Mental Strength for Runners: Building Confidence, Avoiding Burnout & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Shannon Mick

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Maximum Mileage Podcast, I sit down with licensed professional counselor, ultrarunner, and mindset coach Shannon Mick to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in endurance training: the mental side of running.We explore how mindset directly impacts performance, consistency, and long-term progress, especially for runners navigating setbacks, self-doubt, or burnout.Shannon shares her journey from early injuries and uncertainty to becoming an ultramarathon athlete, and how her background in mental health shapes the way she helps runners build resilience, confidence, and a healthier relationship with the sport.If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not good enough,” staying consistent, or losing your joy in running, this conversation will give you practical tools to move forward with more clarity and confidence.In this episode, I cover:How to build confidence as a runner, even when you doubt yourselfImposter syndrome in endurance athletes, and how to work through itMental strategies to stay focused and grounded on race dayBurnout in runners: warning signs and how to prevent itWhy having an identity outside of running improves performanceSimple, sustainable habits that support long-term growthThis episode is especially helpful for runners coming back from injury, building toward longer distances, or trying to create more consistency without burning out.Connect with Shannon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.short.run.ultra/Website: finishstrongermindsetcoaching.comIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend or left a review. It helps more runners find the show and build smarter, more sustainable training.Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.See you on the next one.To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/