The Mother Runners

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Whew, what an episode. This week we take on a listener question about how we stay motivated to run. This is not your typical discussion about all the ways to force ourselves out the door. We discuss self-reflection and how to get to the root cause of feeling less enthused about running. And we give tips that have helped us if we decided we wanted to keep going or how we have decided to press pause. In fact, Shanna has shared she has decided to press pause on her marathon goals and drop...

Duration: 00:50:50

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This episode features Olivia & Shanna unhinged. Well, sort of. They two talk about some unserious things like GOLF (well, non-serious for us) & pretty serious things like Shanna's decision to drop out of Chicago--& overall how to decide when to do a race, and when to NOT...and all the factors that go into that decision. The conversation also touches on how we can take running too seriously & course corrections for that.

This pod is the closest thing to going on one of their early morning runs! We hope you find it...

Duration: 00:43:18

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This episode is a special one. We answer our listeners’ questions which vary from what our favorite shoes are to how we handle mom guilt when leaving our kids to run (& have our partners watch them). 

Per usual, this episode begins with us catching up on our current status of mom life. Shanna and Olivia discuss how it feels being alone for the first time since becoming a mom with their kids now in school. And we go on a tangent about nursing and pumping, among other things. 

We will...

Duration: 01:05:32

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we discuss recovery from running—what we do, what works, what doesn’t. Our conversation highlights the balance between personal well-being and the demands of motherhood. We talk about what recovery tools and supplements are worth it, the significance of fueling the body for optimal performance, and how you know if you are over-doing it. Our dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training and recovery, highlighting the importance of listening to one's body and making necessary adjustments. The conversation wraps up with...

Duration: 00:56:26

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In this episode, we discuss how to pick the right race and running goal for your season of motherhood. We share our personal experiences with this along with how to strike the right balance between betting on yourself vs. forcing something.

We also share race day logistics as a mom including traveling with your kids, planning races while breastfeeding and more. 

We hope this episode is both entertaining and helpful!

This podcast is proudly sponsored by CURE HYDRATION , delicious hydration for runners & kids! Save 15% with code MILESWITHMOMS Duration: 01:23:43

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In this episode, all four of us share our birth stories and how our experiences impact our running today. While we are all runners and moms, our childbirth experiences are all so different as is our relationships between giving birth and it impacting our running and mindset. 

We hope you find it helpful, inspiring, and of course—makes you laugh. Thanks for listening!

THIS EPISODE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY RELAY ACTIVE.

Save 15% on these cute & comfortable running clothes with code MILESWITHMOMS. 

Whitney Heins is a mom...

Duration: 00:47:16

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This is an important episode! We dive into the crucial topic of hormone health and its profound impact on women's wellness. We learn so much from running & strength coach Emily Knight personal journey through hormone healing after battling hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition often caused by stress and overtraining. 

Emily shares her insights on balancing rigorous training with maintaining healthy hormone levels, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and fueling it appropriately. In this episode, you learn how understanding and optimizing hormone health can lead to a more balanced and f...

Duration: 00:50:46

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In this episode, we talk about something only moms can really understand—feeling like we lost ourselves in motherhood. We share our personal experiences of what it looked like for us in feeling disconnected to who we once were and our journey back to that (that some of us are still on). 

We also talk about the constant tug-of-war between personal identity and societal expectations, and the importance of community and connection among mothers. 

Our conversation highlights the need for social interaction, the significance of building a supportive village, and...

Duration: 01:10:43

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This one is for the first-timers—but really for anyone who wants to take on the marathon distance & feel like they nailed it (well, the best they can…).

On this episode, we give our top marathon advice for first-timers but it’s really lessons and tips that can benefit any runner. We share lessons, experiences, and mistakes to avoid. 

As with most episodes, we start with a tangent (this one about aging), and then venture into marathon-related topics such as fueling tips, do’s & don’ts, tips to mentally & physically...

Duration: 01:08:56

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This one was some serious girl talk—a little bit of over-sharing, perhaps, and some venting: We talk about a challenge a lot of mother runners face but don’t really talk about: how to manage your marriage while training for a marathon. 

In this episode, we openly discuss the complexities of balancing marathon training with our relationships to our husbands—exploring how to find the time and energy to maintain intimacy while managing the demands of family life and training. 

Our conversation highlights the need for understanding and compromi...

Duration: 01:10:11

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In this episode of the Miles With Moms Podcast, the four of us reunited after a hiatus (summer schedules are hard) to chat about summer running, including our tips & experiences.  We start off with a big tangent on the show Love Island in which Olivia talks about the need for filth in a mom’s life (ha!). And discuss Tricia’s experience pacing a friend running a 200-miler in Tahoe—and her odd injury. 

We then get into all things summer running including hydration, overcoming GI distress, how to adjust training, and avoi...

Duration: 01:03:00

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Today, we have guest Dr. Leah Avery; a mother runner, physical therapist, & former competitive swimmer who was abused by her high school coach. Leah bravely shares her story & offers advice for us parents on how to create a safe environment for our kids involved in sports. We also discuss what parents can do to ensure our children don’t place too much of their identity in their sport. Leah also talks about the powerful role running played in her recovery.

At the start, we have our usual banter—today about our summ...

Duration: 01:05:31

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Just as things really heat up this summer, we are sharing everything you need to know about Heart Rate Training, an important tool for runners including in the summer heat! (This episode first aired on our Patreon. It is an example of the bonus content you will receive when you sign-up to our Patreon -- http://www.patreon.com/mileswithmomspodcast ).

In this episode, Olivia & Shanna talk to their coach Arturs Bareikis (Coach B) about Heart Rate Training, his method of training. Specifically, they discuss how heart rate based training can help...

Duration: 01:40:02

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You know—Iife is busy and we haven’t had a chance for all four of us to talk and catch up. So that’s what this episode is! We just banter about whatever and cannot be held responsible for what comes out of our mouths. 

We discuss our experiences during summer break, the challenges of parenting and managing kids' sports, and the competitive nature that often arises in youth sports—hopefully, highlighting the lighter side of parenting amidst the chaos. 

There may be some talk about strange protein sources an...

Duration: 00:48:23

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In this episode of the Miles With Moms Podcast, we are so honored to interview Jen Hughes (@jenhughes56 on Instagram). Jen is a remarkable woman who has overcome significant challenges in her life. 

Jen shares her journey from a life-changing car accident that left her in a wheelchair to becoming a competitive runner and enlisting in the military at the age of 45, being the oldest person to enlist. 

Throughout our conversation, Jen emphasizes the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and the joy of running. She discusses her experiences in ba...

Duration: 00:50:10

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This week marks our last installment of our special Mother’s Day episodes where we are interviewing amazing moms. Today we chat with Tess Chupinsky (@tesschupisky on Instagram), an entrepreneur/founder of @therunmylifejournal, homeschooling mom of 5, foster mom, and marathoner. 

Tess shares her experiences with running during pregnancy, the transformative power of journaling for mental health, and how she balances family life with training. She also discusses her journey into fostering and how it has impacted her family dynamics, as well as the importance of building a strong partnership in marriage. Tes...

Duration: 01:01:36

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(We wanted to call this the Snail Trail episode--you will have to listen to find out why...) But ok! THIS WEEK on the Miles with Moms podcast we were so honored to have Elizabeth Ropp, a pediatrician and homeschooling mom of 6, as our guest as we continue featuring fellow mother runners all month long to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Elizabeth is a 40-year-old mom who started running a little over two years ago after baby six as a means to battle postpartum anxiety and depression. She recently completed her first World Ma...

Duration: 01:29:30

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This week we are so honored to have Natalie Mitchell as our guest as we continue featuring fellow mother runners all month long to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Natalie is one of those people who is just a bright shining light, filling any space around her with positivity. Her heart is so pure and her perspective so moving. We think you are going to just love our conversation with her.

