Another Mother Runner

Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell counsel Rebecca in South Carolina on how to let running return to being a stress relief—instead of a stressor. Switching emphasis to the “mother” part of Another Mother Runner, the duo talks about surviving the toddler years in response to a question from Amy in Batavia, IL. They share the details about training by heart rate with Penny from Cazenovia, NY, who is aiming to run marathons in all 50 states (she’s up to 31!). In response to a question from Valerie in Salt Lake City, Dimity and Sarah talk about running at altitude—as well as net-downhill races.  Thanks, Wander Beauty. Get 20% off at WanderBeauty.com/amr For 15% off your ModCloth purchase of $100 or more, go to modcloth.com and enter code AMR at checkout. Good for one-time use. Sign up as a VIP at JUSTFAB to get your first style for as low as $10. Go to JustFab.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and BRF Molly dive into a conversation with Ashley Kilpatrick, who works with Back on My Feet, a national organization that combats homelessness through, in part, the power of running. The mother runner of three young children describes why she started running in law school. Ashley shares the intriguing origin story of Back on My Feet, and she talks about how the program restores a sense of belonging and accomplishment among homeless individuals and people with substance addiction. Detailing the thrice-weekly, pre-dawn runs, Ashley says they are “a space for equal footing,” in which passersby usually can’t tell the members from the volunteers. The trio talk about how running fuels self-esteem and confidence, no matter one’s living situation. Ashley shares powerful anecdotes about standout success stories in the program. She also elaborates on how to get involved in the organization, including fundraising in exchange for a bib to a bevy of big-name marathons. Lovers of #foundchange, Harry Potter, and cat

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin share a sit-down with professional runner Neely Gracey, who’s also a running coach and mother of a 5-month-old baby. Neely, the top American woman in her debut marathon (Boston 2016), talks about playing the long game, laying out her five-year plan that includes the next two Olympic Marathon Trials. With refreshing candor, Neely details her fitness endeavors while pregnant, providing value lessons for any sidelined runner. Dismissing the notion of “balance,” Neely shares her fresh mental approach to the juggling act of parenting, running, work, and other life elements. Smile as she talks about how grateful she is for her neighborhood mom friends. Find out why this mother runner bailed on a recent core workout. Coach Neely speaks personally and professionally about the value of slow consistency, allowing you to see progress with every run. She also imparts solid wisdom about marathon training. In the intro, SBS shares some sad news about her family’s cat, Miller. Neely joins the

Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell help steer Stephanie toward an ideal choice for her first marathon, especially reminding the Rochester, NY, mom it’s not the likely weather on race day that should guide her. Cheers to Amy from Pittsburgh, who asks about an occasional glass of wine during marathon training. Drawing on their decades of gear-reviewing experience, the duo gives Reedy (yes?) from Milton, Mass., advice on how often to replace running kicks. (Learn--and laugh!--when Dimity coins a new term: moonboot-ism.) Treading on familiar ground for SBS, they offer streak-ending advice to Jenn from Albuquerque. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and Dimity talk with three coaches to help you put your best foot forward in 2019. First up is Jenn Gill, a certified personal trainer and strength coach in addition to being a running coach (did we mention she has three kids, too?!). Jenn talks up the overlooked beauty (and discomfort) of 5K races, and she shares tips on how to maximize results in shorter races. She gets teary when telling how much she loves being a cheerleader for runners. The next coach is Amanda Loudin, highlighting the new 13.1 and 26.2 training plans in the Train Like a Mother Club. She details how to get the most out of your legs, imparting crucial advice for half- and full marathoners. Coach Amanda emphasizes the importance of consistency over the long haul (pun intended), and the ladies laugh about how double-digits run end up seeming like NBD when training for an endurance race. Finally, this veteran of 30+ marathons gives race-day advice for 26.2-mile events. The final coach to join the program is Liz Waterstraat, one half of

