Hillary Allen is known for her grit.
After suffering what could have been a career-ending fall at the Tromso Skyrace in 2017, she battled back from physical and mental injuries to be a stand-out in the mountain running world. Hillary, also known as Hilly Goat, has the highest finish of any American athlete at the infamous TDS race by UTMB, the gnarliest of races around Mont Blanc that’s 95 miles of the most technical and challenging terrain the Alps offer. Recently, she has become known for strong performances in the world of gravel bike racing with a top ten finish at the Stetina PayDirt Gravel race and a 21st-place finish at the Unbound Gravel 200.
Hillary, who runs for Brooks, is known for her curiosity and resilience in the face of adversity. So how does she cultivate a mindset that enables her to embrace setbacks while still competing at the top of the sport? We dive deep into Hillary’s mindset in the interview and video below, where she shares her strategies for staying positive, embracing setbacks, and finding happiness in the grind.
Whether you’re facing your own challenges on the trail or in life, Hillary’s insights can inspire you to keep moving forward. We invite you to share your own tips on guarding your psyche in the comments section. Plus, by joining the conversation, you’ll have a chance to win a free pair of Brooks Cascadias!
USU: What’s one simple way you infuse your daily runs with joy?
Hillary Allen: I smile! or I meet up with friends to have a chat, or plan a coffee date after 🙂
USU: When you’re thinking about planning out your race season, how do you balance competitive ambition with that happiness factor?
Hillary Allen: For me all of the races that I choose scare me—this plays to my competitive side, to challenge myself. But I know that for every big race I have to put in some big training and that plays into the happiness factor—I plan big adventures or trips with the goal of training and this brings me a lot of joy while I’m putting in the big weeks.
USU: How do you work through days that don’t feel that joyful? How do you process the tough days?
Hillary Allen: If I’m having a hard time enjoying it, I tell myself to stay curious and I focus on a certain sense and try to engage with that. I also tell myself that every day isn’t supposed to be easy, and if I’m having tough days, then I’m doing it right. I also relieve the pressure—I tell myself to go out and try (just start the workout, start the long run, etc) and then I can see how I feel. Training isn’t about nailing every workout 100%; there’s a lot that can happen even if you nail 80-90%.
USU: Who helps infuse your life or running with that sense of joy and happiness?
Hillary Allen: My friends and my team. I know a lot of people in the trail running world and community I truly appreciate and love every single one of them—and I’m also a very private person. I have a very small group of close friends—we share miles together and workouts, we help motivate each other when things are super hard. But for these people getting together for a run is secondary, it’s more of a chance to talk or even be silent and share the miles together. I started a group chat called “the Boulder Babes,” and I put in my workouts there each week. Everyone meets up for what they can do for the week. These people help me so much during rough moments in life and training.
My team is also important. My coach gives me perspective outside of running (even when he’s trying to kill me in workouts!). My family, who love me regardless of a race result and support me endlessly, and my Brooks teammates, who share training camps where running is the focus, but really, it’s about bonding with each other and forming memories together.
USU: How do you guard your psyche?
Hillary Allen: I guard the psyche by making sure I enjoy the process and the day-to-day. I view each day as an opportunity to get the most out of myself. I’m a process-driven athlete and not an outcome-driven athlete. I also mix it up and try to be a well-rounded athlete—incorporating different sports into my routine. I also focus on my identity of self outside of sport and running.
USU: How do you check in with yourself about guarding your psyche?
Hillary Allen: I write in my journal a lot. It’s a daily practice for me—checking in on how I feel. I am also an introvert and need a lot of time alone to recharge, so I make sure I prioritize these moments daily, usually by doing something non-sport or competition-related.
USU: What’s something that you think folks get wrong about running happy?
Hillary Allen: There’s actual science behind it. Smiling to lift your mood is a real thing! I think people dismiss people who are ‘running happy’ as not serious or too carefree—but life is too short to take things too seriously and not to have fun or enjoy what you’re doing. I think running happy ultimately means finding joy in the process of doing really hard things.
Now for the gear Hilly Goat uses to keep the stoke high:
- Brooks Cascadia 18—The newest iteration of the ever-popular Cascadia features an updated midsole for even more versatility, plus rock plate protection and a TrailTak Green outsole for incredible grip on varied terrain.
- High Point Short Sleeve—When it comes to long days in the mountains, you want just enough coverage to protect against the sun without overheating. The High Point short sleeve provides chafe-free protection with seams specifically placed to avoid chafing under a vest.
- High Point Jacket—Specifically made to meet the rigorous demands of tough races like UTMB, the High Point Jacket packs a punch of waterproof protection, with taped seams to keep rain out and strategic vents to keep you cool and dry underneath.
- High Point Tight—These burly tights combine best-in-class weatherproofing with sweat-wicking panels right where you need them. Ideal for extreme mountain weather that can change quickly, these tights are a go-to for all mountain athletes.
How do you guard your psyche? Share with us in the comments section and you’ll be one of a few lucky runners to win a free pair of Brooks Cascadia’s.
27 comments
Alex Staten
I guard my psyche in many ways. Surrounding myself with good people is one way and making sure I’m supporting them just as much as they support me. Remembering my ‘why(s)’ is another way. Keeping the perspective, letting myself feel my feelings, and remembering to have gratitude. I also rely heavily on the Navajo teachings of why we run. We run to heal, pray, celebrate, and learn.
Lori
I’m not the fastest, but I have been called the happiest runner on the race course.
I try to keep a smile on my face when I’m running, especially during a race – because it does make me feel better physically, and it seems to affect the mood of the people around me.
It’s not fake or forced. I’m usually pretty happy to be running, but there are mental cues I reference when the going gets tough: I *get* to run this, it’s a privilege. I worked hard to get here and this is my celebration, my victory lap. Sometimes just a simple reminder that what I’m doing *right now* is beyond the wildest dreams I had 10 years ago is enough to put a bounce in my step and a sparkle in my eye.
Martin Hernandez
It depends sometimes just zoning out and focusing on your next step is the way to protect the psyche other times it’s the why?
Why am here? Why did I sign up for this? Why am I not in bed enjoying my “day off”? The why could be family, changing your situation physically mentally and emotionally, pushing your limits to not be ordinary, but at the end of the day out there it’s just you vs you there’s no room for weakness so that’s why we just keep moving forward
Eden Ferreira
I protect my spirit while running. Last year I lost something that was completely out of My control I didn’t know how to come back from a loss that felt like robbery. I got cleared to run again and I ran and I ran. It hurt, it was terrible, it took forever at times to just run the mile but it got done. Before I used to say it’s okay I’ll get that workout or run in later. It wasn’t until I decided that my spirit needed to be guarded and protected that I found a joy indescribably beautiful. I found a part of me that not only enjoyed being around but that also loved me back. Finding space in the middle of nowhere listening to my breathing all while running to take care of myself now that’s how I protect my psyche… life is here breath it in and take care of you in each moment that you can.
Zachary Schor
I talk to myself while running about stuff that I see on the road and trails. It helps me to relax and feel calm.
Anna Johnson
On the days when I can’t be on the trails I just imagine them. I imagine the sun shining through the trees and the dirt inclining in front of me- that brings my smile, and makes me climb, makes me lift up straighter. Then I dance and no longer feel the damaging past my body and mind have endured.
Joanie Andersen
I choose not to focus on what I cannot control. I choose to remember event plus response equals outcome and then I go volunteer helping runners during night time hours at an ultra.
Taylor Verville
I guard my psyche by attending therapy, talking with friends and family; if I am in a race I try to remind myself of the work I’ve put in with my coach, talk with fellow runners and smile, try to help fellow runners if possible, ask if they need anything. And tell myself I don’t stop when I am tired, I stop when I am done.–I forget whose quote it is, but I love it!
Krista Schallus
Living in the city can feel like you’re trapped or suffocating. Especially when you grew up with 100 acres as a kid. I find my psyche at it’s best when I can lace up my shoes or clip into my bike out on the trails. I see a sunrise or mountain peaks, I say out loud, “wow” and I know I’m in my happy place.
Jacob Williams
I’m about a week out from my first 50k and training has been tough for me. One thing that has kept me going is training with my wife by my side. We are both first timers and going through the process together has be super helpful. When we struggle, we support each other. Bringing a smile to the last 5 miles of my long runs has been a secret aid in pushing through. This was a great article!
BL
Being a student with a somewhat hectic schedule, I’ve found that finding time to move my body and get out in some nature everyday is mandatory for my success in academics, as well as in my personal life. For me, that’s utilizing early mornings to get a sunrise run in before the day begins. While somedays it might just be a 5k and that’s all I can do (there was a time when that was literally all I could do), while other days the trails are too captivating to turn around so we go longer. The trails never fail to put be back in reality and away from the anxiety of the to-do lists. No matter how filled our calendars or to-do lists are, in order for us to be successful, taking time to focus on ourself for however long that might be is essential. It not only will help us in our progress on the trails, but also off the trails.
Paul Johnson
Reading and running have really helped guard my psych!! Also little tricks like getting a haircut or something to feel better about your looks has helped me immensely. Also quitting nicotine has significantly cut down on my stress.
Kyla Mahoney
I focus on doing what brings me joy, not what I think I should do based on what others think! I used to get caught up in what everyone else was doing and now it is 100% all about me now. I’m so thankful in this mindset shift! It is helpful to remind myself that I am doing this because I want to and I’m excited for this workout, run, hike, etc and if I don’t want to do it, I won’t! Life is too short to do things that don’t make you happy!
Chris Kmotorka
I’ve been running about a year and a half, including a near-three-month break due to a tendon injury (too much too soon). And I’m 61, overweight, etc. So I don’t do ultras; I am a half-marathoner and I like that distance. My biggest challenge is getting out the door. But once I’m on the trails, I love every minute of it, even the hard parts. To get out the door I try to envision the terrain and what it’s going to be like “out there.” I struggle with feeling down about how slow I am (I’ve never been fast at anything) so I really need to tell myself that being out there and doing it is the important part and if I’m slow that just means I get to enjoy the trails that much longer that the faster runners!
Raymond F
Being brand new to intentionally putting in more distance, I guard my psyche by attempting to be well rounded. My faith life is crucial, my participation as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous is crucial, being an active participant in Muay Thai training and taking a more serious approach to my sleep and nutrition, are all parts of what keep me going as healthy as possible. Cheers.
Kim Kreuzman
As a new mom, I am learning to say yes to less and really evaluate what needs done right now and what can wait to guard my energy enabling me to dedicate more of my time and attention to the people and tasks that matter most.
Pon Somnhot
I’m so excited about how I could win a brand spanking new pair of Brooks Cascadia 18s. I dun ran my other ones to the ground!
Shelby Farrell
I am working on learning how to shut off work when work is over. I keep organized lists and write notes to myself so I can close my laptop with confidence and let my brain melt into my workout, or simply being in the moment. If I feel like I have something to do, that anxiety does not allow my mind to recharge, which takes away from the quality of my free time. It’s a work in progress!
Julia Moffitt
As a 57 year old post menopausal ultrarunner, I know my time and opportunity on the trails and ability to train for big races is limited. I will never get THIS day and opportunity back so I try to make the best of it. What is the best thing I can do TODAY to set me up for success and keep me running? That is what I try to do. It keeps me motivated and enjoying the process.
