What sounds more challenging: Running a hard 10k, or sitting still for three days without exercise? Dr. Lara Pence is a licensed clinical psychologist working with elite and professional athletes. She helps them not only improve their performance in sport but also connect more deeply with the entire life experience. Lara’s also the founder of The Coaches Collective, a program for ambitious sport coaches looking to increase their skills in human behavior and psychology. Listen to this episode to hear about: Common identity challenges runners face in everyday training and injury The intersection of therapy and endurance sports Dr. Pence’s clinical experience with athletes with disordered eating Superficial connections in society and the need for deeper relationships Why athletes need to slow down and rest (and even get bored) Stay connected: Dr. Lara Pence on Instagram: instagram.com/drlarapence  The Coaches Collective: drlarapence.com/coaches  For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com This episode is supported by: PUMA: My current top shoe is the Deviate Nitro First Mile. Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLR24 at www.puma.com. Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR for 15% off your pair at https://alnk.to/3ybGCzH. Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Get 10% off with code LONGRUN10 at hyperice.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forthelongrun/support