The Running for Real Podcast

"At the end of the day you need to think about, what am I doing to be a better person, a better human for my community? Not just supporting Black people, but supporting women, supporting trans. What are you doing to be a better person?" –Marcus Brown In this episode we cover… The benefits and value of having a run coach even if you aren't a professional runner. "If you want to be one of those people who reaches your best, whatever that is, then a coach is going to be the person who's gonna help you get there. Letting go of the misconception of perfection. Letting go of the idea of a perfect race. Just focus on doing the little things right. Kids pick up what you do, not what you say. Marcus reminds us of the importance of modeling behaviors for kids because they are watching all the time. He says he's mindful of getting and training and coming back day in and day out because those are the actions he wants to show his kids. Even when external circumstances impact a race or training, it's important to accept and move on. He shared that during the Boston Marathon of 2018 when the weather was terrible, he had to switch off from what was happening."I had to accept that the weather is terrible and that I was going to get through it," he said. "Just one foot at a time." Running is like a mirror exposing our weaknesses. But it's the practice of facing those things that you learn the most about yourself. Life is challenging and there will be more things that will try and knock you down. More challenges down the road, but if you take a breath and see your own worth, you'll realize you are good enough and have everything you need to make it through them. As co-founder of Black Trail Runners with Sabrina Pace-Humphries, Marcus says the goal of the group is to one day not have to have it exist with that name, but right now it is very much needed in order to help people feel comfortable running in outdoor spaces and feel included. "We just need to appreciate that if someone's lived experience isn't the same as ours, we should still listen to them and we should still trying to pay them some kind of respect." Inclusion needs to transcend just being included on covers of magazines. Of course, that's an important step, but the real questions are: Who is making decisions to put the person in the magazine? Who's making decisions about what they wear? Who's making decisions of how it's presented? We need to have that kind of representation in the places that matter. As yourself: What am I doing to be a better person, a better human for my community? Resources Marcus's website Marcus's Instagram A Runner's Life Podcast Black Trail Runners Thank you to Momentous, Tracksmith, and Goodr for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect many great organizations who care for our planet deeply. Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel

In this together run, join me for a 30 or 45 minute run. We will pay attention to how we feel mentally, emotionally, and physically, reflecting, taking in our scenery, and enjoying some random conversations. In today's run, I answer questions from Uta and Chip. Submit your questions, and I would love to answer it on another run. Part meditation, part run, all Tina. Would love for you to join me. Thank you to BEAM for sponsoring this guided run. Beam hydrate comes with three purposes, balance, performance, and recovery. I used two servings of BEAM performance in my trail race this weekend (which I won outright!) and immediately followed the race up with BEAM recover. These taste delicious and make hydration easy. With summer coming, make sure you are hydrated, use code TINA for 15% off. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you for joining me, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

"I like running for the same reason I love to cook. I'm not looking at my computer screen, I'm not looking at my phone, I'm just outside and I'm present and that to me feels really valuable." –Julia Turshen In this episode we cover… Cooking is a marathon, not a sprint. How we can turn cooking from being frustrating and feeling like a chore to finding joy in it and feeling engaged and relaxed. Reflect on the role of home cooks in our culture and society, especially the often undervalued labor of home cooks and their role in family, community and household. Thinking about all the things that have to happen for us to cook at home. Everyone involved in the process: people who grow our food, who stock grocery shelves, who mop the floors at grocery stores, who work the cash registers, who deliver things on trucks, and more. Julia's childhood surrounded by diet culture and how that ultimately led her to write a cookbook about pushing against diet culture and pushing for us to redefine what healthy means for each of us. How and why Julia started Equity At The Table (EATT), a free directory featuring women/gender non-conforming individuals in/around the food industry and focuses primarily on POC and the LGBTQ community. Resources: Cookbook and website: Simply Julia Equity At The Table (EATT) Julia's Instagram Thank you to Momentous, Tracksmith, and Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a peanut butter chocolate bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. I am also excited to share with you a NEW product, a gel! Completely fueled with superstarch and ready to go wherever you are headed off to. Use code TINAUCAN for 20% off of your order. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Julia, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Let's go for another run together...from apart. In this together run, join me for a 30 or 45...actually 50ish minute run. We will spend time noticing how we feel mentally, emotionally, and physically, reflecting, taking in our scenery, and enjoying some random conversations. This week I am running from my home, testing out the audio experience of this versus a quiet trail (although we do venture over to some quiet trails during this run) Part meditation, part run, all Tina. Would love for you to join me. Be sure to go check out Momentous products, including Brain Drive that I used in my trail race, which helped me to concentrate for almost 4.5 hours. Check out LiveMomentous.com and use code TINA for 20% off.

"How do I find a group to train with? I don't feel comfortable doing this alone, do you know any, any Latino groups?" These are the questions Maria Solis Belizaire asked when she realized she wanted to run a marathon but didn't know where to start. Today, she's the founder of two organizations, Latinos Run and Latinas Run which support over 25,000 runners across the USA in cities including New York, Phoenix, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and more. Latinos Run is a global movement bringing together Latinos through running and fitness to lead healthier lives and inclusive running spaces. Latinos Run and Latinas Run celebrate the multicultural communities that make up Latin countries and create welcoming atmospheres for all runners no matter where you're from or what pace you go. "It's not about just the Latino community or the Black community. We need everybody to kind of lift each other up. So we always welcome everybody. We have a lot of people who are not Latino within our running group and we are all for it. We welcome everybody." –Maria Solis Belizaire In this episode we cover… Maria's story of growing up with running as part of her life but not finding an inclusive community or guidance as a kid resulted in her quitting the sport. Fast forward and she turned this obstacle into an opportunity to start her own inclusive organization, Latinos Run, which today supports over 25,000 runners of all different cultures, not just Latinos. The incredible variety of cultures within the Latino community. "You have people from Central America, South America, the islands like Puerto Rico. It's an extremely mixed and diverse community. And even within that community, you can see people from Argentina who are maybe typically more white than those from Dominican Republic who might be more culturally mixed with Indigenous or African roots. So we are very, very different." Maria shares about growing up in South Florida being surrounded by mostly Cubans and it wasn't until she got to New York that she started learning on her own and asking what Hispanic means, what Latino means, why some Hispanic or Latino countries have more African roots, others more Indigenous, and others more white. Faces and paces. How being inclusive in running doesn't only mean creating inclusive spaces for people of all cultures, but all paces too. Of not leaving anyone behind no matter if they're running a 15 or 18 minute pace or if they have a disability. She shares the story of a man who finished a 5K with a walker and cried at the end because he felt so supported. How she's constantly up against misconceptions from the Latino community itself that Latinos are fat and Latinos don't run so they don't belong in the sport. When in reality Latinos have been running for thousands of years. Running with Latinos Run sometimes becomes like a party. Everyone's having a great time and many families show up, not just individuals. It's a very welcoming atmosphere. The story of Maria's father who for the majority of his life has run on his treadmill every day, but doesn't feel safe running outside even in his own neighborhood so he won't attend races. Latinos account for one of the largest growing groups in the country, making up 52% of the US population growth(2019) yet running and health brands are leaving them out despite Latinos growing purchasing power. They also make up minimal percentages of road races and even less in trail races. There is a positive shift happening where the Latino community is becoming healthier and we're seeing a change within the general running community being more inclusive. Resources: Maria Solis Belizaire Instagram Latinos Run Latinas Run Thank you to Momentous, Picky Bars, and Beam for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. I am thrilled to be sponsored by Picky Bars now! I have had a few people on the podcast who are from the Picky Bars and for good reason, they align well what Running for Real stands for. These bars are not only delicious but made of real food and are made for sport by athletes. There are gluten, soy, gmo, and dairy free options and some vegan options. Click here for 20% off AND you can also get an additional 20% off your order, if you purchase a Picky Club membership. A membership entitles you to hand pick your own Picky Bars products and you will be getting a box every month of your picks. A new product that I have been trying ou

Join me for a run? While we cannot be physically together in person, we can run together from far apart. In this together run, I will take you through a 30 or 45 minute run, where we will spend time paying attention to our bodies, reflecting, taking in our scenery, and talking about the songs we feel represent us best. Part meditation, part run, take a step closer to running without music or headphones. Come join me? Thank you to BEAM for sponsoring this guided run. Beam hydrate comes with three purposes, balance, performance, and recovery. I used two servings of BEAM performance in my trail race this weekend (which I won outright!) and immediately followed the race up with BEAM recover. These taste delicious and make hydration easy. With summer coming, make sure you are hydrated, use code TINA for 15% off. Question for you to reflect about: What five songs do you feel represent you?

