Another Mother Runner

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin discuss how to fit in and juggle workouts on a training plan when faced with a disrupted summer schedule or, heck, simply life itself. Coach Amanda answers a slew of questions culled from the AMR Facebook page. In short order, a few themes emerge, including the importance of overall consistency. Coach Amanda reveals whether it’s okay to occasionally split up a long run and whether stroller-miles equate to solo-miles. The duo discuss juggling strength training with a regular running regimen. The coach explains the best way to add in shorter races during a goal-race training cycle. The conversation turns to how sacrifice plays into things, with Coach Amanda offering the sage reminder of, “You can’t get through a marathon on a wish and a prayer.” (Amen!) Before getting to the questions, find out why Sarah and Amanda might be going in circles—as well as a tale with a “Circle of Life” theme. The Q&A starts at ALEX-INSERT-TIME-HERE. *Discover the amazing new maternity workouts... Lea

The dynamic duo of Sarah and Dimity have a chat with Sarah Robb O’Hagan, renowned business whiz, author of the new book Extreme You: Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat, and all-around incredibly likable badass mother runner! Sarah (aka “SRO”) shares insight from her book, as well as myriad anecdotes from her days in leadership positions at Gatorade, Nike, Equinox, and now Flywheel Sports, including why she proudly showed up at a new job with her race numbers from a half-Ironman triathlon fresh on her arm and leg. Find out how indoor cycling and being more judicious in her mileage is helping this 45-year-old BAMR with her running. SRO talks about the importance of prioritizing fitness and health to achieve what she calls “work-life fitness.” In addition to giving advice about how to say “no,” SRO elaborates on her life/work mantra of “Fewer. Bigger. Better.” She explains why it’s critical to manage your energy sources—and how to achieve that worthwhile goal. The trio bond over the practice of breaking... Lea

Sarah and co-host (and best running friend!) Molly gab with each other in their final days of easy-going running before embarking on 18 (!!) weeks of marathon training. They talk about travels with their childhood BFFs, before debating why their eyes water while running. (Any clue??) Molly shares a story about her dog’s #ratfarts, then the conversation turns to wildlife, including brushes with coyotes and possibly Sasquatch. A longtime veterinarian, Molly tells what to do if a dog attacks you on a run. (Remember: “Be like a tree.”) As talk turns to training for the Twin Cities Marathon, the ladies debate the value of multiple 20-mile runs, including the joy of finally getting to tell the long version of stories! Molly offers a pearl of wisdom that is ready-made for a T-shirt slogan or bumper sticker. Find out what discussing time goals and “The Price Is Right” have in common. (Here’s a link to the marathon training plan the Portland duo are following.) Be sure to stick around for special bonus content at...

Sarah and co-host Dimity chat with two race directors-- Virginia Brophy Achman of Twin Cities in Motion, and Sarah Ratzlaff with ZOOMA, who also worked for runDisney for 11 years. This episode kicks off with a long catch-up session between the AMR co-founders. Find out what Sarah’s watching on Netflix—and why Dimity isn’t. The duo’s conversation winds up with fast-food reminiscences from childhood. When Virginia from Twin Cities Marathon joins the jabber, she shares the 20-degree rule of marathoning plus the port-a-potty ratio favored by race directors. (Who knew?!) Virginia shares race etiquette tips, plus advice on organizing a local race. Sarah Ratzlaff (a.k.a. “Other Sarah”) makes the ladies laugh with behind-the-scenes Disney anecdotes. The trio talk about how the races have changed over the past decade, and Other Sarah tells how she’s bringing her creativity to a boutique race like ZOOMA. Dimity wraps the episode with a heartbreaking, yet life-affirming, tale from the Train Like a Mother Club: Be... Lea

