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 ot