Mental Strategies for Running in the Heat

Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Death Valley National Park, CA For most runner's, running in the heat presents a challenge. A physical one and a mental one. Physically, we slow down, which mentally affects us. The heat and humidity itself can make us want to mentally tap out, "It's too hot out, I can't do this." … Continue reading Mental Strategies for Running in the Heat

The Gym is Not a Place for Vanity. It is a Place for…

There are days that I miss my gym membership. It's rare, but sometimes I will still go as a guest. Over the past few years, I've been working out at home. On and off, I work with a running coach and hang out with the local run club. Here's a snap shot of my gym-goer … Continue reading The Gym is Not a Place for Vanity. It is a Place for…

Mood Boosting Self-Care and Healthy Habits for Runners

https://youtube.com/shorts/I0DCkVM5sUo?feature=share 9 healthy habits that can boost your mood Practice gratitude 13 Most Popular Gratitude Exercises and Activities Give compliments Experience and "go with the flow" Savor the little moments Mindfulness and walking Exercise Get enough sleep Choose foods that boost your mood Work towards meaningful goals Meaningful goals and why? Reasons Why I Run: … Continue reading Mood Boosting Self-Care and Healthy Habits for Runners

Mental Strategies for Tackling a Tempo Run

https://youtu.be/AJknY2TO47M Thank you for supporting me through my YouTube channel. Tempo runs can seem daunting to tackle because you know the tempo part will be uncomfortable, and if you're like me, you want to nail it, which adds pressure. - Additionally, I did this on the treadmill, which can be mentally challenging in itself. Mentally, … Continue reading Mental Strategies for Tackling a Tempo Run

“Finish Stronger” Mindset for Ultrarunners

I came up with the name Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching (I am also the founder and owner of Finish Stronger Counseling) from my experience and passion for running. To "finish stronger" means to end the session better than when it began. - Whether it is a race, training session, or a mindset coaching session. For … Continue reading “Finish Stronger” Mindset for Ultrarunners

How I Overcame My Fear of Trail Running After Encountering a Cougar (Part 2)

Watch "Facing My Fears By Going Back To The Mountain Lion Spot." https://youtu.be/JDaKu-iEcJQ Thanks for supporting my YouTube channel Professional disclaimer: I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Counseling, and have been working in the mental health for well over a decade. In my counseling private practice, trauma is one of … Continue reading How I Overcame My Fear of Trail Running After Encountering a Cougar (Part 2)

How I Overcame My Fear of Trail Running After Encountering a Cougar (Part 1)

Trail running from Hells Hollow to Breakneck Falls and back. Shannon's experience of coping with anxiety, fear and a flighty nervous system. How she is finding healing.

Active and Runner Moms Who Experience “Mom Guilt”

https://youtu.be/MJSidanc0TA Watch my message, To All the Moms, here on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe. Thanks so much! Note: I'm writing this from the perspective as a mother and an athlete, I feel the "mom guilt" creep in periodically, as I strive to balance training and motherhood. This short letter can be to … Continue reading Active and Runner Moms Who Experience “Mom Guilt”

Chat about Runner’s Body Image and Positivity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3WaYnuDi4k Like and subscribe to my YouTube channel As runners, we need to make sure that we're protecting our body image and promoting body positivity. Acknowledge that all of our bodies are different, setting aside judgments, opinions, and expectations of what our body should look like as runners. Know that all of our bodies are … Continue reading Chat about Runner’s Body Image and Positivity

One Way to Spread Mental Health Awareness During a Race

Runners, here's an idea for spreading mental health awareness during a race Create and wear a small sign on your pack or clothing that will stir up thought and conversation about mental health. Use a popular hashtag and your social media handle. You could also incorporate a statistic. If you are raising funds, include that. … Continue reading One Way to Spread Mental Health Awareness During a Race