You signed up for the race months ago. You've logged the miles, the vert, the early mornings, the time away from family. Trail and Ultrarunning isn't just something you do — it's who you are. And honestly? That level of commitment is part of what makes you good at this.

But here's a question worth sitting with for a moment:

Who are you when you can't run?

Motivation comes from multiple sources and motivation is dynamic, always changing. Use all the sources and be prepared to use more. Dig from inside - Internal sources - autonomy, mastery, curiosity, connection, values and goals… and even extrinsic sources, those from outside of you (but use these less frequently and don’t rely on them!) Spend time reflecting where motivation comes for you, know your story. Know that when you’re fatigued or under a high cognitive load (lots of stress) that motivation may faulter - where’s it going to come from when you’re worn down?