Today we are having a crossover episode, sharing episode five of Running Realized: The Lifelines Of Your Running Shoes. Be sure to go subscribe to Running Realized to catch up on the previous and future episodes of season one here. An exploration of understanding the environmental impact of the running footwear industry - what sustainability looks like now and what we hope for it to be in the future. First, we'll hear the story of the lifecycle of one pair of running shoes, from concept to landfill with Bennett Grimes, Senior Product Manager of Footwear at REI's Co-Op. Next, we'll have a discussion on the future of materials with Jad Finck, VP of Innovation and Sustainability at Allbirds. Then, a breakdown and call to action on how the listener can take immediate next steps on being an active participant in making the running industry a more sustainable place. Finally, we'll hear from Zoë Rom, Runner, climate activist and Associate Editor at Trail Runner magazine, as she reads her poem, written exclusively for Running Realized, "Last Words." Meet the guests: Bennett Grimes Senior Product Manager at REI 2:18 marathoner Father to 17 month old Baker NCAA XC All-American with Western Washington University 13 years in the running/footwear industry Jad Finck Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability at Allbirds Mechanical engineering degree from Stanford University MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. Calls to action: Be intentional with your purchases & vote with your dollars, buying sustainable products, especially from companies that are testing out sustainable products, sends them a big message that consumers see sustainability as important Research and reaching out to companies you care about to ask them for their carbon numbers Donate your shoes to SolesForSouls, Shoe4Africa, or other donation services If you take action and do one of our suggested takeaways, tell us! We would love to hear what you did, and how it changed you. Tag us in a post on Instagram or email [email protected] to share. A special thank you to Zoë Rom for writing an original poem to go with this episode, find Zoë's DNF podcast for similar shows to Running Realized. Running Realized is hosted by Tina Muir and Knox Robinson. Produced by Jon Phillips. Original music, sound design, and mix by Daniel Brunelle. Edited by Gordon Bramli. Cover image created by Mari De Monte and Toby Kelleher. Follow Running Realized on Instagram Learn more about Running Realized here Thank you to Generation UCAN, Momentous, and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode. Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a peanut butter chocolate bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. I am also excited to share with you a NEW product, a gel! Completely fueled with superstarch and ready to go wherever you are headed off to. Use code TINAUCAN for 20% off of your order. I would like to introduce to you Brain Drive from Momentous, I tested it out on my trail marathon race and I was able to stay focused and present during the WHOLE race. It has also been helpful for me while I am getting work done in just providing me with that focus that I need. It's caffeine free which I also love. Go here and use code TINA for 20% 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to , we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Zoë is a writer, journalist, environmental advocate, and runner. She has been an associate editor at Trail Runner Magazine for two years and she finds joy in being like a mechanic for other people's writing. "It's kind of a dream job because you get to tinker with other people's sometimes far superior engines and learn how to like better build your own," she shared. Zoe fell in love with trail running, climbing and mountaineering while living in Boulder while attending the University of Colorado. She also writes, produces and hosts the DNF Podcast. "I'm here to challenge myself. I'm here to challenge our culture, I'm here to challenge the media. I'm here to challenge trail running because I fully believe it can be this amazing, inclusive, wonderful place that I sometimes see glimmers of and then it's just not all the way there." –Zoë Rom In this episode we cover… The parallels between writing and running. The discipline behind both. [11:00] Helping push along the running industry in a direction that is more representative of what the sport is and what the sport wants to be. [23:00] "I love trying to find people who have been overlooked by or straight up passed over by our industry and try to bring their specific stories and voices to prominence by just, you know, either giving them a platform and like helping streamline their writing." [33:00] Shared about how we can move toward setting aside our insecurities and egos and listening to other people's stories. Journalism is amazing and impactful but what Zoë does is write less about like facts more about raw stories from experiences. "Facts never change anyone's mind, but it's very hard to discount other humans lived experiences."[49:00] Resources + People mentioned Zoë's Instagram Zoë's Website DNF Podcast "Beating the Boys" article Thank you to Momentous, Tracksmith, and InsideTracker for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get 25% off the entire website using code TINAMUIR Go here to find out more Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Zoe, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Join me for a run? Something totally new today. While we cannot be physically together in person, I thought maybe we could do the next best thing. Run together from far apart. In this guided run, I will take you through a 30 or 45 minute run, where we will spend time paying attention to our bodies, reflecting, and appreciating our ability to be out in nature. Part meditation, part run, this will be a way to take a step closer to running without music or headphones, and I would love for you to join me. Please let me know if you enjoy these, I would love to make them a regular thing where I could answer your questions on the run. Thank you to BEAM for sponsoring this guided run. Beam hydrate comes with three purposes, balance, performance, and recovery. I used two servings of BEAM performance in my trail race this weekend (which I won outright!) and immediately followed the race up with BEAM recover. These taste delicious and make hydration easy. With summer coming, make sure you are hydrated, use code TINA for 15% off.

We're excited to welcome Dean Karnazes who's back for his third time on the show. In this episode we explore the hard parts of the past year and how running has served as mental medicine for Dean. He also shares about his background as a surfer and how that influenced his running, about his ethnicity as a Greek, his new book, A Runner's High: My Life in Motion. Dean Karnazes is truly an ultramarathon athlete. Among his many feats, he's run 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. He's run across Death Valley in the middle of summer, a marathon in the South Pole, and run 24 hours straight on a treadmill in Times Square. Dean is also a father, husband, and author. " I think for a lot of people it's not failure that that holds them back, it's the fear of failure. So I'm not afraid to fail. And I'm not afraid to try new things And I'm always curious about new challenges… I mean, writing a book is every bit as challenging as an ultra marathon if not more so. It's just as grueling. It's just it requires the same sort of commitment and discipline." —Dean Karnazes In this episode we cover… Dean's new book, A Runner's High: My Life in Motion. We learn Dean was a competitive surfer. He explains that to him surfing is very much like running in that it's somewhat of an art form. "You know you can surf without being in competition. You can run without being in a race, so they're very similar in that regard." You can love competitions but not feel the need to compete with other people running. "I think the biggest competition is myself. When I stand at the finish line, if I feel like I perform to the best of my ability, then I'm pleased with my performance. And, you know, you can't control other people. You can't control the environment. All you can control is yourself." How running during the past year has served as a medicine and been more essential for our heads than our bodies. Surrender to whatever is going to happen. Let it happen, you'll figure this out and find a way through. It's very much like running an ultra. Resources + People mentioned (links) New book: A Runner's High: My Life in Motion Dean's Website Dean's Instagram Dean on episode 081: Is the Fear of Pain Holding You Back? Dean on episode 150: Running For Good Thank you to Momentous, InsideTracker, and Beam for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get $200 OFF the ultimate plan which is their most comprehensive plan. Go here and use Code: GIFTFROMRUNFORREAL for this amazing deal. A new product that I have been trying out is Beam. Where they try to help athletes with balance, performance, and recovery. Now I have tried performance and balance and the flavors were great and I felt the hydrating electrolyte energy powder formulated with beetroot, green coffee bean, and citrulline really helped me and I know they will help you too. Go here use code TINA for 15 % off your order. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Dean, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Chris Gethard is a well-known comedian and actor. He hosted a show called The Chris Gethard Show and now hosts a podcast called Beautiful/Anonymous: 1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. "We did in fact understand one another on a very deep level," Tina said. "In a strange way, beautiful anonymous. We had a beautiful conversation, and before Chip tagged us in a tweet, we were anonymous to one another. This is one of my favorite interviews of all time." In this episode we cover… Chris shares that while he's not a runner due to nail-patella syndrome affecting his knees, elbows, and hands, very interested in how running is a platform that promotes empathy and kindness. Part of this is that his work has leaned on empathy too because he grew up feeling like he didn't belong, and even a little "freakish" and feeling like an outsider. He shares that his direction with comedy and Tina's direction of her running and podcast both overlap in empathy. [10:00] Empathy for the inner critic. Chris shares his story of being bullied as a child, while Tina recounts the endless headspace during long solo runs that allowed self-criticism to sink in. Together they discuss how empathy can help us be kinder to ourselves and the people around us. Being the kind of friend that others sometimes can't be to themselves. [15:00] Chris shares how comedians have a responsibility to reflect on the attitudes and the current times and connect with the audiences. How growing up in a very including and diverse neighborhood helped him connect easily with people of all backgrounds. [34:40] At a time when late-night show writing rooms and staff were largely made out of white men, Chris on the other hand shared, "I had female representation, always had queer representation. I hired people who had immigrated to America who weren't born here. I was doing that because that gives me more ideas. I don't need to hire other people who have my life experience." [47:00] Everybody out there has something going on. "Doing Beautiful Anonymous has taught me is I have to assume that other people are having a rough time or in their heads about something… I have to lean into the idea that if I can let my ego and my needs go and assume that other people might be dealing with something and to give them the ultimate benefit of the doubt." [44:55] At a crossroads. In this serendipitous episode Tina and Chris who have never met before and come from completely different backgrounds, realized they share similar crossroads. Chris is asking himself if he wants to return to comedy while Tina is asking herself if she wants to return to professional running. They both ask, "how do I keep going?" and"how do I bring the joy back?" Enjoy this episode about how a runner and a comedian actually do have a lot in common and are both exploring projects that feel right and do good in the world. Resources + People mentioned Chris Gethard Instagram Beautiful/Anonymous Chris Gethard Website Running Realized Podcast Thank you to Athletic Greens, Momentous, and Koala Clip for sponsoring this episode. 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. I have been a big fan of Koala clip for years, using it on most my runs. It's a convenient way to take your phone and keys with you on your run without it getting in the way or being uncomfortable. You can either clip it on the back of your sports bra or on your waist. It doesn't bounce, does not move, sweat resistant, very comfortable, and I don't even feel it. For my listeners, you can get 10% off your order by using code RUNNING4REAL so go here and check out some of the colors they have. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relat

