Abstract

Ultramarathon running consists of race distances beyond the traditional marathon with hundreds of events worldwide. Previous literature has examined motivation, mood, and cognitive processes of ultramarathon runners. However, little is known about the influence of self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation on resilience in this population. This study explored the psychological processes of a female ultramarathon runner completing a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 136.8-mile Backbone Trail in Santa Monica, California. Data collection included photo journaling, social media posts, event video footage, and a post-event semi-structured interview. Themes that emerged from these data included physical preparation, mental preparation, resilience, and social support. The runner utilized psychological skills including goal setting and self-talk. This case study revealed impactful insight regarding the psychological processes of a female ultramarathon runner completing the FKT on this trail. These findings present practical implications for professionals in sport and exercise psychology and coaches working with ultra-runners.