Inside the Runner’s Brain: Why It Sabotages You (and How to Stop It)

Have you ever wondered why your mind seems to turn against you right when you need it most — in the middle of a tough race, a big workout, or standing on the start line? In this episode, Rob breaks down the three parts of your brain — the Human, the Chimp, and the Computer — and shows you how understanding this simple model can completely change the way you think, feel, and perform as a runner.

Drawing on Professor Steve Peters’ The Chimp Paradox and A Path Through the Jungle, plus The Brave Athlete by Lesley Paterson and Simon Marshall, you’ll learn how your “chimp brain” can hijack your thoughts, create chaos, and trigger self-sabotage — and how to calm it down when it does.

This episode is all about practical mental skills you can use right away: tools to manage nerves, deal with negative self-talk, handle pressure, and find clarity when your emotions take over.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The three parts of the brain — and which one is running your race
• How your chimp hijacks you before, during, and after a run
• What it means to “give the chimp a banana” (and how to do it effectively)
• Simple tools to get back into your Human brain when things feel out of control
• Practical strategies from The Brave Athlete to train your chimp and build calm confidence
• How to use the question “What’s the plan?” to stay focused and regain control
• Real examples of how elite runners manage their inner chaos

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to silence your emotions — you just need to understand who’s driving your thoughts. Once you know how to recognise your chimp, manage it, and step back into your Human brain, running (and life) gets a whole lot simpler.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters
• A Path Through the Jungle by Professor Steve Peters
• The Brave Athlete by Dr Simon Marshall & Lesley Paterson

Learn more about Rob and his course and community:

https://www.robmasonruns.com.au/