This is a conversation filled with wisdom, history and persistence. Tony Reed takes us back to how his childhood commitment to 3 miles a day (running, walking or crawling) as a way to beat his pre-diabetes prognosis ignited within him a life-long love of the sport. In this episode Tony embodies the growth we can achieve if we have the courage to pursue our dreams and challenge ourselves along the way. He shares about his story as a runner parent and his experiences in the corporate world. Tony is someone with incredible wisdom about what it takes to work hard toward something you believe in, even it's the least traveled path. Tony was first Black runner in the world to finish marathons on all of the continents, including Antarctica. He is one of fifty people worldwide, who completed the marathon "hat trick" which consists of finishing (1) at least 100 marathons,(2)a marathon on all seven continents, and (3) a marathon in each of the fifty States. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the National Black Marathoners Association. In this episode we cover… Running marathons was secondary to Tony. He shares he started running and walking 3 miles a day after learning he was pre-diabetic and that exercise might help. He's kept his commitment to 3 miles a day throughout his life.[29:15] Tony has run 131 marathons. He shares that it's easy for people's initial reaction to be in awe, but he reminds us that it took him 40 years. We so often look at the snapshot but we don't look at either what goes behind the scenes or how long it took. [07:20] His my mother introduced Tony and his brother to collecting postage stamps, which sparked a love of travel."Our mission was to see the world, it was to get out of the project, was to get out of the ghetto and literally to travel to see the entire world." [29:30] Music is part of Tony's running. He shares that with every marathon he picks a theme song in his head and has songs associated with all the marathons. "At the Hartford, Connecticut Marathon we had 5.5 inches of rain during the race. I found myself singing the lyrics to Parliament's Aqua Boogie funk song…And so he talks about dancing underwater without getting wet. And I visualized myself running this marathon and the raindrops were partying."[14:23] Tony says there's something in his mind about not wanting to run the perfect race. So during the Dallas White Rock Marathon he had a mile and a half left when he realized he hadn't stopped to walk the entire race. So, he stopped and walked 25 yards then he picked it back up. [16:55] When Tony started running marathons, social media wasn't around so there was no way of finding out how to run a marathon. During his quest for information, he discovered Ted Corbitt and his accomplishments. After learning Ted Corbitt was Black, Tony decided to find a way to recognize the accomplishments of Black distance runners so he co-founded the National Black Distance Running Fall of Fame in 2013. Marilyn Bevans and Ted Cobitt were the first to be inducted. (Bevans was recently interviewed an episode of Running Realized) [21:40] Ted Corbitt is actually the person who came up with the concept of the five borough race in New York City. He was also one of the first presidents of the New York Road Runners Club, as well as for the Road Runners Club of America. He was the first Black runner on the Olympic marathon team in 1952, and was an ultra runner. He is the person that they generally call the father of distance running in the U. S. [21:40] National Black Marathoners Association is working to plant seeds to improve distance running for Blacks throughout the country including scholarships and mentoring One other project is getting Ted Corbitt on a national stamp. You join in supporting this initiative on here. [59:50] Tony shares that he hopes the pandemic is giving people an opportunity to reflect on why they run. Are they running for the medals? Are they running for their health? Are they running to relieve stress? "I like to say one of the things that running taught me was to go through to a self-analysis to look at my weak points. So again looking at what is a real or perceived weakness and then doing something to prove that this is indeed a strength." Resources + People Mentioned Learn more about Tony Ted Corbitt Black Heritage US Postage Stamp Project National Black Marathoners Association Marilyn Bevans interview on Running Realized Thank you to our wonderful sponsors Momentous, Insidetracker, and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together

*Note* This episode was recorded before the mass shooting in Atlanta. At Running For Real, we stand against the racism towards Asian American Pacific Islander communities that has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carolyn is Taiwanese-American and grew up in Houston, Texas after her parents immigrated to the US. During much of her childhood she struggled with navigating the different worlds of being Taiwanese and American. She's now a mother, dietician, runner, and creator of the Instagram page, @diversewerun which features stories of runners who are of different cultures. We also talk deeply about how we can do our part and begin to heal. How we can create a world that is stronger and inclusive not only to skin color, but of cultures, traditions, age, genders, and so much more. Carolyn shows us that in running and in life we can all be more inclusive to people who are different than us, because that's the beauty of being human. "And so if this virtual space can be even just a place where someone can feel like they're not alone… I want @diversewerun to continue to exist as a safe space for people to feel seen and where they can connect with others who who are like them and hopefully help expand and broaden people's worldview." — Carolyn Su In this episode we cover… Growing up navigating two different cultures (Taiwanese and American) and what she experienced as a child going to school and feeling out of place and different. [08:30] The history of the treatment of Asian cultures in the United States. It's important to understand the history so we can understand what is going on today, and how we heal. [27:30] The importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and the impact on relationships. [1:02:38] Resources + People mentioned @diversewerun Instagram Carolyn on Grounded Podcast Carolyn on the Morning Shakeout Podcast Carolyn's feature on Tracksmith Journal Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Insidetracker, and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Have you not been feeling yourself lately? Gone down a lot of avenues but not really finding clear solutions? That is where Insidetracker can come in for you. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. I have trusted this company for years to help me show where I may be lacking and or if I just need a few tweeks here and there. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. Go here to get 25% off as a special for Running for Real listeners on their ENTIRE store. 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Carolyn, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

If you or someone you care about is having a tough time through this pandemic (and we have all gone through waves of highs and lows), this episode is sure to bring comfort. This is a conversation with Renee McGregor (@r_mcgregor) about how food continues to be a coping mechanism for many people as a way to get us through tough times. But most of all, she helps shed light on how we can develop healthier relationships with food. Renee is one of the leading Sports and Eating disorder specialist dietitians and has spent 20 years working in clinical and performance nutrition. While she's a sports dietician, she focuses her work on eating disorders and helping people establish healthy relationships with food and training as well as mental health and female health. Renee has worked with sports teams in the 2012 London Olympics, 2016 Rio Paralympics, and Commonwealth (Queensland 2018). Renee is also an author and podcast co-host of Train Brave. "It's important to tune into your emotions and work out that they are trying to tell you something." —Renee McGregor In this episode we cover… How we have been using and abusing food to help us get through tough times, especially COVID. [0.11:00] How we can change the way we talk to young adults, teenagers, and children when it comes to food to help them develop a healthy relationship to food. [25:50] The anxiety and depression happening for many right now, and how to be there for someone you love going through that (while also recognizing that it can have a huge impact on our mental health). [46:00] We talk about body image and perfectionism. [1:03:00] And much more. There is a reason this is Renee's third time back on the podcast. I appreciate her advice and wisdom, and hope listeners do too. Resources: Renee McGregor's Website Renee McGregor's Instagram Previously on Running for Real Episode 33: Is Healthy Eating Ruining Your Life? Previously on Running for Real Episode 99: A New You Is More Than Just Healthy Eating Book: Orthorexia Podcast: Train Brave Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, InsideTracker, and Beam for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Have you not been feeling yourself lately? Gone down a lot of avenues but not really finding clear solutions? That is where Insidetracker can come in for you. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. I have trusted this company for years to help me show where I may be lacking and or if I just need a few tweeks here and there. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. Go here to get 25% off on their ENTIRE store. A new product that I have been trying out is Beam. Where they try to help athletes with balance, performance, and recovery. Now I have tried performance and balance and the flavors were great and I felt the hydrating electrolyte energy powder formulated with beetroot, green coffee bean, and citrulline really helped me and I know they will help you too. Go here use code TINA for 15 % off your order. Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Renee, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