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini serve up a delightful conversation with food writer, cookbook author, and New York Times staff reporter Melissa Clark. Melissa admits she took up running to lose weight and now the sport is “an entrenched part” of her life. After three decades of solo running, Melissa shares she’s now eyeing two races—and on the search for a running buddy. The conversation turns to talk of Melissa’s new cookbook, Dinner: Changing the Game, and the “easy, but interesting, recipes for busy people” in it. The gals talk about the similarities between running and cooking, and Melissa gives tips for making dinnertime prep the best part of your day. (For realz!) She offers sage advice for getting out of a dinner rut, as well as how to impart more flavor to the meals you make. At Adrienne’s request, Melissa details a foolproof method for roasting a chicken, which includes the fabulous sentence: “Open your chicken like a book.” The lively conversation wraps with Melissa and Adrienne singing the... Le

Sarah and co-host Molly talk with Tina Vindum, the founder of Outdoor Fitness dubbed “the original al fresco guru” by The Guardian newspaper, about the powerful impact of being active in the outdoors. The author of Tina Vindum’s Outoor Fitness: Step out of the Gym and into the Best Shape of Your Life, this mom of two talks about the importance of being near the natural world, and the amazing effects it has on both body and mind. She explains why negative ions have a positive effect on mood and health. Find out what “park prescriptions” and “forest bathing” are (you can keep on your running clothes for the latter!). The personal trainer/group fitness instructor (and former pro mountain bike racer!) gives practical advice for trail running, including downhill running tips. She also extols the “beauty” of walking lunges, as well as describing a recent wildflower “safari.” But, first, listen to the nightlife adventures of Molly and Sarah, as well as perhaps the spark for a book called Find Change Like a... Learn

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini have a long convo with strength training expert Michele Olson, Ph.D., a professor of exercise science at Auburn University. For starters, find out if Gyrotonic is a swirling beverage—or the next big fitness trend. The ladies then take a deep dive into HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Michele shares the best resistance exercises for runners based on recent studies, and how merge strength-building workouts with training for a half- or full marathon. The talk turns to “dead butt,” including a simple test to find out if you have it and why correcting it can save your knees. Michele describes the most effective ways to do several key exercises, including lunges and step-ups. Sarah and Adrienne suspect BAMRs will soon be able to spot Masters-age mother runners by the fact they hold weights over their heads when doing those simple strengtheners. This podcast is packed with loads of solid, strong advice! *Rev up your runs with Aaptiv, the mobile app with coached workouts...

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin cover the high points of this year’s Boston Marathon, from which world record was broken to how many children the women’s winner has. (And whether it’s more impressive that she won after birthing them…or trained while mothering them!) The gals dissect the once-again unseasonable heat, and why it might have been worse than the 2012 Boston (which they both ran) when temps touched 89 degrees. Find out if Sarah and Amanda hold onto dreams of running Boston again. Listen to the marathon version of a booze cruise Amanda is helping organize for a gal-pal. And marvel along with SBS how the number 50 keeps popping up! *Rev up your runs with Aaptiv, the mobile app with coached workouts for running, indoor cycling, elliptical, yoga, strength training, and more--all set to amazing playlists! For a free month, sign up at aaptiv.com and enter code AMR30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Sarah and Molly gab about changing workout schedules, Sarah’s $1.17 haul (!!) on a recent run, Sarah’s husband “crashing” recent book group gathering, reusable utensils, and more. This segment was recorded as part of upcoming video about Another Mother Runner—stay tuned for that flick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Dimity delightedly welcome back to the pod Kathrine Switzer, the pioneer in women’s running best known as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a registered runner with a bib number. On Monday, April 17, Kathrine will once again run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton, MA, to Boston to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her historic feat. In this interview recorded in March, Kathrine recounts nearly being pulled off the race course in 1967, when the race director realized she was a female. She talks about how that captured-on-film incident—which she describes as “a radicalizing—and an inspiring—experience” —captured the public imagination. Kathrine and the mother runners talk about the “inherent stressfulness” of big marathons, and she reveals what her 26.2 training looks like now, at age 70, versus as a college student half a century ago. Kathrine talks about helping other women “find their fearless” through the global community she founded, 261 Fearless. And Kathrine talks about the...

