How to Build Your Confidence and Self-Compassion for Running with Certified Mental Performance Consultant Neal Palles

Want to build your mental strength and confidence before your next race?

Neal Palles is an ultrarunning coach and a psychotherapist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant.

Through his private practice, Colorado Psychotherapy and Sport Performance, he works with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or a performance related issue to help them focus on what matters.

Listen to hear about:

• Jon’s performance and mentality at the Black Canyon 50k
• The difference between confidence and self-compassion
• Why failure should be normalized since it’s the first step toward learning
• Setting appropriate goals for the long haul (or run)

Stay connected:

• Neal on Instagram: instagram.com/nealpalles and instagram.com/coloradopsychotherapyandsport 
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
• PILLAR: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.
• Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.