An annual tradition, Sarah chats with her coterie of co-hosts to talk about the highs and lows of the past year—and what races the gals are eyeing in the New Year. Molly; Tish; Dimity; Amanda; Maggie: All share insight + laughs. E.g. - Dimity talking about how her focus is now on “adventures instead of races; experiences instead of data.” - Amanda on how she keeps her motivation burning bright and stays injury free as a runner in her early 50s who routinely logs 35 to 40 weekly miles. - Maggie, amid loads (loads!) of laughs tells why she got emotional in a recent seaside half-marathon. Nuun drinking game? Chug every time someone says the phrase “air quotes” or even seems to use them; drink twice every time Dim says it. Download the Zeel app and use code RUNNER for $25 off your first massage.  Enjoy Chosen Foods oils, salad dressings, and ancient grains: Get 50% off orders of $10 or more by using promo code MOTHERRUNNER at chosenfoods.com/amr Go to GreenChef.us/AMR to get $50 off your first box of GreenChef. 

Sarah and co-host Ellison chat in the intro, then the episode has Sarah as a guest on a podcast called The Four Top. That episode is a roundtable discussion with the co-authors of Good Food, Great Medicine. Topics covered include carbohydrates, protein bars, and bowls. Definitely listen to hear Sarah’s TMI question about corn! In the intro, Ellison talks about defending her age-group title in a hometown 5K. Then, of course, the convo turns to books: Ellison is savoring Pachinko, while SBS is engrossed by The Golden Age of Murder. (It’s less creepy than it sounds!) This leads the ladies to sing the praises of non-fiction books. The Four Top episode starts at 23:50. Download the Zeel app and use code RUNNER for $25 off your first massage.  The first step to straighter teeth: Get 25% off your Candid Co. modeling kit at candidco.com/AMR Thanks, Wander Beauty. Get 20% off at WanderBeauty.com/amr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin connect with four women to hear about how they each started to run in a different decade. First in line is Julie Mayne Baker, who began running in her 20s—nearly four decades ago. Julie shares how her running changed over the years; find out what launched her into marathons in her 40s. The started-in-her-30s runner is Erin Wright, who took her first running steps after the birth of her second baby. Laugh (and nod!) along as Erin admits how the idea of alone-time was a major motivation to get out the door. Next up is Erica Richards who, you guessed it, started running in her 40s, and who offers up a resounding reason why it’s great to enter the running realm “later in life.” Erica teaches SBS a new definition of “B.C.” She also drops numerous pearls of wisdom about leaving behind guilt and sidestepping injuries. Last but not least is became-a-runner-in-her-5th-decade Donna Lehmann, who sings the praises of cold-weather running. She gives loads of witty advice, including how to r

Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell counsel Amy in Chapel Hill on how to help her sister get right with a race finish time, suggesting someone set intentions at the start of a training cycle. They guide Zoe in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on resuming running after an illness, including “doing less than you think you can.” The duo points out to Rebecca in Sarasota, Florida, that motivation and “decision-fatigue” are related—and that sometimes there is no magic. (And that’s okay.) SBS + Dim give post-race recovery advice to Susan in Indiana. Vitamin S is a recurring theme in several responses: Find out what it is and how it can help every single runner. And laugh along at Dimity’s Hershey’s Kisses anecdote! Note: The next episode of AMR Answers will air Tuesday, January 8.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Tish Hamilton convene with three BAMRs who each nabbed a personal best in Twin Cities races to find out how they got the job done. First up is Kathy Bray, an attorney and mom of two, who bested her Twin Cities 10-Miler from eleven years ago. (Despite sandbagging like a champ to SBS at the expo!) Kathy tells how rediscovering gratitude about being healthy and injury-free pushed her to dig a little deeper on race day. She explains how getting out of her own head helped her power up hills and do the all-important—trust in her training. Find out what soundtrack also drove Kathy up the inclines (hint: She wasn’t throwing away her PR shot!). Next up: Christina Ashtiani, a mom of three and a real estate agent, shares how she set a 13-minute PR (5:37) in the marathon. Like Kathy, strength training worked wonders for Christina. Laugh along as she describes being “an energy vampire” in the final mile. Hear about her experience with a pace group. The final guest is Kim Truesdell, a writer + fitness ins

