The Psychology of Recovery: Reframing Setbacks with Martina Nadeau

In this episode of the Fast and Free Podcast, Brant Stachel sits down with runner and coach Martina Nadeau to explore what it truly takes to rebuild confidence after a catastrophic injury. Two weeks before the 2022 NYC Marathon, Martina was diagnosed with a stress fracture that forced her to stop running completely. But instead of spiraling, she reframed the setback—learning to swim, committing to cross-training, and slowly rebuilding both her body and her mindset.

Brant and Martina dive into the psychological side of injury recovery—navigating phantom pains, running by effort instead of pace, and learning to trust your body again. They also unpack the identity shift from athlete to coach, how to stay consistent while traveling nonstop for work, and why “middle-of-the-pack” coaches play a crucial role in the running community.Whether you’re coming back from injury, battling burnout, or struggling to believe in your own potential, this episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t rebuilt overnight—it’s earned, one step at a time.

About the GuestMartina Nadeau is a Salt Lake City based running coach with Team RunRun and a passionate advocate for accessible, evidence-based training. A former New Yorker turned trail runner, Martina blends her background in communication and exercise science to help athletes of all levels balance their running goals with real-world demands. She’s known for her empathetic, detail-oriented coaching style and her focus on long-term health, consistency, and joy in the sport.

Relevant Links

• Get coached by Brant - https://teamrunrun.com/coach/brant-stachel-kingston-ontario-running-coach/
• Get coached by Martina - https://teamrunrun.com/coach/martina-nadeau-salt-lake-city-virtual-running-coach/
• Get the best fuel for your runs - https://fuelgoods.com/?ref=Brant

About the Fast and Free Podcast

The Fast and Free Podcast with Brant Stachel explores the intersection of endurance training and mental performance. Each week, Brant—an endurance coach, Registered Psychotherapist, and mental performance specialist—dives into conversations with Olympians, elites, and everyday athletes chasing their goals. From running strategies to psychology tools, every episode delivers practical insights to help you train smarter, think stronger, and perform at your best.

Follow Fast and Free Coaching:

• Instagram: @fastandfreecoaching 
• YouTube: @FastandFreeCoaching
• Website: runfastandfree.com