Another Mother Runner

This episode is ideal for any athlete who sets goals and strives for them, regardless of whether that goal involves a time on a race clock or not. Host Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams talk with three women who achieved long-held time goals—one in a 5K, another in a half-marathon, and another in a marathon. The guests share:  -how to find (+ maintain!) the requisite mental commitment;   -how intentional training can reignite a passion for running;  -the wisdom gained from consistency;  -how running taught one gal to be more flexible; and,  -how to “hang on” in the final miles of a race.    Before the first guest joins around 9:50, the hosts reminisce about the half-marathon in which Sarah helped Molly achieve her goal time (complete with too-short running skirts!). Head here to sign up for notifications about Sarah and Dimity’s next steps.        When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   No more pins: Get 20% off, including AMR 3-pack, w/ code AMR2025 at BibBoards.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers who love novels with a strong message or parable will appreciate the takeaways from this conversation between Coach Liz Waterstraat and Sarah Bowen Shea. In a first, Coach Liz talks about two works of fiction—The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us and The Alchemist—yet the books offer up strong, actionable life lessons that Coach Liz sagely shares.  Head here to sign up for notifications about Sarah and Dimity’s next steps.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! ’GO time: Contact Sales@elliptigo.com for 15%discount code + free coaching Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you think a daily running habit is enviable—or certifiable!—you’ll love listening to conversations with four women who have run streaks. Join hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton to learn:  -how each gal’s streak got started; -what a “streak saver” is;  -how a streak reinforces the runner-identity of one BIPOC guest; -how a running streak serves as a safety net for consistency; and,  -how (+ if!) the guests envision an end to their streaks.    The hosts time-travel to 1970s NYC in the intro; the first run-streaker joins at 10:01. (Link to guest-recommended book.) This episode originally aired on September 2, 2022.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fun twist on this episode’s Q&A’s: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell share wisdom gleaned from the Another Mother Runner Facebook community. There are crowd-sourced responses to Kathy’s question about the most supportive sports bras for bigger-busted runners; Courtney’s query about dealing with sweaty workout wear; and Jacki’s request for holiday gift ideas for sporty gals.    The first question gets asked-and-answered starting around 7:16. But, first, Sarah shares details about reaching a goal she announced on an earlier episode. (Find all the discount codes mentioned in the gift-related response here.) Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   2-in-1 support sleeves: For $25 off your first order, go to gosleeves.com/amr25   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who wants to run injury free for as long in their life as possible—or who hates how their form looks in race photos!—needs to listen to this enlightening episode with guest Greg McMillan, a well-respected running coach, exercise scientist, and author. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Greg breaks it down as: -we don’t all need to look the same running;  -small changes that can make a big difference;  -how—and why—to achieve tall running form;  -the importance of mobility—and how to improve yours; and, -the best fix for a wonky arm swing!    Before Greg joins the conversation around 5:55, Sarah shares her excitement of watching her son perform in a Russian-themed musical this weekend (including some dancing like this).   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two mysteries (including the latest installment of a must-read series!) plus two other just-published books provide lots of fodder for conversation between hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist (including a drool-inducing discussion of one author!). Also find out the classic novel Sarah and Ellison each recommend.  The four new books the duo discuss: -The Impossible Fortune: Richard Osman-Bog Queen: Anna North-Town & Country: Brian Schaefer-A Guardian and a Thief: Megha Majumdar Find 2026 hiking + biking program details here.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runners of all ages will be intrigued to listen to this candid, laughter-filled conversation with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea, Amanda Loudin, and Tish Hamilton. The three longtime runners detail where they are with their running these days, plus:  -age-related adjustments they’ve made to their training;  -why two of the three rarely race; -how Tish loves her weekly “long, slow plods”;  -the state of their athletic egos; and,  -their shared desire “to run forever.”    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Get 25% off plus free toe cages + 6 months training w/ code AMRBF25 at ElliptiGO.com   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runners of all paces and abilities will be able to relate to the callers in this themed episode: Both Michelle and Amy struggled in their fall races, and they are now trying to regain their confidence. Host Sarah Bowen Shea shares personal experience of being on the struggle-bus, while host and coach Dimity McDowell gives loads of practical, insightful advice.    In the intro, Dimity tells of the showtunes playlist she made for the 6:00 a.m. spin class she leads. The questions kick off around 11:51. Here’s a peak at 2026 hiking and biking offerings.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone looking to try a new sport or take up a new hobby will appreciate this insightful episode about the beginner’s mindset. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, guest Tom Vanderbilt, author of the new book Beginners: the Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning, talks about:  -what exactly a beginner’s mindset is;  -his tires-fell-off-the-bus marathon experience;  -the role failure and self-doubt play in the learning process;  -the power of good coaching and a group; and,  -what a “stereotype threat” is.    Before Tom joins the conversation around BARRY INSERT TIME HERE, Coach Liz talks about the mindset she brought to her Ironman training this year—and how it carried her to success (+ enjoyment!) on race day.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code AMRfall2025 at topoathletic.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between: This thought-provoking episode provides justification for taking some alone-time and recharging. Coach Liz Waterstraat talks with host Sarah Bowen Shea about two books: The Joy of Solitude: How To Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World by Robert J. Coplan and An Oasis in Time: How a Day of Rest Can Save Your Life by Marilyn Paul. Especially useful: Coach Liz shares numerous strategies for solitude.  