When you have a talent, a gift, or awards to your name for a sport, it is easy to rely on those to get things in life. Of course, you work hard, but you also are boosted with constant praise and recognition for what you can do. When that sport is removed by personal choice or external force, there is a reckoning that happens. Who am I? What do I do now? Do I even matter anymore? I've had few guests on the podcast who understand that experience similar to mine. I believe that most can relate to the feeling of having to back off from something you love or even step away entirely, which is crushing but voluntarily choosing to when you could keep going to work on a business, that can be hard to admit. While no one is judging you, it can feel like you are wasting your talent, that people are going to be disappointed in you. And our guest today knows that all too well. Jesse Thomas is a former professional triathlete, CEO of Picky Bars, podcast host, as well as father to Zadie and Jude and husband to Lauren Fleshman. We talked about struggling to feel like you are enough, figuring out your identities, and how being an athlete of any kind(and I mean athlete in the sense of anyone who participates, not professional) can help make you a better person and better at what you do outside of your sport. How We Define Ourselves While Jesse is well known as a former professional triathlete, entrepreneur, and podcast host with his wife Lauren, he shares that the largest part of how he defines himself personally is just his family. The most important thing to him is being a great dad. "Priorities ebb and flow. We have specific times in our lives where we have the best chance or ability to achieve a specific goal that is finite. And in order to put time into that, you do need to sacrifice other things for a little while," he shares. "As long as you're communicative about the length and duration and depth of that sacrifice, then you can often get through it." Primary Parent During Jesse's time focusing on racing and Picky Bars, Lauren was the primary parent, and now they've switched. With Lauren working on a big project, Jesse is the primary parent. "We certainly hope that we're teaching them lessons about self-care and the pursuit of things that bring you joy and hopefully make an impact in the world." "Retirement" Writing a blog and doing a project with Triathlete Magazine made Jesse realize the emotion he was carrying in the decision to stop racing professionally. "I'm super thankful for everything, but I'm gonna move on to the next phase of my life," Jesse said. "It felt really good. It felt it was a relief. Like I can now fully pivot into the next phase of my life, which was around becoming a "professional" "unprofessional" CEO for Picky Bars as the majority of my focus." Confidence is key Confidence is the tool Jesse says he learned from racing and it transcended into life with family and with running Picky Bars. Confidence that it's going to work out regardless of the challenge you face. As athletes, we ride such roller coasters with injuries, training, and races. But that teaches you a lot about business, especially when it comes to identifying what you can and can't, and believing everything will work out in the end. Picky Bars Picky Bars is a reflection of Jesse, Lauren, and Stephanie, the founders. It's a brand that promotes positive messages and in doing things around healthy positive body image, sustainable relationships with food, and inclusion. "What what we want to do now is build it too, to a place where it's making a super positive impact on all of our communities with, great product, great messaging, great givebacks, and making it an amazing place to work. " Resources Jesse Instagram Picky Bars Website Picky Club Work, Play, Love podcast Triathlete Magazine Article Lauren Fleshman on Running for Real Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Being a