With an eye toward the New Year, Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin discuss the ins-and-outs of planning a successful race calendar. Answering a variety of questions from BAMRs on the AMR Facebook page, they start with debating “the sweet spot,” the optimum number of races per year. Amanda, a coach for a decade, talks about the importance of making decisions about your goal for the year—then making choices to set you up for success. Coach Amanda explains why she’s not a fan of “over-racing” and she dazzles SBS with the concept of “results-oriented running.” Amanda details how to be half-marathon ready at all times. The coach outlines how to tackle several endurance races in one season, and what a runner’s focus must be between races. Find out what the “desire factor” with marathons is—and which one of the duo feels it creeping back into her soul (soles!?). And, naturally, the duo wraps up the conversation with a detour into the realm of paddle spots. (Are you #TeamPickleball or #TeamPaddleTennis?) In the intro,

Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell give guidance to Ohioan Tammy who is planning her annual race calendar; Dimity offers up the pearl of “know your race rhythms.” In response to Sandy from Nashville, the gals talk about cross-training, particularly working around OrangeTheoryFitness workouts. They counsel Bertina in Wisconsin about coaching options, and they air their dirty laundry (!) in response to an inquiry from Alison in London, Ontario. First up, though, Dimity raves about her recent stay at Rancho La Puerta. Allay your envy by joining SBS and Dim at the AMR Retreat at RLP in February. Head here for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and Molly tuck into another round of TMI topics with Mara Altman, the author of Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back) (and mother of toddler twins!). The trio quickly goes there, talking about “hoohoos” and hemorrhoids. The first of many fabulous lines uttered by the guest is her admission, “I’ve always had anal issues.” From there, the conversation naturally (naturally!) moves to poop and buttcrack-chafing. Molly admits her love of B.O., prompting Mara to confess what helps her overcome writer’s block. The guest tells the origin story of PMS, which leads to a thought-provoking discussion about it really being a “permission slip for gruffer feelings.” Later, laughs abound as the talk turns to “crotch torture” and hot-boxing. Molly puts a great “you be you” bow on the episode. In the intro, Molly and SBS talk about #foundchange (natch!) plus winter running apparel and Mercury Milefabulousness. The guest joins the show—and the TMI talk starts in earnest—at 15:00.  Note: This episode is rated

Sarah and BRF/co-host Molly Williams got stood up at the last minute by a guest, so they settle in for a gab-fest. They conversationally skip from Molly’s tenant (her oldest daughter’s 25-year-old boyfriend) to Sarah’s twins’ musical to Portland water issues. Find out what Molly would do when she becomes mayor! The running buddies then debate their 2019 training plans, with SBS showing a glimmer of desire to race again. There’s talk of honing speed…within reason. An easy-going, laugh-filled conversation between two close friends.  Mercury Mile fuses fashion and function for all runners: Take $10 off your stylist fee by using code AMR at MercuryMile.com Living Proof: Experience beauty products developed by MIT scientists! For a free sample of their award-winning dry shampoo with a purchase, visit LivingProof.com/amr and use promo code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell offer winter running gear advice to Atlantan Stephanie, who’s planning ahead for a holiday visit to her North Dakota in-laws. They remind post-baby Britney from Birmingham, Michigan, that it’s “9 months in, 9 months out,” as well as tell her how to find her workout groove again. After a detour to “Beverly Hills 90210,” the duo offers Kelly suggestions on stepping up to an unusual-length ultramarathon. Finally, Sarah and Dim sprinkle Erin from St. Louis with all sorts of Disney race tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off running her 9th NYC Marathon, Tish Hamilton co-hosts with Sarah. Tish talks about why it was a great race to spectate, but rough for participants. NYC was Tish’s 54th marathon—find out what #55 is going to be. (#GreenWithEnvy—or should we say #VertWithEnvy?) The duo welcomes Kelly Herron, a two-time survivor of assaults while running and founder of the platform Not Today MF. (Good spoiler alert: She thwarts both attackers.) Kelly recounts the assault—and how she employed recently learned self-defense tactics to escape. She talks about empowerment and personal safety, and how her own mother runner helped her move behind the attack. Kelly shares defensive moves and recommends her favorite personal safety devices (including AfterShokz headphones, which are “like having four ears!”). Find out what constitutes 90% of self-defense. We realize some listeners will tune out when talk turns to the assaults: The guest joins the show at 20:11. Sign up as a VIP at JUSTFAB to get your first style for as low as $1

