Another Mother Runner

Everyone who’s interested in the steps it took to get women runners to where we are today needs to listen to this enlightening episode.  Maggie Mertens , author of  Better Faster Farther , joins hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton to talk about:  -why the 1928 Summer Olympics were such a watershed event;  -period incapacitation: what it is and how it affected inclusion; -how the 1970s running...

This episode is jam-packed with insight and suggestions, including advice for Lorrainne who is contemplating a trail race yet training on the road. Runners afflicted with plantar fasciitis, like Holly, will appreciate all the been-there, done-that wisdom host Sarah shares on finding relief. And anyone heading to an away-race this fall, like Rhianna, will appreciate the tips from both hosts.    Bef...

If you need help fitting workouts into a busy schedule, look no further: This episode spotlights four teachers who share anecdotes, insight, and hacks on running while working a time- and energy-intensive job. The guests share:  -the sanctity of morning runs;  -how advance planning fosters exercise adherence;  -ways their students inspire and push them (including to a PR!);  -how they mesh their r...

If you’re like listener Kate Coscarelli, who has a kid taking on cross country this fall—or maybe you ran XC yourself and you’re nostalgic for those crisp days of racing through fallen leaves or freshly cut grass—this episode is for you. The hosts chat about all things XC, in a lively two-part conversation told from dual perspectives: The athlete’s and the coaches’. You’ll hear: * Recent college g...

Whether you’re staring down surgery or merely fascinated by inspiring tales of recovery, this is the episode for you. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams talk with three guests:  Kevin Stone, M.D. , an orthopaedic surgeon and author of  Play Forever: How to Recover from Injury & Thrive , plus two women runners who had hip replacement surgery within the last few years. Listen and learn ab...

Definitely listen to this episode if you’ve ever debated how often you should stand on a starting line, like Emily. Morning exercisers, like Christina, will be shown the wisdom of eating pre-workout, while folks like Elizabeth will learn ways to create more structure and consistency in their fitness regime.    Take a cold plunge with Dimity before diving into the answers at 6:22. Here’s where to ...

Calling all athletes: Listen to this episode, especially if you’re training for a race! With co-hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, the guest,  Erin Ayala , Ph. D., a sport psychologist and endurance athlete, talks about pushing through burnout and reframing negative self-talk. The trio talk about:  -how to become friends with your inner critic;  -creating your own mental toolkit;  -...

Why take a traincation? If you ask our guests in today's episode, they'd say, "why not?" Hosts Dimity and Sarah WF chat with two women,  Natalie Nixon  and Anna van der Wouden, who each recently ventured off for a week of exercise, adventure, self-discovery, and fun. In this lively conversation, you'll hear: Why Natalie opted for a swimming vacation in a far-flung destination;  More behind Anna's...

This is a must-listen-to episode for anyone wanting to feel stronger, more confident, and less stressed: Coaches Liz Waterstraat and Jen Harrison talk with host Sarah Bowen Shea about secrets to successful running and racing. In front of an audience in a Chicago suburb, the gals share:  -their biggest racing successes—and failures;  -reasons to  not  set a time goal for a race;  -how to overcome a...

Take a listen to this episode if you’re looking to become a morning runner (like Nicole). Or if you’ve recently shifted jobs or made another lifestyle change that affects your daily activity level  a la  Christine. Bothered by bugs on your run, like Renée? We’ve got you  covered  with  these   options .    To ask a question, call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).  (This episode originally aired in June...

Whether you already love 3.1-mile races or you are merely considering shorter races, you’ll enjoy this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat gab with three fans of 5Ks, who detail:  -how running 5Ks can bolster self-confidence; -how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable;  -how much stronger they felt running shorter races; and, -how a shift in race goals can pay unexpecte...

We are obsessed with the Olympics here at AMR, so we are thrilled to have two mother runners who both competed in past games. Our guests, Julie Swail-Ertel and Carrie Tollefson, now in the thick of career and parenting, both reflect on their time at the top of their sport, and offer some inside scoop on the Games. In this episode, you'll hear:  Julie looking back on making history at becoming an O...

Goal-chasers, this is the podcast for you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton chat with four women pursuing the goal of running a half-marathon in all 50 states (including one who completed her pursuit in a few short years!). The guests share: -how to stay joyful in the pursuit of goals;  -adventures they had along the way (including massive storms!);  -advice of  ticking off two states  in...

Anyone looking for exciting race options, especially relays like Nicole, will appreciate this episode. ( Here’s the Facebook post  for more suggestions.) You’ll also be grateful for the advice about having a cyclist friend accompany you on a run, in response to Kelyn’s question. Finally, prompted by Kara’s Q, hear why Sarah opted to  not  do heart-rate training for a half-marathon. Plus, lots of e...

This is a fascinating, must-listen episode for all runners, regardless of whether you run races. The topic is pacing—in races  and  in workouts—and the guest is  Matt Fitzgerald , a running coach, multi-time marathoner, and an author of 30+ books including  How to Run the Perfect Race . Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Matt tells:  -how pacing is the art of finding your...

On today’s episode we have an insightful chat with Rhonda Harper , founder of Black Girls Surf , an organization focused on inclusivity and equality in surfing. Co-hosts Dimity and SWF ride the wave with Rhonda, who shares the compelling story of her life’s work, including:  How Rhonda got her start in surfing as a landlocked girl from Kansas;  The strides she’s made in broadening the diversity in...

Health-conscious folks of any age need to listen to this episode featuring  Laura Moretti Reece  MS, RD, a board-certified sports dietitian specializing in sports performance-based nutrition and a marathon runner. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, Laura details:  -the role genetics play in bone health;  -the importance of  multi-directional  activities, not just running;  -a food-firs...

This episode is for all the wannabe runners—and want-to-be-again runners, like Michelle, who asks how to resume running after five years off. In response to another Sarah’s question, the hosting duo shares creative, crowd-sourced suggestions for marathon-entry fundraising. Then there’s Shannon, who wants to know if coffee creamer constitutes sufficient pre-run fuel—Dimity and Sarah serve her the t...

This episode is ideal for anyone who needs a gentle push out the door or a reminder of the benefit (+ beauty!) of being active in the outdoors. The guest who puts the “out” in “workout” is Tina Vindum, founder of  Outdoor Fitness  and authof of  Tina Vindum’s Outdoor Fitness : Step out of the Gym and into the Best Shape of Your Life . Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams, Tina talk...

In one of our most inspiring episodes yet, hosting duo Sarah WF and Dimity chat with  Michelle Hughes , a Canadian BAMR who is living with a rare form of incurable Stage IV cancer. Michelle has a giant social media following documenting her daily journey just to live, which includes training for some pretty impressive athletic feats (think: swim, bike, and run!). The trio talk about:  Michelle's l...

Avid and casual readers alike will enjoy listening to this annual episode (12th year running!), in which hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist serve up 14 book suggestions. Before switching to the literary conversation around 08:55, Sarah shares why her son’s life is a bit like  Tom Lake  these days. Sarah shares why her son’s life is a bit like  Tom Lake  these days. Need more book-talk?  Mile...

A must-listen for anyone who debates if they are ready to progress from half-marathons to a full, like Mala. Also for folks like Nicole who want to morph occasional good-for-you behaviors into healthy habits. Finally, if you’re like Meg and want to step up to click-in bike pedals, give a listen.    Dimity regales with tales of the  Mammoth March  before the host-duo turns to answering questions. G...

Everyone will enjoy this introspective-yet-lively episode recorded in front of an audience in Portland, Oregon: The guest is author and ultrarunner Katie Arnold, whose latest book is  Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World . Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams, Katie details:  -why she runs by feel rather than time or distance;  -“eating the grief” after a horrific rafting accide...

Running may be a mostly solitary pursuit, but this episode shines a light on the act of running for others. On the heels of Father's Day, hosts Dimity and Sarah WF bring on return guest and speedy dad  Shaun Evans , who races while pushing his son, Shamus, in a wheelchair. Shaun describes what it's like to run with Shamus, now 18, who was born with cerebral palsy, including: —What it was like to r...

This episode is for a wide range of runners, from those stepping up to marathon training to folks who have kicked cancer or addiction. The guest is Dustin Riedesel, author of  Looks Like We’re Running , who discovered the power of running after overcoming leukemia and alcohol addiction. Dustin speaks candidly with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams about a range of topics, including:  -his...