When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! No more pins: Get 20% off, including AMR 3-pack, w/ code AMR2025 at BibBoards.com Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runners (and aspiring runners!) looking for inspiration and erudite insight will love this episode with Nicholas Thompson, author of the just-released book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports. This father runner and cancer survivor talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton about: -the logistics of running to + from work in NYC;  -how he got a lot faster in his 40s;  -the reality (or not!) of pain during an endurance race; -a recent Grand Canyon adventure with his buddies; and, -a memorable 100-penny analogy to implement in your next race. Before Nick joins the conversation around 7:20, the hosts talk about two-a-day athletic activities.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   No more pins: Get 20% off, including AMR 3-pack, w/ code AMR2025 at BibBoards.com Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any runners with an upcoming race who are looking for tapering tips, like Laura Catherine, will appreciate this informative episode. Chronically injured athletes, like Marianne, will welcome the empathy and advice offered by Coach Dimity. Trail-curious runners, such as Rachel, will be pleased to learn details about jumping into an off-road marathon or 50K.    Before the hosts start answering questions around 08:17, Sarah shares her post-recording habit (hint: here’s her cake recipe). Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and here are all our trail programs.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the ideal episode for anyone who loves to go big—or read about people who do. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton have a fun conversation with Keira D'Amato, a mother runner perhaps best known for, in 2022, breaking a 16-year American record in the marathon. In addition to talking about her brand-new book Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness, Keira shares: -the healing properties of running for her; -what a 2013 marathon taught her re: not taking training for granted; -how motherhood changed her approach to running; -her “magical” mantra while marathon training in 2022; and-her, um, unconventional root-beer float recipe! Before Keira joins around 11:19, the hosts detail their recent, friend-filled weekend getaways.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If autumn weather has you wanting to tuck into an engrossing novel, look no further: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison “The Book Bully” Weist serve up five new novels, including a semi-dystopian novel from the genius behind Atonement. The duo dives into: -What We Can Know: Ian McEwan-Buckeye: Patrick Ryan-Mercy: Joan Silber-The Elements: John Boyne-A Slowly Dying Cause: Elizabeth George Check out Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who likes trail running—or is interested in exploring hiking after their running career—this is an episode for you. Special guest host Dimity McDowell talks with three women who recently joined her in northern Minnesota to take on the Grand Traverse, a multi-distance trail event. The conversations include how: -one woman found grace for herself with not being able to run as she'd hoped; —one a trail runner uncovered the courage to tackle trails solo; —the unexpected heat grounded one woman; and, —doing something challenging, especially as you get older, is always a great call.   If you'd like to be alerted to our 2026 hiking adventures, please share your email here.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code AMRfall2025 at topoathletic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone training for a half or full marathon, like Shannon, will appreciate the wisdom hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Dimity McDowell share on how to beat training boredom. Folks with a race soon, as Julie does, will be interested to hear the hosts’ advice on strength training during the taper. And anyone done with their fall race and wondering what to do in the “lull” before ramping up for a spring race, like Emily, will gain a lot from listening to Coach Dimity’s suggestions. Bonus track: an attitude-of-gratitude voicemail from marathoner Stacy. Before the questions and answers around 7:39, Sarah shares her non-race-related running goal for the fall. Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and find Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength here. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All runners should listen in to this important, informative episode recorded in front of an audience at the Portland Marathon expo.  This panel discussion was moderated by host Sarah Bowen Shea with guests Dena Lewis, founder of Running Mate, and Ashley Raymond, co-founder and CEO of Safely. The trio discuss:-the #1 thing women can do for their safety while on a run; -situational awareness: what it is—and why it’s so crucial;-what members of the running community can do to help women stay safe; -how an assault led one panel member to become an ultrarunner; and,-the importance of having a plan—and confidence.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000   Sleep soundly: Save 25% off at CBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any runner or triathlete who wants advice on performing under pressure—and anyone who loves a sport-narrative (with lessons that translate into broader life)—will really appreciate this episode. Coach Liz Waterstraat talks about two books: Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life and Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? Olympic Winning Strategies for Everyday Success. And host Sarah Bowen Shea seizes the opportunity to get Coach Liz talking about her upcoming race—the Ironman World Championship in Kona—so be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! ’GO time: Contact Sales@elliptigo.com for 15%discount code + free coaching Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Sleep soundly: Save 25% off atCBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who dreams of chasing a big athletic goal needs to listen to this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton talk with two women athletes who are getting after it: one is training for her first marathon, while the other just completed a 100-mile bike ride. Hear how:  -a decade-long runner decided to step up to a marathon; -they both feel limits are only psychological;   -a mom of four triathlete pivoted to straight-up cycling;  -one athlete has struggled with chronic pain; and,  -a non-competitive event fueled one woman’s fire.    Before the first guest joins around 15:30, Sarah shares details of her Yellowstone trip to attend the wedding of dear Molly Williams’ oldest daughter, as well as her long-term strategy to be ready for winter running.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Stay on track: For $25 off your first order,go to GOsleeves.com/AMR25   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode for all runners who have wanted to quit halfway through a run, like Jana. Thankfully, the host duo of Sarah and Dimity share solutions, as they do with Catherine, who wants to know how to beat a 6-hour marathon cut-off despite her comfortable pace being 14- to 15-minute miles. They also counsel Leigh on pressing reset on her training after her race got canceled.    Before giving answers to called-in questions, Dimity details the feats of endurance and strength she witnessed at a P!nk concert. To record a question, please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).    This episode originally debuted on October 31, 2023.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices