Another Mother Runner

This is the episode for everyone who’s ever been disappointed by a race experience. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin talk with Emily Saul, a sports psychology and performance coach, as well as two “regular” runners who recently ran races that didn’t go as planned. The guests share: -metrics to define success other than a finish time;  -lessons they’ve learned about themselves from their rough races; -ways to bounce back post-race;  -how to foster resiliency; and, -the importance of leaning on friends and family.    Amanda tells of her total eclipse experience before the first guest joins around 6:34.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Run Richmond: Use code AMR2VA for $10 off marathon or half at RichmondMarathon.org   Smart supplements: For 10% off your 1st order,  use code runner at Thorne.fit/runner   Improve deep sleep: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the ideal episode for folks who are curious about trying a triathlon, as well as triathletes looking to move up to a longer distance race. This special episode is hosted by Coaches Liz Waterstraat and Jennifer Harrison, who have each completed 200+ triathlons and coached hundreds of triathletes to success. The coaching duo detail how to get started in the three-discipline sport, then how to move up from sprint to Olympic distance, Oly to 70.3, and finally the big kahuna, Ironman distance.    Want more? Join a live triathlon webinar with Coaches Jen and Liz on Wednesday, April 24 at 8 p.m. EDT. Register here. AMR Answers returns in two weeks: To record your question, call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all  IQBar products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you daydream about running the Boston Marathon, listen to this moving episode. The guests are two runners, one of whom is running Boston this year, and both are members of the Boston Bulldogs running club. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, the guests detail:  -how they found their ways to this inspired running club; -the lure of running the Boston Marathon; -helping recovered addicts strive toward their “true potential”;  -why running is a powerful tool in battling addiction; and,  -the exuberance of Boston Marathon spectators.    The hosts talk women’s races before the first Bulldog joins around 9:50. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR20 at TifosiOptics.com   Run the Rose City! Use code AMR20 for $20 off  registration at portlandmarathon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the hosts dive into all things rucking, an exercise that’s trending for all the right reasons. It’s said to burn three times the calories of walking, strengthens your back and shoulders, helps with bone density, and has a low injury rate. Plus, it has a great communal vibe to it, which we get into with Sarah Sweeney, the race director for Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston, an annual rucking event that falls annually on the weekend before the other major marathon in Boston. Hear about: The history and basics of rucking; How to get started (hint: all you need is a backpack, some weights, and good shoes); Hacks for packing your rucksack the right way; The special significance of Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston…and more. There’s still time to join us for Go The Distance during the weekend of April 20-21. Get all of the details and register here. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Run Richmond: Use code AMR2VA for $10 off marathon or half at RichmondMarathon.org   Take care of your beloved pet: To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/AMR A gift for all: Save $10 on your 1st purchase at StoryWorth.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the ideal episode for anyone who gets a bit contemplative on a run: The guest is Sabrina Little, Ph.D., a former pro runner and author of The Examined Run. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Sabrina shares: -her heartwarming start in ultramarathons;  -that pride doesn’t help you as a runner, but envy can;  -how devices can “separate” us from our surroundings as we run;  -how to rediscover wonder while on a run; and,  -the role of suffering in the lives of runners.    Sarah shares the continuing (!) saga of her son’s wayward birthday card to her before the guest joins around 6:10.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com   Trust Fabric to protect your family:  Apply at MeetFabric.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this episode if you’ve ever contemplated starting a running group, like Sara. Or if your daydream is a marathon, like Heather, you’ll appreciate Coach Dimity’s advice. Finally, the host duo answers Mary’s questions about rest time between speed-building intervals.  Dimity details her personal step-count challenge (hint: it deals with college campus visits) before the hosting duo dive into questions. Register to Go the Distance. Call to record a question: 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771). When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses with code AMR20 at TifosiOptics.com Improve deep sleep: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the ideal episode for folks striving for any big goal: The guest is Sheila Gencarelli, 57, a pharmacist and mom of two who has been attempting to run a Boston-qualifying marathon time for more than a decade. In a lovely, honest conversation with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams, Sheila shares:  -how the seed of desire to run Boston was planted for her;  -the heartbreak of (repeatedly!) missing her time goal by seconds;  -the power of shifting her focus from the race to the training;  -that mid-race potty-breaks are her Achilles heel; and, -how being on time (or early) IRL might be her ticket to BQ’ing finally!   