{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 771: Aging as an Athlete: Mindset, Longevity, and the Love of Running","description":"In this episode of Trail Runner Nation\u2019s Aging as an Athlete series, along with Krissy Moehl, we welcome elite ultrarunner and therapist Darcy Piceu for a thoughtful conversation about longevity in endurance sports. Drawing on more than two decades of racing at the highest level, Darcy explains that there is no \u201cmagic pill\u201d for staying in the sport long term, emphasizing instead the importance of self-care, strength work, listening to the body, and adapting training as athletes age. The discussion explores the mental side of endurance, including acceptance of changing performance, learning to manage negative thoughts during long races, and developing the wisdom that comes from decades of experience. Darcy also shares how mindfulness and time in nature play a powerful role in both mental health and athletic performance, something she incorporates into her therapy practice. We reflect on the evolving identity of an athlete over time, balancing competitiveness with enjoyment, family life, and other pursuits beyond running. We highlight that staying in the sport for decades is less about chasing podiums and more about cultivating resilience, perspective, and a lasting love for the trail. Check out Darcy's Therapy practice, "Therapy in Action" or get in touch with her darcypq@gmail.com.  If you're in Bellingham, WA in March and want to help out at Chuckanut 50k, click here to volunteer. Episode Sponsor: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses! Episode Topics & Timestamps 1:00 \u2013 Darcy\u2019s Background: Elite Runner and Therapist 3:30 \u2013 What Creates Longevity in the Sport? 6:00 \u2013 The Mental Side of Aging as an Athlete 9:00 \u2013 Mindfulness, Stress, and Mental Training 12:45 \u2013 Mental Toughness in Ultrarunning 17:30 \u2013 The Power of Nature and Trail Therapy 23:00 \u2013 Managing Focus During Long Races 29:00 \u2013 Racing for the Podium vs Racing for the Experience 31:30 \u2013 How Darcy Found Ultrarunning 35:30 \u2013 Hardrock, Motherhood, and Career Balance 38:30 \u2013 Training Philosophy for Longevity 41:00 \u2013 The Wednesday Women\u2019s Run in Boulder 44:00 \u2013 Identity Beyond Running 48:00 \u2013 What Makes a Race Truly Successful? 52:30 \u2013 Advice to Younger and Older Versions of Yourself 56:30 \u2013 The Mental vs Physical Performance Question 1:00:15 \u2013 Therapy in Action and Closing Thoughts ","author_name":"Trail Runner Nation","author_url":"http:\/\/trailrunnernation.com","html":"