The Middle Miles
The Middle Miles
Angela Naeth
Mind Over Miles: The Placebo Effect
46 minutes Posted Jul 27, 2026 at 2:57 pm.
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Is simply *believing* that something makes you faster all you need for a better performance outcome?  Enter the Placebo Effect.  In this episode, we explore how expectation influences endurance, why even just tasting a gel makes you faster, and how your mindset can change everything from pain perception to pacing and fatigue. We'll also discuss the flip side—the nocebo effect—and how negative beliefs can sabotage performance before the race even begins.

Whether it's the same socks for every marathon, a new pair of "super shoes," a pre-race ritual, or a supplement you take, the placebo effect IS real, but it also proved that mindset is everything.  Have a listen!