In this episode, some topics we chat about:

-AGING IS A MINDSET. Natalie, who is 52, is...

Duration: 01:15:39

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This episode kicks off something fun we are doing for May (the month of Mother’s Day)—we are featuring fellow mother runners to shed light on their journey, insights, and how they “make it work.”

Our first feature is of Kayleigh Schwartz Hendricks, an athlete that Whitney has coached for three years. 

Kayleigh is a pediatric nurse practitioner who works in the pediatric hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant unit at the University of Michigan. She is also an adjunct clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan School of...

Duration: 01:05:15

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“We had been in and out the hospital so many times and thank God for my mom's my rock. She's my best friend. She was with me through everything.  So she knew that I needed to start running again for like my own mental sanity.” 

This week we feature Francesca Barbetta ( @5ammommyrunner on Instagram) because she is truly inspiring. And while her accomplishments & day-to-day commitment are so inspiring as a mother runner, it’s what she has overcome that is arguably the true inspiration. 

While many on I...

Duration: 01:27:31

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This week we are doing something extra special. We have two special guests Polly Cunes (@mommytosubthree) and Michelle Baxter (@therunnersplate) to talk about getting FASTER as a MASTERS runner. 

They share what they changed to keep feeling good and nabbing those PRs. Polly has been slaying her PRs at the age of 41 including a 2:43 marathon and a 1:18 half. Michelle has PRed in 5 distances at the age of 41 including an 18:20 5k and a 2:56 marathon. Meanwhile, your over-40 co-hosts are also improving their running while "over the hill." Tricia, 41, is killing the ultra d...

Duration: 01:00:02

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In this episode, Shanna & Olivia catch us up on their training which leads them into an inspiring conversation about chasing goals as a mom. Olivia never thought she would be chasing sub-3 hour marathon times as a mom. In fact, she talks about how she still struggles to see the paces she is hitting. And Shanna discusses what it's like to compete on the track as a mom among a sea of college runners. 

Both highlight the importance of believing in yourself and knowing that it is NEVER too late to g...

Duration: 01:10:33

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In this episode, we (Olivia, Tricia & Whitney) answer a question we’ve been asked often by listeners: what it was REALLY like for us to return to running postpartum and when we finally felt NORMAL running after having a baby. (Shanna could not make it today—we missed you Shanna!)….

SPOILER ALERT: None of us had a BOUNCE BACK story to share. In fact, quite the opposite. 

-We talk about the impacts beyond the physical changes recovering from pregnancy including sleep deprivation and hormonal changes. 

-We shar...

Duration: 01:01:50

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Miles with Moms podcast! In this episode, we share our “mother runner hacks” for making our mom lives easier. 

These hacks help with:

-Keeping the house clean

-Post-run recovery

-Fitting in strength training

-Meal prep

-Treadmill running with small kids around, and

-Making your kids self-sufficient (the gift that keeps on giving!) 

We also catch up since we have been on a short break between seasons, chat about an annoying Instag...

Duration: 01:20:35

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For this fun episode, Tricia, Olivia, Shanna, & Whitney answer a wide array of listener questions sharing our advice & experiences. Some questions we covered:

-at what age do you stop doing stroller runs with your kids?

-how do you push past your mental barrier in a race?

-what is harder? breastfeeding or training for a marathon?

-where to stash your energy gels during a marathon?

-& what's up with pooping in a marathon?

Tricia also shares how she is woefully unprepared for...

Duration: 00:48:40

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In this episode,  we (Whitney, Shanna & Olivia -- we missed you, Tricia!) share our running hot takes. Some of many: Running is NOT self-care. The running culture can be TOXIC. Strava is RUINING RUNNING. Downhill races need an *. & MARATHONS are OVERRATED. We also share our usual shout-out and banter. We would love to hear your thoughts on our hot takes as well as your own! Connect with us on Instagram @mileswithmomspodcast! And get more on our Patreon at Patreon.com/mileswithmomspodcast. 

Chapters

02:58 Hot Takes in the Running World & Shout-out Em...

Duration: 01:00:11

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In this episode, we share how we got faster—something we have been asked about a lot. But this conversation comes with many caveats: running is not just about being fast or getting faster. And we don’t know everything there is about running & getting faster. But we do know what helped us shaved time off our PRs—so we are sharing that. 

In this episode, Whitney, Olivia & Shanna (Tricia had to work) talk about how we improved our marathon performances over time. We share insights on difference training methods, the importa...

Duration: 00:57:11

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It is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. Sadly, eating disorders are far too common in the world of running for females, at all levels and ages. This is why we felt it was important to openly discuss this topic, especially as moms, hoping we can help ourselves break the cycle & the generation we are raising. =

TRIGGER WARNING: We do share our own experiences with eating disorders so if what we discuss makes you uncomfortable or triggers something in you, please do not continue listening. And if you feel like you may...

Duration: 01:06:05

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 In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we welcome Nick Klastava (@nklastava), a running coach and father, to discuss the intersection of running, fatherhood, and personal growth. All four of us are HUGE fans of Nick and his approach to fatherhood, running, coaching & just being an overall good human. 

The conversation explores Nick's journey as a runner, his coaching philosophy, and the challenges and joys of being a present father. We delve into the unique pressures that fathers face, including dad guilt, and how these experiences shape their parenting st...

Duration: 01:04:05

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In this episode, Whitney & Olivia get to know each other better (so you get to know us better, too!). (Shanna & Tricia couldn’t make it—we missed you ladies!). 

We ask each other questions we have always wanted to do know about the different chapters in our lives. You’ll find that Olivia has lived a million lives by the time she was 20 & Whitney changed careers & never looked back. 

We discuss regrets & reflections on where we are today as mother runners. & of course, share many laughs along the way, too—incl...

Duration: 01:02:32

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In this episode of the Miles and Moms podcast, Shanna, Tricia, & Olivia (not Whitney, she couldn’t be there today) put each other in the hot seat asking the tough questions about topics like mom guilt, last race of your life choices, and unexpected lessons of being a mother runner. 

We share openly and honestly about what makes us feel guilty, give each other pep talks with the flip-side of the story, and laugh a lot (and possibly offend people who like to crochet—Tricia is sorry.)

In all serio...

Duration: 01:15:30

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we take on dealing with other people's opinions and trying not to care what other people think--whether in real life or on social media.  The discussion emphasizes the struggle to balance personal identity with societal expectations. We also talk about the challenges of authenticity, the fear of judgment, and the importance of vulnerability. 

We each open up about our experiences with self-acceptance, the impact of sharing personal stories, and the importance of community support in overcoming personal struggles. We all have different ba...

Duration: 01:07:32

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we talk about your typical random stuff (caffeine and catheters, anyone?) and then we dish the dirt on the types of moms we are vs. the types of moms we thought we would be. 

We cover a wide array of topics such as how we deal with messes, our husbands, discipline, chores, big emotions, and bedtime routines--to name a few. Per usual, we all bring different experiences and opinions to the conversation, but we find many common threads including the fact that n...

Duration: 01:23:35

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we address a question we have been asked about a lot: what to look for in a running coach & how to find the right running coach for you? We all have had different experiences with running coaches and share what to look for based on your needs, goals, and life stage. Like with most things as a mother runner, you may need a different running coach based on the season you are in. And, in some seasons, you may not want a running coach.  Duration: 01:12:43

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we are talking about how to choose the right goals for your mom life—as we all have unique demands placed upon us and a limited amount of time and energy. All of our approach setting goals in a different way as we all have different mom lives—but there is a common theme with an emphasis on discipline plus flexibility—and making sure you choose the right goal for YOU and do it for YOU. 

