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

From Addiction Recovery to Healthy Runner Lifestyle

https://youtu.be/GZUBZPRdIfY?si=LoBE5_MwTx1qd-54 I had a highly valuable conversation with a client this morning and wanted to pass it on. My client shared about someone in the running community who battled drug and alcohol addiction and turned to running as a way to help him with recovery.In the running and ultrarunning communities, I know that we have … Continue reading From Addiction Recovery to Healthy Runner Lifestyle

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

Mindfulness Walk Activity – Free Resource

Are you “mind full” or “mindful”? Mindfulness and walking are highly beneficial to your mental health, especially when you do them routinely. Try combining them! Go on a walk. You can walk inside (yes, it still works) or outside, done alone, while walking the dog, or with another person. – just don’t have a conversation … Continue reading Mindfulness Walk Activity – Free Resource

Athletes, How Do You Support Your Mental Health Besides Exercising?

When you think about what you do to support your mental health, besides exercising, what did you come up with? How many did you come up with? As a professional in the mental health field, I recommend to everyone that we have at least 5 things that we can do for our mental health because … Continue reading Athletes, How Do You Support Your Mental Health Besides Exercising?

Endurance events might help you rewire anxious thoughts and create better habits

Your anxiety is lying to you. This topic of how helpful endurance events are in helping us manage and rewire anxious thoughts, and also, build better habits has been on my mind for years. I don't know if there is endurance athlete-specific research on this, but we know that running, exercise, and being outdoors is … Continue reading Endurance events might help you rewire anxious thoughts and create better habits

Ultrarunner Strength and Weakness Inventory

Worksheet for identifying strengths and weaknesses as a runner. Think about your strengths and weaknesses in the following areas and record them in the chart below (download and print). While you are writing, notice things like whether you're being overly critical (negative self-talk) on yourself for weaknesses and needing to identify more strengths. Weaknesses are … Continue reading Ultrarunner Strength and Weakness Inventory

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)

Ultrarunner, Are You Stuck?

We don’t always like to ask for help, a lot of times we’ll wait until we’re feeling completely overwhelmed by emotions and stress. While there are multiple reasons that we might behave this way, such as fear of failure or rejection, for example… however, this article isn’t about that. Let’s get right to the point. … Continue reading Ultrarunner, Are You Stuck?