EP 771: Aging as an Athlete: Mindset, Longevity, and the Love of Running

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation's 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 "magic pill" 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. 

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Episode Topics & Timestamps

1:00 – Darcy's Background: Elite Runner and Therapist

3:30 – What Creates Longevity in the Sport?

6:00 – The Mental Side of Aging as an Athlete

9:00 – Mindfulness, Stress, and Mental Training

12:45 – Mental Toughness in Ultrarunning

17:30 – The Power of Nature and Trail Therapy

23:00 – Managing Focus During Long Races

29:00 – Racing for the Podium vs Racing for the Experience

31:30 – How Darcy Found Ultrarunning

35:30 – Hardrock, Motherhood, and Career Balance

38:30 – Training Philosophy for Longevity

41:00 – The Wednesday Women's Run in Boulder

44:00 – Identity Beyond Running

48:00 – What Makes a Race Truly Successful?

52:30 – Advice to Younger and Older Versions of Yourself

56:30 – The Mental vs Physical Performance Question

1:00:15 – Therapy in Action and Closing Thoughts