Life Can Feel Like a Marathon, Can’t It?
Balancing projects at work, wanting more time with family and friends, and trying to find time for yourself, just trying to keep your head above water can be exhausting and overwhelming.
You’re juggling so much, but no matter how hard you push yourself, there's always something else demanding your time and attention.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you're in great company. Many of the women I work with feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. They’re stuck in a race they didn’t sign up for, and they have no idea how to quit.
That’s why I loved my recent conversation with ultramarathon runner Savannah (Sav) Holmes on my podcast, More Than Anxiety. Her story isn’t just about running super-long races, it’s about managing her mind, navigating the anxiety that creeps in when long runs get boring, finding focus, and learning to get comfortable with discomfort.
Quieting the Mind Through Movement
Ultramarathoners run anywhere from 30 to 100 miles, often on challenging terrain, so pain and discomfort are part of the experience. You know before you even start that it’s going to test you in extreme ways and it's going to hurt. Sav described ultramarathons as a form of moving meditation. If you're wondering how, I was too!
Sav explains that running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s about choosing your thoughts and directing your focus through the blisters, tight hips, exhaustion, and boredom. She’s learned to use the rhythm and space during her practice and races to focus intentionally on what’s working and what feels good, helping her stay present instead of getting anxious about the pain or distance ahead.
How does this apply to you?
You don’t need to run an ultramarathon to experience the benefits of mindful movement and mindset. A simple walk around your neighborhood or a yoga session at home can help you practice learn to focus your thoughts and calm your body and mind.
All you need to do to get started is show up, even when it feels hard, and direct your thoughts toward what you want to feel and experience.
Try this: The next time you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, take 10 minutes to move your body. Leave your phone on your desk and focus on your breath or the rhythm of your feet on the pavement. Notice how your mind starts to quiet and your body begins to relax.
Reframing Negative Thoughts to Manage Anxiety
Honestly, running even one mile sounds rough to me. The idea of running 50 miles? It feels overwhelming just typing it.
Your brain will instantly throw out negative thoughts to keep you from doing anything new or uncomfortable. You might tell yourself you can't do it, you don't know the right way, that you'll embarrass yourself, etc. This is normal.
Sav reminded us, “It’s not about eliminating negative thoughts but learning to reframe them.” When the race gets tough, she chooses to see challenges as opportunities to refocus and grow, rather than things to fear or avoid.
The same is true when you feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. Anxiety feeds on negative self-talk. Thoughts like “I’ll never get it all done” or “I’m not good enough” keep you stuck. But what if you flipped those thoughts? What if you told yourself, “I’m doing my best,” “I’m learning,” or “Let’s see what I can do”?
Action step: Start by noticing when negative thoughts creep in. Write them down and challenge them. Replace “I can’t” with “What if I could?” Over time, these little shifts change what you believe about yourself and how you behave.
Balancing Ambition with Recovery
Like many high-achievers, Sav juggles an intense training schedule in her personal life with a demanding career. How does she do it? She prioritizes recovery time and sets realistic expectations and boundaries.
If you’re someone who’s always going, whether it’s for your job, your family, or your goals, this might feel impossible. But pushing through burnout only leads to more anxiety, stress and overwhelm.
Instead, give yourself permission to really rest. Schedule downtime into your week on purpose. Make it as non-negotiable as that meeting with your best client.
Pro tip: Rest isn’t just about sleep. Rest also means setting boundaries, saying no to what drains you, and making time for things you love to do and that give you energy. Make a list of hobbies, activities, and other R&R activities.
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
One of the most powerful lessons Sav shared and one of the things I hear most often from clients is about discomfort. The idea of being uncomfortable on purpose isn't something most people strive for.
In running, it’s the pain and anticipation of the last few miles. In life, it’s the anxiety you feel with uncertainty and overthinking. Instead of resisting the discomfort, Savannah’s learned to sit with it, knowing it’s temporary and often a sign of growth.
If you struggle with anxiety, this can feel counterintuitive. Anxiety feels terrible and important and the discomfort is the thing you’re trying to avoid.
But what if leaning into it, letting it be there without trying to make it go away could help you move through it? (Not the answer you were looking for, I'm guessing.) Discomfort doesn’t mean something is actually wrong, dangerous, or that you’re failing; it means you’re human. Every time you let the anxious feeling be there, move and ride the uncomfortable feelings, you’re building resilience and changing the intensity and time that anxiety lasts.
Mindset shift: Next time discomfort shows up, pause and name it. Is it fear? Overwhelm? Doubt? Remind yourself that you’ve felt this before and made it through. You can do it again.
How Coaching Can Help You Cross Your Finish Line
Sav’s story is inspiring, but most of us don't have the mindset to push through the pain and discomfort the way she does. The good news is, you don’t have to figure out how to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm alone.
What would you do with more time and energy for what's most important to you? What would change for your family, your career, and your peace of mind?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If Sav’s story resonated with you, it’s go time!
No more waiting to be ready - ready is a decision.
Book a free consultation with me, and let’s talk about how coaching can help you manage your thoughts and change your habits so you feel calm, and confident, and enjoy your life.
P.S. Be sure to listen to Episode 123 of the More than Anxiety Podcast to hear all of Savannah Holmes' mic drops. There are so many gems in this episode!
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