The Running Channel Podcast 160: The Psychological Cost of Chasing PBs
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Mar 7, 2026 Live from ASICS, the team digs into the mental cost of constantly chasing personal bests. They explore how social media and comparison fuel pressure and anxiety. Practical alternatives like process-focused goals, pacing tactics and in-race coping strategies get attention. Signs of burnout and ways to protect motivation and joy in running are also discussed.
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Social Media Is Stealing Running's Joy
- Constant comparison and social media pressure can steal running's joy and wellbeing.
- Andy notes creating content and being filmed increases pressure and changes how runners experience races.
Olympic Pressure Felt Like a Personal Burden
- Andy describes athlete pressure as personal and self-imposed, not just stadium nerves.
- He recalls Olympic selection stakes and how imagining everyone watching amplifies stress.
Prioritise Process Goals Over PB Obsession
- Use process goals instead of only outcome PBs to preserve enjoyment and get wins each day.
- Sarah will set a flexible time goal late in taper and a firm process goal for race behaviours in Rotterdam.