Unstoppable Ultra Runner

77. Why “Go Out Slow” Isn't a Race Plan

September 30, 2026·15 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

You promised yourself you’d go out slow. And then the race starts. Everyone around you takes off, and suddenly you’re running faster than you planned because you don’t want to get stuck behind slower runners or feel like you’re already falling behind. Before you know it, the race strategy you meant to follow has disappeared in the first few miles. In this episode, I break down why telling yourself to “go out slow” isn’t enough to keep you from getting swept up in the chaos at the start of an ultra. You’ll learn how to plan for the pressures you’ll face when everyone else takes off, make intentional decisions instead of reacting to the runners around you, and start running your own race from the very first step. For full show notes, transcript PDF, and more information, visit https://susanidonnelly.com/77Connect with Susan:Instagram: instagram.com/susanidonnellyFacebook: facebook.com/susanidonnellyMentioned in this episode:Get The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Today!Every race gives you experience. Few runners turn that into improvement. The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template helps you evaluate your races like experienced ultrarunners do - identifying what worked, what didn’t work, and what to do differently next time. Use it after races or key training runs to turn every effort into better performance. To download yours, go to: https://unstoppable-ultra-runner.captivate.fm/mastery-debrief-templateGet The Ultrarunner’s Mastery Debrief Template Here!

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