Hi, I'm Shannon!
In November, 2016, I ran my first ultramarathon, the JFK 50 miler. I loved it, and decided that I would do ultras for hopefully the rest of my life.
Ever since, I’ve been focusing on improving and building upon the 50+ mile distance. I like to support others in their ultrarunning journeys and pass on my expertise.
Ultrarunning is my lifestyle. I admit that I’m probably addicted to it, and I enjoy the pain and suffering that comes along with it.
On August 31st, 2024, I toed the start line at Temptation 200k.
Temptation 200k did not disappoint. It was brutal. I feel like I say this about 100 milers because they all can be, but this was the most unique ultra I've ever done.
38:37:29
1st place OA
Rob Judd was the only other finisher.
1st female ever to complete the 200k!
The race website warns runners of the level of challenge that the course presents and says that only the grittiest of ultrarunners will complete it.
All runners registered go under the 200k distance. They are welcome to be tempted to stop at 50k, 100k, or 150k and be rewarded with a buckle and ability to stop. Temptation.
There are 8 loops, and you do them washing machine style. During loop 8, I didn't recognize much of the course, I had been hallucinating for hours. Each loop is 15.6 miles.
Two loops will get you to the next distance. If you attempt a distance, but DNF before reaching it, you don't get an award. Risk.
The course was Heaven and Hell themed. We visited Purgatory and took the Highway to Hell. We went through the “crappiest” part, called the Devil's Colon, which was deep sand and hills, lined with prickly pear cactus and other unforgiving vegetation.
In general, the course was double-track sand with a small single-track section. - That was the only pretty section.
It was "runnable" with short, rolling hills. Between 6,000-7,000 ft of elevation gain total. This is deceptive because of the sand. Without proper pacing and strategy, it will wear you down much faster.
I started my first loop without trekking poles and decided that was enough. I brought them out for my second loop. There were also briers, thorns, porcupine grass, poison ivy and oak.
The flies and mosquitoes were annoying as hell. After so long, bug spray was no longer effective. As I was told at an aid station, a sweaty, salty runner is their favorite snack. Bug spray won't repel them.
And I saw a bat and 2 Hognose snakes, like on the buckle.
If you are looking for a close-knit, grassroots ultra out in the middle of nowhere, Temptation 200 is the race for you! You will want to stop. You will also have fun. Both types of fun!
For more race details and how I completed this race, listen to my episode on The Running Mullet Podcast below.
The Running Mullet Podcast: Episode #80, Shannon Mick and her awesome overall win at Temptation 200k:
Fun, random facts about me: I’m a mental health counselor, specializing in helping people to understand and better manage anxiety, heal from trauma, and recover from an eating disorder. I also specialize in working with endurance runners because I understand the unique challenges that they face.
I’m a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (Pennsylvania).
What I do as a counselor is all clinical work. I own and operate Finish Stronger Counseling.
For coaching, I am a mindset coach for ultrarunners. This is a non-clinical service.
I started the mindset coaching business, Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching, in order to reach more people, as mental health for athletes needs to be a priority.
Here are some of the topics, strategies and approaches that we can use:
Improve day-to-day mental wellbeing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies
Build better habits
Incorporate mindfulness
Learn emotion regulation skills
Discuss motivation
Address body image thoughts or concerns
If you feel concerned that you have an eating disorder, let’s discuss it, so you can find help. I am informed on eating disorders.
Talk about you! Who are you, besides a runner? – parent, sibling, entrepreneur, community member… What else do you do, and how does it impact training for races or vice versa?
Managing disappointments, like “Did Not Start” and “Did Not Finish”.
On top of talking, I do provide resources and homework.
Phew!!! … I need to sit down, where’s the chair?! Hopefully, this paints a picture of the good stuff that we can cover.
View the full list of ways that I support people:
Reach out if you have questions or want to schedule.
Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching contact:
Or private message me on social media:
I look forward to learning about what you’d like to work on.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
If you have questions about working together, please contact me.
Happy running!
Shannon
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