We share personal experiences about balancing family...

Duration: 01:14:11

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing personal goals, challenges, and the impact of loss (yes, another one of us cries—but there is much more laughing!) WE share insights on adjusting to new environments and the importance of community and friendships in motherhood. In this conversation, the participants discuss their experiences with holiday isolation, the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of community support. We also reflect on our goals for 2025, including personal growth, running aspirations, and the significance of se...

Duration: 00:37:27

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Summary

In this episode of the Miles and Moms podcast, we get deep--and also really ridiculous, as we tend to be--starting with an in-depth analysis of the personality of Olivia's dog (kidding, not kidding). We also reflect on 2024 in running and our personal lives. Are we were we thought we would be? What lessons did we learn? Our conversation emphasizes growth, lessons learned, and aspirations for the future as they navigate motherhood and running. We share insights on overcoming struggles, embracing one's true self, and the significance of community support in...

Duration: 01:00:21

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, your hosts (Whitney, Olivia, and Shanna—Tricia was unable to make it) delve into the complex relationship runners have with marathons.  What’s so great about the marathon distance anyway? Why do we choose to suffer? Why not pick something shorter?

We explore the allure of marathon running, the mental challenges faced during races, and the personal journeys that motivate us to keep coming back to the sport and this distance, in particular—because for all its faults, the marathon can certainly give us...

Duration: 00:52:20

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This is PART 2 of our little series of putting each other in the HOT SEAT. Part I, Shanna & Olivia interviewed one another. In this episode (part II), Whitney & Tricia interview one another—asking their own questions and questions from Instagram followers and podcast listeners. 

Whitney and Tricia dive into a variety of topics, including their experiences with scary movies, the evolution of their fitness journeys, and the challenges of motherhood. They discuss the importance of community among mother runners, the impact of social media on their fitness journeys, and the significance of...

Duration: 00:53:51

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One of the skills of being a mother runner is being flexible & adapting to change. So with that, this week we are giving you TWO episodes for the price of ONE. Why? Because our schedules were too nuts & we couldn't all get together so we thought it would be a fun pivot to interview one another. 

Shanna & Olivia put each other in the hot seat in PART 1. PART 2 Tricia & Whitney interview one another. We start each podcast talking about what's going on in our lives & then we ask each other questions t...

Duration: 01:26:28

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, hosts Olivia and Tricia welcome Sandra Mikulic (a "plus-sized runner"), who shares her inspiring journey from a non-runner to an ultra marathoner. Sandra discusses the transformative power of running, the challenges of marathons, and the supportive community within ultra running. She emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, the impact of social media on body image, and the values she instills in her children. Ultimately, they emphasize that the journey itself is the true victory, encouraging listeners to embrace movement and self-discovery without the burden of...

Duration: 01:15:10

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In this episode, your Miles with Moms hosts discuss weighing the decision many mother runners face: should they train for a running PR or expand their family? It is a tough decision with many emotions (and opinions!). But the truth is, there can be a ticking clock on both--and sometimes the clock is ticking at the same time and you have to decide! We discussed how we decided whether to have another baby or pursue our running goals. We also give a shout-out to our new mother runner of the week, Bailey Raemakers...

Duration: 01:13:01

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Will you still like us after you listen to this podcast? We almost didn't publish it. In this latest episode, we come to you completely unscripted. We learned soon before recording that we all couldn't make it, so we pivoted and decided to not focus on a topic. The result is a potpourri of topics (in fact, we actually talk about potpourri!). As usual, the topics range from serious to ridiculous--including a 9 minute monolonge from Olivia about Utah culture in the beginning. We also give a shout-out to our amazing mother runner of...

Duration: 01:07:34

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In our inaugural BONUS episode where we spotlight amazing mother runners, we are celebrating the awesomeness of Alyse Gilliver, an incredible mother runner. 

