Everyone who’s interested in the steps it took to get women runners to where we are today needs to listen to this enlightening episode. Maggie Mertens, author of Better Faster Farther, joins hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton to talk about:  -why the 1928 Summer Olympics were such a watershed event;  -period incapacitation: what it is and how it affected inclusion; -how the 1970s running boom democratized the sport;  -the mind-boggling reality of 20th-century running gear; and, -the enduring importance of women-centered spaces + races.   Before the guest joins at 6:33, Sarah details how her half-marathon training is going.   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   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 jam-packed with insight and suggestions, including advice for Lorrainne who is contemplating a trail race yet training on the road. Runners afflicted with plantar fasciitis, like Holly, will appreciate all the been-there, done-that wisdom host Sarah shares on finding relief. And anyone heading to an away-race this fall, like Rhianna, will appreciate the tips from both hosts.    Before the Q+A’s start at 6:40, Dimity shares stories about a recent women’s bike ride—and making some new sporty friends! Fall into Fitness 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!   See for yourself: Get 20% off Tifosi sunglasses  with code AMR2024 at TifosiOptics.com   Rediscover your curiosity: Visit BetterHelp.com/amr for 10% off your first month.   Sports nutrition simplified: Get a 10% lifetime discount at fuelgoods.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you need help fitting workouts into a busy schedule, look no further: This episode spotlights four teachers who share anecdotes, insight, and hacks on running while working a time- and energy-intensive job. The guests share:  -the sanctity of morning runs;  -how advance planning fosters exercise adherence;  -ways their students inspire and push them (including to a PR!);  -how they mesh their race schedule with the school calendar; and, -running-related programs they’ve developed for their pupils.    In the intro, Sarah gives Molly a #foundchange update (natch!) and explains how she got great photos of her swimming. The first teacher-runner joins at 6:57. This episode originally ran in August 2022, yet the Miles of Books, with Coach Liz talking about two books that explore quitting, is brand new. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! Make the most of every rep: Get $200 off your Tonal purchase with code AMR at tonal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re like listener Kate Coscarelli, who has a kid taking on cross country this fall—or maybe you ran XC yourself and you’re nostalgic for those crisp days of racing through fallen leaves or freshly cut grass—this episode is for you. The hosts chat about all things XC, in a lively two-part conversation told from dual perspectives: The athlete’s and the coaches’. You’ll hear: * Recent college grad and top distance runner Maddie Mooney shares  what athletes need from parents, covering everything from post-practice chats to what to say as you cheer on the course; * How to avoid overstepping as a parent of an athlete;  * XC coaches Christy Diller and Sarah Wassner Flynn (who switches from podcast host to guest in this segment!) offer the basics and benefits of the sport, plus coaching strategies, injury prevention, and more. If all of this XC talk gets you inspired for an active autumn, join us for Fall Into Fitness, a six-week program focuses on the three key pieces of complete fitness: cardio, strength, and mobility. We start on September 9 and there’s still time to sign up! 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 Make the most of every rep: Get $200 off your Tonal purchase with code AMR at tonal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re staring down surgery or merely fascinated by inspiring tales of recovery, this is the episode for you. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams talk with three guests: Kevin Stone, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon and author of Play Forever: How to Recover from Injury & Thrive, plus two women runners who had hip replacement surgery within the last few years. Listen and learn about:  -the relief the runners felt post-surgery;  -return-to-running time after joint replacement surgery; -steps to take pre-surgery to improve success;  -the importance of shopping for a surgeon; and, -how one guest qualified for Boston Marathon on her new hip!    In the intro, co-host Molly shares about her own knee replacement, and tells of a recent backpacking excursion. Dr. Stone joins the conversation at 6:33.   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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Definitely listen to this episode if you’ve ever debated how often you should stand on a starting line, like Emily. Morning exercisers, like Christina, will be shown the wisdom of eating pre-workout, while folks like Elizabeth will learn ways to create more structure and consistency in their fitness regime.    Take a cold plunge with Dimity before diving into the answers at 6:22. Here’s where to Fall into Fitness. Please record your question by calling 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all athletes: Listen to this episode, especially if you’re training for a race! With co-hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, the guest, Erin Ayala, Ph.D., a sport psychologist and endurance athlete, talks about pushing through burnout and reframing negative self-talk. The trio talk about:  -how to become friends with your inner critic;  -creating your own mental toolkit;  -using humor or sarcasm to tame mental monkeys;  -the importance of staying in the moment during a race; and, -the three key ingredients in motivation + self-compassion.    Before the guest joins at about 7:52, Liz talks about the start of another school year, and Sarah shares a little (tempo-run) win.    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

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/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 20%  with code AMR20 at SweatXsport.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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