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini welcome Louise Green, author of the just-published book BIG FIT GIRL: Embrace the Body You Have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin have a good gab with Jean Chatzky, the financial editor of the TODAY Show and author of numerous books, including the just-released AgeProof: Living Longer without Running out of Money or Breaking a Hip. The three mother runners kick things off with talk of running trails and gourmet food, then Jean shares her start in a running—a group decision, it turns out. Jeans talks about her best running friend, who she’s been getting in the miles for more than two decades! Jean reveals intriguing intersections between health and finances, including four things completely in your control that you can do to improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life. She talks about why a small level of stress can “keep you on your game.” The ladies bond over sports bra lamentations, and Jean gives tips for making your running budget go the extra mile. The conversation reaches a hair-raising conclusion. Before diving into financials, though, hear about Sarah’s Seattle adventures with her... L

To celebrate # AMRiversary—seven years since the founding of Another Mother Runner—Sarah and Dimity take a meandering, verbal “stroll” down Memory Lane. The mother runners reveal the genesis of AMR’s signature phrase, “badass mother runner” and the growth of their Facebook following. They reflect on the early days of the podcast, and Sarah shares the warm-fuzzies she feels toward one episode in particular. In signature TMI fashion, Sarah suggests a possible GIF from a podcast moment that stands out in many longtime listeners’ minds. The two extol the magic of mother runner parties, and Dimity admits how the Train Like a Mother Club brings out her maternal side. Along the way, there are revelations about the duo’s book trilogy. Interwoven into the founders’ reminiscences are a dozen Voice Memos from various mother runners, sharing their favorite AMR moments. This hour+ episode is special. *Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal kit delivery service that brings delicious dinners right to your doorstep....

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin (calling from her own mom’s house!) have a sit-down with Vicki Lang, a mother of two collegiate runners and a long-time youth cross-country and track coach. Vicki highlights the importance of making running fun for kids to keep them engaged and enthusiastic. The gals talk about the crucial middle school years, a turning point in enthusiasm for sports for many children. Coach Vicki puts forth an intriguing mileage guideline (which takes math-challenged Sarah a few beats to catch!), as well as the beauty of a “progression plan.” The conversation covers the “reverberating” effects of running for kids. Coach Vicki also talks about the importance of proper hydration and quality shoes for young athletes. Voice memos from a bevy of mother runners bring to life the variety of delights (and challenges!) involved with kids and running. Sarah kicks the show off with a conversation with 18-year-old Lucy Williams (middle daughter of her BRF, Molly) to hear what kickstarted her running... Le

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin talk about how to run faster and hone speed, recognizing from the outset that speed is relative. Coach Amanda suggests approaching speed seasonally over the course of a year, then breaks down all the different “tools” for doing so, starting with hill repeats. The mother runners discuss the slippery beast of a tempo run, which Amanda describes as “comfortably hard.” (An oxymoron?!) Amanda introduces a new-to-Sarah concept of “10 years of improvement,” then they dissect how that’s both good news—and bad. Amanda sings the praises of strides and strength training. She also defines the elements that make up speed. The gals wrap the show with talk of race-day execution. All along the way, Amanda offers up pearls of speed-building wisdom, such as, “getting comfortable with the uncomfortable” and “buy into what you can do, and let it be a shot in your arm.” An invaluable episode for folks looking to set a PR. *Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal kit delivery service that... Lea

Sarah and Ellison Weist, both fifty-somethings, get real, discussing myriad aspects of menopause (both positive and negative) and perimenopause with Dr. Susan Reed, a noted expert in midlife women’s health. As she’s also a mother and a long-time runner/triathlete, Dr. Reed speaks with a deep empathy of mother runners and how menopausal symptoms can throw us off our game (or, rather, workout routine!). Recognizing inability to sleep is a major concern, she offers numerous suggestions for getting more and better quality shut-eye. She talks extensively about various hormonal therapy options to treat symptoms of The Change, including several prescriptions normally used to prevent baby-making, as well as other types of Rx’s. Dr. Reed teases apart what side effects are related to aging versus menopause. Adding some brevity: a frank discussion for (yet another!) use for coconut oil, and find out what type of contest Sarah might enter (but hopefully not win!). Most important take-away from the good doc: Don’t... Lear