As someone who was known as "the girl who got her period back" for a while, I have never actually addressed periods on my podcast until now. In this two-part episode with WUKA founder Ruby Raut as well as coach, physician and researcher Megan Roche. Ruby was born in Nepal, and shared her experience as a young girl who would got sent to her aunt's house during her period and would not be allowed to talk to any boys or men. That experience internalized a shame in Ruby that she was determined to bring out into the light. Ruby founded WUKA, the UKs first period pants brand, and while I have no affiliation to the brand, I am inspired by Ruby and all she has done to change the conversation and look after our planet (especially as the brand was started in my hometown...which I did not realize till we talked in the interview!). In part 2, Meg and I discuss the logistics of running on a period. Does it help or hinder your running? What period products are options for runners? And most importantly, how do we stop feeling embarrassed about something that 50% of the population goes through every month. I also ask her how the heck ultra-marathoners do it! This episode was long overdue, and I really believe it will be valuable to runners. Take a listen. Ruby Raut Ruby is originally from Nepal and now lives in St. Albans, England (Tina's hometown). She is the co-founder and CEO of WUKA, the UK's 1st period underwear brand. Ruby is an environmentalist at heart and is doing her part in making it easier for women to have access to period products that don't harm our planet. When she was young, Ruby shared about the experience of getting her first period. In Nepal, her mom made her a makeshift pad with an old saris cut into squares. Then she got sent to her aunt's house and during her period was not allowed to see boys or men, be out in the sun, or leave the house. Ruby shares how the taboo around periods in Nepal is very strong but even after moving to the UK, she realized that even with more access to disposable menstruation products, there was still shame around periods. Ruby saw this as an opportunity to tackle the period taboo and the environmental factor that comes with single-use menstruation products. That's why WUKA was born– as a sustainable solution to period products and is on a mission to make them accessible to everyone who needs them. Megan Roche As a coach, physician, and researcher, Megan Roche (previously on R4R episode 109) sees many athletes who come talk to her about their menstrual cycle. She shares that the number one thing is taboo. That many athletes have trouble vocalizing what they are experiencing "I've seen that a lot more coaches, especially due to the work by Stacy Sims, who highlights kind of training around the menstrual cycle training, with the menstrual cycle. There are more and more coaches just straight out asking athletes and talking about the menstrual cycle as this very early conversation in the coaching process," Megan says. For example, before starting your period, there's a phase many people feel tired and bloated. But a lot of athletes know that when you get your period, you're primed and ready for competition. Megan shares that her husband, David, is a coach to many female athletes and creates an open environment about the topic. Because if a coach understands how you're feeling around the menstrual cycle-related to performance it can help them contextualize the importance of it. When it comes to long Ultra races, Megan explains that period blood is just like other bodily fluids. People just have to be prepared for it and understand it's just another variable on the day. Changing tampons or silicone cups during trail races is part of it. She also says it can be helpful to use a chafing cream such as Squirrel's Nut Butter as well as packing an extra pair of shorts. Resources: Learn more about WUKA Listen to Megan Roche's podcast, The Happy Runner Thank you to my wonderful sponsor goodr, Generation UCAN, and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration of look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect many great organizations who care for our planet deeply. Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair. Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a peanut butter chocolate bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. They have even introduced a new super starch granola that has been i

The changing relationship runners may have with the sport throughout our lives. For Evie, she just moved back to Australia after years of living in the UK. She was also a sports psychologist and enjoyed a lot of sports before having twins last year. Now she's slowly introducing sports into her life again and building her career back up. Evie predominantly loves swimming and triathlon and has competed at an amateur level and age group competitions. It was when she was pregnant with twins that her life changed and she turned to walking as a way to keep active. As a psychologist, she learned how to prepare for changing times. "I've learned lots of skills in terms of how to be adaptable and flexible, and we're going to talk about mental flexibility," Evie said. "When the twins were born again, I really didn't do much. And I remember, you know, is sitting on the couch, thinking I can't remember the last time I have sat for so long." She talks about the importance of checking in with yourself because going from a competitive athlete to having no support at all after having children and during COVID, it's difficult to find time for yourself. Our relationship with running and sports is constantly evolving so we must be flexible and adapt with it. Creating a Plan B. After realizing her original plans of early swims weren't working, Evie came up with a strategy called Plan B to ensure she gives herself grace and flexibility while still making space for activities she enjoys. "On Monday morning, check with my husband to see what meetings he's got that day. Can I slip out during the day for a lunch Swim? Can I go in the evening, or should I just bump it to the next day, or can I do some yoga at home?" Mental toughness is the ability to perform at a consistently high level regardless of what you're faced with. When it comes to scheduling time for runs or other sports, those sorts of challenges and adversities are part of that mental toughness athletes should build up. But the flexibility aspect is just as important. It's about practicing compassions with yourself and allowing yourself to be flexible and not beat yourself up over skipping workouts. That's where Evie's Plan B comes in handy. But you should always treat yourself with self-compassion because there's a difference between pushing through discomfort and a place of pain where you should stop. How do you recognize the difference? Evie suggests creating a pain log for developing an understanding of your own pain threshold. Write down details about the injury like what intensity it was when it occurred and how long it occurred for. Develop flexibility Develop that flexibility by doing things you don't normally do, or don't do things you normally do. It doesn't even have to be sport-related. Think about it's reconnecting with what's important to you in life. There's always a purpose. Ask yourself why you run? What is it that you love about running? What is it that you love about your training? "Realize that we haven't just got obstacles in the way, we've got opportunities here to be creative and to focus on small goals," Evie says. "Think of what you can focus on. What you can do and what you can't do." Evie is taking new clients again Evie is back ready to help people with the goals, challenges, and adversities they face. Although she's in Australia, she can work with people anywhere. She's registered in the UK and is waiting for her registration in Australia. "I've always had a really strong interest in injury and helping people manage transitions with the sports, including injuries." RESOURCES: Evie's past episodes on episode 108 and episode 114 Evie's website Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries by Carrie Cheadle and Cindy Kuzma Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Athletic Greens, Momentous, and my New podcast for sponsoring 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. My new podcast with my co-host Knox R

