Not Your Average Runner, A Running Podcast

Are you struggling with starting to run because you think your body size is holding you back? In this bonus episode you’ll hear about a free class I’m teaching that will help you get past those challenges and become a runner in the body you have right now!   Sign up for the free class here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/runningfat/

I hear from runners all the time who say they’re not real runners because they’re slow, practice the run/walk method, or they believe they just aren’t good at it no matter how hard they try. And in a world where we’re taught that we should always be striving to be the best or improve in anything we do, whether running or otherwise, this is no surprise.   I explore why we believe we suck at running, and how I know this is far from the truth. I’m sharing what you might not have considered about the people you deem to be good runners. If believing you’re a good runner is important to you, I’m offering you a whole new perspective on what it means to be a good runner.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/301

When I started this podcast almost six years ago, I could not have predicted where the show would be today or how far we have come. And here we are, celebrating 300 episodes! You have been a significant part of my evolution by listening to the podcast, and I am grateful for your support.   I share how I have evolved over the 300 episodes of this podcast and why fatphobia no longer lives rent-free in my brain. Initially, I thought this show was going to be about helping plus-size women start running, but the more I have shown up, the more it has become a voice for fat women who resist the belief that being fat is bad. I am excited to see what the next 300 episodes hold for us.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/300

Christine Chessman is an online strength and movement coach who helps women over 40 move more freely, feel strong, and take up space, and she’s also the host of the Find Your Strong podcast.   Christine offers her experience of disordered eating and exercise behaviors, and what helped her approach her body with more love and kindness. She’s sharing her take on what women taking up space means, why it’s vital for us to do so, and her top tips for making strength training and running more accessible to you.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/299

Have you ever felt hopeless about your running? Does it feel like nothing is going your way? Do you wonder why you even bother when running feels this challenging?   Hear how our brains distort facts into unfair stories in our minds, and why it’s vital for you to look at all the facts of your runs. I’m showing you why we are all about the numbers and data in Run Your Best Life, and how to start seeing the truth of your runs, instead of letting your brain run amok with drama.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/298

My incredible guest this week is Sandra Mikulic. Sandra is a self-described 250-pound runner who has done a minimum of 5K a day of running or walking for the past 1562 days or four years, three months, and 10 days. She’s also the founder and editor of Run Your Life magazine, which is a publication for athletes of all shapes and sizes and the only body-positive athletic magazine out there.   Sandra shares her 5K-a-day journey with us and how she came to start it in 2019. She’s letting us in on her inner mean girl thoughts, her experience with trolls online, and how she decided to drop all expectations and create a running practice she loves.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/297

I recently sat down with Christine Chessman of the Find Your Strong Podcast to talk about my favorite topic ever: running. For those of us in larger bodies, there are so many myths and misinformation out there that instruct us to not run, or tell us we can’t be runners, and it’s time to bust the BS.   Christine quizzes me on my running journey, and why there is truly no wrong way to approach the sport of running. We are sharing our thoughts on the Couch to 5K program, how we’ve been conditioned to use exercise against ourselves, and my top tips for building a sustainable and truly joyful practice of movement.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/296

Spring is finally here which means it’s officially half marathon training season! Whether it’s your first half marathon or a comeback race after a long break, many of you are thinking of making that jump to the half marathon distance. Half marathon training is a time commitment and it also takes a whole lot of mental and physical readiness, but when done right, it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.   I offer my top tips for creating a solid training plan so you can feel great on race day. I’m breaking down the guidelines for half marathon training for beginners, what to expect during training, and how to take the best care possible of your mind and body as you go through this process.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/295

Last summer, one of my Instagram reels went viral. It showed me running in different locations and I talked about how you don’t need to lose weight to be a runner. However, there was a set of commenters who suggested I’m glorifying obesity, and this blew my mind.   I share why the notion that I’m glorifying obesity is ludicrous. You’ll hear the history behind our opinions about obesity, how BMI is being used with no consideration to whether it’s actually relevant, and how I’m glorifying body acceptance rather than trying to influence everyone to be fat.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/294

I recently taught a class on the three mistakes most fat runners make, and it was so life-changing that I knew I had to share it here on the podcast.   Whether you’re a fat woman who wants to learn how to start running safely and confidently, or you’re already running but need help with challenges you’re facing, listen in. You’ll hear the most common mistakes fat runners make and what will actually change the game for you.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://notyouraveragerunner.com/mistakes