A straight-talk conversation about the real ultra mindset: Lakeland 50 lessons, PB’ing a 50-miler on a DNF day, rebuilding from a knee injury back to a 5K, and planning the long road to ultras again. We cover tired-leg strides, breaking races into micro-goals, practical fueling (90g/hr done right), strength work that prevents breakdowns, and calling BS on influencer noise (ice baths/salt pills for every 5K? nah).

If you’re couch-to-5K, couch-to-50K, or stuck in rehab limbo, this one’s for you: forward is progress, community over ego, and a checklist that keeps you moving when the wheels come off “Am I dead? No.”

Keywords: ultra running, lakeland 50, glasgow to edinburgh ultra, dnf mindset, injury rehab, couch to 50k, 5k rebuild, fueling strategy, strides on tired legs, strength training for runners, trail running, marathon vs ultra mindset