Alyse, @aleebreemcgee_run on Instagram, is a mom to three littles (6 and below). She's also a pediatric oncology nurse. She fell back into love with running after having her third and quickly made huge strides--most recently running a 2:48 marathon this October--shaving about 16 minutes in the past year!

Alyse shares how she balances being a mom, working, and training--and how she holds onto joy in training while a...

Duration: 01:13:01

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Running after having a baby is HARD--& is so different for each pregnancy. In this episode, we unpack our experiences with running postpartum, including the mistakes we made because we had a lack of knowledge related to pelvic floor health. We discuss how we felt, when we felt "normal", and things we would have done differently. We also discuss the role sleep deprivation and hormones can play!

Tricia, a doctor of physical therapy with an emphasis on postnatal care, answers our listeners' questions related to running postpartum including how to return...

Duration: 01:13:01

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In this episode we chat about the importance of fueling for runners and share personal stories of their fueling fails and go-tos. 

We share some humorous stories about their experiences with nutrition and food choices as runners & discuss the challenges of pre-workout nutrition, the importance of breakfast for long runs, and their personal race day rituals. The conversation highlights various nutrition strategies for runners, focusing on pre-race fueling, the use of gels and electrolytes during runs, the role of caffeine in enhancing performance, and the importance of post-run recovery meals. We s...

Duration: 01:13:01

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we discuss the challenges and lessons learned from running injuries. We share personal experiences, emphasizing the mental and emotional toll injuries can take on runners, especially mothers. 

This conversation highlights the importance of strength training, understanding the root causes of injuries, and overcoming guilt and shame. We encourage other mother runners to embrace their journeys and prioritize self-care while navigating the complexities of motherhood and running. We also talk at great length about the profound impact of running injuries on mental health a...

Duration: 01:08:00

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In this episode, we discuss the challenges of finding time to run as busy mothers. The conversation delves into the balance of family life and running, strategies for training, and the importance of flexibility in managing workouts around kids' schedules.

We emphasize the need for a mindset shift from perfection to progress in both running and parenting. We also talk about the ever-changing nature of parenting, the challenges of balancing personal goals with societal expectations, and the impact of social media on mental health. We share personal anecdotes about their experiences...

Duration: 00:55:52

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we discuss the critical issue of runner safety, sharing personal experiences and the emotional impact of recent tragic events involving runners. We explore the importance of awareness, self-defense strategies, and the tools available to enhance safety while running. This conversation emphasizes the need for community support among women runners and the challenges they face in balancing motherhood and personal safety.

Takeaways

Every time there's an incident, there's disbelief.Women often feel unsafe while running, with statistics showing 96% of women...

Duration: 00:45:20

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, the hosts discuss their recent race experiences, the challenges of comparison in running, and the unique struggles of postpartum running. They share personal stories about their journeys, the importance of community, and how to navigate the pressures of performance while balancing motherhood.

Takeaways

Running can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for mothers.Comparison to others can be detrimental to mental health and motivation.Finding joy in running is essential, especially after having children.Postpartum running requires patience and understanding of...

Duration: 00:48:42

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In this inaugural episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we, (your hosts Whitney, Olivia, Shanna, and Tricia -- hi!) share our personal running journeys, the motivations behind starting the podcast, and the challenges we face as mother runners. 

We discuss the importance of community, overcoming limitations, and the guilt often associated with taking time for oneself. This conversation highlights the joys and struggles of balancing motherhood and running, emphasizing that pursuing personal fitness goals can positively impact both the individual and their family.

Takeaways

Whitney i...

Duration: 00:43:14

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In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of mom guilt, particularly in the context of running and personal pursuits. We share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate feelings of guilt, the importance of communication with partners, and the need for self-care. This discussion emphasizes the significance of breaking generational cycles of self-sacrifice and the necessity of recognizing one's own needs as a mother. The conversation concludes with positive affirmations and reminders that mothers deserve time for themselves.

Takeaways

Mom guilt is a common experience.It's...

Duration: 00:41:51