Tough Girl Podcast Shannon Hogan: Ultra Endurance Athlete & Author of The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports
Shannon Hogan is no stranger to pushing physical and mental limits. A seasoned ultra runner, mountain biker, and open-water swimmer, she has conquered some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. From setting records at the Pigtails Challenge 100K to tackling the gruelling Leadville Trail 100 and the Javelina Jundred, Shannon thrives in the world of extreme endurance sports. She's even braved the icy waters of the Escape from Alcatraz swim and finished ten consecutive Boston Marathons—proving time and again that she's built for the long haul.
In this episode, we dive into Shannon's journey—from her early days in San Diego to competing in elite endurance events around the world. She shares her insights on grit, resilience, and the mental strategies that help athletes endure the toughest races. We also talk about her new book, The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports, which explores the deep mental and emotional strength required to push through extreme challenges.
Shannon's passion for endurance sports goes beyond personal achievement. She's spent years supporting fellow athletes—whether it's crewing ultra races, kayaking alongside swimmers in open water crossings, or inspiring the next generation of female endurance athletes. She believes in the power of women designing blueprints for each other in sport and life, breaking down barriers, and finding strength in shared experiences.
This is an episode packed with wisdom, motivation, and a firsthand look at what it takes to embrace the toughest challenges. Whether you're an endurance athlete or just looking for inspiration to tackle your own goals, you won't want to miss this conversation!
Tune in now and get ready to be inspired.
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Show notes
- Who is Shannon
- Being a long time athlete of many different sports (trail running, mountain biking, cold water swimming
- Living in the Pacific North West of America
- Growing up in San Diego
- Starting to race mountain bikes in New England
- Getting into running in Northern California
- Connecting with other runners
- The trail running community
- Being surrounded by role models
- The women who have inspired Shannon in her life
- Being excited to talk about women designing blueprints for other women
- Having the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the outdoors
- Bicycles becoming popular and the impact on women's lives
- The barriers to women to play sports and get involved in the outdoors
- Bigfoot 200 Race
- The Arizona Monster - 300 mile race 170hr cut off
- The growth of long distance running over the past few decades
- MOAB 240
- Courtney Daulwalter - winning the MOAB 240 outright!
- Speaking to women to learn their stories
- Grit, resilience, perseverance in ultra endurance sports
- Exceptional athletes and how they adapt as they go
- Being exceptional at remaining calm
- Being able to suppress the flight or fight instinct (the para-sympathic nervous system)
- Being calm and able to perform at a higher level
- Keeping your head in the game.
- Falling into flow
- Remaining calm when things get difficult
- Going on course while running and the mental impact on your race
- Leadville 100
- Racing at elevation and the impact on your body
- Western States Endurance Run (100 miler)
- Race to Alaska
- Not letting setbacks impact you too much
- Every event is a stepping stone to the next bigger thing because you learn so much
- Never worry alone and why it applies to long distance challenges
- Share the burden with your crew, a pacer or even a stranger
- Connections made during races
- Find a battle buddy, find your partner for the day
- What happens when things go wrong
- Being sidelined by injury
- Being a volunteer and the benefits it can bring
- Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports
- The time commitment while training for big events
- The pressure on women
- Being careful with their free time
- How to connect with Shannon
- Final words of advice for women who want to take their adventures and challenges to the next level
- Taking a long time to be an overnight success
- Be patient with yourself and not compare yourself with anyone
Social Media
Instagram @the_unforgiving_hours
Bluesky - @unforgivinghours.bsky.social
Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports