Another Mother Runner

Runners (and aspiring runners!) looking for inspiration and erudite insight will love this episode with Nicholas Thompson, author of the just-released book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports. This father runner and cancer survivor talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton about: -the logistics of running to + from work in NYC;  -how he got a lot faster in his 40s;  -the reality (or not!) of pain during an endurance race; -a recent Grand Canyon adventure with his buddies; and, -a memorable 100-penny analogy to implement in your next race. Before Nick joins the conversation around 7:20, the hosts talk about two-a-day athletic activities.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   No more pins: Get 20% off, including AMR 3-pack, w/ code AMR2025 at BibBoards.com Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any runners with an upcoming race who are looking for tapering tips, like Laura Catherine, will appreciate this informative episode. Chronically injured athletes, like Marianne, will welcome the empathy and advice offered by Coach Dimity. Trail-curious runners, such as Rachel, will be pleased to learn details about jumping into an off-road marathon or 50K.    Before the hosts start answering questions around 08:17, Sarah shares her post-recording habit (hint: here’s her cake recipe). Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and here are all our trail programs.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the ideal episode for anyone who loves to go big—or read about people who do. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton have a fun conversation with Keira D'Amato, a mother runner perhaps best known for, in 2022, breaking a 16-year American record in the marathon. In addition to talking about her brand-new book Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness, Keira shares: -the healing properties of running for her; -what a 2013 marathon taught her re: not taking training for granted; -how motherhood changed her approach to running; -her “magical” mantra while marathon training in 2022; and-her, um, unconventional root-beer float recipe! Before Keira joins around 11:19, the hosts detail their recent, friend-filled weekend getaways.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If autumn weather has you wanting to tuck into an engrossing novel, look no further: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison “The Book Bully” Weist serve up five new novels, including a semi-dystopian novel from the genius behind Atonement. The duo dives into: -What We Can Know: Ian McEwan-Buckeye: Patrick Ryan-Mercy: Joan Silber-The Elements: John Boyne-A Slowly Dying Cause: Elizabeth George Check out Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who likes trail running—or is interested in exploring hiking after their running career—this is an episode for you. Special guest host Dimity McDowell talks with three women who recently joined her in northern Minnesota to take on the Grand Traverse, a multi-distance trail event. The conversations include how: -one woman found grace for herself with not being able to run as she'd hoped; —one a trail runner uncovered the courage to tackle trails solo; —the unexpected heat grounded one woman; and, —doing something challenging, especially as you get older, is always a great call.   If you'd like to be alerted to our 2026 hiking adventures, please share your email here.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code AMRfall2025 at topoathletic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone training for a half or full marathon, like Shannon, will appreciate the wisdom hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Dimity McDowell share on how to beat training boredom. Folks with a race soon, as Julie does, will be interested to hear the hosts’ advice on strength training during the taper. And anyone done with their fall race and wondering what to do in the “lull” before ramping up for a spring race, like Emily, will gain a lot from listening to Coach Dimity’s suggestions. Bonus track: an attitude-of-gratitude voicemail from marathoner Stacy. Before the questions and answers around 7:39, Sarah shares her non-race-related running goal for the fall. Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and find Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength here. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All runners should listen in to this important, informative episode recorded in front of an audience at the Portland Marathon expo.  This panel discussion was moderated by host Sarah Bowen Shea with guests Dena Lewis, founder of Running Mate, and Ashley Raymond, co-founder and CEO of Safely. The trio discuss:-the #1 thing women can do for their safety while on a run; -situational awareness: what it is—and why it’s so crucial;-what members of the running community can do to help women stay safe; -how an assault led one panel member to become an ultrarunner; and,-the importance of having a plan—and confidence.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000   Sleep soundly: Save 25% off at CBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any runner or triathlete who wants advice on performing under pressure—and anyone who loves a sport-narrative (with lessons that translate into broader life)—will really appreciate this episode. Coach Liz Waterstraat talks about two books: Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life and Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? Olympic Winning Strategies for Everyday Success. And host Sarah Bowen Shea seizes the opportunity to get Coach Liz talking about her upcoming race—the Ironman World Championship in Kona—so be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! ’GO time: Contact Sales@elliptigo.com for 15%discount code + free coaching Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Sleep soundly: Save 25% off atCBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who dreams of chasing a big athletic goal needs to listen to this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton talk with two women athletes who are getting after it: one is training for her first marathon, while the other just completed a 100-mile bike ride. Hear how:  -a decade-long runner decided to step up to a marathon; -they both feel limits are only psychological;   -a mom of four triathlete pivoted to straight-up cycling;  -one athlete has struggled with chronic pain; and,  -a non-competitive event fueled one woman’s fire.    Before the first guest joins around 15:30, Sarah shares details of her Yellowstone trip to attend the wedding of dear Molly Williams’ oldest daughter, as well as her long-term strategy to be ready for winter running.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Stay on track: For $25 off your first order,go to GOsleeves.com/AMR25   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode for all runners who have wanted to quit halfway through a run, like Jana. Thankfully, the host duo of Sarah and Dimity share solutions, as they do with Catherine, who wants to know how to beat a 6-hour marathon cut-off despite her comfortable pace being 14- to 15-minute miles. They also counsel Leigh on pressing reset on her training after her race got canceled.    Before giving answers to called-in questions, Dimity details the feats of endurance and strength she witnessed at a P!nk concert. To record a question, please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771).    This episode originally debuted on October 31, 2023.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all runners and walkers: This is a lively, enlightening conversation about a painful condition that afflicts far too many active folks. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin talk with physical therapist Denise Smith; an avid walker who currently has plantar fasciitis (PF); and a runner who finally (!) kicked PF. The conversation covers a lot of ground, including: -what plantar fasciitis is and its most common symptoms;  -the myriad (so many!!) causes of PF;  -the lowdown on cortisone injections;  -how two active women developed + dealt with PF; and,  -what a “foot push-up” is!    Before the first of the three guests joins at around 12:19, Amanda tells tales of her latest Adirondack High Peaks climbs.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Dream big: Enter the TCS Sydney Marathon General Ballot now thru 10/17 at TCSMarathon.com   Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avid readers, numerous genres are served up in this lively episode: Many of the engrossing novels seem primed to be turned into limited-edition streaming series. (Read them first!) Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist talk up: -Fifteen Wild Decembers: Karen Powell-The Art of a Lie: Laura Shepherd-Robinson-The Dentist: Tim Sullivan-To the Moon and Back: Eliana Ramage-The Phoebe Variations: Jane Hamilton Here’s the half-marathon and marathon nutrition program. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all runners and fitness enthusiasts: This episode has it all! Fitness trainer (+ occasional AMR podcast co-host) Britany Williams joins host Sarah Bowen Shea to share strategies for success in exercising more consistently, enjoying your workouts more, sticking to your nutritional goals, and more. Britany details: -why it’s crucial to trust yourself in your health pursuits; -the power of mastering tiny habits; -the importance of existing in the “season” you are in; -why identity trumps willpower; and,-Britany’s 20/80 rule. Before Britany switches from co-host to guest at 3:25, Sarah serves up stories of the Lake Placid retreat. Use code AMR15 by 10/31/25 to enjoy a 15% discount on any of Britany’s programs.  When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Relief + support: For $25 off your first order, use code AMR25 at GOSleeves.com Sleep + feel better: Save 25% at CBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone hoping to nail a fall race, like Michelle, will appreciate all the night-before and morning-of advice from seasoned racers/hosts Sarah and Dimity. Proponents of the run-walk method, like Emily, will breathe a sigh of relief at Coach Dimity’s answer to, “Do I need more cardio?” And parents like Peter will be grateful for the advice—and empathy—about getting your teens to stick with running.    The host-duo share smile-inducing sports anecdotes from recent memorial services they each attended before jump into Q&As at about 6:00. Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and find the off-season triathlon training programs here.   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com   Calm your racing mind: Save 25% at CBDistillery.com with code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runners and triathletes of any pace or experience level will be intrigued by this episode featuring Chris Johnson, PT, a physical therapist and endurance coach, as he extols the countless benefits of walking. (Yes, walking!) Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Johnson details: -why every run should start and end with walking:-the various ways runners can utilize walking; -the psychological benefits of taking walking breaks in a run; -why you might want to cap your daily step count; and,-a deep dive into walking with a weighted vest. Before the guest joins at 11:34, Sarah and Molly Williams discuss their own walking habits—as well as Molly’s brand-new hobby.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Save 15% on any full-price purchase w/ code AMRfall2025 at topoathletic.com Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone looking to tap into their creative side will appreciate this episode in which Coach Liz Waterstraat dissects two books, The Book of Alchemy and Find Your Unicorn Space. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz talks about nurturing creativity—and how it can benefit your racing (whether your goal is competing or completing). The duo also discuss the power of journaling, and their own write-it-down practices. As Coach Liz says, “reflection should be a part of every athlete’s end-of-season.”  Here is Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on allIQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a must-listen episode for any runner, regardless of whether you’ve returned to racing after a traumatic injury: It showcases the grit and vulnerability needed to wage a comeback! With host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Jen Harrison shares her story of her injury, surgery, and months-long recovery, then the duo talks with Coach Jen’s physical therapist, Denise Smith, and her sport psychologist, Erin Ayala, Ph.D., about: -trusting the recovery process;-embracing the process, not the outcome; -the importance of the mental recovery, not just the physical;-the role of self-compassion after an injury; and,-how the last 10% of the recovery can be the toughest. Host Sarah and Coach Jen jump right into Jen’s injury and recovery—no intro chitchat here! Subscribe to Another Mother Runner 3x/week newsletters.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Feel the Currex difference: Get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com Get rolling: Get 15% off any new ElliptiGObike with code GOAMR15 at ElliptiGO.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone with a hilly race on their calendar, like Maya, will appreciate the wisdom and experience Coach Dimity and Sarah share. Women looking to get the most bang for their workout-bucks, which is what 50-state half-marathoner Christina wants, will be grateful for the guidance Coach Dim shares, partly from this sage Stacy Sims book.    Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question, and register here for Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.      When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support!   Relief + support: For $25 off your first order, use code AMR25 at GOSleeves.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is the second part of a conversation with real women about how they strength training—this time it’s a quartet of gals who hit the gym. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin (a 7-year veteran of a strength class), four women runners share how they strength train in at the gym with a friend or in a group setting, including: -how to start strength training (finally!); -how building strength has shifted several women’s self-perception; -the joys of heavy lifting and super-setting; -the power of strength training in a group setting; and,-the shared burning desire to do a pull-up!  Co-host Amanda shares how she got over her reluctance to lifting before the first gym-goer joins at around 9:05. Please follow AMR on Instagram.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Relief + support: For $25 off your first order, use code AMR25 at GOSleeves.com Use code INF-AMR to get a gift card good for your next purchase at Selkirk.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who loves a strong female lead will enjoy listening to this episode. In addition to talking about why it seems unlikable older women are getting thrown under the literary bus lately, hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist delve into these six novels:  The Satisfaction Café: Kathy WangBug Hollow: Michelle HunevenAt Last: Marisa SilverFonseca: Jessica Francis KaneA Dog in Georgia: Lauren GrodsteinSeduction Theory: Emily Adrian Here is Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Put Currex insoles in all your shoes:Get 15% off w/ code AMR15 at Currex.com   For $25 off your first order, use codeAMR25 at GOSleeves.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices