Another Mother Runner

Whether you’re taking on your first 10K or about to run Boston, this episode offers practical, insightful advice from guest Erin Ayala, Ph.D., a Minneapolis-based sport psychologist and host of Feisty Women’s Performance podcast. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Erin shares:the value of “scary, joyful, and new” challenges;real-world suggestions for getting your brain on board w/ training;a gut-wrenching tale of a recent race going sideways;a 21st-century option for creating a vision board; and,the importance of feeling all the feels post-race.Before Erin hops on around 07:10, Coach Liz and Sarah reveal how they approach workouts while on vacation. Hydration bonus: Chug every time Erin includes a rhyme in a response!Shop our sponsors:Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVPEpisode ResourcesErin Ayala: https://www.skadisportpsychology.com/Feisty Women’s Performance podcast: https://feisty.co/podcasts/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

In this episode of Miles of Books, Sarah and Ellison discuss three novels that each explore women’s lives, family roles, and the complicated ways mothers shape their children’s worlds. From the feminist awakening at the center of Meet the Newmans, to the fallout of desire and family upheaval in Lake Effect, to a fresh reimagining of Cinderella in Lady Tremaine, this conversation is full of sharp insights, lively plot setup, and plenty of reasons to add these books to your list.Books discussed:Meet the Newmans by Jennifer NivenLake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix SweeneyLady Tremaine by Rachel HochhauserWahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVPFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

Calling all 40+ women: This is a must-listen episode! The guest is Selene Yeager, host of the popular menopause-focused podcast called Hit Play Not Pause. Selene is the longtime health and science journalist who co-authored ROAR and Next Level with Dr. Stacy Sims. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Selene discusses:why a long run can exacerbate night sweats;the in’s and out’s of hormone therapy;dietary ways to possibly mitigate menopausal symptoms;realistic, actionable ways to strength train; and,how to keep running through midlife.Selene joins the show around 8:25, after Tish talks about her recent “super-secret marathon” and Sarah shares that a 26.2 isn’t going to be part of her 2026. (Psst: This episode kicks off a month of Feisty crossover episodes.)Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.comWahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVPFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

This week, Sarah Bowen Shea is joined by Coach Liz Waterstraat for a conversation about one nonfiction title: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg. The two talk about how excellence feels more like ease than strain, why values matter, and how curiosity, discipline, and reflection can help athletes, leaders, parents, and anyone else move toward growth.Liz also shares why this personal-development book stands out from the pack—and why it’s worth the read.The Way of Excellence by Brad StulbergIQBAR - Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64000Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first subscription order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/ Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVP

Anyone looking to kickstart her running habit—or begin a new one—will appreciate this episode featuring Jennifer Harrison, a veteran endurance coach and accomplished triathlete, and sport psychologist Erin Haugen, Ph.D. Along with the hosting duo of Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, they discuss:how adding walks into your run can re-ignite joythe natural ebb and flow of exercisinggetting over the fear of re-injuryways to shed the dread of a runthat your “why” doesn’t need to be a deep, meaningful thingBefore Coach Jen joins around 8:40, the hosts also enjoy a quick catch-up on work (Amanda) and family (Sarah).Shop our sponsors:Feisty + AMR appreciate your—and their—support!Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.comGet 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVPFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

Your favorite book-recommendation podcast is back! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist kick things off by talking about four novels from women writers, including a buzzy one Sarah enjoyed listening to on her runs.The Elopement: Gill HornbyKin: Tayari JonesGood People: Patmeena SabitMurder Bimbo: Rebecca NovackSupport our partners:Feisty + AMR appreciate your—and their—support!Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.comWahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr The 27th Mile Free Events: Head to https://www.manyhappymiles.com/books for more details and to RSVPFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/ Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

Yes, we’re BACK!Thanks to a merger with Feisty Media, this episode kicks off the return of Another Mother Runner (both the podcasts and the company!). In this live relaunch episode, hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams are joined by AMR co-founder Dimity McDowell and Sara Gross, founder and CEO of Feisty.Recorded in front of a lively audience at the Portland Running Company, the quartet discusses the myriad ways community matters, especially for active women—and they pull back the curtain on how these two women-centric, sporty brands joined forces.This show is a production of Another Mother Runner and Feisty Media. Learn more about Feisty—their community, other shows, workshops, and events, including FeistyFest.Episode resources:Feisty: feisty.coFeistyFest: feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

Three co-hosts sit down and share in this second installment of this annual tradition-episode: Molly Williams, Tish Hamilton, and the OG herself, Dimity McDowell. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, each gal shares her 2025 physical pursuits—as well as their plans for 2026. There is also the detailed background of the AMR origin story, plus laughter and tears remembering past episodes (hello, Chris McDougall and his “ass!”) and in-person AMR adventures. Head here to sign up for notifications about the potential continuation of AMR podcasts. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Save 15% thru 1/31/26w/ code AMRwinter25 at topoathletic.com Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone looking for books to delve into during the holidays, look (and listen!) no further: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist serve up four compelling new novels—including one they both found exquisitely crafted—plus two non-fiction books they won’t soon forget. The books the hosting duo recommends:Heart of the Lover: Lily KingThe Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: Kiran DesaiThe Ten Year Affair: Erin SomersFlesh: David SzalayA Marriage at Sea: Sophie ElmhirstEmpire of Pain: Patrick Radden Keefe Head here to sign up for notifications about the future of AMR podcasts. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Check out the full Currex lineup +get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether the co-hosts feel like old friends or total strangers (welcome, new listeners!), you’ll enjoy hearing what they’ve been up to athletically this year—and what they’ve got in store for 2026. The co-hosts chatting with host Sarah Bowen Shea in this ep are: Coach Liz Waterstraat, Ellison Weist, Amanda Loudin, and Britany Williams. There are also some laughter- and tear-inducing reminisces of past episodes and IRL AMR adventures. Please click here to sign up for updates about the future of this podcast. 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 AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a mix of reminiscences from Sarah and Dimity about adventures they’ve shared over the 15 years of Another Mother Runner, while answering Kathleen’s question about their bucket-list races (including Sarah’s maybe-one-day marathon). They also address Other Sarah’s question about oddball places they’ve run (nothing rivals her kitchen-island laps!!!) and Heidi’s community query. The questions get kicked off around 6:31, after Sarah shares her renewed love of running and Dimity talks about her impressive swimming streak. Here’s the black-bean brownie recipe Dimity favors; here’s where to sign up for podcast updates. 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 episode is ideal for any athlete who sets goals and strives for them, regardless of whether that goal involves a time on a race clock or not. Host Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams talk with three women who achieved long-held time goals—one in a 5K, another in a half-marathon, and another in a marathon. The guests share: -how to find (+ maintain!) the requisite mental commitment; -how intentional training can reignite a passion for running; -the wisdom gained from consistency; -how running taught one gal to be more flexible; and, -how to “hang on” in the final miles of a race. Before the first guest joins around 9:50, the hosts reminisce about the half-marathon in which Sarah helped Molly achieve her goal time (complete with too-short running skirts!). Head here to sign up for notifications about Sarah and Dimity’s next steps. 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 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

Readers who love novels with a strong message or parable will appreciate the takeaways from this conversation between Coach Liz Waterstraat and Sarah Bowen Shea. In a first, Coach Liz talks about two works of fiction—The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us and The Alchemist—yet the books offer up strong, actionable life lessons that Coach Liz sagely shares. Head here to sign up for notifications about Sarah and Dimity’s next steps. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! ’GO time: Contact [email protected] for 15%discount code + free coaching 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

