Sport Psychologist VS Licensed Professional Counselor

What's the difference between a sport psychologist and a licensed professional counselor? And how do you know what service you may need? I notice a lot of confusion and misunderstandings between the two types of professionals, so I wanted to provide an understanding of how they are similar, different, and compliment each other. (Specifically for … Continue reading Sport Psychologist VS Licensed Professional Counselor

Aid Station X-Rays Podcast with Val and Chris 08/29/23

Aid Station X-Rays Podcast is a newer show started by Val and Chris. They are both friends of mine, trail runners, endurance athletes, and parents. Val is newer to trail running, she completed her first 7 mile trail race a few weekends ago. She is already interested in trying an ultramarathon. Chris (AKA Captain Miles) … Continue reading Aid Station X-Rays Podcast with Val and Chris 08/29/23

13 Mental Aspects of the Backyard Ultramarathon for Life

What is a backyard ultra? The backyard ultra is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6.706 kilometres in less than one hour. The race is over when only one runner remains to complete a lap. This runner is marked as the winner and only finisher, with all other … Continue reading 13 Mental Aspects of the Backyard Ultramarathon for Life

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.