Sheri Atkinson
I surround myself with others who love nature & the outdoors, adventure, trail running, and with whom I can have deeper conversations. I do my best to show up and be present as a mom, grandma, wife, friend. I’m learning to show up for myself, be kinder with the words I say and the way I think about myself, be less critical of my running performance and all of my imperfections. I’m trying to bring a better balance into my life, which I’ve lost since COVID and moving: quiet reflection/meditation/gratitude journaling, yoga & be better with my strength training routine.
Robert Zinda
I work a desk job after spending 6 years in the Army. Initially, I found the transition to be very difficult because I thought grinding away at the office was the right thing to do for my family by providing. It took me ~4 years but I realized fitness is essential not only to my mental health but to leading my kids to a healthy lifestyle. For me, fitness regulates my psyche even more than sleep some days. The ability to push myself and raise the heartrate is the best kind of therapy around.
The only thing that beats it is a day off with my kids (all under 5 years old). A day out and about taking them to new places always helps me remember what is truly important at this stage in my life.
Kevin York
I just stay focused on the immediate RIGHT now. As soon as I catch my mind drifting to how tired I am or my feet hurting, I bring it right back to “left foot, right foot, open up your chest, breathe deeply” and bring myself back to those little things I can control.
Blake Cohen
When I think about how I guard my psyche, it’s all about enjoying the journey and fully embracing every moment, whether it’s a high or a low. For me, ultrarunning is almost meditative, a practice of being deeply in tune with myself and finding the strength to push beyond my limits.
Blake Cohen
Hillary Allen’s reflections really resonate with me—she reminds me that the real joy lies in the journey, in the daily grind, rather than just the outcome. Staying curious and finding happiness even when things aren’t perfect is key to maintaining mental resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that by embracing the process, I can enrich both my training and my life.
Amber Burns
Ours is a lifetime sport, and if you’ve been at it long enough, your strength, ability, and life commitments will naturally wax and wane with life’s seasons. I embrace these changes with a beginner’s mindset and find something new to enjoy. It’s fun to try a shorter race or switch things up with a relay where you can take in the camraderie and make it about the fun. I keep my sense of humor and work to honor the season of life I’m in. Sometimes, it’s okay to set aside the seriousness and data to just get out and reconnect with what drew you to the trails in the first place. For now, freshly postpartum, I push just enough to be excited to do it again tomorrow, and give myself the grace to make a mindful return to the sport that I love!
Ben Yardley
I’ve always found the best way to gaurd your psyche is to remember you CHOSE to do this. Running an ultra or being on the trails is a gift we chose to pursue. Sure, it’s physically hard, but man oh man is it magical!!
To help remind myself that I want to be here or this is fun I often wear silly outfits to help remind myself to smile. For example I wore a tutu for the UTMB. Hard to not smile when you look down and you see a tutu on yourself! That is how I guard my psyche!
Jess McLellan
I ran my very 1st 104 mile race, this was my longest I ever ran. It was 106° with 24,000 vert. I realize that this is not as hot as some places. But for Washington State it’s pretty hot. I did alot of research since this was the longest race with the most vert I’ve ever done. Research on how to stay positive and focused without letting myself go into a negative state. I trained my mind to stay focused during every single training day.
Mile 90 with 6,000 more ft to climb and 14 more miles to run really put my mind to the test. My tip that helped me, was I did not think about the pain I was in, or how I felt like I was running on pure nails, or how hot it was, and how I wanted to be done with it all. Instead I focused on getting to the next ade station. Then after that get myself to the next aide station. And then Finally, get myself to that finish line with a qualifying time and that belt buckle. Staying focused on the aide station knowing I have people waiting for me is what kept me focused in a positive way. This is easier said than done. Finding something to focus on like your next aid statio even of its loops helps alot. Because everything passes even the pain and the rest of the struggles your going through. Keep thinking positively and don’t let your mind think negative thoughts. And if you do, get your mind to think of something positive. The sooner you start the better you’ll be.