Vulnerability, DNFs, and Ultrarunning Psychology | Enduring Minds Guest: Landon Hildebrand

Endurance sports have a way of revealing who we are beneath the layers we show the world. The miles strip away ego, certainty, and comfort, leaving behind a version of ourselves that is raw, honest, and deeply human. In Season 2, Episode 6 of Enduring Minds, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Evan Birch sit down with Landon Hildebrand, a registered psychologist, co-owner of Approach Psychology, and accomplished ultra trail runner whose story is as compelling as the athletes he supports.

What unfolds is an authentic, open conversation about DNFs, identity, self-trust, and the mental frameworks that shape an athlete’s inner world.

Facing DNFs and Emotional Reality

The episode opens with vulnerability on full display. Jason acknowledges his recent DNF at the Javelina Jundred, which is a moment many endurance athletes fear but inevitably face. Evan shares his experience returning from injury, slowly rebuilding fitness while confronting the mental rollercoaster that comes with uncertainty.

Landon enters the conversation by normalizing these moments. He reminds listeners that DNFs are not failures but data points and insight into what our minds and bodies need. “Vulnerability isn’t weakness,” he says. “It’s honesty, and honesty is where growth begins.”

Identity, Imperfection, and Being Human

Instead of leading with his professional credentials, Landon describes himself as “deeply flawed and highly hypocritical and mostly okay with that.” It’s an unexpected introduction, but one that sets the tone for everything that follows.

He shares stories from his childhood: learning disabilities, emotional upheaval, and a family that chose open dialogue over secrecy. These early experiences built the foundation for his work as both a psychologist and an athlete. The message is clear…your imperfections are not liabilities; they are part of your resilience.

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Learning to Trust Yourself

One of Landon’s most powerful stories comes from a pre-smartphone backpacking trip across Europe. He spent much of his time lost, physically and emotionally, but learned to navigate both by trusting himself. That journey became a metaphor for ultrarunning, where uncertainty is part of the sport and the path forward is rarely linear.

Jason and Evan connect with this deeply. They discuss how choosing to be publicly vulnerable through conversation, coaching, and community has strengthened their confidence rather than diminished it.

Reframing the Ultrarunning Mindset

As the conversation shifts, the trio explores the culture of endurance sports. Landon challenges the “death before DNF” mentality that glorifies pushing beyond reason. Instead, he advocates for longevity, sustainable training, and honoring your body’s signals.

Ultrarunning, he explains, is not about suffering for validation. It’s about learning, adapting, and finding joy even when the trail gets steep.

Mental Health, Coaching, and Evidence-Based Training

Drawing from his clinical expertise, Landon addresses how athletes can navigate misinformation, ego-driven culture, and the temptation to measure worth through extremes. He encourages athletes to build:

• Patience

• Mental flexibility

• Tolerance for discomfort

• Evidence-backed routines

Jason and Evan echo these themes, reminding listeners that endurance sports are not defined by medals or race resumes—they are built through consistent, compassionate practice.

Connection, Compassion, and the Role of Therapy

The episode closes with a reflection on the power of human connection. Landon explains why therapy works: not because of techniques or algorithms, but because of relationship, trust, and compassion. AI may support learning or structure, he says, but it will never replicate the deep human bond required for genuine healing.

He leaves listeners with an invitation to approach themselves and others with tenderness, especially when navigating moments that feel like setbacks.

For endurance athletes seeking wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder that being human is part of the journey, this episode is one worth returning to mile after mile.

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