Mental Training + Race Preparation with Dr. Erin Ayala

Whether you’re taking on your first 10K or about to run Boston, this episode offers practical, insightful advice from guest Erin Ayala , Ph.D., a Minneapolis-based sport psychologist and host of Feisty Women’s Performance podcast. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Erin shares: the value of “scary, joyful, and new” challenges; real-world suggestions for getting your brain on board w/ training; a gut-wrenching tale of a recent race going sideways; a 21st-century option for creating a vision board; and, the importance of feeling all the feels post-race. Before Erin hops on around 07:10, Coach Liz and Sarah reveal how they approach workouts while on vacation. Hydration bonus: Chug every time Erin includes a rhyme in a response! Shop our sponsors: Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at Episode Resources Erin Ayala: Feisty Women’s Performance podcast: Join AMR at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code AMR20 for $20 off when you register at

You can listen to Mental Training + Race Preparation with Dr. Erin Ayala online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Mental Training + Race Preparation with Dr. Erin Ayala is an episode from Another Mother Runner by Sarah Bowen Shea.

This episode is 54:58 long.

This episode was published on Apr 10, 2026.

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