Sarah and co-host/BRF Molly Williams are feeling creaky on this week's running podcast!! With Molly staring down the big 5-0 next month, the best running friends talk about the aches and stiffness that accompany aging—and how runners can fight back. Molly asserts an astute observation about when niggling joint pain or stiffness might kick in. Sarah talks about shuffling her workout schedule, plus why she’s changed up her strength-training routine. Dynamic flexibility drills pop up, too. Other topics that enter into the conversation: Embracing your inner dork. Walking down stairs. Hot older guys. Beards. Before turning to aging woes (and solutions), Sarah and Molly gab pretty much as if they’re on a morning run, chatting about Molly’s recent trip to Victoria, B.C., plus weekend dates with their respective hubbies. Find out which one of those adventures prompts Molly to rave about, “a thick, leathery hide and a roll in the sprinkles.” Guaranteed laugh-out-loud moments so be prepared for odd stares if you... Lea

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini are joined by Sylvia Tara, Ph.D., author of a fascinating new book called The Secret Life of Fat: The Science behind the Body’s Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You and a mother runner who has struggled with her weight since she was a pre-teen. Find out how fat fights back (argh!) when you try to lose it. Dr. Tara encourages listeners to stop chasing siren songs when it comes to fat-loss, and she explains why a diet must work on numerous levels. She explains why intermittent fasting is successful for her, while acknowledging going 16 or 18 hours without sustenance is not for everyone. Talk turns to bacteria and microbiomes, and how it affects calories, fat, and weight management; Dr. Tara gives tips on “tilting” your microbiome in your fat-fighting favor. An intriguing show whether you struggle with your weight or not. In the intro, SBS and Adrienne talk about the shows they’re watching on Netflix—including, ironically, Santa Clarita Diet. *Green Chef is a... Lea

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini chat with four mother runners (including one whose voice will be very familiar to you if you listen to National Public Radio!) about how they manage to merge running with their non-traditional work schedules: Guests include a midwife, dairy farmer, ER nurse, and Tamara Keith, NPR’s White House correspondent and co-host of NPR Politics podcast. Interspersed throughout the episode are Voice Memos from numerous shift workers and other folks who work unconventional hours, adding to the lively conversation about how mother runners rack up miles on little sleep, “catch-as-catch-can” nutrition, and stand-all-day legs. Hear why healthcare workers make ready-to-run Ragnar Relay teammates, and why farmwork is built-in cross-training for running. Find out if Tamara laces up her running shoes at the White House. All these ladies impart important reminders to us all, no matter what our work/life schedules, including “running is not going anywhere” and “it’s going to be great.” (Just... L

After divulging their monthly #foundchange tally and differing opinions of “La La Land,” Sarah and Molly shift gears to talk about a more serious topic: drinking alcohol. Their first guest is Dorothy Beal (a.k.a. Mile Posts), who opens up about taking part in #DryJanuary—and why she’s not resuming drinking even though the teetotaling month is over. This speedy mother of three talks about why, lately, she was drinking due to emotional exhaustion than physical exhaustion, and how her month of sobriety allowed her to experience unexpected personal growth. Next, the Portland duo are joined by Natalie Hanson, a mother runner with four sons who has been in recovery from alcoholism since 2010. Natalie candidly shares her rapid descent into alcoholism (also known as AUD, alcohol use disorder), and she clarifies the difference between heavy drinking and AUD. She admits why, once she admitted having a problem, one of her mantras became, “I’m here to save my ass, not my face.” Natalie provides numerous suggestions on...