The Running for Real Podcast

On Saturday, in this special bonus New York City Marathon pre race episode, we covered everything you need to remind yourself of the day before your race as well as how to handle the tough moments in the race. From seeing your nerves as excitement, to using gratitude to remind you how lucky you are to be here, this episode with Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor and Sports Psychologist, Dr Jonathan Fader will be sure to provide you with all the support you need to be ready for your race. Along with Deena and Fader, we break down the emotions and feelings that runners are experiencing in the 24 hours before the race. Although waves of self doubt can appear often and at any time, we cannot control our thoughts. What we can control though, is the response we give to that thought, which can be incredibly powerful. Fader, having worked with many runners in his years as a psychologist, knows how much we can overthink our races in the time before the race, and has fantastic advice for how to deal with it. Deena shares her experience, her wisdom, and how she would turn a panicked mind around in both the pre race time and during hard moments during the race. This is advice you will want to hear over and over again, save this episode for your next race. In the final 15 minutes of the show, we bring out Kubra, who raced the NYC marathon this weekend for Free To Run, an international organization that works to support women and girls in areas of conflict through adventure sports to build their physical, emotional, and social well being and develop them into community leaders to bring people together across religious, ethnic, and social divides. They currently work with 800 girls a year in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Kubra shares her inspiring story of why she decided to run, and what it represents. Her bravery and courage will motivate you. Thank you to The New York Road Runners, who kindly hosted this episode at the NYRR RUNCENTER Ft New Balance Run Hub. Thank you to everyone who attended this live event. If you wish to attend a future live show in a city near you, be sure to check my scheduleto see what episodes are coming up. Deena's previous episode Faders previous episode Thank you to NYRR and Endeavorun for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. Thank you to NYRR for the opportunity to host live podcasts in New York at the NYRR RUNCENTER Ft New Balance RunHub. This organization is an engaging and supportive environment committed to personal growth. Help support the One For You, One For Youth Campaign, for every pair of shoes sold at NYRR Run Center, a pair will be donated to a child in an NYRR youth supported program. Find out more at NYRR.org. Thank you to Endeavorun for sponsoring this episode of the Running For Real Podcast. Endeavorun is equipping runners everywhere to train with the precision, community, and accountability needed to reach their potential. Experience a pro season from start to finish (without being a pro)! Use code TINAMUIR you can get 10% off + Free shoes of your choice (yes, including those Vaporfly Next%s). There are Only 120 spots available for 2020 program and the First 50 registrants guaranteed single-occupancy room at Oregon retreat. Mile 20 Mental Training Course: Win Your Own Race goes on sale in just over a month. The doors will open for a VERY limited time, and then close until May 2020, so don't miss out. Even if you do not intend to start the 12 week course until early 2020, you can begin at any time, but you cannot purchase at any time. To get on the Mile 20 Mental Training Course: Win Your Own Race waitlist, where you will be guaranteed a spot on the course, sign up here. Or learn more about the course here. Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Jonathan and Deena, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Looking for the positives can be difficult when you fail. When we don't achieve what we set out for, success doesn't seem like something we can claim. But it doesn't have to be that way. How successful we feel isn't measured by what we do. It is measured by how we define success. The beauty in that truth is that we can therefore determine exactly how successful we feel. And if we feel successful, then we are successful, right? Think about it this way. If the only honorable goal and measurement of success was to be the richest person on earth, then all but one of us would fail. We would all feel lousy. Not only that, but success would have to come at the expense of every other human losing. For many reasons, this scenario is a poor measurement of success. However, if our goal was to have enough money to live comfortably, the outlook wouldn't look so dim. Comfortable can mean a variety of things for different people, and (hopefully) our success wouldn't come at the loss of others. We may set a hard number, but even if we didn't obtain that exact amount of money, there would be other ways to adapt and still achieve our goal of living comfortably. These are simple examples, but they can help us adjust our goals and feelings. Most likely, we will measure our success in a type of hybrid. For example, if I set a goal to run a marathon in under four hours, it can be attached to several other goals. Maybe I want to stay healthy, maybe I'm working toward qualifying for another race, maybe I want to beat my co-worker's time. With each goal, there are bound to be several alternative or sub-goals. In all of this, we want to grow our capabilities and enjoy our journey doing so. It's that simple. Running Across States Ali Glenesk is a monster of an example when it comes to going after big goals and loving the results no matter what they are. During a job transition, Ali decided she wanted to run across the entire state of California—for fun. She found a few friends to run with her and support her, chose her route, trained for about a month, quit her job, and began running. The goal was to be the fastest known woman to run from Nevada to the ocean. She set out to do it in 10 days, covering about the distance of a marathon each day. After a couple of days out, she was feeling on top of the world. On day three, she was amazed that her body had just run two marathons and that her legs were still there, working, and letting her run. On day six things started to change. At the end of the day she could hardly get into a car because her legs simply wouldn't bend. She was sore everywhere and had no desire to walk. The next day she decided to call it quits. She had pushed her body as much as she thought she should and went home. Finding Success in Failure With only three days to go, some may think that Ali should have toughed it out, perhaps walking when she couldn't run. Her friends even suggested that she could take a couple days off, rest, and then finish the last three days. But Ali was certain about her decision. Ali knew that her goal was to run (not walk) across California. She didn't want to take a break or run/walk the entire distance. It simply wasn't what she set out to do. In addition, Ali is a life-long runner. Perhaps she could've done one more day, but she didn't want to push it to the point of not being able to run for weeks afterward. In the end, she was satisfied with what she did. She ran more than she ever had, she went after a big goal, she ran with friends, and she found new potential in herself which she never would have otherwise. Learn More from Ali Is fear of failure keeping you from doing your best? Want to know how Ali finds her confidence? Listen to Ali's interview on the Running for Real podcast to find out more. Your relationship with success, failure, and running is sure to grow. Resources: Ali on Instagram Ali on Twitter Ali's National Geographic Video Netflix Special: Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea. Erica Joy on Twitter Thank you to Bodyhealth and Janji for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. JANJI is an official sponsor of the Running 4 Real podcast, I am so excited about this! They visit designers in countries all around the world to help with their upcoming clothing lines and any profit they make off of that design 5% goes right back to that country to supply for their clean water supply. The materials they use are recycled which I LOVE. Go here and use code TINAMUIR for 10% off and if you want to know my favorites click here. Mile 20 Mental Training Course: Win Your Own Race goes on sale in just over a month. The doors will open for a VERY limited time, an

The Olympic standard time for a women's 1500-meter race is 4:04.2. That was the time that Shannon Osika had been eyeing for quite some time before she changed plans at the end of her European tour to include one more race in Poland. To give you some insight as to how fast that is, let's review some world records over time. In the early 1900's, female world record holders were still running 1500 meters over 5 minutes. It wasn't until the 1970's that they began flirting with the 4-minute mark. Running 1500 meters in four minutes mean that you are averaging about 14 miles per hour. That is two miles per hour faster than your standard treadmill can reach. And that's an average, for nearly a mile. Needless to say, Shannon Osika runs fast. Shannon talked with us today about growing up in a running home, being a student athlete while still finding time to pursue other hobbies, and how it feels to be the 19thfastest woman in the world. Follow along to learn from her. What to Do with a Changing Body Entering her sophomore year of high school, Shannon had yet to hit puberty. But she wasn't a late bloomer by any means. Shannon was already an accomplished runner, eyeing a few high school records. But when her body did start to change, Shannon had some setbacks. She attempted to continue running in the same way, with the same training, all while trying to maintain the same weight. Of course, this wasn't possible to do for long, and it left her frustrated. Luckily, Shannon came to terms with her body. Unlike some of her high school friends, she was able to avoid eating disorders that could have put an end to her running career. Looking back, she is grateful that she was able to escape that trying time without major setbacks. When asked what she would say to teenagers today, Shannon says to be patient and let your body do what it's meant to. Allow your body to gain the weight it needs to stay healthy, and appreciate the changes. Being a runner is a lifelong event and if you can trust the process, things will turn out best. Taking Matters into Your Own Hands Today Shannon is paced by a "rabbit." A rabbit is someone that helps to pace the runners during the beginning to middle of the race. Their purpose is to set the runners up for success by not allowing them to start too quickly or slowly. The responsibility is huge. Shannon will prepare for months, training daily. Then she may be flown across the country or even the world and be expected to put the trust of all her work into one of these pacers. While she maintains a high level of trust, Shannon knows that it's up to her to get the job done. Sometimes the rabbit will get off to a slower start, and it's the runner's responsibility to acknowledge that and make the appropriate changes. This principle overlaps into other aspects of life as well. We often have trainers, role models, or friends who we use as rabbits to help us go after our goals. However, in the end, it's our responsibility to understand ourselves, and know if we need to slow down or speed up in order to get where we want to go. A Balanced Life As a hopeful competitor for the 2020 Olympics, Shannon's life revolves around running. While that means she must take certain precautions when choosing what to do, she knows that living a balanced life is what will keep her running for years to come. Shannon says that her happiest moments in life are when she is living a balanced life. For her, this means going out dancing, trying new food in the area, and learning more about environmental sustainability. Whatever it is you do, at work or school or family life, do it well, but make sure you have set aside time to do other things that keep you happy. Learn something new, do something just for fun, spend time with people you love. These are moments you won't get back. Enjoying the Moment When Shannon finished her race in Poland, happiness flooded her face. Not only had she broken 4:04.2, she had reached into the 4:01 range. More impressively, Shannon probably still would have gone home with a smile on her face if she hadn't reached her desired time. That's a lesson we can all take from Shannon. She is grateful to be able to do what she does, and as a result, puts forth her best effort every time. Win or lose, each moment can be a positive one if we know we've done our best. Resources: Shannon on Instagram Colleen Quigley on Instagram Thank you to Bodyhealth, Janji, and Athletic Greens for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. JANJI is an official sponsor of the Running 4 Real podcast, I am so excited about this! They visit designers in countries all around the world to help with their upco

Whose opinions really matter to you? If you were to start a project or set out after a goal that you've always wanted to do but have been scared for one reason or another, who would encourage you? Who would have your back? Who would tell you that you don't know what you're doing? These are important questions to answer. Deciding who influences what we do can change our entire lives. And, unknown to some, we CAN choose who influences our decisions. First and foremost, we ought to listen to ourselves. If we don't master our own ships, then we'll never get to choose where we go. As for the rest of the opinions that we consider? Make sure they come from people that love you. The Mirnavator! If there's one person who knows how to surround herself with people that support her, it's the Mirnavator. Mirna Valerio is a woman, a New Yorker, black, and as she likes to say, a fat runner. She is not the stereotypical runner, and she knows that people think that. But the best part is, she doesn't care. She doesn't even believe that there is such a thing as a stereotypical runner. Mirna has surrounded herself with people that love her and her mission. She has a strong community on Facebook and in real life that have become comfortable calling themselves runners. It's not easy to believe that you are a runner when online chatrooms shout otherwise, even when you have done marathons and 50k trail races. The power that words have is strong. Thankfully, our simple daily efforts are stronger. Mirna has shown that time and time again. How to Get to Know Your Body From her early days in middle school, Mirna has loved to move her body. She played many sports growing up, but never considered herself a runner. She started running because she simply wanted to perform better in field hockey and lacrosse. As time passed, she began to love running for the way it made her feel. Mirna enjoyed setting goals and accomplishing them, and she liked feeling the muscles in her body work. With every finished run, there came a feeling of accomplishment and gratitude. So how do you get to know and love your body? Use it! For Mirna, she doesn't need to fit into a certain mold to love her body, and neither do you. The more we use our bodies, the more we love and understand them. They are quite literally the reason that we are alive. Use your body and be grateful for it. Change Your Feed As you begin to use your body, or go after other lifelong goals, you are bound to get some pushback. It comes in many forms. From unknown internet offenders, to family members, to random aghast faces on the street. While we can't avoid every rude comment or criticism, we can moderate it. We can mute or unfollow those that don't support us. We can stop reading comments entirely. We can smile at the people that give us funny looks. And most of all, we can seek out likeminded people. Sometimes the easiest way to brush off or get rid of the negative, is to find an abundance of positive. Let the good push out the bad instead of simply deleting the bad and being left empty. There are people out there waiting to be your friend and believe in you. Go find them. Try and Try and Try If it feels overwhelming to run a marathon, or a 5K, or a mile, start smaller. If you are lacking confidence or willpower, stop worrying and just give it a try. Try every day. As Mirna says, some days you will take five steps back when you feel like you haven't even taken two steps forward. That's okay. Keep trying. You may think that your body can't run a marathon. And you may be right, for now. But with each day you try, you get closer. If you are scared or anxious about something you want to do, just try. Really. There's no pressure. If you fail, that's fine, you will always be happy you tried. Let's keep moving our bodies. Let's surround ourselves with amazing people. And let's keep trying. The Mirnavator would be proud. Resources: A Beautiful Work in Progress Mirna on Instagram Mirna on Twitter Mirna on Facebook FATGIRLRUNNING Facebook Group Patagonia on Instagram Thank you to Bodyhealth, Janji, and and Marathon Training Academy for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. Friends, I mentioned Marathon Training Academy in the show, and how much you will enjoy their podcast if you are not already a fan, you can find their podcast on iTunes hereor at their website page here. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. JANJI is an official sponsor of the Running 4 Real podcast, I am so excited about this! They visit designers in countries all around the world to help with their upcoming clothing lines and any profit they make off of that design 5% goes right back to that country to supply for their clean water

Today we are covering a topic that is rarely spoken about. Talking about women's menstrual cycles is often tough enough, especially for men. But once you near the age of a master's runner, interest fades even more rapidly. Going through menopause is tough not only because of the physical elements, but the emotional ones. Like childbirth, it is hard to understand it until it's happened to you, so there may be few people who you feel comfortable consulting. But menopause is natural and normal. Dr. Stacy Sims, a leading expert in women's exercise studies, spoke to us about menopause. She addressed the myths, the symptoms, how to communicate with those who have menopause, and more. Knowledge is confidence and comfort, so read along to learn more about this universal life experience. Women's Health and Exercise Science Generally speaking, it is difficult to find scientific research specifically for women. While menopause has obviously been studied for a strictly female community, life leading up to menopause has not. Dr. Sims suggests taking news articles and magazines posts with a grain of salt. Most exercise and diet studies have been done only for men, and occasionally with men and women combined. Don't assume that what is good for men, is good for you. For example, women typically need more protein post-exercise then men do. And taking a post-exercise ice bath yields more benefits for women than men. Always consult multiple sources when you come across new methods or diets, and consult your general practitioner if you feel unsure. What is Menopause? Menopause generally begins sometime during a women's late forties. However, it can happen several years earlier or later. When you experience menopause, there are a lack of hormones that are being produced, and eventually you stop menstruating completely. What are the symptoms of Menopause? Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, abdominal weight gain, and mental fogginess. In the first five years following menopause, women can lose up to 33% of their bone density. Knowing about these symptoms can help you prepare to deal with them as they come. Are the Symptoms Here to Stay? For most women, some of the common symptoms subside. Hot flashes, night sweats, and mental fogginess tend to lessen. However, a decrease in bone density, and abdominal weight gain will continue to happen without proper adaptation. Adding strength training exercises and reducing your carb intake will help you to stay healthy. Post Menopause: Exercises to Reduce Health Issues Aging women are commonly told to do low-intensity, high-volume exercises such as swimming, walking, or biking. While these are positives, they aren't enough to help strengthen bones. Plyometrics, weightlifting, and other types of resistance training are necessary to increase bone density and keep muscle mass. This doesn't mean you need to start bench pressing with the body builders. Explosive actions such as jump squats and burpees are great. In fact, jumping for just ten minutes a day, three times a week has shown to be enough to build bone mass. Talking About Menopause There is no need for you to feel alone while you go through menopause. Talking with a loved-one and a doctor or therapist can help the process happen more easily. It takes strength to talk about yourself, and you can do it. If you have a friend, athlete, or parent going through menopause, be there for them. They may not want to talk about it, which could mean they are already talking to someone else about it. Continue to let them know you care about them and be willing to have a conversation. It can make all the difference. Life is Still Great! As you age, there is no reason that you can't keep a fast pace and avoid injuries. However, what you do in order to stay quick and healthy does need to change. Your changing hormones mean that you need more fruits, vegetables, and protein and less carbs. You need to continue to do exercises that keep your range of motion, and you need to add exercises to keep up your bone density. But these are all things that you can do. You can continue to do the things you love. Add the necessary exercises and strategies and keep running! Resources: Stacy on Instagram Stacy on Facebook The Ready State Stacy's Website ASCM BJSM Women's Health Initiative Kirsty Elliott Sale on Twitter Kathryn Ackerman on Twitter Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life For this Beyond Running series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information because it is needed, because these are topics that need to be brought out into conversations. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you do really appreciate these episodes, you will consider supporting me on Patreon. You get access to bonus interviews and I will let you know of upco

If you've been with us at Running for Real for a while, you've had a chance to hear from Dean Karnazes already. He is a superstar of a runner, the "ULTRAmarathon Man," and an incredibly upbeat person. Even if you happen to catch him in the middle of a 100-mile run, Dean will smile and take a selfie with you. He's that kind of guy. In coordination with a new Chicken Soup for the Soul book about running stories, and some exciting races that Dean plans to compete in soon, we got to speak with him again. Feel free to listen in or read along to find out more about Dean's advice to help the environment, how we can encourage others to run, and more! Runners Can Save the Planet One thing you may not know about Dean is that he doesn't own a car. Seriously. If you go to his home and see a car, it's a visitor's or a family member's. This decision happened about a decade ago when Dean was training to run the Four Deserts Race, a 6-day race where you have to carry all your supplies with you. To train for the race, Dean started doing his grocery trips on his feet. This meant carrying home gallons of milk, and one time, a pack with over 45lbs of sundries. A few trips became a habit, and before long, Dean had given up his sponsorship with Volkswagen in favor of being carless. Dean is known for his extremes. Running 50 marathons in 50 days, giving up his car, running in hot deserts and cold tundra; these things are commonplace for Dean. But when he was asked what runners can do to better the environment, he simply replied, "Recruit more runners!" One of the fastest ways to become more sensitive to our surroundings, is to be in them. Nothing compels you to change your emission-producing habits more than breathing in a lungful of polluted air. And while the negatives of littering or pollution are convincing, the positives of being outdoors are equally moving. Running through fields, over mountains, or along beaches will have you caring for the earth instantly. Runners Can Save Lives Encouraging people to run can save more than the planet, it can save people. Dean shared with us one of his favorite stories from the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book that he helped author and compile about a former marine with PTSD. After trying a variety of treatments including therapy sessions and medication, a friend suggested that this former marine pick up running. He decided to give it a go and soon found himself running marathons and ultramarathons. Running saved his life. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Running for Good, includes 101 stories about running and the good it has done around the world. From communities of mothers in the U.S. to camps of Syrian refuges in Greece, we can all benefit from running. Runners Are People Too Maybe an even more surprising thing about Dean is that he still gets nervous on the start line. He still has tough days, tiring days, days he decides to sleep in instead of getting up to run. And while he has been able to make a career out of running, a dream job in his eyes, he still has to push himself to get out the door sometimes. But that's what's great about this sport. We have the chance to be runners and to be human. Whether we run a marathon a day or go for a walk around the mall once a week, we are still part of this community and we still have struggles. We are in it together. You Can Make a Difference Right Now Decide to be an ambassador for running. It's a simple and effective way to help the environment. You can invite friends for a run, share your experiences of training for a race, or buy someone a pair of running shoes for their birthday. Every bit helps, and your efforts to share your love of running can spread throughout the world. Resources: (book) Chicken Soup for the Soul: Running for Good Dean's Website Friends, I mentioned Marathon Training Academy in the show, and how much you will enjoy their podcast if you are not already a fan, you can find their podcast on iTunes here or at their website page here. Thank you to Bodyhealth and Janji for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. JANJI is an official sponsor of the Running For Real podcast, I am so excited about this! They visit designers in countries all around the world to help with their upcoming clothing lines and any profit they make off of that design 5% goes right back to that country to supply for their clean water supply. The materials they use are recycled which I LOVE. Go here and use code TINAMUIR for 10% off and if you want to know my favorites click here. Mile 20 Mental Training Course: Win Your Own Race goes on sale in just over a month. The doors will open for a VERY limited time, and then close u

Breathing and Running You can argue that nothing is more important than learning how to breathe properly when you run. Yet, breathing exercises are often overlooked and shortness of breath is treated by increasing miles or speed. Without proper breathing, runners can suffer from side aches, mental distractions, anxiety, and injuries that are caused from lack of focus or poor posture, all of which stem from decreased oxygen. In recent years, diaphragm exercises have received more attention and praise. Learning how to completely fill our lungs from top to bottom in a smooth breathing pattern is something that takes just as much practice as any outward physical coordination. And the results are fantastic. Increased focus and the ability to calm yourself in tense situations are some of the main benefits. Asthma and Other Respiratory Challenges Although we do it unconsciously from the moment we are born, breathing takes work, and can be very difficult at times. Even those without any illnesses can benefit from learning how to breath properly, both at rest and during exercise. The most common respiratory illness we see in the running community is asthma. Simply, asthma is a condition in which the airways are inflamed and consequently reduced in size, making it difficult to breath. It is widely known, and the maintenance of this illness is straight forward for the most part if we understand the treatments. How is Asthma Treated? Even if you don't personally know anyone with asthma, you have probably seen one of the colorful blue, red, or purple inhalers. Using inhalers is the main treatment method for asthma. Dr. John Dickinson from the University of Kent explains that there are two basic types of inhalers. The first type of inhaler is used on a regular, scheduled basis. Its purpose is to dampen the inflammatory process inside of your lungs. It takes two weeks or so for this to build up into your system, and should be continually used. The second type of inhaler (a salbutamol or rescue inhaler) works within a minute or two, immediately opening up the airways. This inhaler should be used on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Dickinson says that the first inhaler can typically be enough to keep symptoms down if used properly. The common issues he sees in athletes is a dependency on the salbutamol inhaler, which doesn't get to the root of the problem. The body will also build up a resistance to this second inhaler, demanding stronger doses and increasing risks of side-effects. If you do have asthma, be sure to work with your doctor. Determining what kind of treatment is right for you should be done individually. How do I Know if I Have Asthma? Asthma is brought on by a reaction to something. This is often from a reaction to pollution, an allergic reaction, or exercise. The symptoms of asthma almost always happen after exercise is completed, making it difficult to pinpoint. Some of the most common symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and wheezing. These may be triggered during exercise, and as previously mentioned, may only be present post-exercise. There is only about a 50% chance that a doctor will diagnosis you correctly simply based on the knowledge of your symptoms. That means, you are just as likely to guess as to whether or not you have asthma. This is why it is imperative to do testing in order to determine your condition. Ask your doctor about an objective test, one that actually looks at your lung functioning. Even if you are an elite athlete, it's not out of the question that you have asthma. It is still possible to train at high levels with asthma. If you have some of the common symptoms, consult a doctor. Breathing Exercises for All Most people know that breathing into your upper chest isn't the most efficient way to fill your lungs. However, did you know that your chest and abdomen should fill from top to bottom, front to back, and side to side? The expansion of each should be done in one motion, meaning that you shouldn't see a large increase in the chest before the lower abdomen and vice-versa. Like the sides of a balloon, each part of your lung should expand at the same time. Many people get the front to back and top to bottom but neglect the sides of the rib cage expanding. Next time you have a moment (probably right this second) take in a breath and try to expand every part simultaneously. Asthma Won't Slow You Down! You can definitely live and thrive with asthma. Respiratory problems can be depressing for an athlete, but there are ways to overcome. There are many sports therapists, doctors and the like, that are willing and able to help you conquer your breathing. Don't be discouraged, and know there are many examples of athletes with asthma that have massive success. Encourage those around you, and keep running! Resources: John at the University of Kent More Info on Asthma Dr. James Hull For this series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want

Running is a great visual for vulnerability. Picture yourself in the middle of the desert, or in a big city, or on the side of a volcano, with nothing but your shoes and some minimal clothing. No one is holding your hand, there are no secure walls behind you, nature and humanity can see you from every angle, and you can only move as fast as your body allows. It can honestly be a bit intimidating. This is pretty much the way life is. It's scary, but it's how we discover our potential. As humans we like feeling secure, sure. and safe. We build walls to protect us from storms. We make alliances with other humans (aka friends) to help us in times of struggle. We stockpile food and resources so we don't have to constantly think about where our next meal will come from. All of these things are positives, so then what's so great about being vulnerable? Being prepared and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable are two different things. By all means we ought to do everything we can to be safe. Being vulnerable doesn't mean being reckless. Being vulnerable is more about being honest. It means being okay to admit our weaknesses or our fears, but it has a purpose—to help ourselves and to help others. Nellie Acevedo is a queen of vulnerability. She is a full-time blogger, entrepreneur, mama, and runner. She lives in Brooklyn, New York where every day she has a chance to feel a little bit vulnerable as she raises her two multi-cultured boys in a fast-paced world. Today she shared with us tips on being true to yourself, the lifestyle of being your own boss, and of course, her stories about running. Share Your Journey When it comes to sharing your personal journey, there are two main benefits to being true to yourself. Firstly, it gives people something to follow that is inspirational. "People love a real journey," says Nellie, "Share it if you feel comfortable." Nellie admits that while she admires elite runners and other professional athletes, they aren't the people that motivate her to exercise. In her words, "real" people motivate her. The people that are like her. Whatever stage of life you are in, there are people watching you that feel like you are their "real" people. That's why it's important to share. If you can do it, so can they. Don't feel like you need to reach a certain level of expertise before you can share and inspire. The other benefit of being vulnerable and sharing your journey is the support of the community. People relate with struggles, and you will probably be surprised with how many people are willing to speak up and reach out when you share personal trials. Every time Nellie gets up the courage to be vulnerable, that's when she gets the most reactions and support. "You control your narrative," she says, "When you share the realness about being a person, about adulting, about motherhood, […] people identify with that and you leave a mark on people's hearts. They want to stay with you and follow your journey." Don't be afraid to be real. Other people have similar experiences as you, and until you share, you neglect the support and withhold the inspiration. It doesn't mean you have to share everything, but share what you are comfortable with and be real. Do Something for Yourself Each week Nellie tries to get at least three workouts in. This can be a challenge since her workday starts at seven p.m. every evening when her husband gets home from work. But she knows that doing things for herself is the only way to keep it together and do her best as a mother. "We need the time to reset" says Nellie, "[When I go to the gym] I can think about things that I wasn't able to accomplish during the day, but I can think about them fully because I'm away from the family." Make your workout time your think tank time. It's a great way to blow off steam, come up with new ideas, and organize your thoughts. Lastly, Nellie suggests setting small running goals and watching yourself succeed often, rather than setting big ones. She fully believes in celebrating the victories along the way as well. That doesn't mean just the first 10k you run, but the first mile you run, and then the second, and so on. Go ahead and do something for yourself. Set attainable goals. Celebrate when you reach them. Support people you see being vulnerable, and then be vulnerable yourself and watch the good that it does. Resources: Nellie on Instagram Nellie on Twitter Nellie on Facebook Nellie's Blog Third Eye Thoughts Instagram Thank you to Bodyhealth and Generation UCAN for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races. This product have been my go to nutritional

Discussing Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Loss About one in four pregnancies end in a miscarriage. If you haven't been close to someone that has gone through miscarriage, this may surprise you. As frequently as it happens, this type of loss is not often discussed in public. Misunderstanding, fear, blame, or disappointment are feelings that can surround the loss of a child. Navigating these feeling with dialogue can feel that much more difficult. Of course, each parent has the right to choose how much they discuss their loss. However, those that wish to be more open about their experience should feel like they can. It's not a time that a person should feel alone or fearful of being judged. We hope that by openly talking about loss we can make more room for understanding and comfort. Heidi Greenwood, proud mother of three daughters, suffered a loss during both of her first two pregnancies. Her first daughter Jules passed at 22 weeks, and her second daughter Leni was lost at week 28. Heidi continues to remember her daughters after the healthy birth of her third daughter, Quincy. What's the Difference Between Stillbirth and Miscarriage? The most important thing to remember about miscarriage and stillbirth, is that they are both losses. The crushing blow of either will change the lives of those affected. Treat yourself and others that experience these types of losses as such. In the technical terms, a miscarriage usually refers to a loss before the twentieth week of pregnancy, and a stillborn as anything after. Both miscarriages and stillbirths can result from a plethora of situations, almost always out of our control. Don't Blame Yourself It is common to look for answers after experiencing loss. Whether we are simply trying to understand or are looking for ways to avoid it in the future, we have questions. Often it is all too easy to look at ourselves as the problem. The fact is, the mother is not to blame. Defects that results in miscarriage happen at micro-levels within DNA and chromosome structures. These are things that certain diets or activity rates of mothers don't affect. You can feel confident that your efforts as a mother are not lost. What Should I Say? Heidi mentions that we often think we need to come up with elaborate things to say, when really, simple words are the best. Telling your loved one that you are thinking about them or that they are a strong woman is great. As always, take any suggestions that the mother gives, each grieving process is different. Using the baby's name can be a good way to show your love. Mother's that give birth at any stage of the pregnancy and suffer loss, have developed emotions for that small life. If they have chosen to give the baby a name, it is likely appropriate and empowering for you to mention them by name. If you can't think of something you want to say, or feel uncomfortable doing so, kind gestures are also appropriate. Going out for a coffee, sending a note, or bringing them flowers are all things Heidi recommends. What Shouldn't I Say? Good intentions can be painful, so be cautious when trying to lessen the hurt someone is experiencing. Generally, it is better to support and love rather than try to come up with logical solutions or offer up emotional problem-solving strategies. Avoid using terminology like "at least." Heidi says that using this phrase can feel like belittling the situation. The mother should take the time she needs to grieve. Trying to speed up the process can appear naïve or careless. Help her feel that you are a person she can lean on, and don't be afraid of bringing thoughts of the loss back to their mind. Heidi relates that kind thoughts and gestures feel like a big hug more than anything. Share Your Burden If you have had a loss, lessen the load by speaking with others. Talk to loved ones you trust, doctors, therapists, or Facebook support groups. You will likely be surprised by the number of people that have experienced what you have and can lend a helping hand. You shouldn't bear it alone, and you don't have to. Many are ready to love you. Resources: Heidi on Instagram For these little series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information and concentrate on that because it is GOOD information. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you feel so cheeky to start supporting me on Patreon, it would be able to help me a lot! You get access to bonus interviews and upcoming guests, to where you could ask them a question. Running 4 Real Patreon Page. Thank you SO much!! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings

Do you ever find it difficult working with what you have? For example, putting off doing a workout until you find the perfect gym, or neglecting to write down goals and thoughts because you don't have an Italian leather journal and "what interesting things are happening in my life anyway?" Getting started is always more than half the battle. When it comes to running, there are plenty of excuses that stop you from getting out the door. Imperfect weather, uncomfortable shoes, or even an untidy living room can nag at your thoughts and convince you to skip today. We avoid doing difficult things in order to protect our self-esteem. If we don't try our hardest, it's easy to justify the outcome. "Oh, I would have been great if I put in the time, but I didn't feel like it." Fear of failure is fear of success. Once we understand that the journey to greatness starts with one step and is laden with failures, then we can actually get started. Thabang Madiba is the epitome of working with what you have. Growing up impoverished in a small town of South Africa, Thabang simply wanted to be able to play soccer or go on a run. Being in race? That was a dream. Eventually his grandmother bought him a pair of running shoes. And before long, he knew running would change his life. Getting the Most Out of Any Moment Unable to afford a car, Thabang has been creative and determined to find ways to train and compete. He worked at a Nissan factory twelve kilometers from home. As you may have guessed, Thabang would run to and from his job, earning enough money to participate in races while getting in the mileage to train for a marathon. But this was just the beginning of Thabang's obstacles. Thabang excels in trail running, specifically, skyrunning. Skyrunning is any race above 2000 meters that has an incline of at least 30%. Being nearly five hours by car form the nearest mountain, Thabang can sometimes be found with a rope tied around his waist, dragging a car tire along the dirt path as he trains. This is his way of training in the mountains. Thabang has also been known to ride his bicycle to race events, sometimes as far as 50 kilometers. After one particularly difficult day when he had to pump up his tire multiple times on the way to a race, Thabang arrived ten minutes after the race had begun. Instead of moping and turning around, he simply began to run with the goal of passing the first woman. Knowing he had no chance of winning, Thabang still gave an effort to do his best and become better. He ended up finishing second and gives credit to that race as one that prepared him for a championship later down the road. Whatever opportunities you have, make the most of them. Don't give up just because you know you will come short of a goal. Finish strong. You never know what a constant effort will do for you until you do it. Appreciate What You Have Thabang's name literally means happiness, or "to be happy." Everything about Thabang gives witness to this truth. Even after winning multiple races and being sponsored by Salomon, Thabang has stayed humble. He still loves him family. He still rides his bike. He still runs with a tire dragging behind. When asked how his life has changed since winning races, Thabang says, "I'm simple. I just love people." Thabang's advice is to find your own happiness in order to make others happy. "You must learn to love yourself first," he says, "I have to be happy myself before I can help others be happy." You Got This! Whatever your goal is, go ahead and get started. You don't need to run in $200 shoes, go for a walk in your flip flops. Start somewhere. When the tough times come, know that it is a part of the process. Without those setbacks, you would never get to the mountain top. Be happy, and be okay with putting yourself first in order to help other. Thabang will be proud of you. Resources: Thabang on Instagram Thabang on Facebook Thabang Video Thank you to Bodyhealth, MetPro, and Janji for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. Yes when this company reached out to me I wasn't too excited about, but with just one phone call conversation with them and they won me over! They are not wanting to guess what to do with your metabolism, the experts at MetPro are there for you to help you reach any of goals or the struggles you may be going through. If you listen to the very end of the episode there may be a treat for you from MetPro expert Angelo! Click here to receive a FREE metabolic scan of your body as well as a 30 minute consultation with one of the MetPro experts. JANJI is an official sponsor o

Disabling Conditions in the Running Community Running is an expansive, inclusive, and a simple sport. The fact that it involves some of the most basic of body movements is what allows it to be broad and accepting. Practically anyone can run, and those that can't are still welcome. In the running community we accept and embrace those that love to move. If you move slowly, move in a wheelchair, or move only with the help of others, we want you. Today we chatted with Achilles International, a group dedicate to helping everyone set and achieve goals and have joy and hope through running. These people understand what it's all about. We talked with participants about overcoming their struggles, approaching those with disabling conditions, and of course, running. What is Achilles International? Achilles International focuses on bringing "hope, inspiration, and the joys of achievement to all." This is mostly accomplished through their races and group meetups. Those with disabling conditions, be it visual impairments, cancer, amputation, brain injuries, or others, are paired up with volunteers to help achieve their running goals. The largest Achilles International Chapter is in New York, but today they have over 60 chapters worldwide. Everyone is welcome. Whether you want to become a member or a volunteer, get in contact with them to get involved today, wherever you are in the world. Approaching Those with Disabilities We all view ourselves a certain way that others may not see or understand. For better or worse, you never know if you pass someone on the street who has climbed Mount Everest, been to prison, lost a loved one, or won the lottery. Every life is unique and full of anecdotes. Before jumping to conclusions one way or another, ponder that. When you meet those that have disabling conditions, first and foremost, be their friend. A friend isn't someone who babies their peers; a friend also isn't someone that ignores. They are there for you, they push you, they laugh with you and respect you, and they treat you about how they'd like to be treated. Michael Anderson, the director of the New York chapter at Achiles International, says that they refer to their athletes as an athlete with a disability rather than a disabled athlete. Being conscious of how these athletes want to be viewed can go a long way in building positive relationships. Running with Disabilities If you have a disabling condition and can't see yourself running, or running fast, or being called a runner, hold that thought. There are more opportunities for you than you might know about, and you are stronger than you think. Take each challenge one step at a time. Walk before you run, stand before you walk, breathe before you stand. It can take some individuals years before they are able to enter a race they have their mind set to, so be patient with yourself. No matter how unhealthy or healthy you feel, take advantage of your opportunities. Achilles International member Alan says "It's a roll of the dice how healthy you are. Every day is a gift." It's as simple as that. You have the gift of being alive, manage what you can—you can do it. More on the Running for Real Podcast In today's episode we interviewed two members of Achilles International. Mauricio Blandino and Alan Kaufman shared their inspirational stories from being in good physical shape, to having a disabling condition, and finding their way back to sport through Achilles International. They will inspire and motivate you to get out and achieve something more for yourself. Give it a listen. RESOURCES: Mauricio on Facebook Achilles International Achilles NYC Alan on Facebook Alan on Twitter Alan on Instagram Mike on Instagram For these little series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information and concentrate on that because it is GOOD information. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you feel so cheeky to start supporting me on Patreon, it would be able to help me a lot! You get access to bonus interviews and upcoming guests, to where you could ask them a question. Running 4 Real Patreon Page. Thank you SO much!! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Michael, Alan, and Mauricio, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

"Chance favors the prepared mind" is often quoted to be from Louis Pasteur. Pasteur was a chemist and microbiologist who studied and found cures for a handful of diseases, including a vaccine for rabies. The concept that luck or fortune follows the bold, prepared, or active has long been discussed. The truth is, not everyone can be lucky. Only those that do, are rewarded. Even lottery winners have to buy a ticket. In running we experience the same thing. You simply don't know how "lucky" you can be unless you get out there and start running. The beautiful thing about running is that there is much more to it than winning races; you have chances to "win" every day that aren't necessarily podium moments. As we've discussed, wins in running include enjoying nature, discovering new places, developing relationships, and maintaining good mental and physical health. Running is also a time when great business ideas or solutions to long-term problems are discovered. The opportunities for victory while running are endless. But. If you do happen to be in-the-running for a particular race, that win comes via preparation as well. You don't know when your moment to shine will come. The weather, your competition, or your overall health and energy fluctuate. The only way you can get lucky is by being prepared. This idea of preparation followed by chance is the epitome of Nicole DeBoom's successful career. From Olympic qualifier, to top triathlete, to business owner, Nicole has done what it takes to put herself in a situation to succeed. Like the rest of us, she has had personal weaknesses and could never control her competition, but she put in the work and let the results happen. Go Through the Open Door Shortly after the peak of her triathlete career, DeBoom had an idea for a women's clothing company. She felt that there weren't many clothing options for professional athletes that were both stylish and up to performance standards. She wanted to look good and feel good while she competed. At the time, tennis skirts, golf skirts, and even swim skirts were available, but nothing for female runners. As she began to create a new type of running skirt, she quickly discovered that her target market wasn't exactly what she expected. She had planned to convince other professional female runners to wear the skirt, but there weren't a ton of them that were interested, and trying to further convince them didn't help. However, she found that there was a lot larger range of women that were interested in the running skirts. Many women not only wanted to feel good while wearing stylish clothing, they wanted additional coverage so that they felt comfortable while running as well. Nicole quickly learned to create clothing for the women with this need, rather than create a need for a specific group of women. When she focused on helping her new customers, her business grew and her opportunities expanded. You may have many ideas and desires in life that seem like the only path to happiness or success. But if you are willing to take the opportunities that present themselves, rather than fighting to change what you can't, you'll find yourself succeeding quickly. This doesn't mean taking the path of least resistance per se, but seizing the opportunities that are placed before you. You'll Love What You're Good At, So Try It All! Now Nicole is a mother, with a daughter who will have many opportunities. Nicole is focused on helping her find the things she enjoys and is good at. Giving her chances to try many things, and to not be too antsy in taking away the other things she loves too quickly. Nicole regrets putting so much time into swimming and neglecting other sports when she found out she could be a great swimmer. She wants her daughter to continue a variety of things, even if she is great at one. The same should go for you and I. What do you love to do? What are you good at? Chances are they are related. It's not always certain which comes first, so don't be afraid to try something you think you may love, or look for ways to enjoy what you are good at. Resources: Nicole's Website Skirt Sports Running Start The Mirnivator Run This World Podcast (Book) The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World https://www.amazon.com/Moment-Lift-Empowering-Women-Changes/dp/1250313570 Thank you to Bodyhealth, Turbotrack.me, and MetPro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. Yes when this company reached out to me I wasn't too excited about, but with just one phone call conversation with them and they won me over! They are not wanting to

Understanding Suicide Everyone is affected by suicide. Whether you've had personal struggles, had an acquaintance or loved one take his or her life, or been generally aware and worried about the increased rates of suicide in the world, understanding suicide can benefit you. Suicide is understandably a topic that isn't often spoken much about. It may be embarrassing or painful to openly discuss the effects of suicide. But it does not need to be that way. The stigma of suicide can be changed, and will, with increased discussion. Shelli Gordon was directly affected when her partner Tony took his own life just last year. As a former police officer and with a psychology degree, Shelli was completely taken by surprise; with no signs of Tony's intention. Since that time, Shelli has taken it upon herself to raise awareness, open the doors to increased discussion, and be involved to help others understand suicide. She uses running as a platform to break the stigma surrounding suicide by opening her running store to everyone, running to cope, and speaking to the running community. Suicide Isn't Selfish One of the first misconceptions about suicide is that it is a selfish act. "For that person in that moment, there isn't another way out," says Shelli. When someone takes their own life, they are often trying to make things better for the people they are leaving behind. They mistakenly believe that the people they are leaving behind are better off without them, and they don't see a different solution. Talking About Suicide It can be very difficult to talk with someone who has had a loved one take their own life. Especially older generations who may have lost children, coping is hard. When you speak to them, phrase suicide as "taking his or her life" rather than "committing suicide." Suicide can have a negative connotation especially when it's paired with "commit." To avoid framing suicide as a crime, it's better not to use the word commit. How do I Talk to Someone that has Suicidal Thoughts? First and foremost, do your best to let people know that you are there for them and that you love them. Check up on them as frequently as you feel is good, and make sure you talk about a variety of things. It's important for people to know that you care about their opinions and value their thoughts. Shelli gives great advice to go on a walk with someone and speak with them. This way you don't have to maintain constant eye contact. Sometimes just talking about anything can help them. If you have a teenager that you are concerned about, keep a close watch on them. Sometimes a person can seem to be getting better or happier right before they take their life. This is a result of finally making a decision. Stay close to them, and continue to talk with them. There are many resources online as well in understanding and helping those with suicidal thoughts. Using Running Running is a wonderful way to combat suicide. Get out into the fresh air and move your body to feel alive and apart of this world. Running can be a good tool to push yourself and to reach for new goals. These things give us more reasons to live, whether you want to run one mile or three hundred. Run with someone. The community is large and growing. Even if you don't feel like speaking with someone one-on-one, being in a group of runners can boosts your spirits. Life is Better with You in it If you have thoughts that life would be better without you in it, get help immediately. Know that in every case, the people around you will not be better off if you take your own life. Although you may feel that people misunderstand you, there are other solutions. Life can get better. Healing is possible. You can live a life without suicidal thoughts. There are people that love you and want you to be here. If you feel comfortable, speak to someone you trust about your struggles. If you are scared to tell the people you know, there are many support outlets, including some that are linked at the end of this article. Call or message these people. They can help. You are a unique person. You are needed in this world to make it a more diverse and beautiful place. Wherever you are on your journey, there is hope and help and happiness. Help Resources US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Suicide Prevention Helpline In the UK CALM MIND Jasmin Paris on Twitter For these little series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information and concentrate on that because it is GOOD information. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you feel so cheeky to start supporting me on Patreon, it would be able to help me a lot! You get access to bonus interviews and upcoming guests, to where you could ask them a question. Running 4 Real Patreon Page. Thank you SO much!! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the

New York Road Runners Live Show! Do you wonder what a world-class runner's upbringing looks like? What path led them to greatness? Should children with promise be given the encouragement and opportunities to be the best, or should they simply have fun playing the sports they enjoy? This week we had the chance to interview Meb Keflezighi, Jenny Simpson, and Rachel Pratt on a live panel in New York City! All three are not only life-long runners, but ambassadors, helping children find a love for physical activities that will help them in many aspects of their life. Each one of the panelists gave advice on raising kids to enjoy sports, avoid burnout, and become life-long exercise or sport enthusiasts. Whether you are a parent, an aunt or uncle, or simply someone that wants to develop your own physical literacy, this episode is for you. Let Kids Have Fun Both Meb and Jenny are Olympic athletes that found their love for running in public schools. One of Jenny's teachers encouraged her to try running because she was the student that couldn't seem to sit still. Meb found out he could run fast in seventh grade when his teacher promised him a good grade and a T-shirt if he ran the mile under 6:15. He ran as fast as he could, and ended up getting an A, a 5:20 mile, and most importantly to him, the coveted T-shirt. When asked about their successful running careers or the hopes they have for their children, Meb and Jenny both agree that letting kids have fun doing whatever sport they enjoy is best. Any pressure they put on themselves should be about personal achievement, not conceding to the wills of adults. Let Them Come to You Today Meb has two daughters that seem to be more interested in soccer than anything. Although running is his preferred sport, Meb has learned that it's best to let his daughters come to him with requests or questions and be prepared to support them, rather than compel them to run. Encourage young ones to not give up and to try new things, but avoid putting them into a box that doesn't allow them to find what they love. More often than not, they will be interested in the types of things that their loved ones enjoy. Give them the proper space and allow them to make their own decisions. What Sports Can Teach Our Young Girls Jenny is a huge fan of what sports can do for girls in today's world. The first thing she mentions is the competitiveness that she embraced as a female athlete. Sometimes girls are encouraged to lie low, not get too loud, and not be aggressive. In sport, you can't succeed by doing these things. Jenny has learned that being competitive doesn't have to be separate from being a lovely, gracious person. The second thing Jenny mentions is her own view of her body. Participating in sports helps girls appreciate what their body can do for them, and helps them feel comfortable in their own skin. As they exercise and train for events, they can watch their body transform and develop right before their eyes, which is a powerful confidence boost. What is Physical Literacy? Rachel Pratt is the Senior Vice President at New York Road Runners (NYRR). Although she isn't one of the Olympians we interviewed, she is just as passionate about running, and helping children become physically literate. Physical Literacy has three branches or goals. (1) Learning fundamental movements. (2) Becoming confident in those movements. And (3) having the motivation to be active for life. That is the goal at NYRR for all children. Emphasis isn't on one specific sport or activity, rather, a variety of movements. Climbing, running, team sports, skating, skiing, or track and field, are all encouraged. They want every person to feel excited and confident about what their body can do for them, and as they get older, the excitement to continue to use your body to enjoy life. So, what can you do? Obtain your own level of physical literacy. Practice balance, strength, or endurance. Then be the example for the kids near to you in your life. Take your nephew for a bike ride, your daughter to the climbing gym, or your friends to the baseball field. Being active for life will bring a happiness and sense of accomplishment that few other things can. Resources: Meb's Website Jenny's Website Rachel on Twitter NYRR Thank you to Bodyhealth, Janji, MetPro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. JANJI is an official sponsor of the Running 4 Real podcast, I am so excited about this! They visit designers in countries all around the world to help with their upcoming clothing lines and any profit they make off of that design 5% goes right back to that country to supply for their clean water supply. The

Running with a Visual Impairment For those that are visually impaired, life can seem challenging enough without adding running to the list. Getting from place to place, using new technologies, or feeling invisible to others can be daily obstacles. However, deciding to run with an impairment may be exactly the challenge you need. Rich Hunter, found of United in Stride, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 22 as he was training to become an officer in the military. Stunned, he quickly changed gears and got his master's degree and became a school psychologist. All the while he continued to raise a family and take each challenge step by step. Rich has completed an Iron Man triathlon, a 100-mile race, and many other long-distance events. He is an advocate and spokesperson for the visually impaired community. He loves to run and has helped many others find joy in running. Can I still run? Yes Yes Yes!! More than ever, there are opportunities for the visually impaired to run. United in Stride is all about pairing visually impaired runners with volunteers. You can be guided during races or training sessions. Can I still do what I love if I lose my sight? Absolutely! Now, if your only passion is racing Nascar, then you may need to adjust your dreams. However, you would probably be surprised about what you can still do with less-than-perfect vision. Blind athletes have kayaked the Grand Canyon, climbed to the top of Mount Everest, and guess what, have even driven laps around a Nascar track. This may also be a wonderful time to try some new things that you've always wanted to do. Have faith in your desires and goals and take it one step at a time. How do I Speak to a Blind Person? The simple answer is, just like you would speak with anyone else! Visually impaired is the most commonly accepted term to use, although "blind" can be just as accepted depending on the person you are talking with. It's safe to say that asking the individual what terms they feel comfortable with is the best way to go. Ninety percent of people with a disability often feel invisible. More than anything, Rich encourages everyone not to be afraid of speaking about or to those with disabilities. Don't succumb to your fears of offending someone. Instead, be okay with feeling awkward or making mistakes as you learn. Lastly, be aware that there are grumpy blind people, just like there are grumps in every other group of people. If you find yourself accidently offending someone, remember what your intentions were and don't let them stop you from being friends with people with disabilities. How Can I Help the Visually Impaired Community? Volunteering for United in Stride is a great start. Even if there aren't opportunities for you to be a training guide in your area, sign up! Having people available for whenever there is a need is vital for providing running opportunities for everyone. What's the difference between Legally Blind and Completely Blind? Legally blind is defined as someone who has 20/200 vision or worse in their best seeing eye. That means what a normal person can see from 200 feet away, they can see at 20 feet away. Total blindness is the equivalent to not having eyes. This is actually rare, affecting only a small percentage of people with visual impairments. Spectrum of Visual Impairments Although you should approach everyone the same, as a human being, blindness doesn't fit into one small box. Some people are born with visual impairments, some lose eyesight with age, and some lose vision after an accident. What a person can actually see also varies. Some have a high reception to light and life is simply blurry, while others have trouble deciphering between light and dark. Most of all it's important to remember that what is true for one, isn't true for all. Living in a Visual World If you struggle with a visual impairment, know there are others out there. Your options are unlimited, and help is somewhere near. You will likely have bad days, and that is okay and normal. Sometimes it's just about doing what you can, for Rich, that was simply taking a breath in the beginning. "Stepping up to the next level isn't that hard," says Rich. If you focus on the next thing you can do, you will surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. Take a breath, then another, and keep doing the next small thing that you can. For these little series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information and concentrate on that because it is GOOD information. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you feel so cheeky to start supporting me on Patreon, it would be able to help me a lot! You get access to bonus interviews and upcoming guests, to where you could ask them a question. Running 4 Real Patreon Page. Thank you SO much!! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join

Burnout is a normal challenge we all face when running, and it can come in a variety of forms. Sometimes it comes in the form of overindulgence. Think of it as your favorite ice cream that you discovered is served in unlimited amounts on a cruise you're on. At first, it's beautiful. The idea of eating soft serve perfection as much you want, whenever you want, is a dream come true. That is, until you simultaneously have a headache, stomachache, and mounds of regret from the dairy and sugar intake. Well, running can be like that. You discover that you enjoy running. You run and run, get faster and faster until you hit a wall. Maybe the injuries start to pile up. Perhaps your body starts doing things that you've never experienced before. You are fatigued constantly, or you can't sleep, or you start to get migraines. That thing that seemed good for you (even better than ice cream??) seems to be making life worse. Other times you come to an emotional or mental block. Every year you fail to qualify for the race of your dreams. You stay optimistic for a while, telling yourself that consistency is the key. "If I just keep running, every week, I will obtain my goal." But sometimes, you just don't quite get there. It's time to pivot. Challenge Accepted Susan Lacke has had her fair share of challenges. Like many of us she sometimes has a hard time calling herself a runner. Being a "middle-or end-of-the-pack runner" can feel like not being a runner at all. You may think, "How can I call myself a runner when I've never even run a marathon?" Apart from runner identity struggles, Susan also happens to be deaf. Susan can't hear, but she can talk. She isn't quite deaf enough to feel like a member of the deaf community, but she also doesn't feel like she can quite fit into the non-deaf community. Floating somewhere in between has also been a challenge. But with every challenge comes an opportunity to succeed. That's the mindset Susan has developed to help her overcome fears and live a fabulous life. She encourages everyone to do the things that scare them. That's how we discover our potential. "Being scared is good. Being scared is hugely motivational," she says. And that is exactly what Susan has done this past year. Overcoming Burnout Not qualifying for the Boston Marathon was one the contributors of Susan's burnout. But Susan loves running. She enjoyed being a runner, but felt like she wasn't becoming the runner that she wanted to be. What to do? What are our options when we've given our all and still don't succeed? Are we eventually just forced to quit? For Susan, not running was not an option. Over the span of one year, Susan decided to not sign up for any traditional races. No marathons, no run-of-the-mill city 5Ks. She stayed up late one night searching through different races. Quirky ones. Races that you haven't even thought of. She looked through all of these races, and then, signed up for every single one of them. When burnout strikes, it's time to change pace. It definitely doesn't mean that you need to give up on a goal, or give up a passion. You just need to switch it up for a bit. Take a relaxing hiatus, try a new sport, or run without a specific goal. You can even try to do some of the races Susan did: Run to the top of the Empire State Building, run a race through the Grand Canyon, or (brace yourself) run a 5k buck naked. After you do what you need to to shake off the burnout, don't hesitate to get back after your old goals, maybe altering them some. You may find that the obsessive personal goals you had weren't really what you wanted to do anyway. There's Room for Everyone in the Running Community Feeling partially a part of the deaf community, and partially not, Susan has found that there are no strict qualifications for being a part of the running community. If your run, you are a runner. Period. Whether it's a weekend jog with your dog, a passion for sprinting up flights of stairs, a love for superhero costumes, long runs through nature, or probably literally anything you can think of, you can join the community of runners. There you will be welcome as you are, a runner, and even more than that, You—just the way you are. Resources: Susan's Website (Book) Running Outside Your Comfort Zone Susan on Twitter Susan on Facebook Thank you to Bodyhealth, Turbotrack.me, and MetPro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. They are not wanting to guess what to do with your metabolism, the experts at MetPro are there for you to help you reach any of goals or the struggles you may be going through. If you li

Recognizing and Living with Anxiety Anxiety disorders are the most commonly treated psychiatric disorder, even more so than depression or addiction. Understanding what anxiety is, who is affected by it, how it affects them and appropriate responses is therefore helpful whether you live with anxiety or someone close to you does. Running and anxiety can have a relationship in both positive and negative ways. Running is often a healthy habit that calms our mood, strengthens our heart, and gives us confidence in completing difficult tasks. Occasionally, running is a source of anxiety. Like other exercise or eating habits, it can become an obsessive hobby. Without proper introspection, it can be more of a crutch than a help. Today we interviewed Ken Johnson, a psychiatrist and a Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a long-time runner and passionate doctor, Ken was well equipped to answer some of the questions below to help us understand anxiety more fully. What is Anxiety? As part of the human experience, we all encounter anxiety. Doing things we don't normally do often make us anxious, such as speaking in front of others, traveling to new places, or competing in sporting events. Anxiety becomes a disorder once it impedes normal life. If you find yourself feeling scared, obsessive or nervous frequently, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. However, it is completely normal to feel these emotions and not have an anxiety disorder. How do I Know if I Have Anxiety? Common physical responses for those with anxiety include increased sweating or gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Other determinants include being unable to do your job, being afraid to go to work, not being in tune with your environment (often made known by comments from friends and family members), or having repeating thoughts or actions such as wondering if you turned off the oven. What Types of Anxiety Exist? To know if you have anxiety, it can be helpful to understand the types of anxiety disorders that exist. Anxiety disorders are occasionally categorized or defined differently, so contacting your doctor is the surest way to learn more about current descriptions and treatments. These are just a few of the more common anxiety disorders. OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): Those with OCD can have a particular action or thought that is repeated constantly. Common symptoms are obsessive cleaning or making sure doors are locked. Social Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety that only presents itself when you are with other people. This is typically heightened by larger groups of people, or people you don't know well. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This type of anxiety happens regularly, without regard to current location or circumstances. Who Should I go to for Help With my Anxiety? Dr. Johnson recommends one of two people that can help you get set up with a professional. If you know a friend that sees a therapist, ask them their opinion of their therapist. If they recommended him or her, it may be a good fit for you too. Another great resource is your primary doctor. Your doctor should have a handful recommendations. Be open with him or her about how you are feeling. How Long Should I See a Therapist? See a therapist for two to three sessions at a minimum before deciding if the therapy is helpful to you. This is probably a good amount of time to see a therapist before deciding if they are a good fit as well. How Important is Finding the Right Therapist? Studies have shown that working with "the right" therapist is more important than the therapist's training or the types of therapy. It may take effort on your part to find a therapist that fits your personality, but it is well worth it. Talking With Someone Who Has Anxiety First and foremost, avoid criticism. Approach every interaction with that person with compassion. When you suggest getting help, doing so out of love instead of criticism should help you find the right words. The depth of your relationship should also determine how often you bring up the subject. If you aren't more than an acquaintance, simple positive support can be your role. Anxiety in a Modern World We live in a fast-paced world that is full of comparison and demands on our time. Being aware of our thoughts and actions is one of the simplest ways to help ourselves. Take time to ponder, away from media and distractions. We will always have times when we experience anxiety, but as we learn to recognize when or why it is happening, we don't have to succumb to its pressure. Like a cloud, we can see it and then chose to focus on it or let it go by. For these little series of episodes I am not having sponsors because I want you to just get this information and concentrate on that because it is GOOD information. I want people to be able to feel loved, seen, and heard with these episodes. All I ask is that if you feel so cheeky to start supporting me on Patreon, it would be able to help me a lot! You get access to bo

Running Lessons from Bill Rodgers Not every day do you get to sit down and talk with a Boston Marathon winner. Even less frequently, someone who has won more than once. In fact, Bill Rodgers has won the Boston Marathon no less than four times, setting a course record and an American marathon record during that span. Throughout his professional running career, Rodgers ran over 50 marathons. A number that is unmatched by elite runners today. You may occasionally hear of marathon enthusiasts that have run more, but no professional runner logs 50 marathons, and typically for good reason. As we have discussed frequently, a serious part of a runner's successful training is recovery. A quick study of the history of runners over the past several decades will show the negative consequences from a lack of it. But Bill simply couldn't stop running. With thousands of runs logged over the past half-century, Bill has seen the rise and fall and rise again of running. He's experienced disappointing losses and fulfilling victories. Through the ups and downs he has kept his love for running and learned many lessons along the way. Tune in to learn more! Setting the Ground Work When Bill was at the height of his career in the late 70s, running was Bill's main source of income. The only issue was, even as one of the best in the world, running didn't pay well. The biggest reason for the mass number of marathons run by Bill was to keep working. Simply put, he couldn't afford not to run. Injury, fatigue, burnout, all come up quickly when the body isn't well rested. But without people like Bill, testing the limits of his body with science and funding slow to catch up, the running world could never be the internationally loved sport that it is today. Rodgers found himself running up to four marathons a year. These races were often done much later in the day, without nearly the amount of water and support stops along the course. This led to intense dehydration which Bill explains as something that was just, "part of the sport" at the time. Today runners are supported by scientific studies, more funding, and a community that is ready and willing to pick you back up. Like Bill, you can make a difference in the way running is treated in the future. Sharing your love for running, competing, and just being seen can make a difference. Finding Your Way Back to Running Bill describes his experience on finding running as something of an accident. He fell into running when he had to run for a school assignment and realized he was good at. From there, he and his friends decided to run for fun. From those early days, running was about enjoying the competition with others. Later in life Bill says he fell out of running. Similarly, to his experience of discovering running, there wasn't a great reason as to why he quit. Before long the lack of running in his life led to other things that he didn't enjoy. He picked up smoking and eventually hit a low when his only mode of transportation, his motorcycle, was stolen. Before long Bill was back to running, and immediately he knew it was the thing in his life that kept him healthy and grounded. He quit smoking, and competed like never before, making his way toward the number one ranked marathoner in the world. Running Tourism Over the years Bill has fallen in love with running tourism. Running tourism can be defined as traveling to new places by competing in new races. It has become a popular way to travel. Signing up for a race in a destination you've been hoping to visit and subsequently training to compete is a wonderful way to reward yourself and meet a few like-minded people. I mean really, what's a better excuse than to travel to Europe, New York, or Asia than to say I'm going to run 26 miles there. What's more is that you can practice running tourism on a large or small scale. Micro-travel is when you explore places in your own country or city, and can be just as rewarding as over-planned vacations. Use running to find new parks, shops, or cute neighborhoods in your town. You may be surprised at what treasures you find within a few miles from your home. Whatever it is that gets you to lace up your running shoes is a wonderful thing. Don't be afraid to add a few more reasons to run. Visit a new place, share your love for running with a friend or family member, or use running to steady your life. You'll be happy you did. Resources: If you would like a personalized copy of Bill's book, "Marathon Man", you can contact him at the Bill Rodgers Running Center via [email protected]. (Book) Marathon Man Bill's Website Jeff Galloway's Website Jeff Galloway on the Running for Real Podcast Thank you to Bodyhealth and MetPro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for