Before the marathoner joins around 7:18, Molly talks about her strength training routine. Bonus content: Miles of Books starts around 58:55, with Coach Liz detailing Wander, a memoir about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Run the Rose City! Use code AMR20 for $20 off  registration at portlandmarathon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we really need to stretch before running? Is getting in 10,000 steps a day truly a harbinger for good health? On this episode, the hosts dive into eight common fitness myths with Danielle Friedman,  a journalist in New York who recently wrote a great piece for the New York Times where she spoke with top experts to dissect and debunk these myths, which also include:  Runners and cyclists don’t need to strength-train their lower body; Running destroys your knees.; Modifications are for beginners...and more. It’s no myth: Our brand-new event, Go The Distance, is going to be the challenge you need this spring. Join us during the weekend of April 20-21. Get all of the details and register here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any runners looking to avoid injury, feel stronger, or improve their performance need to listen to this enlightening, entertaining episode with guest Sage Rountree, Ph.D., a recovery coach, former Ironman, and author of The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Sage tells: -how she’s gracefully accepted being a walker now, not a runner;  -why runners need to take rest—before it comes for them;  -what ice baths and hazing have in common;  -a surprising answer of her favorite recovery tool; and, -how training for a race is like toasting a marshmallow!   Tish shares some St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah tales before Sage saunters in around 9:49.     When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Your future is bright: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR20 at TifosiOptics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is for everyone who daydreams about a fast marathon, maybe even a Boston-qualifying time, like Stacey. And for folks looking to overcome fears about open-water swimming (critters! Floating crud!) like Miwako. Finally, empathize or at least laugh along with Allison, as she shares a menopause-madness, treadmill-related anecdote.    Before delivering Answers with Dimity, host Sarah shares how she found her way back to strength training. Register to Go the Distance. Call to record a question: 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Improve deep sleep: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Take care of your beloved pet: To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/AMR    Trust Fabric to protect your family:  Apply at MeetFabric.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Active folks concerned about getting enough energy to fuel their workouts properly will appreciate the insight and advice in this episode. The guest is Becca McConville, M.S., a sports dietitian and author of Finding Your Sweet Spot: How to Avoid RED-S (Relative Energy Deficit in Sport) by Optimizing Your Energy Balance. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Becca explains:  -what RED-S is, and how to avoid it;  -why middle- and back-of-pack runners are at risk of RED-S;  -signs of underfueling to be on the alert for;  -pre-workout snacks and post-run food suggestions; and, -how to get on the road to resilience.    Before the dietitian joins around 11:31, Sarah laughingly shares the saga of a birthday card from her son.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com   Give your body what it needs:  For 10% off your 1st order, go to Thorne.fit/runner Run the Rose City! Use code AMR20 for $20 off  registration at portlandmarathon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perfectly timed for St. Patrick's Day, this episode reveals tales of good fortune from mother runners, from co-host Sarah WF's visit from a flat-tire-fixing guardian angel during a triathlon to guest Rose DeGregorio's right place-right time tale.  Tune in to hear:  How a series of fortunate events led to lifesaving luck for Rose;  What we can all take away from Rose's story to protect our own health; Other tales of good luck and serendipity on the run from listeners. Press your luck and see how far you can Go The Distance with us during the weekend of April 20-21. Get all of the details and register here. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Your future is bright: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses with code AMR20 at TifosiOptics.com Live a more empowered life: For 10% off your first month, go to betterhelp.com/amr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone looking for more reasons to run—or who wants more joy and connections in life—should listen to this episode. Guests Robert Waldinger, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School + co-author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, and Stephanie Diamond, a mom who formed deep friendships through running, join hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin to share: -how strong of a stressor loneliness is;  -the power of casual interactions;  -why group runs and running retreats serve introverts well;  -how a running group saved one mom whose spouse was stationed overseas; and, -the benefits of running-related social media.    Before Dr. Waldinger joins around 6:05, empty-nester, single-mom Amanda shares how her posse of running pals alleviates her loneliness.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Find your favorite: Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code TOPOAMR2024 at topoathletic.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re new to running or coming back after a long break, like Jodi, this episode will speak to you, especially if you have your sights set on a half-marathon. Or maybe you’re like Gina, another 13.1’er in training, and you’re curious about caffeinated GU Energy Gels. And what about race swag, you ask, like Heather? The hosting duo of Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity have the answers to all these concerns.    Pre-Q&As, Dimity details a recent deadlift workshop (!) she attended. Half-marathoners, look no further for an ideal training program. Call to record a question: 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Insoles for all your active pursuits:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a must-listen for any and all active folks looking to get a better night’s sleep. The guest is Julie Bergfeld, a SleepSpace coach, yoga instructor, and a former marathon and ultramarathon. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Julie gives: -tips on how to fall asleep faster;  -insight into getting more deep sleep;  -the best ways to manage pain that keeps you awake;  -suggestions on ways to re-set your sleep cycle; and,  -workout modifications to implement after a restless or sleepless night.    Before the sleep expert joins around 6:25, Tish talks about the local book festival she just attended and the clever, running-related book group she’s a part of.    Rest your head here: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Your future is bright: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR20 at TifosiOptics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love to hike—or are curious about hiking—join us on this episode, where Dimity and her three Train Like a Mother Club colleagues take on Mammoth March Arizona, a 20-mile hike outside of Phoenix. The four ladies chat about: how they trained to be ready for nearly eight hours on their feet; the steady cadence and relaxed atmosphere of the event; why trail etiquette—and good foot hygiene—matters; how Taylor Swift came to the rescue at mile 18 or so. Hike Like a Mother and join us in the Delaware Valley on June 15. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Improve deep sleep: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Take care of your beloved pet: To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/AMR  Trust Fabric to protect your family: Apply at MeetFabric.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone considering or training for a half-marathon or marathon needs to listen to this episode with running legend Deena Kastor, Olympic bronze medalist in marathon and author of Let Your Mind Run. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Liz Waterstraat, Deena shares: -ways to banish the intimidation factor of a long run;  -what “the insistent mind” is—and how to get into it;  -positive interpretations of the signals your body sends you mid-run;  -her acceptance of slowing down + running shorter races; and, -the power of tune-up races—and inspirational quotes.   Chug GU Hydration every time the gals say “ramekins!” The hosts talk overnight oats (!) before Deena joins around 10:05. Miles of Books is at the end of the episode, with Coach Liz talking about three books and issuing a listener “challenge.”   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the episode for folks who debate how to fit in everything—workouts, work, family, chores, self-care, etcetera. Spurred on by a question from Trisha, the hosting duo shares crowd-sourced responses that range from practical advice to guilt-alleviating empathy and clear-eyed insight. A thought-provoking episode, for sure.  Before turning to answers, Sarah shares good news about her running two years post-bulging disks, and raves about her new kicks. Join the run-your-first-marathon webinar Dimity mentions. To record a question, please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a must-listen for women of all ages: Stacy Sims, Ph.D., noted exercise physiologist and co-author of ROAR, talks about the importance of, and mechanics of, heavy resistance training. With hosts Sarah and Britany Williams, Stacy shares:  -what she means by “heavy lifting”;  -how to get started lifting heavy + how to progress;  -how your brain + nervous system benefits from resistance training;  -how to use your cell phone to help you train at home; and, -ways to incorporate a treadmill into your resistance routine.   Before Stacy joins around 10:39, Britany and Sarah share laughs about found change.  When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running:  Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.com   Improve deep sleep: Use code AMR for 15% off 1st purchase at LagoonSleep.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you stay present as a parent while pursuing a high level of fitness? Is the idea of a “super mom” just a myth? These are just two of the myriad topics Dimity and Sarah WF touch on in this conversation with Diana Cohen—an associate professor of political science at Central Connecticut State University and author of an ongoing study on Iron Moms (AKA women who pursue Ironman triathlons as a hobby while balancing family and career). The hosts bring Diana on the podcast to broaden her scope of her study to mother runners, too, and to talk about: Diana's background as a triathlete and how she blended her passion for endurance sports with social science; Her studies of both "Iron Dads" and "Iron Moms" and the biggest differences between the genders; The pervasiveness of mom guilt and what we can do about it; The myth of the "Super Mom" and the role social media plays in perpetuating that myth, and more. Read Sarah's piece on Diana's study that recently ran on Triathlete.com . If you're training for an Ironman, have a child or children 12 or under, and you're interested in participating in the study, you can contact Diana via email. Join us in Many Nutritious Miles; we start February 19! When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Find your favorite: Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code TOPOAMR2024 at topoathletic.com Live a more empowered life: For 10% off your first month, go to betterhelp.com/amr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices