Another Mother Runner

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin spend some time talking about GPS running watches - the best ways to utilize one as well as how to prevent becoming overly reliant on numbers on your wrist. Coach Amanda talks about why an “easy run” is different on every single run. The gals reveal the definition of running “naked” - and how often you should be doing it. (!!) Hear how wearing a GPS ruined a race for Coach Amanda, yet how useful she finds them for speedwork. (If that’s your jam.) At the other end of the spectrum: The gals discuss the importance of letting your body dictate pace and using a GPS to keep you honest about going slowly enough. These decades-long runners also impart advice on honing your inner GPS. The topic then prances over to the ideal cadence and whether you should fret about hitting some magic number of steps per minute. Voice Memos from other mother runners are woven into the duo’s slightly subversive conversation. In the intro, hear about Amanda’s recent Appalachian mission project with her teenage son plus Sarah’s CT visit with her three kids to see her elderly parents. Plus, discover Sarah’s happy place! The meat of the conversation starts at 21:32. *Try a sample box of 10 (ten!) different KIND Bars for just $10 with free shipping (a $20 value). For details, go to KindSnacks.com/AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Ellison Weist delightedly dive into a conversation with respected reporter Gretchen Reynolds. In her New York Times column, mother runner/mountain biker Gretchen reports on new and interesting science to help our bodies function better. The trio starts by talking about dealing with hot weather while running, with Gretchen explaining why a hot bath might be a wise tool before she answers the age-old question of slushie v. frozen underwear. Gretchen shares welcome findings about the performance boost of caffeine as well as good news about the effect running can have on both back and knee health. The three mother runners take an intriguing detour to debate the use of the word “jog.” Find out why you should be doing interval training (especially if you’re north of 40) plus how much you need to run to add to your longevity. This episode is guaranteed to get your mind whirring! In the intro, “Book Bully” Ellison shares her latest gook recommendations; the Q&A with guest Gretchen starts at... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin welcome Jessica Crandall, a registered dietician nutritionist in Denver specializing in weight management and sports nutrition. This certified group fitness instructor and mother runner answers a host of questions from the AMR Facebook page, starting with clearing up “calorie confusion.” Jessica gives weight-loss and weight-management advice for moms in their 40s and 50s; she presents an intriguing suggestion for improving on-the-run hydration. The marathoner discusses new thinking on carb-loading, including the importance of what the trio dubs “the Goldilocks Balance.” Jessica suggests numerous portable options for on-the-run fuel; find out her three F’s to follow for filling up post-workout. The trio talks protein needs for active women before wrapping the informative, fun conversation with a drool-inducing chat about the Casserole Connection. This pod’s drinking game: Chug chocolate milk or Nuun every time one of the gals mentions chia seeds or dehydrated peanut... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the annual Father’s Day episode, Sarah and Dimity welcome with great delight Peter Sagal, the longtime host of the NPR news quiz WAIT, WAIT…DON’T TELL ME. A veteran of more than a dozen marathons, Peter admits he was “a fat little kid,” and he’s still running away from that identity. The mother runners steer the father runner onto a TMI topic, with Peter sharing how he finally solved his pooping problem. Peter admits he isn’t running for a PR anymore; find out which unique race is on Peter’s bucket list. Listen to why Peter unplugs on runs—and even occasionally runs “naked.” Talk turns to treadmills, Chinese noodles, and an impromptu run with Olympic medalist Deena Kastor. Hear Peter describe being 100 yards away from bomb blasts at finish line of 2013 Boston Marathon. Be sure to listen to entire interview, as the humorist and playwright details the manuscript he’s been working on for nearly five years—and just turned in to his editor this week! A favor: Sarah and Dimity would really appreciate you... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin discuss how to fit in and juggle workouts on a training plan when faced with a disrupted summer schedule or, heck, simply life itself. Coach Amanda answers a slew of questions culled from the AMR Facebook page. In short order, a few themes emerge, including the importance of overall consistency. Coach Amanda reveals whether it’s okay to occasionally split up a long run and whether stroller-miles equate to solo-miles. The duo discuss juggling strength training with a regular running regimen. The coach explains the best way to add in shorter races during a goal-race training cycle. The conversation turns to how sacrifice plays into things, with Coach Amanda offering the sage reminder of, “You can’t get through a marathon on a wish and a prayer.” (Amen!) Before getting to the questions, find out why Sarah and Amanda might be going in circles—as well as a tale with a “Circle of Life” theme. The Q&A starts at ALEX-INSERT-TIME-HERE. *Discover the amazing new maternity workouts... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dynamic duo of Sarah and Dimity have a chat with Sarah Robb O’Hagan, renowned business whiz, author of the new book Extreme You: Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat, and all-around incredibly likable badass mother runner! Sarah (aka “SRO”) shares insight from her book, as well as myriad anecdotes from her days in leadership positions at Gatorade, Nike, Equinox, and now Flywheel Sports, including why she proudly showed up at a new job with her race numbers from a half-Ironman triathlon fresh on her arm and leg. Find out how indoor cycling and being more judicious in her mileage is helping this 45-year-old BAMR with her running. SRO talks about the importance of prioritizing fitness and health to achieve what she calls “work-life fitness.” In addition to giving advice about how to say “no,” SRO elaborates on her life/work mantra of “Fewer. Bigger. Better.” She explains why it’s critical to manage your energy sources—and how to achieve that worthwhile goal. The trio bond over the practice of breaking... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host (and best running friend!) Molly gab with each other in their final days of easy-going running before embarking on 18 (!!) weeks of marathon training. They talk about travels with their childhood BFFs, before debating why their eyes water while running. (Any clue??) Molly shares a story about her dog’s #ratfarts, then the conversation turns to wildlife, including brushes with coyotes and possibly Sasquatch. A longtime veterinarian, Molly tells what to do if a dog attacks you on a run. (Remember: “Be like a tree.”) As talk turns to training for the Twin Cities Marathon, the ladies debate the value of multiple 20-mile runs, including the joy of finally getting to tell the long version of stories! Molly offers a pearl of wisdom that is ready-made for a T-shirt slogan or bumper sticker. Find out what discussing time goals and “The Price Is Right” have in common. (Here’s a link to the marathon training plan the Portland duo are following.) Be sure to stick around for special bonus content at... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Dimity chat with two race directors-- Virginia Brophy Achman of Twin Cities in Motion, and Sarah Ratzlaff with ZOOMA, who also worked for runDisney for 11 years. This episode kicks off with a long catch-up session between the AMR co-founders. Find out what Sarah’s watching on Netflix—and why Dimity isn’t. The duo’s conversation winds up with fast-food reminiscences from childhood. When Virginia from Twin Cities Marathon joins the jabber, she shares the 20-degree rule of marathoning plus the port-a-potty ratio favored by race directors. (Who knew?!) Virginia shares race etiquette tips, plus advice on organizing a local race. Sarah Ratzlaff (a.k.a. “Other Sarah”) makes the ladies laugh with behind-the-scenes Disney anecdotes. The trio talk about how the races have changed over the past decade, and Other Sarah tells how she’s bringing her creativity to a boutique race like ZOOMA. Dimity wraps the episode with a heartbreaking, yet life-affirming, tale from the Train Like a Mother Club: Be... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Adrienne Martini serve up a delightful conversation with food writer, cookbook author, and New York Times staff reporter Melissa Clark. Melissa admits she took up running to lose weight and now the sport is “an entrenched part” of her life. After three decades of solo running, Melissa shares she’s now eyeing two races—and on the search for a running buddy. The conversation turns to talk of Melissa’s new cookbook, Dinner: Changing the Game, and the “easy, but interesting, recipes for busy people” in it. The gals talk about the similarities between running and cooking, and Melissa gives tips for making dinnertime prep the best part of your day. (For realz!) She offers sage advice for getting out of a dinner rut, as well as how to impart more flavor to the meals you make. At Adrienne’s request, Melissa details a foolproof method for roasting a chicken, which includes the fabulous sentence: “Open your chicken like a book.” The lively conversation wraps with Melissa and Adrienne singing the... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and co-host Molly talk with Tina Vindum, the founder of Outdoor Fitness dubbed “the original al fresco guru” by The Guardian newspaper, about the powerful impact of being active in the outdoors. The author of Tina Vindum’s Outoor Fitness: Step out of the Gym and into the Best Shape of Your Life, this mom of two talks about the importance of being near the natural world, and the amazing effects it has on both body and mind. She explains why negative ions have a positive effect on mood and health. Find out what “park prescriptions” and “forest bathing” are (you can keep on your running clothes for the latter!). The personal trainer/group fitness instructor (and former pro mountain bike racer!) gives practical advice for trail running, including downhill running tips. She also extols the “beauty” of walking lunges, as well as describing a recent wildflower “safari.” But, first, listen to the nightlife adventures of Molly and Sarah, as well as perhaps the spark for a book called Find Change Like a... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices