Hayden Hawks’ Guide to Mental Toughness and Peak Performance in the Mountains

When pro ultrarunner Hayden Hawks faces challenging conditions on the trails, he doesn't just endure them—he transforms them into opportunities for growth, proving that sometimes the hardest moments forge the strongest athletes.

Hayden Hawks has been a professional ultra runner for 10 years competing at and winning some of the biggest races in the world. He is sponsored by HOKA, AG1, Precision Fuel and Hydration, as well as many other sponsors. He has also been a huge advocate for helping and building youth group initiatives and inspiring the younger generation around the world, most notably the Trail Fam. Hayden is also a coach with Hawks Running and Centurion Running. He is a father of 2, husband to Ashley Hawks, and loves traveling with his family and being outside as much as possible. 

Jon chats with Hayden about:

• balancing competition with being a good person and giving back

• gradual training progression instead of extreme volume jumps

• fueling runs over 90 minutes for better performance

• mental toughness through embracing uncomfortable mountain conditions

• consistency over time creates sustainable athletic careers

Stay Connected:

Follow Hayden:

https://www.instagram.com/hawks_hayden/

“Hayden Hawks” on Strava

https://trailfam.com/

https://www.hawksrunning.com/

This episode is supported by:

Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off

Vacation Races Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026