https://youtu.be/TxXj0xCTGTI?si=fRGD9_UPCQ8tIUh1 I recently heard from a runner who was feeling the weight of disappointment after a couple of races didn’t go the way she hoped. She had signed up excited, carried expectations into the day, and then felt let down (by the distance), by how things unfolded, and by herself for not staying consistent with … Continue reading When Races Disappoint: Turning Frustration into Growth and Rediscovering the Joy of Running
Category: Manage Mental Struggles
Rabid Raccoon 100 Pre-Race Questionnaire 2026
Have you ever completed a structured pre or post-race questionnaire? If not, you’re about to discover one of the most powerful tools I use to prepare mentally and execute at a high level in ultrarunning. Before your next event, take time for a clear pre-race visualization. Define what success looks like for you. Then work … Continue reading Rabid Raccoon 100 Pre-Race Questionnaire 2026
Training for an Ultramarathon in the Winter?
Do you want to do a spring ultramarathon, but can't seem to find the motivation to train like you need to through the winter? I get it. The days are short, the trails are sloppy or frozen, and sometimes just getting out the door feels like a big win. But here’s the truth: That winter … Continue reading Training for an Ultramarathon in the Winter?
Are There Shortcuts to Success in Ultramarathon Training?
Training seriously for an ultramarathon, especially if you are going to compete, is a full-time commitment (or close to it). Are there shortcuts to success? There is a stand-out number in experience research, which focuses on the prerequisites under which people achieve top performances. That number is 10,000 hours. There is another rule of thumb … Continue reading Are There Shortcuts to Success in Ultramarathon Training?
Back of the Pack Ultra Guy Podcast: Ultrarunning and trauma
Just wrapped up a fantastic conversation with Christian Barratt, who is the host of the Back of the Pack Ultra Gup Podcast. We dive deep into ultrarunning and mental wellness. I shared my journey into ultrarunning, the mental health benefits of running, and the impact of trauma on athletes. Christian and I explored the mindset … Continue reading Back of the Pack Ultra Guy Podcast: Ultrarunning and trauma
Runner Performance Scale for Important Areas of Life
Some helpful performance-related stuff below (Download the free resource) Survey tools, like scales and writing exercises, can help you better navigate the mental side of your performance. This could be race, job, or life performance. You can take the mini survey below, grab a pen and paper. Think of this survey as a personal navigation … Continue reading Runner Performance Scale for Important Areas of Life
9 Simple Ways to Be Happier
What's up, runners?! 🍂🦃🍁🍃The holiday season is here and we tend to do a lot of reflection on the things that we are grateful for. 🙏 Hopefully this is something that you do throughout the year because practicing gratitude is strongly linked to lasting well-being and happiness. Studies show that fostering a sense of gratitude … Continue reading 9 Simple Ways to Be Happier
Oil Creek 100 Race Report (2025)
https://youtu.be/Fte-kiXQL4E?si=A18pPXLC-ABfaMS0 Thanks for supporting my YouTube channel! This was the first 100 miler that I decided to compete in. It was an excellent choice of race because I'm very familiar with the course and was getting my revenge for four prior DNFs here. Results I did it! I “struck oil.” “Strike Oil or Move On” … Continue reading Oil Creek 100 Race Report (2025)
Oil Creek 100 Pre-Race Questionnaire (2025)
With RD Heather Nelson Have you ever completed a pre or post-race questionnaire? Prior to your race, do a pre-event visualization and think about what your hopeful outcomes are. Complete the pre-race questionnaire and see if you have everything (or close to everything) covered. When it is done, you can give copies to your crew … Continue reading Oil Creek 100 Pre-Race Questionnaire (2025)
Highball to Thurmond 50 Mile Race Day Visualization
Race Day Visualization In this Race Day Visualization, you will visualize a number of mindset and race strategies that you can apply to your race. I understand that everyone’s race plan may look differently, so you can use this visualization as a basic guide and form your own, specific to your strategies. Mindset and race … Continue reading Highball to Thurmond 50 Mile Race Day Visualization