Researchers examined the existing literature on how ultramarathon runners mentally respond to pain during races. They found that while runners' psychological approaches to pain have been somewhat documented, the actual relationship between these mental responses and race performance remains largely unstudied.
Key Findings
- ✓Ultramarathon runners use both focused attention on bodily sensations and mental distraction when experiencing pain
- ✓These runners show less harm avoidance and pain anxiety compared to general populations
- ✓Cultural narratives within ultra-running communities appear to shape how runners interpret and respond to pain
AI-generated • See paper for full context