Running with an Elite Mindset When Dave Spandorfer was running in college, social entrepreneurship was just stepping into the big scene. Brands like Toms were finding ways to give back to the community, and care about something other than their shareholders wallets, while still staying a successful, for-profit company. Since that time, we have seen a multitude of companies who've had success making a profit, while focusing on a cause. Today, it's almost expected that every big company have a story and a purpose—something more than just pure profit. For Dave, it was all centered around running. He wanted to create a community within the running world that used running as a way to explore the world. He also wanted to give back to those parts of the world he explored. And of course, he wanted a pair of running shorts that weren't the exact same as everyone else. Together with his running teammate Mike, Dave began the journey of creating Janji, a new running-attire company, with the goal of inspiring people to understand the world more, connecting runners with others, and providing life's most precious commodity to more people everywhere. Run to Learn We have recently discussed how running is a great way to travel and explore. Whether you are running down newly-paved neighborhoods, taking in breath-taking views in nature, learning about a new city on foot, or dedicating a trip to a race, running provides a unique perspective on the world. Something about seeing buildings, people, and landscapes while running brings you closer to the world than a television, a phone or a car can. The smells, the sounds, and the sights become much more real. Running is a wonderful way to learn about the world, and Dave's goal was to share that truth with the world in an even bigger way. At Janji, each clothing line is paired with a country. Twice a year, they find local artists to help create new designs for their shorts and tops. These artists then have a chance to share a little bit about their country and culture in the design of the clothing. Run to Connect We all know how close knit the running world is. Try going for a morning run in a new city, a place where you don't know anyone, and it will be a challenge to not get a few smiles, waves, or good mornings from runners headed the opposite direction. Something about this global sport connects people before they really even meet. At Janji, they work to connect others through running by organizing travel expeditions and teaching their customers about new parts of the world. If finding a smiling runner who was willing to talk about their run with you wasn't easy enough, they literally put you on a path with like-minded runner/travelers. Next time you run in a new spot, or see a new runner, give them a wave and a hello. They will love it and so will you. And hey, you just might meet a new best friend. Run to Give Back Janji, which means promise in Malay, works with each of the countries it creates product lines with to create more access to clean water. Water is the most important resource, and is often on the mind of the runner. When Dave and Mike ran on a blisteringly hot day during a college championship race, they knew that water had to be their choice for how to give back. Each of us have daily decisions about how we can support social causes. Luckily for the majority of us, it doesn't have to come by learning how to create clean water for others. Simply doing a little bit of research on the products we purchase and spreading the word when we find people involved in good causes can make a difference. Our small voices and simple decisions are powerful as they spread. What Can Running Do For YOU? So, here's the never-ending pitch for why you should run: Running will give more to you than you can ever give to it. Sure, you may sweat, stink, get sore, and run out of breath, but the rewards are endless. A community, a healthy body, and vehicle for learning and exploring, a way to give back. These are just a few reasons to get out the door and run. Resources: Janji Janji on Instagram Janji on Twitter Janji on Facebook Chris McDougall's Website Thank you to Bodyhealth, MetPro, and Janji for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. Yes when this company reached out to me I wasn't too excited about, but with just one phone call conversation with them and they won me over! They are not wanting to guess what to do with your metabolism, the experts at MetPro are there for you to help you reach any of goals or the struggles you may be going through. Click here to receive a FREE me

Can you picture your perfect day? What happens from the moment you wake up to the seconds before you lay your head down? Is that perfect day possible? If not, why do you think you crave that day? If it is possible, are you working toward it? We all have goals and dreams in life that keep us moving forward or engulf our thoughts as we drive in traffic. But these future aspirations can be motivating or debilitating. Today, the idea of "Living in the present" is preached from every blog post and podcast episode. Learning to enjoy the moment that we are currently in is important because it literally is the only moment we have. We simply don't live in the past or the future. At the same time, we are asked to set goals, push ourselves to the limit, and be the best version of ourselves. Can we really live in the moment, be happy with where we are, and yet still work toward a goal? Lauren Fleshman believes we can. Lauren is a former American Champion in track and field. She is also a long-distance runner, a violinist, an activist, a blogger, a mom, a coach, a businesswoman, and probably a superhero. She has seen extremely high levels of success and at the same time, broken into tears, walked toward finish lines, and dealt with the anxiety of signing athletic contracts. She understands what it's like to "have it all," but still feel scared and unhappy. Today we chatted with Lauren about her career as an athlete, and her stances on social media, equality, and motherhood. We talked about the process of going from the person judging others for their actions to being the person that is judged by others. These life lessons will prepare you for life, both as a runner and as a human. Read along to learn from one of the best. Perfectionism vs Satisfaction When Michael Phelps told the world he was dealing with depression, everyone was shocked except for all the people in the world who have dealt with depression, and their loved ones, and other professional athletes, and lots of other people. In fact, it shouldn't have been very surprising to anyone that a superstar could be depressed. On the outside, he had everything; a huge contract, popularity, the title of best in the world, great physical health, more gold medals than you can count, and plenty of money. But he wasn't perfectly satisfied or happy. The problem with living in the future is that you continually tell yourself, "I'll be happy when...." This starts at a young age for all of us. I'll be happy when I get my driver's license, or when I graduate, or when I land a job, or when I pay off debt, or when I get married, have kids, don't have kids, win the Olympics, and so on. But eventually that thing happens. And then we wake up the next day. And then we realize, we are the same person we were yesterday. When we strive for perfection, whether it's in our sport or in the cleanliness of our living room, there is a tendency to never be satisfied. When asked about constantly staying busy, chasing success and always wanting to improve, Lauren said, "None of it matters if you aren't able to enjoy it." That's why successful people "quit early." What does being the best, being perfect, or being rich do for us if we don't enjoy it? The answer is, nothing. So, what can we do about it? Simple. We can quit what we don't enjoy, or enjoy what we are doing. It is possible to be satisfied with where we are, completely content or happy, and still work hard every day. Sometimes all it takes is someone to tell you it's okay to do or feel something before you can do or feel it. Here is your permission. It's okay for you to feel good about where you are, to ignore those people that say "Never Settle!" and to calmly enjoy the moment while you do your best at the same time. Whose Opinions Matter to You? As you decide to be satisfied with who you are, you will hear the opinions or many around you. It would also be wise to decide who you should listen to. Pick a few people who fit that category, and don't feel bad about ignoring the rest. Lauren suggests having a list of qualifications, and if a certain person doesn't fit those, don't put too much thought into their words. Most of all, listen to those people that love you. If you know they love you, you can trust that what they are saying is meant to help. They may say the wrong thing occasionally, but it will be less about you, than about what they are going through. Remember we are all complex, multi-dimensional humans. Judge yourself lightly and judge others as if they were you. Very soon you will enjoy the moment you are in. Resources: Lauren on Twitter Lauren's Website Pinky Bars use code TINAMUIR for 30%, for only US listeners Cheryl Strayed on Twitter Sally Bergesen on Twitter Sally Bergesen's Episode Thank you to Bodyhealth, MetPro and Janji for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Ami

When was the last time you consciously decided to face one of your fears head-on? Can you think of when you last conquered a hard task that you dreaded? How did it make you feel? Often the majority of suffering comes from the time prior to completing a hard task. The period of time when you dread what you have to do, or how it will look if you fail, or how much work it will take to succeed. The actual doing, the active moments when you face that fear or task, truly the only moments when you feel alive, those moments are hardly painful at all. Whatever we spend our time doing, we get better at. Like our muscles, our ability to face fears, to try new tasks, or to learn new things atrophy or hypertrophy. When we push ourselves to the limit, that limit expands, making it easier to get to our personal best again and possible to beat our new personal best. Sounds simple, right? Well, maybe not. In practice, doing the hard thing is just that, hard. Difficult tasks and fears don't seem like they can ever be easy or pleasurable. By very definition they can't be. But, facing them can be learned. In fact, doing the thing that you are afraid to do is the number one piece of advice that we learned from one of the best running coaches alive. Matthew Futterman had the opportunity of a lifetime when he began writing his new book "Running to the Edge." He interviewed Bob Larsen who has coached elite runners since the late 50's. His book follows Larsen as he coached National Champions and Olympic Medalists. Today he shared some of the things he learned along the way. Know When to Push Yourself The popularity of running in the U.S. and its ability to produce world class runners has had a few high and low points in the last 50 years. Media has portrayed running as a secret to heart health and long life as well as a sure-fire way to end up with knee replacements and heart attacks. Some highly watched athletes have trained themselves into the ground, mentally and physically, and the science of running has had complete 180-degree turns even within the last decade. The study and experimentation of running long distances as fast as you can has been a work in progress. But today we know more than ever and can give simple guidelines as to when to rest and when to push. The simple way to know when to push yourself and when to rest is just by how you feel. A rule of thumb is to rest when you feel exhausted or injured and push yourself when you feel strong. This is something that you can learn over time but is crucial to know if you want to stay healthy and get faster. Know What You Don't Know A trait that Bob Larsen had that helped him excel as a coach was being willing to ask questions when he didn't know the answers. A certain meekness and humility may not be the most popular road to success, but it is definitely the fastest. And isn't that what we runners are all about? There are things you don't know, and then there are things that you don't know you don't know. In both cases the answers to these unknown questions can open doors you didn't know existed. If you are more focused on the task of doing your best, and less concerned with how you appear as you get there, you will be more willing to ask questions and accept help from those around you. Finding New Limits with Friends Most of the best runners in the world have trained with teammates consistently. When Coach Larsen learned that the fastest long-distance runners at the time were running in groups and training at high altitudes, he teamed up with another coach and recruited top U.S. runners to train in Mammoth Lakes, California. At Mammoth, newly formed teammates learned from each other and from new coaches. They trained where they could get the best workouts and found friendly competition a highly effective training tool. This retreat produced some of the best runners the United States had seen and reunited Americans with their love for running. When we train with others we learn, enjoy comradery, and become motivated to run a little (or a lot) faster. While it may not be your cup of tea to run with others every day, doing so once a week or a couple times a month is sure to lengthen your stride (pun intended). If running with friends (or making a new friend) is one of your fears, make it a goal to face it. Look for opportunities to do the hard thing, ask for help, and work hard when you feel strong. These tips from professional journalists and coaches will expand your limits. Resources: Matthew's Website Matthew on Twitter Jason Gay on Twitter City Slickers Can't Stay with Me (book) Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed Thank you to Bodyhealth, Turbo Me, MetPro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. Whether it is from being pregnant, postpartum, after a

A polymath, commonly referred to as a Renaissance Man or Woman, is an individual that has an interest in a variety of fields and a level of expertise or professionalism in each of them. A few of the most well-known polymaths are Galileo, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo de Vinci. These individuals are often highly praised and revered because of their successes in a variety of fields. But what if their wide-ranging interests are the very reason for their accomplishments? David Epstein had this same question as it related to sports. Do the best athletes become the best because they specialize at an early age? Or do they become the best because they choose not to specialize? As his book suggests, is there a Sports Gene? Many of the top sports performers are highly competitive in several sports. Michael Jordan, Jackie Robinson, Serena Williams, Steve Nash and many more have showed levels of brilliance in multiple sports and likely could have topped the podiums in other sports had they chosen a different path. So, what does that mean for you and me? How should we approach the things we do? How should we raise our children to be? In a specialized world, should we be concerned over spreading ourselves too thin in a variety of interests? How effective is cross-training? Answers to these questions and more can be found on today's Running for Real Episode. Join in! Sunk Cost Fallacy One of the surest ways to be great, is to do something that you can stand to do day in and day out. Many people call this "finding your passion" or "finding your life calling." If you do what you love, it would make sense that you want to do it well and do it consistently. While it may not be necessary to discover your life calling in order to be happy and successful, it certainly doesn't hurt. The single most deterring factor in doing those things you love is called the "Sunk Cost Fallacy." When you begin down a certain career path and invest a lot of time or money into developing your talents in that field, it is difficult to justify changing directions. Those that practice medicine or law can come out of school with enough debt to last a lifetime and can't even fathom changing careers because of that burden. This fallacy haunts us in a variety of ways in life. It stops some people from being able to choose a major in college at all. It tells us that we are too old to switch sports. It forces us to continue using our iPhone or Android even when we think we would like the other better. The truth is, you have a choice. You can change careers, music subscriptions, shoe brands, or sports. In fact, many of the studies show that as you choose to have variety, your chances of success skyrocket. Experiment with Yourself (Skill Stacking) David has become an expert at being a beginner. He was a walk-on college athlete that went on to set an 800m record, a student of astronomy and environmental science where he did research in the Arctic Circle, a two-time bestselling author, and a journalist for Sport's Illustrated and ProPublica. Finding things that interest you is David's passion. He is an advocate for Gap Years, career changes, and personal experiments. Finding things that interest you is important to your well-being, but just as important is the process of finding. Most people in today's work force will switch jobs and careers several times, even if you stay within the same company. David suggest that each of us should practice skill stacking—the process of cognitively getting out of ruts of competence. The world is changing, and to keep up, we should perform many mini experiments with ourselves to find the things that interest us and bring us pleasure. This will teach us how to move on to a new job or solve a new problem, and we are sure to find golden eggs of interest along the way. Practice, not Theory David's final advice is that "we learn who we are in practice, not in theory." It isn't enough to take a personality test and then follow the results. We need to get out there and just try things. Read a new type of book, try another sport, accept a new project at work, travel to a new city, eat a new type of food. As you experience more of life you will learn to enjoy the experience and are sure to find more things you love. Resources: David on Twitter David's Website Maria Konnikova on Twitter (Book)The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance (Book) Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (Book) Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia (Book) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, and UCAN for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and

Do you hit snooze ten times before getting out of bed? Do you have to daydream about sugar, fat, and carbs to motivate yourself to finish your run? Do you get out of a hot shower only to realize that you are still sweating? Then you just might be a superstar. Every so often our personal habits, attributes, and tendencies are validated when we find out that certain people we admire have the same behaviors as us. Some are trivial, like seeing a pop star trip on-stage or have a bad hair day. On the other hand, some are remarkably encouraging and brave, like when an athlete openly discusses their mental health challenges. The truth is, we are all people. We have flaws, embarrassing moments, dreams that seems out of reach, and times we feel discouraged. But the more we learn and the more people we meet, the more we realize there isn't one right way to do something. Success and happiness are dressed up in a multitude of fashions, and picking what works best for you is a sure way to reach your potential. Jenni Falconer is a wonderful example of someone who fully embraces who she is and uses it to her own advantage. She is well-known in Great Britain as a TV presenter and a fitness guru. She's run the London Marathon several times and has her own podcast called RunPod. But most of all, Jenni puts on one running shoe on at a time, just like me and you. Embrace Your Tendencies As a morning host, Jenni has a brutally early morning routine. She has to wake up at 2:30 am every morning to get ready and head into work. The ten snoozes you just read about? Yep that's Jenni. She tells us that it has become just a part of her routine. Instead of beating herself up about not being able to wake up and get out of bed immediately after hearing the first alarm, she is proactive in preparing for what works for her. Every night before bed she lays out exactly what she needs for the next day and can then quickly get everything done after hitting snooze that last time before she heads out the door. While hitting snooze that many times may not be her advice to everyone, she does what works best for her and moves forward. Jenni's coach has recommended to her to not bring her phone, public transportation pass, or money with her when she runs—an effort to help her finish her run from work back home without stopping for a tea, jumping on a train or being distracted by a call. Sometimes removing the distractions works best and other times we can work around them or use them to our advantage. What things are stopping you from achieving your goals? Are there difficulties you have that seem impossible to change and result in throttling your progress? Do these difficulties really slow you down or is it simply an excuse? Do you have a way of working around them? Can you use them to your advantage? Be creative when it comes to achieving goals and removing distractions. You know yourself best. Trick yourself, bribe yourself, encourage yourself, or remove yourself. The power is in your hands, and once you accept who you are, you can begin your creative work. How Will it Make You Feel? When Jenni has a hard time getting out for a run, she tries to think about how she will feel when she is done. For most things in life, getting started is 90 percent of the work. Once you get going, you feel good and can more easily convince yourself to keep going. One tactic she suggests is recording yourself right after a run and talking to your future self about how good you will feel once you complete that run. Then, any time you have a hard time convincing yourself to go on a run, watch that video. Before you know it, you'll be out the door and committed to your running session. Whatever it is that gets you moving, allow that to keep working. Reward yourself with your favorite restaurant, buy a new outfit, sign up for a race, leave your phone at home, anything that works for you, do it. You'll thank yourself every time you finish. Resources: Jenni on Instagram Jenni on Twitter Park Run Paul Sinton-Hewitt on Running for Real RunPod on Apple Podcasts Sophie Raworth on RunPod Sophie Raworth on Instagram Susie Chan on Instagram Thank you to Bodyhealth and Athletic Greens for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, Visit here to learn more! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment secti

Now more than over, runners of all ages and interests have opportunities to be the best they can be. No longer are the days of a small handful of elites that make up the only competitive runners. Today, if you want to be a competitive runner, you can. As a lifestyle, a hobby, or a profession, you decide how serious to take your sport. One reason this is possible is the access to running tools. Especially for long distance events, all the training information is available. Marathoners and coaches are typically willing to share their training "secrets." Books, training gear, coaching sessions and more are available to anyone who is interested. With the running community as strong as ever, there are also more running niches that you can be a part of. Obstacle course events, ultramarathons, long-distance relays, and trail races are just some examples. You don't need to qualify for Boston to prove that you love running and that you are good at it. With all that said, running will always be about what you can do, based on your life situations. Being a competitive runner is a mindset, not a race time or place. Being competitive is fun, it's a challenge, and it's fulfilling. When you choose to be competitive, running stops becoming a chore and starts becoming a challenge. Choose challenge. Your life, Your Best Jonathan Beverly is the Editor-in-Chief of Podium Runner, an author, a coach, and a lifelong runner. But to him, more than all of that, he is also a father. Throughout his life his priorities have changed occasionally, like they do for all of us, but for the last 18 years, his number one priority has been his children. On today's Running for Real podcast, Jonathan gives insight to our running goals, our priorities and how to come to terms with the balance between the two. He talks about what he found when he studied a group of elites for the five weeks leading up to their marathon, including what they ate, how far they ran, and more. Tune in or read on to be a faster version of you. Your Individual Potential Nearly everyone's potential is limited to more than their genetics and muscle makeup. If running is the number one priority in your life, if you want to be the best at all costs, and if you have the determination to do so, than you just might be an elite runner. However, if that sentence didn't describe you, you still have wonderful opportunities to be great. For most of us, running doesn't show up till 2,3, or 27 on our list of priorities. Since that is the case, STOP setting silly goals or day dreaming about how good you could be if all the stars aligned. Your goals ought to be based on your priorities, not someone else's. Of course, it is okay to dream, encouraged in fact. But if being the best runner you could possibly be meant you had to give up your beautiful family, your dream job, or any number of other things you value, would you still want to be that runner. Probably not. How to Set Goals So how should you set goals then? Jonathan says it begins with being brutally honest. What are your limitations? What are some things that come before running? What aspects of running do you enjoy most? If you love running for the social connections, don't be so concerned about setting goals that take away from that. And if running is your precious time to yourself, don't feel obligated to say yes to a running group. Discover what it is you want from running. Set a base goal, and then go from there. Maybe you just want to be able to run eight miles on any given day. Add loftier goals only after getting to that point. Be honest with yourself and you won't ever feel let down. Consistency When Jonathan studied a group of elites five weeks before the Boston marathon, he found that they didn't have particularly impressive workouts, but they did consistently put in the miles. The impressive part was the day after day workout commitment. Like all of us, they had good days and bad days, recovery days and hill days. But every day, they got out the door to run. This is the best lesson we can learn from great runners. If you want to be competitive, to be the best runner you can be, the only way you can find out is if you get out there. Decide what you want to be, organize your priorities, be honest with yourself, and then challenge yourself to get out there every day to see what you can become. Resources: (book) Your Best Stride https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623368979/ (book) Run Strong, Stay Hungry https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937715698/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 Jonathan's Website Desi Linden on Instagram Tina's Article on Podium Runner Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, and Tribe for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Ev

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Your everyday airline attendant will tell you, "Before helping others, first put on your own oxygen mask." Many people find it difficult to reconcile these two ideas. Helping yourself and helping others can seem like competing voices. However, when we look deeper, past the simple checkboxes of doing things for me and doing things for you, they are a perfect pair. Doing things for yourself can be quick fixes or long-term goals. For example, eating breakfast and getting enough sleep are daily tasks that when ignored can have us lacking the energy to give proper care to our children. On the lengthier end, completing a law degree or training to be an Olympian may seem to be very selfish objectives, but once completed they provide a way to benefit others that didn't exist before. Olympic Gold Medalist Sally Gunnell has had a live full of giving and receiving. Early in life she focused on herself, becoming the best runner she could be. She set a world record in the 400-meter hurdles and finished first at the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth competitions, the only woman to do so. Now Sally gives back. She is focused on showing people what living a healthy lifestyle can do for them and what it has done for her. She has taken the lessons she learned as an athlete and helped businesses train their employees to become better leaders and team players. Being great and being selfless are not mutually exclusive. Sally has shown it in her life and you can do it in yours. The more you help others, the greater you become, and the more you develop yourself, the better asset you can be to the world. Asking for Help An obvious, but challenging way to become the best version of yourself is to ask for help. This was all but non-existent when Sally was training to become an Olympian. It was almost unheard of for someone at her level of athletic success to meet with a psychologist. It was viewed as a weakness, not a smart decision. While sports psychologists are popular today, with most professional teams hiring psychologists for their teams, asking for help is still difficult. But accepting support is a form of strength, not a sign of weakness. As the only species that can't function on their own for months and years after birth, humans are meant to lean on one another. It takes a community to raise a child AND to support an adult. Think about your goals and where asking for help can take you to the next level. Reminding Yourself of Accomplishments Even when Sally came in 5thin the world in her event, she had some doubts about herself. Success doesn't automatically erase fear or disbelief. At every level, self-doubt exists and can be crippling to our performance. Our mentality plays a major role in our actions. When we have successes or failures in one aspect of life, like sports, it often overlaps into other life events like family or work. Having a positive outlook in your running will help you to become a better mother, brother, employee, or friend. For Sally, it came down to force feeding positive thoughts. When you are feeling down or doubtful, remind yourself that everyone else is having similar thoughts. Tell yourself that you have been working hard. Think about the times you pushed through, the time you have put in, or the tough decisions you made that helped you be where you are today. As you accept where you are and give your mind positive things to chew on, doubts will float away. Ignoring Distractions Sally has had to become an expert at tuning out the noises of the world. As an elite runner, she often competed against others that used illegal performance enhancing drugs. Sally knew that thinking about their potential advantage would only be a distraction. She told herself that those runners would get their comeuppance in time. Being honest with herself gave her strength that others couldn't get. In a sport as technical as the hurdles, drugs can only do so much. That's what Sally told herself, but that's also what is true about nearly every sport. Our mind is the greatest tool we have, and it is free. As you continue your journey, use your free gift to do the best that you can do. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish, and your successes will bless the people around you. Resources: Sally on Instagram Sally on Twitter Sally's Website Kelly Holmes on Twitter Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, and Tribe for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR25 for 10% off. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, mi

Effort-based running is a highly sought-after skill. In a perfect world we could measure everything we do by how capable we are in that moment. This is an optimal situation because we wouldn't limit ourselves when we have the energy, and we wouldn't look down on ourselves when we don't. However, because of the complexity and difficulty of always doing the perfect amount of an exercise, we have measuring sticks. Clocks, distance measurements, amount of weight, and other people to compare ourselves to, all contribute to teaching us how far we've come, and where we can go. Another helper in finding our optimal intensity for each workout is a coach. A coach can look at things from a different viewpoint, letting us know about things we may not be able to recognize on our own. Things like our mood or our posture can be difficult to self-manage, but with the help of a coach, we can learn when to slow down or speed up. Greg McMillan has been coaching runners for over 30 years. He believes in the individual runner and optimizing every run. "You're a different runner every day," says Coach McMillan. Making sure that you train at the correct level of intensity is important. It can take a long time to figure out what that means for you. As you learn to do so, you'll be more comfortable with your results, and you will get the most out of each run. Every Run is Unique In order to optimize each run, you have to understand that they are all different. From how you feel, to the weather, to the goal of that workout, each run needs special attention. For many beginning runners, faster always seems better. This is simply not true. For example, running faster when injured can result in long-term rehabilitation, or running fast on recovery days can slow down progress. Over the years of coaching, Greg has developed a calculator to help runners have an idea of how fast they should be running to hit a certain race goal. Each athlete enters his or her goal time and current fitness level. The calculator then gives a pace range for training. This helps runners who are working toward effort-based running find a pace that works for them. Coach McMillan suggests running toward the slower pace when the weather is tough or when you are feeling fatigued. However, just as important, he says that you are selling yourself short if you aren't running your best when conditions are good. This is what it means to optimize each run. Benefits of Prehab Along the lines of every unique run, is every unique runner. We have different bodies, different minds, different goals and live different lives. For each of us, there are unique injuries that come after us. Whether it is a sore knee, a tight Achilles, or an achy back, injuries can keep us from doing what we love. Greg preaches the benefits of prehabilitation: doing those things that keep injuries away before they have a chance to surface. Stretching, lifting weights, or visiting a professional therapist can do wonders for preventing injuries. For those that struggle finding the time or energy to practicing prehab, Greg gives two pieces of advice. First, just pick two things. Pick workouts or stretches that you know are good for you specifically. If you don't know what those are, see a professional or at the very least, look up some exercises online. Second, make the prehab a part of your run. Don't allow yourself to say that your run is complete until you have done the two things you picked. "Make it religious," says Coach McMillan. Age Isn't Concrete As you work toward effort-based running and choosing routines for your prehab, remember that your potential is unique. It doesn't matter if you are young, you can run with the best. It doesn't matter if you are old, you can run with the best. Don't be hard on yourself when people younger OR older are running faster than you. Your journey is your own and the only thing you can control is your effort. Run hard on hard days. Rest hard on rest days. You'll be glad you did. Resources: Greg on Twitter Greg's Website Thank you to Bodyhealth, Generation UCAN, and Tribe for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races. This product have been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar crashes! 15% off with coupon code tinamuir at www.generationUCAN.com Tribe is the leading all natural sports brand in the UK. They have a range of 20 different energy bars, protein bars, and protein snacks. Through their charity foundation they have raised money to fight

Over the years, running has given many great causes a voice. From your neighborhood kid asking for a quarter for every lap he runs, to world-famous runners using their success to raise awareness, running somehow gives clout to an organization or an idea. We've seen runners raise money for cancer research, clean water, or war veterans. Almost every cause or movement that stems from running seems universally noble. The running community has a wonderful opportunity to do good, whatever your values may be. But one thing that we can all get behind Is working together for the good of the planet. Use Your Voice for Good When trail runner Clare Gallagher recently stepped into the scene as one of the best ultrarunners, she knew exactly how she wanted to use her platform. For years she had chosen to live her life to help the earth and reduce her environmental impact. She made the decision to be a vegetarian as a teenager, has been an active voice in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, and studied marine wildlife worldwide. Wherever Clare is, she is helping by doing her part and teaching others how to do the same. Clare is now living a dream as a sponsored runner for Patagonia—a company well-known for its environmentally friendly business practices. While she knows that the biggest changes need to come from governments and institutions, she also believes in the difference each individual can make. Big change begins with small actions and Clare is a beacon of hope for a better world. The Big Picture When asked how Clare would like to pitch her ideas to those listening, she simply asks people to zoom out. Take a step back and see what is happening in the world today on a major level and how you would like the earth to be in 20, 50 or 200 years. While critics or skeptics find it hard to see what difference individual thought or action can make, Clare breaks it down to hope. "I encourage you to take the long-term view," says Clare, "How do you want to leave this planet?" Sometimes it just comes down to living a life of hope, or living a life of doubt. To understand the big picture, Clare also suggests educating yourself as much as possible. Without knowing some of the basics impacts that our actions are making, it's hard to find a desire to change our course. Instead of jumping into an argument, or settling on a belief, take time to privately read and listen to good information. 3 Ways to Make a Difference Today If you are ready to take the next step in making the world a better place, here are three simple things you can do stating today. Know What You're Eating A great place to start is to understand how are eating habits change the world. Food is the most important thing in our lives, and we should treat it that way. Eating more locally grown food and less meat in general (especially beef) is an easy start. Meat requires more resources than fruits and vegetables and simply picking chicken over beef is significantly different. Buying locally also allows you to have a conversation with a farmer so you can know if the food you're eating is grown without harmful pesticides. Plus, it's usually much tastier! Follow Your Local Government If you don't know who is voting for you, you can't very well reach out to them. Different than national representatives, your local government leaders are more easily accessible. Following them on social media is an easy way to know what they are up to and if they are representing you well. Don't hesitate to support them when you like what they are doing and call or write to them when they aren't. Reuse, Recycle, Reduce Another well-known practice, using less is hugely impactful. Try things like bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, consciously recycling before throwing away, or buying clothing made from non-virgin materials. There are one million and one ways to reduce our footprint. Try one out! Our Beautiful Planet The next time you have an opportunity to run outside, notice the beauty. Even if you live in a big city, far from a nature trail, we have plenty to enjoy. The blue sky, the lazy butterfly, the sturdy trees—runners get to appreciate the world on a regular basis. I hope you have the chance to take in a deep breath and as you feel the air hit your lungs. realize that when we take care of our home, it takes care of us. Resources: Clare's Website Clare's Twitter Clare's Instagram Protect Our Winters Sunrise Movement Grist League of Conservation Voters The Solutions Project Thank you to Generation UCAN, MetPro, and Tribe for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races. This product have been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar crashes! 15% off with coupon code tinamuir at www.generationUCAN.com I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Runni

Running a race is a great metaphor for life. Thinking back on the classic story about the tortoise and the hare, we learned that consistency outperforms skill when the tortoise beat the hare. Running teaches us to keep our eye on the prize, as they say. Each race has its literal highs and lows, that we can easily compare to life's highs and lows. The similarities and lessons are endless. We've also learned that running is great for our physical and mental health. Our heart and mind both benefit from this exercise. Our muscles are strengthened, our stress is reduced, our lungs are filled, and our hearts are lightened. Even those that hate running, often run anyway, and still reap many of the benefits. Peter Sagal has had many unique interactions with running. During the infamous Boston Marathon bombing incident, Peter was guiding a blind runner through his first Boston. They finished just five minutes before the bombing occurred. The difference between running the last mile, or taking a walking break was a literal life or death situation for the duo. As an author, the host of NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" and a father, Peter always makes time for running. When asked how he manages to get in a five-mile run every day he compares it to eating. "I just manage it because I have to," says Sagal. Just like you always find time to eat, Peter always finds time to run. He has found something priceless in running—something that will keep him running for years to come. THIS WILL END One of Peter's prized lessons he has learned from running, is that running always has an end. Whether we perform the way we intended to or not, the race or the run will end. This is an invaluable principle for life. During a time of trials and depression, Peter held onto this idea. "There is a tendency when you are down in the depths to think that you will never get out," says Peter, "One thing we know from running is that Yes it will." When faced with trials you can know that they will end. Circumstances will change. The practice of running is just that, practice. And as you practice this skill of pushing through the tough runs, and enjoying the good ones, you will be more prepared for the good and bad in life. Adapt Your Motivations Motivation is fluid. What did or didn't motivate you as a child has changed. You probably no longer run because you are being chased by bullies on the playground or avoiding catching the cooties. Finding something new to motivate your reason for running should be a joyous one, not a painstaking chore. Now that Peter knows he will likely never beat his personal best, he has found other rewarding motivations. He has guided multiple blind runners during marathons and says it has been extraordinarily gratifying. "If you are feeling bad, go out and help someone," Peter says, "You will feel so much better." The running community has so many opportunities to help other people. Volunteering at a race, pacing a runner, running for charity, or leading a blind runner are just a few options. Another motivating aspect Peter now loves is marathon tourism. He has run marathons in a handful of cities and plans to do others around the world. Keep your running fresh by volunteering, going for a PR, running in a new city, or anything else that comes to mind. Life is Unfair, But You're in Control Everyone has their demons and burdens. It's best not to judge because we don't know the details of each person's life. It's also important to not be too hard on yourself. Your own battles are unique and tough. Don't judge yourself based on others. However, whatever unfair things have happened to you, you can now take responsibility for what you do. Choosing to mope in bed because you have a challenge that someone else doesn't won't get you anywhere positive. Decide today that you will give your best effort. Then give that best effort and be proud of the results. "Try to be the best version of yourself that is practical to obtain," says Peter. If you can agree to do that, you will find that comparing yourself to others is completely unnecessary for a happy life. Resources: Peter on Wikipedia Peter on Twitter I Love Lucy Chocolates Peter on The Hilarious World of Depression Achilles International Team with a Vision Nicole Cliffe on Twitter (book) The Complete Book of Running (book) The Incomplete Book of Running Thank you to Athletic Green and Metpro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, visit here to learn more! I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. Yes when this company reached out to me I wasn't too excited about, but with just one phone call conversation with them a

What can you accomplish in a week? How about a year? Do you find yourself setting goals that are too big? Or maybe burden yourself with too many tasks to complete in a week? Maybe a better question is, "What can you accomplish today? Or better yet, right now. We tend to set ourselves up for failure when we set goals without any room for mistakes or failures. We live in an impatient world where everyone demands immediate change. It is common to overestimate what we can do in a week and underestimate what we can do in a year or two. Hayley Carruthers is a prime example of what you can accomplish in a "short" amount of time when you are consistent and persistent. In just three years she went from running her first 5K to being a top competitor in the London Marathon. All the while, she works as a full-time nurse, a demanding job to begin with. What does it take to go from non-runner to elite in just a few years? Scroll down to find out! When You Can't Run, Crawl Recently Hayley has been all over the news. If you follow running at all, you've probably seen the picture. Just feet before she crossed the finish line at the London Marathon, Hayley's legs gave out. Luckily, she didn't sustain any major injuries, but she still had to find a way to crawl the several remaining feet of the race with cuts and bruises on her legs. While she never wished her way to fame by falling to her knees, most everything that has happened since has been positive. Hayley is an advocate for the running community in the way she perseveres. Her story has made it to every major running magazine and website, always with an inspirational undertone. Whether you are a weekend warrior, a Masters runner, a beginner, or an elite, running teaches you how to finish. For Hayley, she knew that she had come too far to give up in that moment. She crawled forward and swung her legs in front of her in an effort to get her chip past the line, still beating her previous best marathon time by three minutes. Full Time Work, Full Time Runner A wonderful example of determination, Hayley makes sure she gets in two training sessions each day. Her full-time job didn't keep her from doing what she loves, and doing it well. Excuses are the enemy of both fun and fulfilling activities. Although some 5:00 a.m. morning runs are difficult, Hayley keeps the end goal in mind while remembering how far she has come. Both the past and the future can motivate you to achieve your goals. When Hayley doesn't feel like she can do a training session, her coach Dan encourages her to just show up. We never know how our body or mind will respond to work unless we begin. Even though we may not feel our best on any particular day, just showing up every single time will give us that edge in the long run. Prioritize your goals. If you simply can't afford to quit your job or give all your children away (also, not recommended), just pick what is important to you. If you want to run the local 5K, find some small thing that you can do without. Watch one less Netflix show or vacuum the house one less time per week. If it really is your priority, you'll find a way to get it done. Remember Why You Started Off-the-radar to mainstream in a short amount of time can a lot of stress. Hayley and her coach have made it a priority to keep training low pressure from the beginning. When you jump into the spotlight it is easy to become overwhelmed by how well you are expected to perform based on sponsor requests or your ever-ticking biological clock. When the stress of running or any activity seem to outweigh the benefits, take a step back and remember why you started. Make your training light by dancing to music before you begin or walking backwards up the hills. Whatever it is that makes you smile, try it out and remember those joyous times. More About Hayley and Dan Learn more about Hayley and her coach Dan Robinson by listening to this episode! What is it like to see yourself on the front page of magazines and newspapers in your home town and around the world? What is Hayley's next running goal? How did Hayley find her running coach, Dan? What's it like to find out you are running for your country and more! Resources: Hayley on Instagram Thoughts of Dog Twitter Andy Lane's Twitter Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, and Metpro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, visit here t

Losing or gaining weight is a unique struggle for every person. We all know certain people that can eat whatever they want, and not gain an ounce. Others go to the gym for two weeks, down a protein drink or two, and put on 20lbs of muscle. Metabolism seems to be king when it comes to weight management. When identical diets and workout plans give entirely different results to two individuals, controlling our physique feels impossible. Enter Angelo Poli. Angelo is an expert in body transformations. He helps people obtain their physical performance goals and preferred physique. His method is to first analyze and diagnose how your body reacts to different amounts of food intake and physical output. From a database of collected body responses over the years, Angelo and his team then determine what food and exercise is right for you and your goals. We interviewed Angelo on the Running for Real podcast today and made sure to ask the hard questions: Is body transformation the best goal to have? What if I don't want to focus on the numbers on the scale? What if I like to eat socially? Doesn't meal prepping take too much time? The answers to these questions show a new way to think about metabolism and personal health planning. Listen along or read below to see how approaching your physical goals with a unique plan will give you the body you want. Can You Really Change Your Metabolism? Now that we have determined that metabolism is unique for all and that it controls much of our weight gain or loss, what can we do about it? First, we should remember that what works for one person, won't work for another. Avoid comparing yourself to those that put you in a bad mood. We don't know exactly what they eat or how they exercise. Even if we did, we don't know how their body reacts to those inputs and outputs differently than our body would. To get the results you want, you need a plan unique for you. A great way to get started is to work with a professional like Angelo to get a complete analyze of where your body currently is. Then you can create a plan to strengthen your weaknesses. Angelo compares this process of analysis and planning to doing a pushup. If you start doing pushups without the proper form, you will not get the gains you hope for, and may even injure yourself. If, however you work on the proper form first, even by doing exercises that will help you do pushups prior to doing them, your energy will be more efficiently spent. The same is true for any physical goal. Wait, so can I change my metabolism or not? Angelo's short answer: Yes. The Body's Rules of Adaptability Metabolism is how the body reacts to input in the form of food and output in the form of physical movement. Everyone's is a little different, or, a lot different. Technically, it is the whole range of biochemical processes happening in your body. But for our sake, it's just how efficiently your body uses energy. However, just because you have a certain metabolism, doesn't necessarily mean you are stuck with it. Since our bodies are adapting machines, it tries to be the most efficient with what you are currently giving it. This is exactly why it can be difficult for many to lose weight. Your body gets used to what you have been doing to it over the years and actually becomes quite efficient at giving you what you need even if you aren't giving it what it needs. Just like we change our running workouts when our body plateaus, to get to certain weight or physique goals, we need to get our metabolism to change. For example, let's look at someone looking to lose 100lbs. The first 60lbs might come easily. Week after week you see results. After some time, your body will stop. Its metabolism isn't "fast" enough to get rid of the last 40lbs. Angelo will often have people switch strategies at that point by gaining each pound back that you lose by eating more, building up your metabolism's speed so to speak. Then after a few weeks or months, you back off on the amount you are eating again to drop another 20lbs and then switch strategies again. Goals vs. Values Angelo says that in order to obtain lifelong goals, we need to create values. Values create a system of doing things, a long term, constant way of life. One-time goals on the other hand, only last as long as specific steps to get to the goal last. If your goal is to run a marathon, you will run until you complete your race. If you value your health, and want to have a healthy lifestyle through running, you will never stop. Whatever your physique or performance goals are, look for ways to incorporate personal values. You will find more meaning in your workouts and will be able to maintain a way of life that you truly desire. Resources: Free MetPro Consultation Angelo's Website Michael Dauphinee's Website Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, and Metpro for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my

It has been a few years since my husband Steve was on the show, and a lot has changed since I last brought him on. Rather than him and I just talk about our lives, we thought we would pass it over to you to ask your questions. We answered almost all of them, and I hope you enjoy getting to know Steve better. Here are the questions we answered (not in the order we answered them). Advice for tapering-Elzedomaityte Any awkwardness/insight/challenges that come from having your spouse coach you?-Sara Tell us about airport tina-alissmarie What does it feel like to have a famous and awesome wife?-Erin Do you structure cross training for injured athletes or is it up to them? Jen How are you enjoying being a father and what are you excited about experiencing with bailey? - cfluffy Do you lose benefit when you spilt your easy runs up into a morning and afternoon. (Easy runs are normally 6 to 7 miles).- Bridgett Hughes Why are my 10K and half marathon race paces the same and how do I fix this?- Alex Myroon How do you manage the balance between husband/wife relationship and running relationship? My boyfriend and I are both runners and have about the Same level and amount of experience, but sometimes it's hard to see when we just need to support the other with running without butting in and giving advice and when a little bit of pushing with running is appropriate- Bridget Wiberg What is it like to coach your wife? What do you do if she disagrees with the plan? How do you separate running life from family life? - Kenneth E. Johnson Do you think runners can truly get accustomed to and excel in hot/humid weather, or are we doomed to have a rough experience every time Mother Nature brings summer fury? Asking as a Florida runner...any tips for this are appreciated, too! -Katy Pierce Cook What differences do you find between coaching college athletes and elites(Tina) or recreational athletes? What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?- Mike Capka How do you balance/decide when a fatigued runner needs a day off or should run threw the fatigue? How do you decide when to scrap a workout or drop it down to an easy effort run?- Mike Capka How do you find the right balance when building a training plan for someone you are coaching? Are there staples you always put in?- Virginie Serre Have you considered training plans that are less than 40mpw?- Lucy Eichenwald What do you think about doing speed works/repeats on a treadmill vs road. How do they compare? -Judy Sherman How much running does Steve do? Does he have a future goal race in mind? Have you two ever raced each other? -Ashton Swinford If you are training to improve your times, when is training for a marathon "good enough" and when should you postpone your goal race to the next season? This season I've been sidelined 2x for 2-3 weeks. The first time totally off those weeks, the second time reduced mileage by 25% and didn't do workouts. Definitely only feel like I did 75-80% of what would be ideal training. For other races I think this is maybe OK but possibly not for marathon?- Emily Hass Ryan Has becoming a father to beautiful bailey changed your coaching philosophy? Liz Ansley Thoughts on managing expectations and knowing when your goals are unrealistic. -Karen Scobie What are your three pieces of advice for a successful relationship?-Alon Metser Any hacks to speed up your learning curve for the effort scale (it took me most of the first training segment to get comfortable with it, but I might just be a slow learner). Why are there such relatively long runs in the taper? -David Skytte After your personal experience racing Boston #NoWatchMe, do you or Steve have any new advice or insights about marathon race strategy that might help keep one feeling good throughout most of the race? -Ashton Swinford Thank you to Bodyhealth and Athletic Greens for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, Visit here to learn more! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings

What does your resume and your potential have in common? Answer: Both are an opportunity to rewrite your story. Our lives are full of ups and downs. What we choose to focus on is the difference. Imagine if you wrote your resume based on embarrassing or unsuccessful moments. You wouldn't highlight times you tripped while running, wore clothes inside out, or got fired for being late. Thankfully, you get to choose what you put on your resume. Performance psychologist Jonathan Fader learned at a young age that believing we can't improve is our biggest impediment. While a young boy in New York, Jonathan's mother opened a resume writing business. She would welcome people into her home and listen to their life's stories, often full of self-deprecating and disparaging words. These were people who chose to focus on the negatives in their life, unable to find the things they had accomplished or learned on the way. Jonathan's mother taught these people to look at themselves and situations differently, in a more positive light. On the Running for Real podcast, we look to do the same thing for you. Through our podcast, community, and blogs we hope you find reasons to believe in yourself and to become more than you ever imagined. Today's episode is no different. Read along or tune in to find ways to be your best self. Be Your Own Experiment Jonathan (who usually goes by Fader) recommends that we watch and see what we can become before we think too much about it. Setting limits on what we can accomplish by talking ourselves out of even trying is a sure way to hold us back. Believe that you can accomplish your goal and then ask yourself, "What would I do if this was simply an experiment?" Then put your experiment to the test. This can relieve the unnecessary pressures of potential failure. All you have to do is try, and then see what the outcomes are. Be curious instead of judgmental. Your Brain: Your Body's CEO Fader compares our body to a company, at the lead, our brain. During your experiments to see what is possible for you to accomplish, you are sure to have competing voices, especially if your experiments are physical. If your brain is your CEO, then your legs, core, and arms might be compared to sales, marketing or human resources. As the CEO, you are privy to information from each of the departments. You are also in control of what to do with that information. To compare this analogy directly to running, imagine heavy legs sending signals to your brain, letting you know they are tired. Instead of reacting immediately you can say to yourself, "thank you for that information, I will let you know what we will do about it." Then you can proceed to run faster or rest. You are in control. Two Types of Listening Comparing our body to a company is a wonderful way to practice mindfulness. When we listen to what different parts of our body tell us, take it into consideration, and then choose what to do, we are acting responsibly and governing strategically. Whether we are listening to our body, or to others, there are two ways to do it. We can either listen to understand or listen to respond. Choosing to listen to understand makes us better communicators and helps us to more fully live in the moment. Think about a recent argument you were involved in. When your opponent was speaking, were you trying to understand what they were saying and where they were coming from, or were you simply trying to come up with your response to combat their story? Listen to understand in all of your communications, including those with your body. You will foster a greater love for others, have more natural responses, and get to the root of the problem more quickly. Focus on What You Can Control Dr. Fader tells us that there are three things we have control over, our attitude, our preparation, and our effort (APE). When faced with unwanted thoughts, feelings, or challenges, remember that you get to decide how to react. You have the ability to combat negativity through these three tools. You have the opportunity to experiment on your future. Be curious about that future, and do those things that could make you great. What tools will you use today to be the best version of yourself? Resources: Fader's Twitter Fader's Website Fader's Ted Talk Guy Winch on Twitter Ryan Holiday on Twitter (Book) Life is Sport Pre-Order (Book) Coaching Athletes to Be Their Best Thank you to UCAN and Bodyhealth for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. UCAN is back on the Running4Real Podcast as an amazing sponsor! This product have been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar crashes! 15% off with coupon code tinamuir at www.generationUCAN.com If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the e

What came first? The runner or the track? Do we create our environment, or does our environment shape us? These questions fall under the category of social cognitive determinants. I know, big words. In other words, how our thoughts affect our actions and surroundings, and vice-versa. Being aware of what we are thinking, feeling, and doing and how they interconnect is a great way to practice mindfulness, a specifically important exercise in an ever-demanding world. Today we spoke with sport psychologist Carla Meijen to discuss ways to prepare for a race three months out, a few days out, the morning of the race and everything in between. We chatted about the popular topic of living in the moment, the real effects of positive self-talk, and a completely new approach to setting running goals. These topics are sure to inspire change that will improve your mental health and toughness. Discover What Running Can Give to You As a new or a longtime runner, it is easy to see all the things you give to running. For many people like Carla, running came as an afterthought, a necessary evil to train for a sport she already enjoyed. Carla's first love was basketball and choosing to run for running's sake wasn't an option for her. This is a common theme for a variety of runners. Consider a new runner simply trying to find a way to lose weight, or a professional runner that needs to do well in order to maintain a decent living. The pain and pressure that come from running can be terrifying. Of course, Carla eventually came around to the thought of enjoying a run. Like many, she had an opportunity to run without the pressures of getting in her hard, cardio workout. She found a love for running when she was able to run without a watch (although she does now and loves it). When running felt like a choice, rather than a necessity, it was easier to look at it differently. We often overlook the many positive things that running gives us and decide to be narrow-minded by focusing on the pain. Take a moment to think of all the things running has or can give to you: A friendship, a routine, a reason to get out in nature, increased energy, strength and health, a goal, time alone with your thoughts, a way to be in touch with your body, a challenge, a reason to buy new sportswear, a community. The list can go on and on. When you take ownership of your choices and realize you are deciding to work hard and struggle through difficult training sessions, it becomes easier to see what running gives you. Find those things and use them to your advantage when times get tough. Developing a Personal Mantra Another great way to get through the hills, side aches, and disparaging thoughts is to create your own mantra. A few great options might be, "Run Strong," "I Can Do This," or "Light and Easy." Some prefer to think of a person that they love or someone that inspires them. Having a few mantras or thoughts prepared can be useful during different parts of the race as well. Plan on saying something at the start line that keeps you fresh and steady while saving your most motivating thoughts for the end of the race. In addition to personal mantras there are unlimited visual aids you can practice to find a competitive edge. Sometimes just distracting yourself can be enough. Try singing your favorite song in your head or rebuilding/redecorating your house in your mind. One of my favorites that Carla suggests in "The Lasso." During a race imagine throwing a rope over the person in front of you and pulling yourself closer to them. You may be surprised at the amount of actually energy you receive from incorporating fun mental visuals. You're in Good Company The wonderful thing about life on earth is that we are all doing this together. Don't forget it! Your thoughts and feelings are completely your own, unique to you. At the same time, there are so many feelings that all of us experience. For example, Carla tells us that 95 percent of people have some type of negative thought during a race—ranging from "Why did I do this?" to strategizing a worthy reason for dropping out. The simple truth is, you are not alone. Newbies and elites both get butterflies. It's deciding what to do with these feelings that creates our path. Know that you are in good company, that you have just as many problems and opportunities as the people around you, and then choose to do the thing that will make you happy. Resources: Carla's Twitter Action for Happiness Instagram Andy Lane's Twitter (book) Endurance Performance in Sport Thank you to Coros and Bodyhealth for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. My new Coros Apex watch may be the new watch for me! Yes, that means I am not a Garmin runner anymore. I wore this watch in the Boston Marathon and I LOVED it! The new screens, options, the statistics, and the look alone just makes it look like a real watch and not a running one. Please visit Here you can get yourself a free bonus watch band in u

Consider the following questions: How do you run a marathon? How do you write a best-selling book? How do you eat an elephant? One step, one sentence or one bite at a time of course. When we are able to fix on the small task directly in front of us, any lofty goal seems doable. To do this it is important to let go of past fears and stress of the unknown future. Focus on the moment and before you know it, you can look back on miles of road ran or chapters of a book written. (I'll leave the last example up to your imagination.) Ben Newman has coached many professional athletes to success by focusing on taking one step at a time. He also believes in experiencing challenges for himself to understand and better relate to those people he teaches. Ben emphasizes mental toughness in his storytelling and teaching, giving examples of his own life and the lives of inspiring people he has met. We broke down some of those stories and pieces of advice to help you become the best version of yourself. Listen to this episode of the Running for Real podcast, or read along to be inspired today! Mental Toughness Translates A sound lesson that Ben teaches to Fortune 500 companies and professional athletic teams alike, is that mental toughness is transferable. You have the ability to draw on your previous successes when you are faced with a new challenge. For example, a mother who has hit the wall on mile 21 can remind herself that she can accomplish anything because she has given birth to a child. Or maybe you have completed a marathon before but you are facing a nerve-wracking job interview. Tell yourself that you can do hard things because you have done them before. Use your experiences in life to your advantage while you train for race day. Then use your power as a runner to conquer everything else in life. It works both ways. Who is Your Teri? When believing in yourself is hard, or it seems impossible to bring to mind a previous success of yours, look to those who inspire you or believe in you. Having a mentor that believes in you or a family member that loves you can make all the difference when you are facing a heavy task. For Ben, this person is Teri Griege. Ben first met Teri at a speaking event when she told about her battle with cancer and her love of marathon running. Ben instantly became inspired to run a marathon. Later he had the opportunity to meet Teri who then helped Ben train for a marathon and was there to watch him run across the finish line. That's nice, but what if I don't have a Teri in my life? Find one! Ben believes in mentors we have never met. Read books, listen to podcasts, find someone through social media, or ask a friend who they look up to. There is an inspiring person for every personality. You can also take a moment to think about people who have reached out a hand to you that you may have brushed aside. If you need to mend bridges to find the support you need to accomplish your goals, do it. There is a mentor out there for everyone. In life we have people that inspire us and people that look up to us. Whether we realize it or not, there are people watching us and seeing what we will do in life. Having someone that believes in you because they want to be like you can be just as powerful as having a constant mentor. Be a Teri for those people. Who Will You Become? A practice that Ben encourages everyone to do is to tell yourself "I am" statements. These are statements in something that you can achieve but haven't yet. For example, if you want to open a bakery you can say, "I am a small business owner." What does a successful marathon runner, father, painter, or underwater basket weaver look like today? Whatever you want to be, act like you are already there, taking the steps that you would take if you had already succeeded, because those steps are what success looks like. Find your Teri. Be a Teri for someone. Know that you can do hard things because you have done them before. Take one step at a time and you will see what winning today looks like. Resources: Continued Fight Instagram Coach Ben Newman Instagram Ben's Website Ben's Twitter Teri Griege's Website Free Play Book Ben's Youtube Channel Jon Gordon's Instagram Thank you to Bodyhealth, Athletic Greens, Dang for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, Visit here to learn more! I have truly been enjoying Dang products for years

Do you want to be prepared for anything that might happen in a race? How would it be to have complete control over your thoughts? What new limits could you reach, or what new goals could you set for yourself? If you are looking for ways to prepare for your next race, we have the answers for you! This week on the Running for Real Podcast we interviewed several professionals that have experience in performance psychology. One of our favorites is Justin Su'a. Justin currently works with some of the best athletes in the NFL, helping them become champions by teaching them to control their thoughts and mentally prepare for anything that could happen on the field. This is not a podcast you want to miss. Three Ways to Prepare for Your Next Race To be completely fair and upfront, Justin is a believer in individuals. There is no one-size-fits-all program for athletes, professional or amateur. When putting together a workout plan or developing a mental course consider working with someone who is able to customize something just for you. That being said, there are some universal practices that every individual can do to get ready for race day. Create a Bounce Back Plan The first thing Justin suggests is to create automated responses for when things go wrong. At the beginning of his career Justin worked with the U.S. Army. He observed that one of the first things military members learn to do is how to carry a body and how to fix a weapon when it jams. These somewhat simple tasks are crucial to perfect because they carry a lot of emotion in the heat of battle. Without automated responses, soldiers may break down in moments that matter the most. The same goes for running. Any emotionally heavy circumstance can have a runner panicking. Unplanned accidents even as simple as a shoe falling off or needing to use the bathroom can derail an athlete's focus. In order to avoid these emotional setbacks, tack the time to write down any potential triggers. Make sure you include both external and internal situations such as a negative thought you may have, a pain in a new area, or being passed by someone you think you should beat. Next, create a contingency plan for each of those situations. Write down what you will do if "X" happens, and then play it out in your head. Having this automated response is sure to help you be prepared for whatever comes your way on race day. Journal "You can't change what you aren't aware of," says Justin. A great way to become more aware is to journal. The process of reflecting on the day and then writing down thoughts, helps to bring to mind things that you experienced, thought, or felt that may have gone unnoticed. Justin recommends answering the following three questions: (1) What was the best part of the day? (2) What is something I learned today? (3) What am I going to do better tomorrow? Answering these questions will help you make the most out of each day. Be sure to make this a daily habit to get the full effect. Take time before bed or as you wake up so that the memories are still fresh and you can take action before the hectic day hits. As you make this a daily habit, your mindset throughout the day will also change. If there are other things you wish you were thinking of during the day, add them to your daily questions. Another popular and effective question is, "What was I grateful for today?" Begin a Mindful Meditation Practice Justin's third suggestion is to begin a mindful meditation practice. Although seemingly simple, mindful meditation takes time to master and will reap great rewards. Simply choose to focus on one thing, such as your breathing or brushing your teeth, and bring your mind back to that thing whenever it strays. Try not to judge your thoughts, but let them pass by and bring them back to your focus point. This practice helps you notice your thoughts without being emotionally connected to them. Mindful meditation doesn't need to take long. Ten minutes or even three minutes is a good place to start. The key to improvement is consistency, so look to add this to a daily routine as well. What will you add to your race day preparation? I highly recommend doing all three. Preparing your mind is just as important as preparing your body. You will find yourself achieving more, setting higher goals, and overcoming any failures along the way as you do so. Resources: Justin's Twitter Justin's Instagram Increase Your Impact Podcast Denae Brown's Instagram Mel Robbins' Instagram (book) Dare to Lead Thank you to BodyHealth and Coros for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. My new Coros Apex watch may be the new watch for me! Yes, that means I am not a Garm

Have you wondered if we really are capable of becoming anything we set out to be? Could you have been the astronaut or zookeeper you wished to be as a 3rdgrader? Do we give up too early? Or do we simply change what we want to be? Ross Bernstein, keynote speaker and author of more than 40 sports books, believes that there isn't any special sauce that successful athletes have. After researching about and interviewing thousands of world-class runners, football players, basketball players, and the like, he is convinced that it almost always comes down to desire and hard work, lots of hard work. Often the difference between a successful athlete, business person, or artist is what they are willing to sacrifice. Since we all have the same amount of time in each day, and a fairly similar genetic makeup as humans, it comes down to what we decide to do each day. If we are willing to sacrifice social, educational, or occupational pursuits, many of us would have the opportunity to be very competitive athletes indeed. Of course, that's not exactly how it works. We have different interests, accept different responsibilities, live with different body types, and come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. But it stands that hard work and sacrifice can get you far. What else can we learn from someone who has traveled the world, given presentation to multiple Fortune 500 companies and been on countless tv and radio programs such as ESPN, CNN, and NPR? Listen to today's episode of Running for Real to learn more from this man that loves running and says he would die without it. Rusher, Crusher, Usher Hockey has played a major role in Bernstein's life. His dream as a kid was to hold the Stanley Cup, but that dream changed when he was cut from his college team. He doesn't doubt that he could have continued to play elsewhere if he was willing to make the necessary changes, but instead decided to pivot. He was elected as mascot of the team and went on to write a book about it in his second year of college. This kickstarted his career which has provided him with opportunities he wouldn't miss for the world. In our own lives there will be many moments when we need to pivot. Even if we are at the top of our competition, it doesn't last forever. In hockey, for example, at the beginning of a career you can be known as a Rusher—one that has all the energy and strength to skate into the thick of things, make the great plays, and have the crowd cheering on their feet. As you get older, your role changes to the Crusher. Maybe not as quick to get to the puck, but a leader on the ice, one that is willing to fight for the team. Finally, as you leave the rink, you have the chance to be an Usher. Attending games, and mentoring younger athletes becomes your new goal. Each one of these positions comes with satisfaction and meaning. As you set goals for yourself, recognize times when a pivot might make sense for you. Many find fulfillment in a variety of fields or roles. If you are determined to be a certain something or accomplish a specific goal, then make the sacrifices to do so. If the sacrifices seem too great, keep searching and know that you still have many chances to have a completely fulfilling life. What is Truly Important in Life? While most of us here are looking to improve our running in some way, it's always good to have a reminder of what really matters. Qualifying for a race, winning a medal, or beating a competitor, are mostly insignificant in the long run, pun intended. Ross has had the opportunity to travel the world giving speeches and has now visited every continent. He gives a stark reminder that there are people in the world that are still dealing with extreme poverty. Losing a race or dealing with an injury are miniscule in comparison to other global social problems. This of course doesn't mean we shouldn't compete with everything we have. In fact, the opposite. Working hard to achieve goals shows our gratitude that we have the opportunity to do the things we enjoy. Be grateful to have the money to enter the local 5k or to have a doctor to visit when something doesn't feel right. So, what is truly important? Well, that is up to you. Resources: Ross's Website Ross's Twitter Ross's LinkedIn Herb Brooks Foundation (book) America's Coach Thank you to BodyHealth and Dang for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. I have truly been enjoying Dang products for years! And I am so excited I will be able to have them as sponsor, now they have something that is perfect for runners, Dang bars. They are easy as a grab and go snack and come in the flavors cardamom chai, toasted coconut and cinnamon choco

You may have recently read somewhere, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" This question is obviously meant to inspire you to do the things you have put off by putting your tepidness, laziness, or fears behind you. If you knew you wouldn't fail, you might attempt much more than you currently do. What is it about the thought of failure that stops us? There's a different way to think about failure and what we decide to do with our time in the face of it. Consider the following question: What would you do anyway, if you knew you would fail most of the time? Would you change what you are doing day-to-day? Would you stop thinking about your big dreams? For professional baseball players, "failure" is a regular part of the process. The average Major League player only hits the ball and gets on base two or three times out of ten. Even the best of the best never average more than four out of ten. This means that the likelihood of not hitting the ball and getting on base is way more than 50 percent. In other words, they fail most of the time. In fact, all of us fail regularly. The process of obtaining any goal is paved with failures whether we choose to recognize them or not. When we embrace the hard times, those that we can label as failures, our road to success is streamlined. Josh Lifrak is the Director of the Mental Skills Program for the Chicago Cubs. His job is to help over 300 players that are in some way associated with the Chicago Cubs organization to reach their potential through mental health training and mind exercises. He works with a staff of six individuals that lead meditation, and other mental practices to help professional athletes gain control over their minds. Deciding what to do with your thoughts and finding ways to create positive thinking is Josh's specialty. As we sat down to interview Josh today, we learned new tips on setting goals, dealing with nerves, and embracing the hard days. Josh also happens to be a runner, so of course we asked him how his training for baseball players is pertinent for runners. Read along or put in your headphones to learn more! You Control Your Thoughts Every training period leading up to an event has several "suck" days. You know, the days when for whatever reason you feel sloshy, your legs are heavy, your mind is tired, your breath is shallow. Josh relishes days like these. This is when you get to practice "hitting the wall." When you embrace these hard moments, you grow in ways that others won't. Instead of looking at this challenging day as a failure, look at it as an opportunity. It's not every day that you get to train your mind in a race-day-like scenario. This applies for any number of negative feelings and thoughts you have. While we can't always control what comes into our mind, we have the power to choose what to do with those thoughts. Before you let your next negative thought control your day, take a mental step back, realize what is happening, and then decide what to do with it. Pressure, Nerves and Butterflies Along the lines of controlling our thoughts, race day mental antics are just that, jokes. You have put in the hours and miles; the time is now yours to celebrate the training you have put in by competing. For Josh and the Chicago Cubs, they have a saying that goes, "Turn your have tos, into get tos." In other words, realize that this is an opportunity. It's not something you have to do, it's something you get to do. Feeling nervous means you are ready. It means your body is warming up and ready to go. Let those nerves give you energy because that is what they are meant to do. Josh says, "How often do we get to feel that alive?" So whatever it is that you are feeling, you have the power to turn it into a positive. If you are having a dumpy training day, use it as mental practice for race day. If you are feeling anxious and nervous on the start line, harness that energy and use it to propel you. Embrace each thought and moment to use it to your advantage, and don't forget to feel alive. Resources: Josh's Website Josh's Twitter Josh's Article on Goals Justin's Twitter Thank you to Coros and Athletic Greens for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. My new Coros Apex watch may be the new watch for me! Yes, that means I am not a Garmin runner anymore. I wore this watch in the Boston Marathon and I LOVED it! The new screens, options, the statistics, and the look alone just makes it look like a real watch and not a running one. Please visit Here you can get yourself a free bonus watch band in using code tinamuir. Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to do and it taste good as well. Now you can get a free travel pack with 20 servings with your first purchase, Visit here to learn more! Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share

Do you ever feel like you have no control over your own life? It can happen to anyone. An injury, debt, children to support, or endless school assignments can leave us to the mercy of things seemingly out of our control. It is easy to get bogged down by negative thoughts or lists of things to do. But putting our energy into the things we can control has the potential to change everything. When Damon West was sentenced to 65 years in prison, his life completely changed. Upon arrival, Damon received advice from a wise, elderly inmate, Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson told him that prison was like a pot of boiling water and that he could be like a carrot and become soft, be like an egg and become hard, or become like a coffee bean and turn his environment into something completely different. He eventually took the old man's direction to heart and found ways to thrive while in the penitentiary. After nearly a decade in prison, he was released on parole with an entirely new perspective on life. Damon's interview on the Running for Real podcast gives insight into his secret to life, what life in prison is like, and how you can take control of your life. Identity Loss and Self Control Damon didn't appear to be destined for prison. He was the football star in high school and went on to play Division 1 at the University of North Texas. He started as quarterback for three years before a series of injuries ended his football career. Later, drug addiction took over Damon's life and he completely lost sight of who he was. If you aren't sure what your purpose is, life has a way of defining what it is for you. Especially for those people who feel like they have had an identity taken away from them, not knowing who you are can lead to dangerous paths. For Damon, it was realizing that he was more than a quarterback or stock broker. Even when those things ceased to be, he was still Damon. Whatever you DO, doesn't define who you ARE. You are more than a runner, or a cashier, or a lawyer, or whatever else it is that you do. True identity is something that you can't lose. It is something that you continue to be, even when life deals you adversity or good fortune. While in prison, Damon found ways to rediscover who he was. "The State of Texas took custody of my body," he says," But the State of Texas never ever took custody of my mind or soul." Remember that you have complete control over your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Things may happen to you, but you can decide what to do with them. Defining who you are and controlling what you think and do can simultaneously grow. The Secret to Life For Damon, the secret to life is simple. Serve others and be humble. Whenever he feels himself stray from that simple mantra, he finds a way to get back to the basics. While in prison, Damon helped others study to get their GEDs and even taught some inmates how to read. His greatest desire is to be useful, and he finds the most satisfaction in life from serving. Learning how to forgive himself has also come from serving. Since he is unable to contact any of those people he may have hurt prior to his time spent in prison, he does what he can in the community as a restitution effort. Damon has shown many people that they can be in control of their own lives. If you want to change the world, start with you. He truly believes that he can change any environment he is in by his attitude and positive spirit. Today he lives in the present, not focusing on past mistakes or accomplishments, knowing that who we are in the present, and what we do with the time we have now is most important. How can you change your environment? What will you do today to live in the moment? Focus on what you can control, and let the rest be as it is. You will find more peace and purpose in your life as you do. More from Damon Learn more about Damon's life in this podcast. What is life like in a maximum-security prison? How was he able to avoid gang membership? How did he go from a 65-year sentence to giving motivational speeches around the nation? What would Damon change if he could start over? The story of winning his first 5K race, and more! Resources: (Book) The Change Agent (Book) The Coffee Bean Damon's Website Damon's Twitter Jon Gordon's Twitter Thank you to Coros and Mighty for being the wonderful sponsors of this episode of The Running For Real Podcast. My new Coros Apex watch may be the new watch for me! Yes, that means I am not a Garmin runner anymore. I wore this watch in the Boston Marathon and I LOVED it! The new screens, options, the statistics, and the look alone just makes it look like a real watch and not a running one. Please visit Here you can get yourself a free bonus watch band in using code tinamuir. Mighty has become quite the handy gadget for running and to share it with you. It is linked to Spotify and you can take the little square with you on your runs to listen to other people's playlist or create your own! Visit here for more info! Thanks for Listen

How often do you intentionally think about the things you are grateful for? Is it once a year during the holiday season, sitting around a big turkey? And even then, do you tend to go no deeper than the surface-level, "family, friends, and my job" answer? In comparison, how often do you think about your difficulties? How many times do you find yourself, vocally or otherwise, complaining about the unfair things that happen to you in your life? Or maybe you spend much of your brain-power thinking about the things you don't have—what you feel like you are still missing, how you wish you were different, the things you lack that would make your life better. To be fair, life is about growing, expanding, and learning. We should always strive to be better, to achieve more. Working towards your goals and wanting to improve yourself is a good thing – much better than remaining stagnant and allowing life to pass you by. But feeling grateful and feeling motivated to improve your life are not mutually exclusive. Just how life-changing can intentional thoughts of gratitude be? According to Deena Kastor, it can change everything. She attributes much of her success to the power of positive thinking and gratitude – and as an Olympic medalist, record-holding marathoner, and New York Times bestselling author, she's got a lot of success to speak of. On this week's Running for Real podcast, we chatted about gratitude, goals, grief, and, of course, running. How to Start Being Grateful Have you tried keeping a gratitude journal yet? Kastor suggests that a very simple and effective way to change your thoughts to gratitude is writing down some things you are thankful for at the end of each day. Here's the trick though: You need to write something different EVERY single day. Start by sitting down and writing as many things as you can think of. Basically, get the easy ones out of the way. Then, before you lie down to sleep, write just two or three things that you can think of from that day specifically. Before you know it, you will start going throughout your day looking for new things to be grateful for. You'll be surprised by how fast your mind changes from, "this is hard" or "this is unfair," to "this is awesome." Thoughts of gratitude will benefit you in the short run by increasing your motivation and making you feel better about the stage you're at. However, maybe the most magical part is the long-term benefits. Just like how high levels of stress or negative thoughts can put you at higher risk for ailments like heart disease, having an attitude of gratitude can literally heal you. Make gratitude a regular part of life to enjoy both the long- and short-term benefits. Accept Where You Are, Love Where You're Going Being grateful does not mean you need to put away your goals or dreams. Life will find a way to serve up failures, and perhaps somedays the only grateful thought you may be able to muster is the fact that the day is now over. The goal then, is to curate a thankful mindset while looking forward to what's ahead. Avoid thoughts like, "I'll be happy when..." You have the right to be happy now and in the future. Work toward things that will bring you happiness during the journey and at the finish line. Grief is Good Deena discusses how disappointment and grief has taken a different role in her life ever since the passing of her dog. While it is easy to be scared of grief, it means that we care, and that is important. Deena realized that her grief was rooted in love, and that totally redefined what grief meant. When you experience emotional pain, turn your thoughts to what that emotion is rooted in. Understand that those things which are rooted in love have the ability to create feelings of disappointment or grief. But that type of pain is worth it. Persevere As we often discuss, you are more than a runner. When Deena experienced a setback from an ankle injury, she had to decide whether that injury was going to allow her to grow or to simply suffer. As she has often done in her life, Deena chose to "get up." Like Deena, how will you turn challenges into a launch pad for growth? I suggest to start by developing an attitude of gratitude. Find the small and big things in life you are grateful for each day. Resources: (Book) Let Your Mind Run Deena's Instagram Deena's Twitter Deena's Website Thank you to Aftershokz and Body Health for being a wonderful sponsors of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I loved using them for the Boston Marathon, they were my saving grace sometimes when I wanted to breakdown and call Steve for some encouragement. I almost did! And it was so great to have the opportunity to do so. Amazing product! Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential

You're halfway through what you hoped to be a 10-mile run when your knee starts flaring up again. Yes, it's painful, but the fear of injuring it further is really what slows you down. Over the past few years the story has repeated itself, "You just haven't rested enough," "Maybe you should consider a different sport," or "It's okay, running just isn't for everyone." At this point the injury is much more annoying than it is painful. And the comments aren't helping. Sound familiar? As a child, injury was all about the pain. Somewhere along the lines, maybe due to our pain threshold or the recovery period, it turns to pure frustration. From recovery techniques to varying advice, sometimes it feels like you've done all you can in vain. Both as a runner and a physiotherapist, Brad Beer has experienced the same feelings. But experiencing long term injuries and trying to sort through shifting advice hasn't dampened his spirits. Today he still believes that running is for everyone and that it can be done pain free. Dealing with the Emotions of Injury Brad says that the best place to start for recovery is a proper diagnosis. Completely understanding where our injuries are coming from helps us heal our bodies more quickly, but it also puts our mind at ease. The unknown can bring about stress and depression. Keep believing that you will recover by seeking out a professional or two that will get to the bottom of the injury. Another wonderfully important part of recovery is governing our thoughts and words. Instead of saying things like, "I have a bad back," replace it with something like "I have a back that is currently sore." Simply changing the verbiage can set you on a better path. If you believe a discomfort is temporary, you will be more likely to maintain hope and seek out healing. The Best Injury Prevention If a good diagnosis is best for injury recovery, then strength training is best injury prevention. Brad whole-heartedly believes that strength training can heal and prevent a majority of running injuries. Added strength keeps our bodies in better form throughout a run, and bad form is a large contributor to injuries. Recently the advice has shifted from complete rest, ice, and the like to doing almost the exact opposite. Our tendons need to be strengthened constantly and gradually to keep us from injury. When you develop a running injury, don't stop running completely. Instead, slow the pace or drop some mileage. Then see a professional and add strength training. Our tendons don't do well with big, sudden changes, so continuing to run and adding strength is the best thing you can do for them. Your Body After 20 Proper understanding of how your body changes over the years is crucial to injury prevention. Brad Beer gives memorable imagery when he compares the body to a house. After we turn 20 our muscles start to consistently atrophy without added strength training. Like termites that eat through a house, our bodies have an unseen factor that strips our frame of its strength if we do nothing about it. Again, strength training is what is going to keep those termites at bay. Give yourself at least two days in the gym per week in order to keep your muscles strong. And don't worry about bulking up. A steady dose of running will be sure to keep your body at the running weight it wants to be. You will get the benefits of strength training even if you don't look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Strength Training as a Master's Runner What if I'm over 50? 60? 70? Should I still be doing work in the gym? Absolutely. Even if you've never run before, you will benefit from starting a strength training program whether you are 25 or 85. Remember that our bodies take more time to recovery as we age and that recovery is just as important as exercising. If you are a master's runner hopeful that is looking to add running into your life, start slow and find a physician, therapist, or trainer that can get you started on a good training schedule. Running is for Everyone Brad truly believes that running is for everyone. Running is not risk free—injuries can happen, and using our body to do difficult things should always be done with thought. Pay attention to the signals your body is giving you, and work with professionals to develop a strength training program. You only need to see one long enough to get you on the right track. It will be the worth the money you invest because YOU are worth it. Resources: Brad's Twitter Brad's Instagram (Book) You Can Run Pain Free POGO Physio Red Hot Chili Peppers' Instagram Thank you to Aftershokz and Body Health for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I loved using them for the Boston Marathon, they were my saving grace sometimes when I wanted to breakdown and call Steve for some encouragement. I almost did! And it was so great to have the opportunity to do so. Amazing product! Visit the Af

Full Recovery from Eating Disorders Sarah Canney is a believer of full recoveries—recoveries that give you complete freedom. When she was diagnosed with anorexia and then later bulimia, her belief that she could be free from either gave her the strength to battle for nine challenging years. "I did not believe I was born for an eating-disorder life," says Sarah, "That's where the belief for complete recovery came out of." She says that claiming recovery is part of the recovery process. Knowing that you are working toward that final step of declaring your full recovery is powerful. And once you do, that declaration gives you strength as well. Today Sarah leads running retreats for women while raising three kids and blogging about running, motherhood, and life challenges. Her mantra is to "Embrace the Hill." Keep reading to see how she has done just that. Group Therapy Isn't for Everyone Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have done wonders for people struggling to overcome addictions. Building self-awareness, finding support, and developing communication skills can all help to overcome eating disorders. When we see someone else going through something we are, it helps us internalize and understand ourselves better. Receiving and giving support strengthens us. Be that as it may, everyone has a unique path. While the support of friends and family and the expertise of a professional therapist is crucial, finding the right professional and group of loved ones can take work. Do not give up if the first therapist doesn't seem to work for you. Look for someone that has the same goals and beliefs as you. For Sarah, having a good therapist was crucial, but group therapy did not help. "When I was in group therapy, it was so easy to fall into the comparison trap" she says, "I felt like it dampened the flame of self-belief." Seeing people continue to struggle after decades didn't lift her spirits. If you or a loved one has an eating disorder, remember that each person is unique. While we can't navigate this world alone, surrounding ourselves with the right people is just as important as having people there for us. Your Overarching Path Whether it's a challenging eating disorder, a running career, or raising a family, occasionally stepping back to see the big picture can keep us moving forward. One great way to visualize your overall journey is to keep a journal. When you are feeling down you can look back a month or a year to see how far you've come. Write down more than just your day-to-day activities and record your feelings and thoughts of the day to create a more meaningful memory. Every journey to success has small failures. While we may only see a positively curated world on social media platforms, between every flawless photo there are dozens of imperfect moments. It's great to focus on the positives, but also be willing to share real life experiences and know that others are going through similar things. Sarah's Social Media Rules Sarah has two simple rules when it comes to following others on social media. First, follow joy and positivity. This doesn't mean you should only follow those that put on airs of perfection. In fact, quite the opposite. Follow people that share real life events, whether easy or hard, in a positive light. Second, if Sarah begins to compare herself to others, she changes her social media habits. Sometimes this means unfollowing someone and other times it just means taking a break from social media. Social media fast can be extremely healthy, and you don't need to announce it to the world to do it. Big Goals AND Family Life Overcoming an eating disorder, leading others, running competitively and raising three kids takes careful prioritization. "I like to think of it not so much as a balance but as an ebb and flow," says Sarah. "Sometimes my running and personal goals are a higher priority and sometimes I'm just all in focused on my family." She tells listeners to give yourself grace. Be flexible and don't work on perfectly balancing everything you are doing, rather give things priority when they need it. What are your takeaways from this podcast? Will you take time to see the big picture in your journey or maybe try following more positivity on social media? Find something that applies to you and give it a shot. Give yourself grace and embrace the hill. Resources: Sarah's Instagram Sarah's Twitter Sarah's Facebook Sarah's Website Rise.Run.Retreat. Thank you to Aftershokz and Generation UCAN for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I loved using them for the Boston Marathon, they were my saving grace sometimes when I wanted to breakdown and call Steve for some encouragement. I almost did! And it was so great to have the opportunity to do so. Amazing product! Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! Generation UCAN was my fuel for the Boston Marathon and I could

Have you ever paused to think about how you talk to yourself? Do you consider the fact that we often think about our words before we criticize or give advice to our friends, but no such filter exists when we participate in self talk? When it comes to reflecting on body image, training for a race, or setting goals, the way we think and talk about ourselves can drastically affect our performance. Learning to ask ourselves the right questions and thinking through things before making conclusions about our character is a way to add that needed pause—just enough to simulate a real-life, caring discussion with ourselves. Answering sport psychology questions is Evie Serventi's forte, so we couldn't possibly contain everything in just one session with her. Today we sat down for a second time and quickly jumped into not-so-common running questions. Her answers help to navigate some of the deeper topics often overlooked in the running world like burnout, personal success, and self-worth. Take a moment to read through her advice to strengthen and refine the way you think about your running self. Defining Failure and Success Success is often disguised as an individual that seems to have no failures. This construed image can lead us to believe that experiencing failures takes away from possible successes. We may think that more failures equal less successes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only are failures a common part of our journey to success, they are a crucial part, even a required part. Failures show that we put forth effort and that we are working towards our goals. In that sense, a failure can be looked at as a stepping stone, just as important as any other step in the process. "Failure is not an indication of your ability," says Evie, "It's often to do with effort, technique, or structure." This is important to remember as you work toward your life and running goals. Failure, whatever that might mean to you, is an opportunity to look at your effort, your training structure, or even your goals. Making necessary adjustments will allow you to be even better. Ask yourself what success means to you. As you dig deeper, asking questions that allow you to discover your motivations, you will find that success is more than a one-time event. You are constantly achieving throughout your journey. With each training session, each healthy meal, each positive thought, you are succeeding. Navigating Burnout We are all at risk in losing the passion for the things we love to do. When it comes to running, Evie gives some good advice on recognizing burnout, including understanding the contributing factors, and how to recover from it. One of the first things to realize about burnout is where it comes from. Especially for long distance runners, the event itself can appear to be the final point of exhaustion. However, burnout—that total physical and mental exhaustion—develops in the lead up to the race. The big race day can even mask the burnout with its abundance of endorphins. It is important to plan rest periods for the time after a race. The work that has gone into training for your event is more than just the physical aspect. Balancing family, work, and training is a huge scheduling challenge that comes with its own endurance test. For many runners, scheduling a vacation that begins right after a race is a good way to make sure you get the rest that you need. Remember that resting isn't cheating. You shouldn't feel guilty or lazy for taking time off. Recovery is just important to your growth as the training is. Don't be afraid to take a week or more off after a 5K or a month or two off after a marathon. You know yourself best. When running feels like a joy again, and not a chore or a responsibility, it's okay to get back out there. Positive Self-Reflection As you continue to set goals for yourself and work on your craft, always give yourself grace. Remember that we can be our own worst critic. Are you treating yourself how you would treat your best friend, your child, or even a stranger? Have self-compassion. Know that you aren't your sport. Set goals that push yourself and make you happier, like having a balanced week or a good relationship with your family. Try the new golden rule: treat yourself as you would treat others. As you do, you'll see your failures quickly transforming into successes. Resources: Evie's Website Evie's Twitter Thank you to Aftershokz and Nunee for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but they absolutely blew me away, they are fantastic and were built for runners! Being able to hear your music as well as your surroundings is great for our safety. Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! Don't let knee pain keep you from completing your long runs, or worse, sideline you altogether. NuNee is designed specifical

What a bonus episode for you today! My first ever live show, and what a live show it was. Four podcast hosts from four of the most popular running podcasts brought together to host a show together. Ali Feller of Ali on the Run, Carrie Tollefson of CTolle Run, and Lindsey Hein of I'll Have Another Podcasts joined me on the stage for this Women Behind The Mic event, hosted by Generation UCAN. We sold out this show in less than 48 hours, over 550 tickets went immediately, and we were all very excited by this opportunity. The show ended up breaking down into four categories: Life as a podcaster Motherhood Struggles and comparison Running It was a lot of fun learning more about these women and their stories. I have admired them from afar, and had only met Lindsey in person before. If you are looking to new shows to subscribe to, they all bring on wonderful guests, particularly when elite runners burst on to the scene or have an outstanding performance. I hope you enjoy this bonus episode, and hope you can join me for my next live show... Thank you to Body Health and Generation UCAN for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. If you are struggling to recover quick enough from your training, my little secret is to use BodyHealth Perfect Amino to get you there. It contains all the essential amino acids, and is very easy for your body to use and begin the repair process. Click the link and use code TINAMUIR10 for 10% off. UCAN is back on the Running4Real Podcast as an amazing sponsor! This product have been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar crashes! 15% off with coupon code tinamuir at www.generationUCAN.com Thanks for Listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to everyone who came and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Run Fast as a Masters Runner Running past your forties (a group typically referred to as "Masters Runners") comes with unique challenges. Some rumored challenges are false, and some are very real. One of the more common illusions is that Masters Runners can't run fast. You may hear that older runners should keep to marathons and other ultra-distances where they can run at a reasonable pace. "Because you are old, you can't run fast, and because you aren't fast, you can only do long runs." This is NOT true. While there aren't any 40 or 50-year-olds competing with Usain Bolt's records, there are plenty that are running fast marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. Pete Magill has set records for the fastest 5K and 10K for runners over 50 and runners over 55. He also has the record for being the oldest person to run a 5K in under 15 minutes. He didn't get serious about running till his late thirties when he wanted to make some health changes, and he has been showing the world that 50-year-olds can run fast. Now in his 56thyear, Pete has written several books about running. He has a positive mindset about what he is able to do today and says, "I'd rather have my 56-year-old body than my 39-year-old body." While Pete has officially debunked the myth that Masters Runners can't run fast, he acknowledges the fact that recovery needs to be taken more seriously as you age. "You actually have to train correctly now," says Pete "Masters Running is a no-mistake zone." The Right Amount of Effort If you are getting back into running, or running into old age, it is imperative that you recover correctly. Magill says that recovery is not the goal, super compensation is the goal. Super compensation is the second part of recovery when your body has strengthened to complete an even more difficult training session. To reach super compensation, Pete recommends resting for one additional day after your body feels fully recovered. The other aspect of proper recovery is to avoid training too hard. This can mean skipping your last set, or running 10 minutes less than you planned. Pete says that you can only make a little bit of improvement each day, so you shouldn't over work for that little bit of improvement that is possible. Be consistent, take the time to recover, and don't over train in your individual sessions. A Sample 5k Workout for a Masters Runner (or for Anyone!) Pete says that if you train your body to run a fast 5k, then you have also trained your body to run a fast 10k and a fast marathon (with a few additional long runs). Training for a 5K requires you to train, slow, medium and fast twitch muscle fibers. Once you have built a strong body that uses all your muscle fibers, you are ready for any race. Following this workout, with recovery runs in between, will help prepare you for a fast 5k. Monday: V02 Training. This is your fast twitch training. In these runs you want to run at a 5K or even a 3K effort. In your first week you should start by running 5-10 sets of one-minute runs with a 3-minute jogging recovery in between each run. Increase the time and the intervals until you are running 5 sets of 5-minute runs. Thursday: Tempo Work. This is your intermediate muscle group. Do 1-2 sets of 10-20-minute runs at a 10K pace. Just like the V02 training, you should work up to the number of sets and the duration of the run. Saturday: Long Run. Your slow twitch muscles. For 5K training, these long runs should be between 90 and 120 minutes. Like the other two workouts, work up to the amount of time you are running. Long runs can do wonders for your 5K. Some of the benefits include: generating a better stride, teaching your body how to burn fat, and creating a more efficient nervous system. Be Patient and Run Fast! As you train for your 5K, be patient. It's the only way to run fast. Give yourself three to six months to properly train for a 5K and once you start racing, don't do more than one 5K every two weeks. Don't be afraid to switch up your race distances as well. Run a 10K or a half-marathon, and if you can, try to find a speed race. Alternating distances can produce great 5K results. Now, go start running fast, because you can! Resources: (Book) Build Your Running Body (Book) Fast 5k (Book) The Born Again Runner Pete's Website Thank you to Aftershokz and Nunee for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but they absolutely blew me away, they are fantastic and were built for runners! Being able to hear your music as well as your surroundings is great for our safety. Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! Don't let knee pain keep you from completing your long runs, or worse, sideline you altogether. NuNee is designed specifically to relieve that dreaded Runner's Knee pain. Unlike a typical knee sleeve, NuNee relieves the pressure at the source of the pain. And

No Shoes, No Problem Have you tried running barefoot yet? Over the past several years there has been a craze with minimal footwear. Whether it's shoes that claim "zero drop," shoes that look like toe socks, or shoes that are little more than a piece of rubber, shoe makers are claiming that shoes have been the cause of injury for years and that their shoe is the solution. But who is right? Can we really blame our shoes for all our injuries, our bad form or our blisters? On this podcast we've interviewed footwear owners, doctors, coaches and athletes who all have answers of their own. Is it possible that they could all be right? That by following all the suggestions we've heard, we can have the optimal running life? In fact, most running tips we've heard aren't contradictory. Getting enough rest, wearing shoes that don't constrict, eating a balanced diet and eating enough, running with a smile, finding joy in the journey, incorporating strength training, taking care of our mind—all of these can be done without taking away from one another. Today we are adding one more for you to consider. We break down the reasons why running without shoes could be a solution for your reasons and we discuss a few myths behind running barefoot. Join us as Steven Sashen, one of the fastest men in America over 50, tells us why he ditched his shoes and then started his own shoe company. Shoe-Related Injuries Steven began his shoeless running career as he was getting back into running after decades of inactivity. After dealing with several running-related injuries his friend recommended running without shoes as a type of diagnosis tool. Steven started running short distances barefoot and would change his posture, stride, or foot positioning just based on how he felt. If he got a blister running, he would change how he stepped and soon stopped getting blisters entirely. Better yet, his recurring injuries seemed to melt away. As lifelong sprinter Steven hated running long distances, but when he ran barefoot, he found himself running three or four miles at a time and loving it. He began running in thin homemade sandals when he ran on really tough terrain and soon after had an opportunity to make shoes for others. Why Run Barefoot? Shortly after he went barefoot, Sashen began doing research on why he was feeling so much better and why his injuries went away. He came to the conclusion that not being able to feel the ground with our feet is big contributor to bad posture and injuries. The information passed from our feet to our brain is crucial in how our body reacts to different terrains. "[When] you put a bunch of padding between you and the ground you are essentially making your feet deaf," says Steven. He goes on to explain that for thousands of years, the only footwear humans created was basic foot protection. These basic sandals still allowed for that feel which the brain actively uses to help decide how to place our feet and when to step lightly. How Can I Start Running Barefoot? If you are interested in giving barefoot running a go, Steven recommends running for 20-30 seconds at a time to begin. Find a flat surface and let your feet and body get used to the feeling. He says that it's more about becoming aware of how we place our feet than it is about building up calluses. There isn't a real need to slowly reduce the thickness of your shoes either, simply start running and walking without shoes more frequently. As your body adjusts to moving around without footwear, you may find yourself adjusted your cadence, and feeling your legs comes underneath your body more naturally. "Let your body be your coach," says Steven, "A good coach will tell you, the only way he or she can do their job well is by getting good data." So, what do you think? Going to give barefoot running a go? If you do, let us know how it goes. But don't blame us when you get kicked out of your local grocery store. 😉 More in This Podcast What's it like behind the scenes when you're a contestant on Shark Tank? How do Steven and his wife Lena balance marriage and running a business? How did Steven go from making homemade rubber sandals, to selling millions of dollars of shoes in just a few years? Does Steven still run barefoot? Find out the answers to these questions and more when you tune in to today's Running for Real podcast. Resources: Xero Shoes' Instagram Xero Shoes' Twitter Xero Shoes' Website UCAN Live Event Shark Tank Episode Thank you to Aftershokz and Generation UCAN for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but they absolutely blew me away, they are fantastic and were built for runners! Being able to hear your music as well as your surroundings is great for our safety. Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! UCAN is back on the Running4Real Podcast as an amazing sponsor! T

I'm sure you've heard the advice to avoid comparing yourself to others. Especially in the running community emphasis is put on competing against yourself, not others. But what about comparing ourselves to our past selves? Is that a positive or a negative? Marathon enthusiast and motivational blogger Dorothy Beal decided that she will never delete a bad race photo of herself. Her reasoning? To remind herself that real life happens, and that it happened in the past. We have a habit of only keeping good pictures of ourselves. Generally speaking, our mind will naturally only remember mostly positive experiences (except perhaps the really bad ones). For example, think back on a vacation you had a few years ago. If you are thumbing through pictures then you probably remember the beautiful landscapes, the great food, and the smiles you shared with friends and family. Luckily we don't keep too many memories of the long bus rides, uncomfortable plane seats, or hundreds of mosquitos bites. As our running careers mature, it's important to have a strategy in place to avoid comparing ourself to our past self's highlight reel. Maybe you aren't close to an old PR or don't have the glowing skin you used to have. That is okay. If we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, that needs to include our past self. Love Yourself Avoiding comparison takes practice. As you learn to live in the moment, be grateful for who you are and what you have, and truly love yourself, comparing yourself to others will naturally fall by the wayside. Along your journey of self love, here are three things to practice and consider. Preventative Care Loving yourself isn't a one and done to-do item. Just like running it takes continual attention, training, and proper prevention. Preventative care includes visiting a therapist even if you don't think you are in a current crisis. It includes slowing down once in a while to think about those things that trigger critical self-talk and how to avoid them. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you drinking enough water? You know yourself best, make sure you are doing what it takes to be in a position to love yourself. Positive Self Talk While positive affirmations are good and encouraged, this has more to do with how we talk about ourselves out loud and in public. If you want your children, siblings, friends, or nieces and nephews to love themselves, then you need to be the example. Children especially will pick up on what you say to yourself. Avoid saying subtle things like "My legs look too big today," or "Why can she eat anything she wants and still look the way she does?" Those that look up to you will inevitably do what you do even if you post motivational self talk quotes on your instagram every day. Dorothy started a movement called, "I have a runner's body." You can find the hashtag on social media platforms where people are embracing who they are. The simple fact is that if you run, if you are a runner, then you have a runner's body. Love Yourself So You Can Love Others Better A wonderful motivation in learning to love yourself is that you will be able to love others better. Take the time to build up who you are so that it doesn't get in the way of helping others. It also works the other way around. If you take time to love others, you will naturally find more room to love yourself. Love is limitless. There is no limit on how much you love someone or how many people you love, so don't worry about your heart getting too full. Loving others means that you are thinking about yourself less. Sometimes simply focusing less on our problems and more about how we can help others is all it takes to foster more love for ourselves. And remember, it's not thinking less OF yourself, it's just thinking less ABOUT yourself. Competitive Without Comparison If I stop comparing myself to others will that mean I have to be a casual runner? NO! Dorothy emphasizes that you can still be 100% competitive while avoiding comparison. Racing hard doesn't have to be about anything other than you wanting to do your very best. Do everything you can to beat the person in front of you. It's okay to let anything motivate you to run hard, but after all is said and done don't let your mind wander into the buts, the what ifs, and the not fairs. After all, comparing yourself doesn't really help you progress. So get out there and compete! Work hard, love yourself, and love others. You have a runner's body because you are a runner. You don't need to compare yourself to your past self or to others to know that you are enough. Resources: The Best Self-Talk Example Dorothy Beal on Instagram Dorothy Beal on Twitter Dorothy Beal Website-Mile Posts Episode 77 Running 4 Real Candice Huffine Instagram Thank you to Aftershokz and Generation UCAN for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but t

You know those couples that are relentlessly successful, kind, energetic, and so annoyingly in love that you crave their presence? We interviewed that couple today. Megan and David Roche are a powerhouse duo who have had very successful running careers and coach others to have the same. They recently wrote "The Happy Runner" which is a perfect title for what their mission is all about. Their coaching business is called SWAP which stands for some work, all play. To David and Megan, it's about finding success while focusing on "long-term fulfilment." If you want to enjoy every day and sluff off the negative feelings that come with overwhelming tasks, listen to this podcast. You'll be sure to find a few things that change your outlook on what's important in your running life, while maintaining or increasing your results. Finding Joy in the Journey David and Megan believe in what's termed the Arrival Fallacy. This is an idea we have covered before where focusing on the end and believing the end is what gives us happiness, stops us from enjoying the present. "No matter what your finish line is, you reach it and you realize nothing changes," says David. The solution to this fallacy? Continuously inject energy into your life. Easier said than done right? David and Megan have found that their dog Addie is the perfect example of finding joy in the journey. Think about it. All happy dogs are ALWAYS happy. Every time you come home your dog is excited to see you. It doesn't matter how long you've been gone. Boundless energy is sure to come. For those focused on the future or past, try being excited and grateful about the now. Picturing an open-mouthed dog might do the trick. For the cat lovers, there is another solution. You can get away from focusing on the finish line by changing your goal. Reframing their athletes' goals and making sure they are internally focused is a major part of David and Megan's coaching. Let yourself be okay with failure by setting goals that are most meaningful to you. Let Hard Things Have an End Along our journey we are sure to run into hard things. Not every moment can be bliss, and if it were it wouldn't feel that way anyway. You can maintain a consistent positive outlook by acknowledging the hard things and putting them out of mind by giving them an expiration date. Sometimes just knowing when a challenge will end allows you to move forward contently. A good example in Megan's life was when she was in medical school. Balancing a budding running career with medical school compelled her to train at 3 a.m. This exhausting period of her life was difficult, but she was able to maintain her work load by seeing each four- or eight-week block of school as an end point. Just like breaking down your race by telling yourself to make it to the next tree, you can try this approach to things in life. Focus on accomplishable tasks and give them an end. All Food is Good Food We've discussed food frequently on this podcast, ranging from a balanced nutrition to eating disorders. Today we stepped even further back to evaluate food as a whole. Not only are David and Megan against getting on the scale or counting calories, they are generally opposed to looking at food negatively at all. "With athletes, we always try to emphasize that all food is good food," says Megan. Of course, David and Megan recommend a healthy diet, but it's about getting back to the fact that all food gives us energy and life. It's okay to eat the sweets and fatty foods you enjoy. "Food is really fun!" says David. Have moderation, but be excited and happy to eat those things you love. Another coaching emphasis of team SWAP is to love your body the way it is. Everyone has unique genetics, so it is impossible to judge the health of one person based on weight. The focus here is to be healthy, not to weigh the perfect amount. Megan emphasizes this by saying, "It's always important to err on the side of being a little heavier than being a little lighter." Give your body enough good food and it will do the rest. More from This Episode: Learn how impulsively adopting a dog from the side of the road changed their life and set them on a path to start their coaching career. Who is David's hero? What is it like being each other's coach? And as always, the Running for Real Four where David and Megan give life advice, tell a Running for Real Moment, and recommend a few people they love to follow on social media. Resources: David and Megan's Website Addie's Instagram Megan's Instagram Book: The Happy Runner Michelle Obama's Instagram Pete Holmes' Instagram Thank you to Aftershokz and Body Health for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but they absolutely blew me away, they are fantastic and were built for runners! Being able to hear your music as well as your surroundings is great for ou

Running Psychology If running is really 90% mental, why are we sometimes slow to focus on our mental health? Does it sound more difficult than the actual running? Do we not know where to begin? Often the answer is simply that we don't consider it. It's not something we focus on until there seems to be a problem. Mental conditioning is more than just race visualization. It is learning about what fuels and motivates us, understanding what our body is trying to tell us, and governing how we relate and act to our own thoughts. Each of these deserve their own training schedule and mentor. As we exercise our psychological muscles, each run will mean more. In this Running for Real podcast, we asked your questions to sports and exercise psychologist Evie Serventi. As a consultant, it is Evie's goal to truly get to know each client on an individual level. She understands that we all have different motivations, weaknesses, and tendencies. It's impossible to listen to Evie without feeling her authentic and caring personality. Tune in or read along to learn more. It's Okay to Have Fun First and foremost, running is a choice. And for each of us, it can be a positive choice. For the myriad of reasons we choose to run, in the end, we run because we want to. We are not forced to run, so we do not need to be miserable while doing it. We've learned that smiling during a run can bring about positive effects, that running without a watch, choosing to do a nature run, or running with friends can remind us why we started to run. It is important to give ourselves space to have fun. Running doesn't always have to be painful or even hard. Remember that your running career, or lack of it, does not define who you are. "You're not Tina the runner, you're Tina the person." says Evie. Evie also says that we should ask ourselves "Can you have fun and race hard at the same time?" Think through questions like these to find YOUR balance between enjoyment and work. It's Okay NOT to Have Fun Okay, so you are the master of your own destiny and you are the one choosing to run, but does that mean you need to have a big fat smile on your face the whole time? Of course not! More than trying to always have fun, we should always try to be accepting. Being at peace with how we feel and what we are going through is often more satisfying than trying to force a happy emotion. Another thing, discomfort is always going to be a part of running. It is easy to assume that world-class runners don't deal with discomfort, but at every level there is a measure of pushing oneself. Although this thought may discourage you, it will help you come to the realization that running fast will always take work. Leave behind the "I'll be happy when..." thought process, and focus on your current journey. Three Ways to Conquer Nerves When race day (or maybe even a challenging workout day) comes along, submitting to nerves can feel like you are undoing all the training you've done. Try these three tactics mentioned by Evie to avoid any negatives effects of nervousness. Challenge State vs Threatened State. When we are nervous, we are either in a challenged state or a threatened state. A threatened state focuses on fears like letting people down, or potential pain while racing. Try to get in a challenge state by focusing on your resources rather than the task ahead. Nurture Confidence by Acknowledging Evidence. A good way to replace nervousness with confidence is to remind yourself of the work you have put in. Think about the training you've done, the good nutrition plan you've followed, or simply the fact that you are uninjured going into this race. Focus on What You Can Control. Where you are standing, what you are wearing, what pace you are going to start at. These are all simple things we can control that put us in charge of our thoughts. Set small goals like checking your posture during mile two or drinking enough water at the first stop to get your mind started on a positive path. You have control of your mind, and what you think determines much of your running performance. Take the time to think through what things may be stopping you from being the best, most content runner you can be. Find a sports or exercise psychologist to help you work through any nagging issues. Stay confident, stay content. You have an amazing mind, make sure to take care of it. Resources: Evie's Website James Wiliam's Instagram Thank you to Aftershokz and Generation UCAN for being a wonderful sponsor of The Running For Real Podcast. The award winning headphones which are best known for their open ear listening experience. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but they absolutely blew me away, they are fantastic and were built for runners! Being able to hear your music as well as your surroundings is great for our safety. Visit the Aftershokz website, and use code TINA for $50 off! Don't let knee pain keep you from completing your long runs, or worse, sideline you altogether. NuNee

Sleep and Performance It is universally accepted that getting enough sleep is crucial to performing at your peak. There really aren't any arguments against it. You recover most when you are sleeping. Sleep reduces your risk of cancer, depression, and anxiety. Your memory is improved and your focus is better. In fact, sleep is so important that if you didn't get enough sleep last night, I will not be offended if you go catch up on some z's and come back later. Odds are you will remember more of what you read if you are fully rested anyway. Really, go take a nap. Okay. Welcome back. Now let's get into today's Running for Real podcast. We interviewed Dr. Amy Bender, an expert on sleep and an advocate for getting enough of it. Listen or read along to find out what Dr. Bender said about getting enough sleep, how to take a proper nap, tips for falling asleep, and when we should be worried about the amount of sleep we are getting. Making up for Lost Sleep One of the first questions we asked Amy was about making up for lost sleep. Similar to most activities in life, we can't expect to miss days and days of sleep and then make up for it in one long night. However, the good news is that studies are showing that the amount of sleep you get on average over a week's span is what is most important. So, staying up for one night with a crying baby or cramming for a test and then sleeping in on the weekend may not be that bad for you after all. This also means that getting more sleep prior to a period of sleep deprivation can be helpful (think carb loading, but sleep). In one study Dr. Bender observed that those who got extra sleep before going without sleep for 60 hours performed better. It is best to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but banking sleep before traveling, a big day at work, or a night you know will be stressful is a great way to prepare. How to take a Nap Another great way to make up for some lost sleep or simply to get a boost in the middle of the day is to take a nap. Dr. Bender suggests taking one of two types of naps. The first is a quick power nap. This can be 20 minutes or less. These are best taken sometime between 1-4PM. The benefits of taking a nap less than 20 minutes long is that you don't risk the chance of waking up with that groggy feeling. Even if you can't fall asleep, getting a five-minute rest with your eyes closed can give you great benefits. When your eyes are closed, neurons shut off and relaxation sets in. Instead of rushing through traffic to get a coffee, try lying down in your car for a few minutes while doing some breathing exercises. Dr. Bender recommends the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven, and exhale for eight. The second type of nap is the 2+ hour nap. This is best for nights when you didn't get enough sleep. The most crucial part of your night is right before you experience REM sleep. This doesn't happen until you've been asleep for about 90 minutes, so napping for a full two hours ensures this deep sleep. It is best if you can wake up without an alarm during this type of nap, but setting a two-hour safety alarm is okay. How to Fall Asleep Sleep is all well and good, but what if you can't figure out how to fall asleep in the first place? Amy recommends several methods that help you get in that nodding-off mood. (If you are waking up in the middle of the night several times a night, especially if it for 20 minutes or longer, or if you have serious trouble falling asleep more than three times a week for more than three months in a row, it is best to consult a professional in addition to trying some of these methods.) Make your bed a sanctuary. You should only associate your bed with sleeping and sex. Don't spend long amounts time in bed after you wake up, and don't stay in bed trying to fall asleep for a long time. 85% of our time in bed should be spent sleeping, so get up if it takes you longer than 20 minutes to fall asleep. Hydrate earlier in the day. Hydration is important, especially for runners, but it can also be a cause of sleep problems. If you need to hydrate a lot, try doing it earlier in the day. Find a pre-sleep routine. In today's world, the first thing to include in your routine should be turning off your screen. Both the light and the content of what comes out of our phones and tablets makes it difficult to sleep. Writing in a gratitude journal, stretching, and doing breathing exercises are all great ways to prep for sleep. Don't Stress About Sleep Last of all, don't worry too much about how much sleep you are getting. Many people that suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea get more sleep than they think. The stress that results from not sleeping quite enough is often more damaging than the missed sleep. Knowing that you can bank some sleep before a big race or that having a nap in the middle of the day can make up for a rough night should put you more at ease. Do what works best for you, and know that t