Sarah Bowen Shea is joined by dear Ellison Weist to discuss how parents (in their cases, their respective fathers) started them down their path to becoming dedicated runners. Laugh along at the “jogging” attire Ellison remembers her father sporting—and why it got him pulled over by the police while out on an early morning jaunt! SBS talks about how her father’s devotion to two water-related sports—swimming and rowing—launched her on her running journey.Then, one after another, three mother runners hop on to tell their stories. First is Carla Burke, a mom of two preschoolers who’s training for her debut marathon, and who was influenced by her dad to take up running. Carla talks about his “Rocky-esque” running attire. Find out why that reference is especially apt, given the marathon Carla is training for—and which her father is volunteering for. Next is Carolyn Rock, a mom of two grown daughters, who tells how she joined Weight Watchers and started running to avoid following her mother down a road of unhealthy

Fresh off the Another Mother Retreat in Cape Cod, Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell counsel Elena from Brooklyn about weekly runny tallies, especially when coming off a marathon training cycle. Dimity’s great advice (borrowed from a tri coach in Train Like a Mother Club): “frequency over duration.” The duo explores reasons—and solutions—to why Mimi in Chicago might be feeling fatigued on runs the day after she strength trains. They give guidance to Kimberly from Lexington on how to re-center herself after an interruption during a run. Then Sarah and Dimity offer different suggestions to Carrie near Chicago about juggling half-marathon training with a European family vacation.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dimity McDowell and Adrienne Martini have a candid conversation with Kate Fagan, ESPN columnist and author of What Made Maddy Run, the heartbreaking story of Madison Holleran, a collegiate runner who committed suicide during her freshman year. The trio discuss the ripple effects of mental illness and how it can be hidden from family members. In the intro, Dimity and Adrienne share about their own experiences with mental illness. Enjoy Chosen Foods oils, salad dressings, and ancient grains: Get 50% off orders of $10 or more by using promo code MOTHERRUNNER at chosenfoods.com/amr The first step to straighter teeth: Get 25% off your Candid Co. modeling kit at candidco.com/AMR Go to HelloFresh.com/AMR60 and use code AMR60 to get a total of $60 off, that’s $20 off your first three boxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and Dimity welcome a bevy of guests as they record in front of a live audience at a lululemon store in Kansas City just days before the Kansas City Marathon. After extolling why they are so pleased to return to the place where they launched their second book, Train Like a Mother, the duo kicks things off with Kim Fassetta from AfterShokz. This mother runner and marketing whiz talks about round 2 of marathon training after opting out of her debut 26.2 the day before the race—in Greece! Next, father runner Joe “Mr. Garmin” Heikes joins the conversation along with Jenni Prado, a mom of three who is running her second half-marathon on Saturday. Like Jenni, Joe sees the wisdom in keeping it simple and tracking workouts online. Next is empty-nester Catherine Brown, who’s using the Kansas City Half-Marathon as a training run for the Disney Dopey Challenge. A convert to heart-rate training, Catherine admits to having to check her ego at the door when she made the switch. Joe explains the differences measuring h