Watch our new film: Enjoying the Endurance Journey

Thursday 14th May 2026

‘Enjoying the Endurance Journey’: The mental terrain of elite running and the psychology of performance

By Eilidh Miller

scottishathletics are delighted to publish our latest short documentary featuring GB internationals Naomi Lang (mountain running) and Dougie Selman (ultra running) and their coach Lewis Walker.

Building on Urbane Media’s growing portfolio of documentaries on our YouTube channel (LINK), this latest film links our two short features on Lang and Selman by offering Walker’s interesting insight into the mindset behind success at the top level of our sport.

Walker, who coaches both athletes, explains why mentality can be the difference between competing and winning.

‘Psychology is actually the thing that makes you a podium placer, or winner, rather than simply your physiology.

The film explores how elite athletes manage pre-race nerves and approach competition in what Walker describes as a ‘challenge state’.

This is the understanding that doubts and discomfort are inevitable, but that learning how to deal with them effectively is what separates most athletes from those triumphing on the world stage.

Offering a unique perspective on the mental side of endurance sport, the documentary highlights the role coaching plays in preparing athletes to arrive on the start line in both peak physical and peak mental condition.

The film is definitely food for thought, for all athletes, on training for athletics beyond the physical aspects of the sport.