"Check in on why you’re doing this. It doesn’t have to feel like the biggest 'why' statement of the whole world, like, 'What’s the purpose of life?' But it really does help you to say, 'What’s meaningful about this for me, right now?'" Ali on the Run Show favorite Emily Saul is back! Emily is a licensed mental health counselor, sport psychology coach, and founder of E Saul Movement. She's a former Division-1 collegiate rower, she's a lifelong athlete, she's a many-time marathoner, and she's a TEDxBoston speaker. This conversation kicks off the first of a three-part series within the Beyond the Run series, where we talk about the connection between running and mental wellness. Today, Emily is answering listener questions about the mental side of marathon training. If you're training for a fall marathon, it's likely you started training this month. (Exciting!) So, Emily is here to hold your hand throughout the process. These questions are all about getting into the right headspace to start training. Emily is addressing comebacks, comparison traps, burnout, and all the things that are top of mind at the beginning of a training cycle. (She'll return to the show in August for training-related questions, and in September to help get you psyched and mentally ready for race day.) SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite bra, pullover, and crop top.) What you’ll get on this episode: Emily’s first words to fall marathoners (6:40) On getting past a motivational rut (10:45) Dealing with burnout (19:05) Navigating the comparison trap (24:40) Emily’s advice for dealing with mom guilt (34:15) Returning to training after a tough race or setback (42:00) How to redefine expectations (47:30) “Help! I can’t stop talking about running!” (54:00) For more, check out: Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 574 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul’s TEDxBoston talk Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysaulboston Twitter @emilysaulboston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!