Whether you think a daily running habit is enviable—or certifiable!—you’ll love listening to conversations with four women who have run streaks. Join hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton to learn: -how each gal’s streak got started; -what a “streak saver” is; -how a streak reinforces the runner-identity of one BIPOC guest; -how a running streak serves as a safety net for consistency; and, -how (+ if!) the guests envision an end to their streaks. The hosts time-travel to 1970s NYC in the intro; the first run-streaker joins at 10:01. (Link to guest-recommended book.) This episode originally aired on September 2, 2022. 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

A fun twist on this episode’s Q&A’s: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell share wisdom gleaned from the Another Mother Runner Facebook community. There are crowd-sourced responses to Kathy’s question about the most supportive sports bras for bigger-busted runners; Courtney’s query about dealing with sweaty workout wear; and Jacki’s request for holiday gift ideas for sporty gals. The first question gets asked-and-answered starting around 7:16. But, first, Sarah shares details about reaching a goal she announced on an earlier episode. (Find all the discount codes mentioned in the gift-related response here.) Please call 470-BADASS1 (470-223-2771) to record your question. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support! 2-in-1 support sleeves: 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

Anyone who wants to run injury free for as long in their life as possible—or who hates how their form looks in race photos!—needs to listen to this enlightening episode with guest Greg McMillan, a well-respected running coach, exercise scientist, and author. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Greg breaks it down as: -we don’t all need to look the same running; -small changes that can make a big difference; -how—and why—to achieve tall running form; -the importance of mobility—and how to improve yours; and, -the best fix for a wonky arm swing! Before Greg joins the conversation around 5:55, Sarah shares her excitement of watching her son perform in a Russian-themed musical this weekend (including some dancing like this). 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

Two mysteries (including the latest installment of a must-read series!) plus two other just-published books provide lots of fodder for conversation between hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist (including a drool-inducing discussion of one author!). Also find out the classic novel Sarah and Ellison each recommend. The four new books the duo discuss: -The Impossible Fortune: Richard Osman-Bog Queen: Anna North-Town & Country: Brian Schaefer-A Guardian and a Thief: Megha Majumdar Find 2026 hiking + biking program details here. 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

Runners of all ages will be intrigued to listen to this candid, laughter-filled conversation with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea, Amanda Loudin, and Tish Hamilton. The three longtime runners detail where they are with their running these days, plus: -age-related adjustments they’ve made to their training; -why two of the three rarely race; -how Tish loves her weekly “long, slow plods”; -the state of their athletic egos; and, -their shared desire “to run forever.” When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Get 25% off plus free toe cages + 6 months training w/ code AMRBF25 at ElliptiGO.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

Runners of all paces and abilities will be able to relate to the callers in this themed episode: Both Michelle and Amy struggled in their fall races, and they are now trying to regain their confidence. Host Sarah Bowen Shea shares personal experience of being on the struggle-bus, while host and coach Dimity McDowell gives loads of practical, insightful advice. In the intro, Dimity tells of the showtunes playlist she made for the 6:00 a.m. spin class she leads. The questions kick off around 11:51. Here’s a peak at 2026 hiking and biking offerings. 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 Use code AMR for up to 35% off first subscription order at livemomentous.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone looking to try a new sport or take up a new hobby will appreciate this insightful episode about the beginner’s mindset. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, guest Tom Vanderbilt, author of the new book Beginners: the Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning, talks about: -what exactly a beginner’s mindset is; -his tires-fell-off-the-bus marathon experience; -the role failure and self-doubt play in the learning process; -the power of good coaching and a group; and, -what a “stereotype threat” is. Before Tom joins the conversation around BARRY INSERT TIME HERE, Coach Liz talks about the mindset she brought to her Ironman training this year—and how it carried her to success (+ enjoyment!) on race day. 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

Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between: This thought-provoking episode provides justification for taking some alone-time and recharging. Coach Liz Waterstraat talks with host Sarah Bowen Shea about two books: The Joy of Solitude: How To Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World by Robert J. Coplan and An Oasis in Time: How a Day of Rest Can Save Your Life by Marilyn Paul. Especially useful: Coach Liz shares numerous strategies for solitude. 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 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

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