Ultramarathon Mindset: Mental Toughness & Resilience for Everyday Life

Luke Fenwick

Luke Fenwick is a Melbourne-based life coach, leadership coach and ultra-endurance athlete. He helps men and women master mindset, habits and discipline to build lives they’re proud of. Connect on LinkedIn.


Running is back 2025: unleashing your ultramarathon mindset


For those new to my work and coaching journey, endurance running is a core part of my life — it's become a non-negotiable. Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on some incredible running adventures that have pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. These events have shaped my mindset, resilience, and approach to personal growth.

My ultramarathon experiences include:

  • Buffalo Stampede 100km (2023)

  • Buffalo SkyRuns 20km (2024, 2025)

  • Great Ocean Road 60km (2022 — my first ultra!)

  • Maroondah Dam & You Yangs 50km Ultras (back-to-back in 2023)

  • Portland 60km (2022, 2023, 2024)

  • Plus other events like Run 4 Kids, 2XU Wellness Run, Run Melbourne and Canberra.

My half-marathon PB is 1hr 41min. Safe to say, running is something I love deeply.

The struggle behind the scenes

In February 2024, I ran the Buffalo SkyRun — 20km of brutal mountain trails, steep climbs and punishing descents. It’s one of the hardest short course trail events in Australia.

Post-run? Throbbing, stabbing pain in my Achilles and heels. Walking was hard for days. Even coaching sessions became challenging, as I masked the pain while supporting clients.

Ultra runner Luke Fenwick crossing water during race

Over the next 12 months, I pushed through, convincing myself it would heal. Running is a sanctuary for me, a mindset habit I wasn’t willing to give up. But the reality? An MRI revealed a tear in my left Achilles and chronic inflammation and calcification in both. Imagine having a golf ball lodged behind each heel.

Still, I pressed on. Inspired by David Goggins and that relentless mentality of "stay hard", I white-knuckled my way through.

February 2025, I attempted Buffalo again. But the body said no. My feet couldn’t handle the inclines. The Achilles sheath was too swollen, and I feared it might snap. I knew I had to change my strategy.

From pain to breakthrough

Enter acupuncture. I'd already tried the usual suspects: elevation, ice, massage, heat, rolling, rest. Nothing shifted the pain long-term. Then I paused running for nearly two months, strengthened problem areas in the gym (painful at first, but necessary), and gave acupuncture a go.

In Chinese medicine, they speak of heat, blood flow, and meridians. After the first session, my left foot felt like it was on fire that night — something was shifting. After consistent treatment and rehab, 15 months on, I’m back. Stronger in body and more grounded in mind.

This is a stark contrast to my 2023 Portland 60km Ultra, where illness combined with poor preparation left me shattered (read more in this blog).

And that’s the truth about progress: evidence matters. If we don’t believe we’ve put in the work, when pressure hits, we fall apart.

A shift in mindset

Where did it change for me?

Perspective.

I realised I was getting caught up in times, placings, and performance outcomes — even though I’m not elite. It was impacting my enjoyment. I wasn't present in the process; I was fixated on the finish.

And we know where anxiety lives: in the past and the future.

So I reframed it. I reconnected with the joy of being uncomfortable, the adventure of race day, and the privilege of just being out there. I reminded myself: I don’t know how many of these runs I have left. I want to enjoy them.

And with that came results:

  • 12 July: You Yangs 30km Trail Run – 13th overall

  • 16 August: Wonderfalls 43km Trail Run – 6th place

I still care about performance. But I’m experiencing running differently. With more gratitude, more presence, and more purpose.

Luke Fenwick mindset coach and ultra marathon runner during a 60km running event

Unleash your ultramarathon mindset

Whether you run or not, this is about mental toughness and endurance.

In a world that demands more from us daily, our greatest advantage is not more hustle — it’s stronger mindset. One that builds resilience, clarity and purpose.

This is what I call the ultramarathon mindset. And it’s not just for athletes — it’s for anyone ready to:

Want to build this into your life? Start here:

  • Small wins: Identify micro habits that build discipline. It could be cold showers, early wake-ups, daily journaling or committing to consistent training.

  • Reframe the discomfort: See it as the doorway to growth.

  • Celebrate effort over outcome: Because effort is the true training ground for your mindset.

Upcoming events in 2025

Next up:

  • 18 October: Roller Coaster 46km Trail Run (Dandenong Ranges)

  • 2 November: 3 Bays 60km Ultra (Portland) — my 4th year returning

Back-to-back ultras in a short turnaround. Will it be too much? Time will tell. But I’m here to test myself, not to sit in comfort.

Because I only get one shot at life. And I want to face the finish line knowing I showed up fully, pursued my potential, and turned discomfort into discipline.

Are you ready to unleash your mindset?

You have two choices:

  1. Stay comfortable. Stay the same.

  2. Or embrace the challenge and step into the life you know you're capable of living.

My hope is that you choose the latter.

Because this is what mindset coaching is all about. Building a life grounded in discipline, purpose and progress.

Let’s take the first step together. Book your free 30-minute exploratory call with me today and discover how the ultramarathon mindset can transform your life.

Luke Fenwick, mindset coach: discomfort and discipline for ultramarathon mindset

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