Baker Trail UltraChallenge 2022 Race Report

Sleeping in the back of the Jeep on the farm. Lovely view! Photo credit: Stephen Mick PC: Mike McNeil Butler County Milers and other ultra friends Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Miler, south section. 11:55:50 OA: 32/88 (16 DNFs) F: 11/31 PC: Stephen Mick About Baker Trail UltraChallenge https://www.rachelcarsontrails.org/events/ultrachallenge https://ultrarunning.com/calendar/event/baker-trail-ultrachallenge-50m Lucky the Dwarf Goat joins us … Continue reading Baker Trail UltraChallenge 2022 Race Report

Stephen’s 54 Mile Run to Hell and Back (07/09/22)

Stephen, my wonderful husband of over a decade, completed the locally (Western Pennsylvania) known To Hell and Back run. He wanted to know if I'd like him to write about his day for my blog, and of course, I said, "yeah!" To Hell and Back - Solo Trail Run Report By Stephen Mick On Easter … Continue reading Stephen’s 54 Mile Run to Hell and Back (07/09/22)

Oil Creek 100 Race Report (2021)

2021 results for all three race distances because it was a record year for DNFs. 50k: 196 had bib numbers assigned. 170 started. 28 DNF'd. Normally a handful of DNF's at most. 100k: 117 had bib numbers assigned. 107 started. 42 DNF'd. 39% drop is a new record. 100 miler: 94 had bib numbers assigned. … Continue reading Oil Creek 100 Race Report (2021)

Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Miler Stories (2021)

Part of the Butler County Milers crew Before the race started, we were standing around and I happened to look down at my legs, a tick was crawling up my left leg. I pinched it, tossed it into the grass and checked myself for more nasty bloodsuckers. The rest of the time that we stood … Continue reading Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Miler Stories (2021)

What Inspired Me to Become an Ultrarunner Mindset Coach?

"What inspired you to become an ultrarunner mindset coach?" This is a question that I get a lot. The first dozen or so times I had to pause and think about it. "Why did I?" Background Family, friends, and social media friends and followers would ask questions about wanting to try something new in order … Continue reading What Inspired Me to Become an Ultrarunner Mindset Coach?

“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.

Race Crew Life: Laurel Highlands Ultra (2021)

Tribe: Butler County Milers 5:30 AM wave Stephen reported enjoying the trail Ultra Miriam changing her shoes Fashion trend: wearing your hat backwards Seven Springs Mountain Resort Sean stopping traffic Stephen finished in about 21 hours Mike's finish 5:30 AM Start https://youtu.be/Zv7g8saXGV4 Please support my YouTube channel Crewing Stephen at Laurel Highlands Ultra Solo crewing … Continue reading Race Crew Life: Laurel Highlands Ultra (2021)

To Hell & Back, Women’s Unsupported Fastest Known Time

Stats 52.75 miles16:25:57Avg pace 18:42 min/miBest mi 13:13 min/miElevation gain 8442 ftElevation loss 8337 ft https://youtu.be/ei6h9ke29Ts Please, like this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel Gear • MS Force headlamp (became useless. The light dimmed by the time I finished even though it had fresh batteries. I did have backup batteries) • Kogalla light … Continue reading To Hell & Back, Women’s Unsupported Fastest Known Time