Another Mother Runner

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 decision to join a triathlon camp and the benefits it brought her; The challenges and doubts each faced during their trips and how they overcame them;  Why they encourage others to go on a traincation, too.   At the start, Sarah and Dimity catch up on their summer activities, and Dimity shares more about her recent family trip (and all the swimming she got in while there)!  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   Sports nutrition simplified: Get a 10% lifetime discount at fuelgoods.com/AM

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 anxiety and “win” the moment;  -how to approach training with moderation; and,  -Coach Liz’s exciting race-related news.    Before Coach Jen joins at about 6:21, Sarah details a sweaty run through a Midwestern prairie—and the magical powers of a GU gel.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.  We appreciate your—and their—support.   Save 15% on any full-price purchase  w/ code TOPOAMR2024 at topoathletic.com For $25 off your first order, use code AMR25 at GOSleeves.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 2022.) 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 See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses with code AMR2024 at TifosiOptics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 unexpected dividends.    Before the first 5K’er hops on at 10:22, Sarah gives an update on her half-marathon training.    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Olympian in two different sports; Carrie sharing the excitement of marching in the opening ceremonies; Both women touching on life after the Olympics and moving past such an iconic life event; How both Julie and Carrie continue to contribute to their respective sports (and their plans for Paris!); …and more!  At the top, co-host SWF share an Olympic (and Snoop Dogg) inspired summer goal. Spoiler alert: She achieved it after we recorded! When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Sports nutrition simplified: Get a 10% lifetime discount at fuelgoods.com/AMR Learn more about yo

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 one weekend;  -the importance of “unconventional” goals; and, -their favorite half-marathons—and why.   Before the first 50-stater joins the show, hosts Sarah and Tish talk about creative endeavors involving their respective college students. At the end of the ep, on Miles of Books, Coach Liz tells about two advice-rich books written by fathers for their older offspring. (Here’s the RSVP link to the Chicagoland party Sarah + Liz are hosting.)     When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Florida? Check! Use code AMR20 for 20% off registration at KeyWestHalfMarathon.com Learn mor

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 early-days-of-AMR reminisces in this ep!    Sarah shares stories of her New England athletic adventures before the duo turns to answering questions. RSVP here for the August 1 podcast recording party, and here are Better Together half marathon details.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Run in our shoes: Save 15%  w/ code TOPOAMR2024 at topoathletic.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

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 limit;  -how to “gamify” your runs to hone your perception of pace;  -about his 4+-year struggle with Long COVID;  -why relying on a GPS can be detrimental; and, -the secrets of remaining steady with running.     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   Sports nutrition simplified: Get a 10% lifetime discount at fuelgoods.com/AMR   See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR2024 at TifosiOptics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 surfing around the world; Why you should get into surfing (she swears it’s not that hard!); And what qualities to look for in an instructor giving a first-time lesson. Make your next marathon—or half marathon or 8K—most memorable by joining Better Together in Richmond on November 16. 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 Stop comparing and start focusing: For 10% off your first month, go to betterhelp.com/amr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-first approach to promoting bone health;  -early signs of low-bone density; and,  -why you should try eating something called natto.    In the intro, proud-momma Sarah talks about her upcoming adventure to see her son perform in his first professional musical. We suggest taking a chug of milk (cow or plant!) every time the guest or hosts suggest something should go on “the hot topic board!”    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code amr50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off  your next two months, at greenchef.com/amr50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 truth.    Before the Q&As, Dimity details the epic way she celebrated her daughter’s 21st birthday. Speaking of hiking, here’s the survey Dimity mentions.    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   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

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 talks about:  -why negative ions have a positive effect on both body + mind;  -trail running tips;  -taking a wildflower “safari”; -how to add strength moves into a run or hike; and, -“park prescriptions” and “forest bathing.”   This is a hybrid episode: The intro chitchat with the hosts recounting recent outdoor exploits was recorded in July 2024, while the guest interview (which starts around 07:28) first aired in 2017.      When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR2024 at TifosiOptics.com   Smelling ripe? No sweat: Save 2

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 life as a mom of three young kids living with cancer; How exercise is her medicine;  The chronic cancer pain she endures and how she trains through it all;  Her recent amazing accomplishment--and what else she's got in store.  Read more about Michelle''s journey and her mission here.  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 26.2 or 13.1 in Portland! Use code AMR20 for $20 off registration at portlandmarathon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Miles of Books is at the end of the episode, and Coach Liz recommends two books about finding balance in a busy life.   Here are the fiction and non-fiction books the hosts dive into:  James by Percival Everett Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips The God of the Woods by Liz Moore The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan Sandwich by Catherine Newman The Stolen Child by Ann Hood Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberley McCreight Chasing Beauty by Natalie Dykstra The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson

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. Get all the Better Together details.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Enjoy secure access: Get an extra  3 months free at ExpressVPN.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 accident; -subtle shifts in mind and body that helped her heal;  -using music strategically in ultramarathons; and, -how she understands Zen because she understands running.    Katie jumps into the episode almost immediately.    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   Chic, sporty style: Get 20% off  your first order at Vuori.com/amr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 run their first Boston Marathon this year; —What the father and son chat about while racing; —Why Shaun will not likely ever race without a wheelchair; and, —What's next for Shaun and Shamus (psst: one of them is going off to college!)...and more! Listen to AMR's other chat with Shaun, plucked from the 2015 archives.  Join us for Better Together in Richmond, Virginia, on November 16. 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 Take care of your beloved pet: To explore coverage, visit  ASPCApetins

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 rapid progression from 5K to half marathon to marathon;  -how running made him meet his demons and manage stress;  -how goals are like friendships runners form with themselves; -his experience using a pacer in a race; and, -how races allow him to “revisit” his weaknesses.    The host-duo talks about a recent walk/run/swim adventure they shared before the guest joins around 10:22. (Want to be a BAMRbassador? Apply here.)   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Run in our shoes: Save 15%  w/ code TOPOAMR2024 at topoathletic.com   Get Chomping: Get 20% off your first order  + fr

This is the episode for anyone (all of us?!) who have struggled with staying strong in the final miles of a race, as Carrie does. And for runners, like Claire, who want to set themselves up to run a sub-4:00 marathon. Also, this episode deserves a listen by parents, like Claire again, who dream about getting their kids to run with them.    Before serving up Q+As, Sarah shares a story about introducing her son to pickleball. (At his request!) Find all our marathon training programs here. Please record your question by calling 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Stories worth sharing: Save $10 on  your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone with the goal to run a marathon, especially a renowned one like New York City, London, or Chicago, will be intrigued and enlightened by this episode. The guests, RaceRaves founders Katie Ho and Mike Sohaskey, talk with hosts (+ multi-time marathoners) Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton about: -the “scarcity mindset” of marathon entries;  -the various factors adding to the popularity of big marathons;  -running the Abbott World Marathon Majors;  -which marathon is under consideration as the 7th Major; and,  -advice on completing a marathon in all 50 states.    Before the RaceRaves duo joins around 10:56, Tish tells of the sure-to-be-epic hiking adventure she’s embarking on.    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   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