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/