The Endurance Lab

Deena Kastor's Advice To All Runners Over 40

June 12, 2026·1h 0m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Deena Kastor is a three-time Olympian, bronze medalist, former American marathon record holder, Chicago and London marathon champion, and US women's masters marathon record holder at 42 with a time of 2:27. She is one of the most decorated American distance runners of all time. But what made her great was not just her training. It was what she did with the six inches above her shoulders.In this episode Deena breaks down exactly how she trained her mind to run faster, the daily practices that made her simultaneously happier and quicker, how she broke the masters marathon record despite wildfires, allergies, the flu, and a flawed race, why comparison does not have to steal your joy, and what runners over 40 need to hear about their relationship with the sport as times start to change.This is a conversation about the science and practice of thinking your way to better running.Resources:1. Deena's Book: Let Your Mind Run - https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Mind-Run-Thinking/dp/15247607572. Deena's Website: https://www.deena-kastor.com/3. Andrew Kastor's Coaching: https://www.coachkastor.com/0:00 The mindset shift that changed everything6:42 How to structure mental training12:04 Does positive thinking actually make you faster13:47 Mental approach as a masters athlete15:48 Breaking the masters marathon record at 4222:18 How to handle the pain cave in a race26:20 Training now at 5329:34 Recovery and how it has changed with age31:05 How environment shapes running longevity34:16 Advice for runners whose times are declining36:29 Advice for runners still improving after 4038:10 Navigating the decline from elite to masters43:23 How to handle comparison45:57 Training with only 5 to 6 hours a week47:08 When injury takes running away49:52 The book — Let Your Mind Run57:54 How to work with Deena and Andrew58:44 Final message to runners over 40#DeenaKastor #MindsetForRunners #RunningMindset #RunnersOver40 #MastersRunning #MarathonMindset #EnduranceLab #LetYourMindRun #MarathonTraining #RunFasterAfter40 #MentalTraining #PositivePsychology #RunningMotivation #MastersMarathon #RunningOver40 #EliteRunning #MarathonPerformance #RunningLongevity #ThinkFaster #WomenRunning

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of The Endurance Lab and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.