Ultrarunning pushes the body and mind to extremes. The miles pile up, the terrain tests every limit, and those inevitable low moments arrive when doubt, fatigue, or pain threaten to take over.
As a mindset and mental wellness coach working with ultrarunners across the U.S., I help athletes develop the mental tools to not only finish strong but also carry that resilience into everyday life.
The Real Work Behind the Miles
I’ve been working with one ultrarunner for several months now. We started together as he prepared for a last-man-standing ultramarathon, where he ran farther than ever before. Since then, we’ve tackled goals one by one through consistent practice of mental strategies that translate directly from training to life.
Our sessions and check-ins cover practical skills like:
- Journaling prompts for the “pain cave” to reframe discomfort.
- Associative and disassociative focus techniques for handling tough sections with significant vert (like aiming for 10,000+ feet of gain).
- Thought-stopping methods using the THINK acronym to interrupt negative, distorted, or anxious thoughts.
- Mindfulness practices and mental imagery for race-day preparation.
- Cognitive reframing to turn unrealistic thinking into realistic, helpful self-talk.
- Exploring pain versus suffering, emotional freedom tapping for confidence, and general mental wellness resources.
These aren’t just race-day tricks. They build stronger habits, better emotion regulation, and a deeper sense of self-trust that improves daily well-being.
I’m also excited about a new ultrarunner client. We meet about once per month and are addressing a mix of goals: Hitting a strong time in his next road half marathon, building toward longer-term ultramarathon targets, establishing healthy habits, and improving day-to-day areas of life.
So far, I’ve shared habit-building and self-care resources, and I’m preparing a pre-race questionnaire for his upcoming event. The momentum and openness he’s bringing to the work are fantastic, and it’s rewarding to see progress unfold.
What Client Wins Look Like
Clients who commit (even 15 minutes to a few hours per week) see real results. They try new approaches, complete worksheets, and apply strategies in training and racing. Recent feedback from post-race questionnaires highlights improved mental clarity, better handling of tough patches, and greater overall enjoyment.
One client shared how the tools helped them push through challenges they once thought insurmountable. Others note stronger self-compassion during setbacks like injuries or DNFs, and clearer motivation tied to their deeper “why.” These wins extend beyond running: better time management, improved self-esteem, and a more balanced life as a parent, professional, or community member.
Big Client Wins and What it is Like Working with Me
Topics We Explore Together
Our coaching covers a wide range tailored to each runner’s needs:
- Day-to-day mental wellbeing and habit building.
- Mindfulness and emotion regulation for stress.
- Goal setting, motivation, and visualization.
- Coping with injury, disappointment, or body image concerns.
- Race-specific strategies like positive self-talk (or strategic swearing!), problem-solving on course, and managing priorities.
- Self-care, self-compassion, and knowing when to push versus rest.
- Unique challenges, especially for women (pregnancy, periods during races, parenting while training).
- Referrals or support for finding therapists or running coaches when needed.
The beauty is that these skills compound over time. What starts as race preparation becomes a foundation for a happier, healthier, more resilient life.
Here’s a post-session video update sharing more about the ongoing work with my longer-term client:
Watch the video here (YouTube)
Ready to Finish Stronger?
If you’re an ultrarunner (or aspiring one) looking to level up your mindset, crush your goals, and build mental wellness that sticks, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re chasing a PR, your first 100-miler, or simply want to enjoy the process more, we can create a plan that fits your life.
Visit my website at finishstrongermindsetcoaching.com or reach out through the contact form. Check out client testimonials and more wins in this article.
Happy running, and may your miles be strong, your mind steady, and your journey fulfilling.
~ Shannon
Ultrarunner, Mindset Coach, and Professional Counselor
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