Maximum Mileage Running Podcast: Ultrarunning, confidence, imposter syndrome, and mental strength

If you’ve ever stood at a start line wondering, “Do I even belong here?” or quietly told yourself you’re “not a real runner”… this one’s for you.

I sat down with Hannah Witt, who is a running coach — to talk about the silent struggle so many of us carry: Imposter syndrome. We dug deep into the mental side of ultrarunning that rarely gets discussed on training podcasts:

Why confidence feels so elusive for even experienced runners.
How your mindset shapes your performance more than your training plan ever will.
The subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of burnout — and how to catch them early.
Practical tools to build real confidence instead of waiting until you “feel ready”.

The biggest takeaway?

You don’t have to earn the right to get support. Getting support is actually how you build confidence.

If you’ve ever questioned your place in this sport, this conversation will feel like a deep breath at mile 70.

Watch our episode

Other viewing and listening options

Watch the full episode on The Performance Collective: https://lnkd.in/em-yqrX2

Listen on The Maximum Mileage Running Podcast: https://lnkd.in/e9385_3R

After Hannah and I recorded our episode, I sent her a few questions, so that you can get to know more about her, her run coaching, and the podcast.

Below, you can find where to follow her on social media and how you can reach her for a run coaching consultation.

Get to know Hannah

1. How did the podcast come to be or how did you get involved with the podcast?

I started podcasting through Maximum Mileage Coaching when our founder, Nick Hancock, wanted to get back to consistently sharing content. The goal was to not only provide insight from our coaching perspective, but also to create meaningful conversations with people across the endurance sports space.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to host a wide range of guests, from Dave Ragsdale in the triathlon world to Bob Becker, the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. It’s been a really rewarding way to learn from others and bring those insights back to the athletes we work with.

2. What is your biggest accomplishment so far this year?

My biggest accomplishments this year have been both personal and professional.

On the coaching side, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my athletes achieve multiple PRs and successfully come back from major injuries. Watching them rebuild confidence and perform at a high level again has been a huge highlight for me.

Personally, after spending close to six months running almost entirely on a treadmill due to weather, ongoing fatigue, and injuries, I was finally able to transition back to running outside about a month ago. Even more meaningful, I’ve been running consistently and healthy, which is something I don’t take for granted anymore. That process really reinforced the importance of patience and listening to my body.

3. What’s one mindset or mental wellness tip that really works for you?

One mindset shift that’s made a big difference for me is focusing on consistency over intensity.

It’s easy to feel like you need to push harder or do more, especially when you feel behind. I’ve found that just showing up and doing what I can on any given day is what actually builds progress.

That approach takes the pressure off and makes things feel more sustainable. Over time, those small, consistent efforts really add up.

4. What are your social media handles/links?

You can find me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachhannahwitt

Maximum Mileage Coaching Profile: https://www.maximummileagecoaching.com/about-hannah-witt

Maximum Mileage Running Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maximum-mileage-running-podcast/id1692891567

5. How can potential clients get a hold of you if they are interested in working with you?

The best way to reach me is by email – hannah@maximummileagecoaching.com or by messaging me on Instagram.

I’m always happy to connect, answer questions, and see if we’d be a good fit to work together.