Rick Kelsey, Sarah Hartley

Topics covered

  • psychological toll
  • personal best
  • social media pressure
  • burnout
  • anxiety
  • running motivation

Keywords

  • personal best
  • psychological cost
  • running
  • social media
  • burnout
  • anxiety
  • motivation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ASICS

Products: Wahoo KICKR RUN

More episodes of The Running Channel Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Running Channel Podcast podcast page.