Helping Endurance Athletes Discover Strength in Struggle

Ultra endurance races are extraordinary achievements. Athletes push themselves not only to the brink of physical exhaustion but also into psychological unknowns. It’s nearly impossible to predict how someone will respond when extreme exertion is combined with sleep deprivation, isolation, and (often) the disorienting darkness of running through the night.

Many professional endurance athletes describe entering a mindset of resilience and fortitude. For some, their strength comes from tapping into a deeply personal “why.” Past experiences—such as overcoming addiction, grief, or trauma (as an example)—can serve as an anchor when the race becomes excruciating. When these athletes have gone through past trauma or tough life challenges, they can put the pain of an ultra into perspective and see it as part of a bigger range of pain they know they can handle.

For others, the darkness they encounter during these races is unfamiliar. This is where a strong “why” becomes essential. If an athlete is wavering in their sense of self or purpose, the small cracks in daily life can turn into deep chasms over the course of 60+ miles. Guilt about missing time with family, for example, may surface with relentless intensity. Struggles with depression or anxiety that feel manageable in normal life can become overwhelming and intrusive, as ruminating thoughts spiral and take hold.

This doesn’t mean athletes should shy away from these challenges. Everyone has struggles, and life is rarely neat or predictable—much like an ultra. That is precisely what makes these races so meaningful. They not only reveal the limits of physical fitness and mental endurance but also highlight areas of life where growth and healing are needed. By pushing ourselves to the edge, we create opportunities to confront and work through those challenges.

I help athletes of all levels use endurance sports as a way to learn more about themselves. For professionals, this can mean preparing for the mental hurdles of race day and building tools to navigate the unpredictable. For others, it can mean learning how to separate from intrusive thoughts so those thoughts lose their power—allowing the athlete to keep moving forward toward their goals. Beyond the race, we also work together to understand why those ruminations show up and how to address the deeper life obstacles behind them. 

I’d love to work with you! Reach out and we can tackle this incredible journey together.