Another Mother Runner

Calling all strivers: In this episode, Coach Liz Waterstraat and host Sarah Bowen Shea talk about how to move toward personal excellence. Coach Liz highlights two books creating buzzes in the sports world—Inner Excellence and The Art of Learning—starting with the intriguing back story of each tome. She shares how awareness unlocks success and the importance of looking for small moments that feel like gifts. Loads of Liz love-language points, including the importance of having a beginner’s mind and that anything worthwhile takes time. One critical takeaway: Give the best of what you have that day. Words to live (and learn) by!This episode originally aired on August 12, 2025.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

If you’re looking for books that’ll keep you glued to your couch, we’ve got you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist dish on Liane Moriarty’s long-awaited sequel. Then they share their delight over the newest one from mystery-writer master Richard Osman. Ellison details a romp of a novel with sly, rebellious undertones. Finally the duo can’t heap enough praise on a narrative non-fiction book that Sarah didn’t want to put down—even to go work out with a friend! Books discussed:Big Little Truths: Liane MoriartyWe Chase Shadows: Richard OsmanThe True Confessions of First Lady Freeman: Deesha PhilyawThe Vanishing Family: Robert KolkerFeisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

No matter where you finish in a race, you’ll enjoy this episode that was recorded in front of an audience at FeistyFest: Host Sarah Bowen Shea talks with triathlon coach and endurance swimmer Marty Munson and back-of-the-pack triathlete Ann Sywensky. They discuss:-why you should lose the “just” and the “but”-replacing comparison with curiosity-using fun as a metric instead of pace-the beauty of training by heart rate-choosing a race suited to your strengthsHosting solo, Sarah jumps right into things with the first guest.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

If you’re looking to reach your full potential—whether in sport, life, or relationships—give a listen to this episode: It was recorded in front of an audience at the inaugural FeistyFest, and focuses on the 2026 bestseller called The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success and a Better Life by Shawn Anchor. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat details the powers of self-belief, community, and gratitude. Coach Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of realizing you have something to give—then sharing it with your sporty mates. Coach Liz also outlines six strategies for changing beliefs.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Calling all active women: This episode has the answers you’ve been needing to deal with issues some folks are too embarrassed to talk about. Not us! The guest, journalist and podcast Molly Hurford, author of Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy, sat down at FeistyFest with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and newbie Rachel Domb to cover:-the age-old commando versus undies debate-laundry tips for de-stinking workout wear (+ what causes the funk!)-bike short recommendations-why you shouldn’t be like Donald Duck post-workout!-the recent Hyrox “shituation”In the short intro chitchat, new occasional co-host Rachel shares a bit about herself. The TMI talk with Molly kicks off around 04:20.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Readers looking to get contemplative and completely mesmerized will appreciate the hosts’ conversation about a new novel winning well-deserved kudos. In discussing the new mid-century mystery from Kate Atkinson, the hosting duo also shares their favorites by this esteemed novelist. Sarah Bowen Shea details a contemporary novel she wished hewed a bit more dystopian, then Ellison Weist tells of a dual-timeline mystery reminiscent of two Liz Moore novels. The books discussed:Switzy: Emma ClineOur Noble Selves: Kate AtkinsonFallow: Sarah AndersonHeather: Caitlin MullenFeisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

No matter your age, this is an interesting and important episode: It features Selene Yeager of Hit Play Not Pause giving straight talk about how age-related hormonal shifts hit active women—then three real-women runners share their personal hormonal journeys. Lead by hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, this candid conversation covers:-the myriad physical changes active women experienced-how “not feeling like myself” is now an official menopausal symptom-the shifts runners made to accommodate aging bodies-hormone replacement therapy, plus some supplements that help-the new activities these middle-aged women have taken upRather than intro chitchat, the hosts share details of their menopausal transitions. Selene joins the show around 09:30.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Anyone who enjoys self-discovery or introspection will really appreciate this episode, in which Coach Liz Waterstraat and host Sarah Bowen Shea discuss two books about questions: How to Fall in Love with Questions and A More Beautiful Question. Coach Liz discusses the rewards of embracing uncertainty, committing to curiosity, and having a personal, powerful question. Along the way the duo talks about pen pals (trust us—it’s relevant!). As always, Coach Liz relates many lessons gleaned from the books to athletic pursuits.This episode originally aired July 15, 2025.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to forge a new path or relieve mounting pressures—whether in life or in running. It’s an intriguing conversation with journalist and longtime runner Lindsay Crouse, whose brand-new book is called The Case for Quitting. Lindsay talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton about:-perseverance and quitting not being opposites-what “microquitting” is, and how it can help you say no-how to stop confusing survival with success-the importance of having a finish line for challenging endeavors-why you should use verbs, instead of nouns, in defining yourself!Tish details her recent Lake Placid getaway in the intro chitchat; Lindsay joins the episode around 09:45.Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Calling all book lovers: This episode kicks off the fall season with some thoroughly engrossing novels. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist marvel at a clever reimaging of Jane Austen’s Emma that resonates today. Ellison details the latest from the author of The Frozen River, then the hosting duo discuss a “hauntingly poignant” novel told from a dog’s perspective. Ellison puts a bow on the episode by raving about a profound multi-generational story. The new novels discussed:Miss Bates: Emma Revisited: Catherine CliffThe Pirate Queen: Ariel LawhonEtna: Paul YoonThe Book of Chuck: Latoya WatkinsFeisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/https://livefeisty.com/training/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Wahoo: Check out the Ticker Fit and the entire line of Wahoo products at https://www.wahoofitness.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121