Who is Alison Staples? Alison is a physical therapy assistant, Crew leader at Riot Squad Running, run ambassador at Under Armor, and coach at Formula Running Center. What was it like starting running age 30, did any part of you feel behind? I had no idea about anything running. I ran in what we're getting to how I started running, but I had no idea about the right community. I didn't know the distance around a track. All I knew was that I just ran down the street and came back and it was, like, the most exhilarating fill in the world. I had no knowledge of anything else. The first time, I had to go for a run. It was awful, but I kind of just stuck with it because it was hard. And I was like, "Oh, this is hard. I think I like it." I was more of an elliptical person up until I started running. What made you decide to want to try running after being an "elliptical person"? I really wanted to run someday, but I didn't understand how people liked it. I went to the gym three days a week. I had my elliptical routine, the 25 or 35 minutes. And then I just did, like some squats and stuff and that was it. I was good. I worked at the time. Well, I still do. I work for a pediatric hospital, I work with kids and adults with spinal cord injuries. And in 2008, we decided to put together a team, a charity team for the Baltimore running festival. One of our co-workers had gone up to Boston and just fallen in love with the Boston Marathon, especially the hand cycle division and thought it would be a good idea to bring that back to Baltimore, especially to our patients who are paralyzed and can't walk. We put together a team for the Baltimore running festival, and I had a girlfriend, a Black woman who I really admired, there aren't a lot of Black therapists, so I looked up to her in that regards, and then she loved running, and I didn't see a lot of black women running at the time, so she was just like this magical unicorn, and I teased her about it all the time. But I secretly admired her tenacity when it came to like running how dedicated she was. When this charity team came around, she was like, "You know what? I think this would be good for you to do. You can meet so many people like this. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet your husband." That's how I met my husband. I'm, like, sign me up, so I was like, yeah, you know, whatever I'm doing 5k. And she told me I could not do a 5k. She wasn't paying the race fee for 5k. We had to do a half and I was like, I don't know what a half is, but it's not full so fine, and that that is how I got coerced into my first race It is really important to have people in our lives who believe in us a little bit more than we believe in ourselves, those role models, how could someone find a mentor like that? I think it's doing the things that you're most scared of, all the things that take you out of your comfort zone, and then you'll find someone who continuously pushes you out of your comfort zone and continuously sets the bar higher for you than you will ever set the ball for yourself. So, you know I was content on the elliptical, and she's like No, no, no, you have to do a half marathon now. Granted that's a huge job, and no one has to do that job, but that goes for anyone. So maybe you're like a solo runner and you really want to run with the group But you're really intimidated by your pace or just groups in general. So, maybe you find a group with less people, but, yeah, just stepping out of your comfort zone and finding things to do that you are scared off. We generally put you around people who will push you out of your comfort zone and really tap into potential that you have for sure. I don't know about you, but I've found with the mask situation that I find it easier to do things like that right now. I don't, I don't know why, maybe it's like I feel protected by the mask or something. But I've done quite a few things lately on my own where I'm taking in groups because I don't know, I feel like that sounds weird. Comforted by the mask like it allows me to be braver and just go out there on my own. I don't know. The crazy thing about this pandemic is that it strips us all of what we thought was important before. So, like, who cares about what? Choose the clothes you have on, or, you know, the fact that we're all struggling. Maybe the same, maybe in different ways. But who we are, in essence is all that is needed to show up. And I think that's been one of the greatest lessons of this pandemic. How has your relationship changed since? Do you ever encourage her to do something she hasn't? It's so funny because you know, the funny thing about this situation is that she had me sign up for this race. And then she left the job, maybe, like a few weeks later. So she left me to train by myself and I tease her about it all the time. Like since then, she's moved to a different state, but we still keep in touch. She still goes out on her run. She still motivates me, even if she doesn't know. So she'll po

How did Maria get here? Tina shares that a few months ago, she realized she wanted to bring someone on board to help her grow and steer Running for Real in a new direction. After posting a job listing, she was blown away with responses. But Maria's caught her eye. She sent Tina a video answering the questions on the application. "Something in my gut just told me this is the right person," Tina said. What does she do? Maria's focus is on storytelling and communications with a little twist of marketing. It's about telling stories in ways that reach people's heads and their hearts. She helps us define Running for Real and our mission of using running as a vehicle for internal and external change. Maria makes you think twice about the word, "Awareness" "I was as guilty as anyone else of throwing around "raising awareness, awareness awareness," says Tina. "Then Maria made me think twice about using that word." Why? Maria says back in college she took a communications class and the professor strictly said never to use the word "awareness." We are all too familiar with organizations raising mealth awareness, environmental awareness, running awareness, etc. But just because you're aware of something, it doesn't mean anything unless you act on it. If we don't bring things into life then awareness doesn't get us anywhere. "To know and not to do, is not to know," Maria says. That is why she thinks we can all take a step further. Past awareness and into action. This is an excellent article for reference. Maria's story Maria was born in Bogota, Colombia and her family moved to the U.S when she was three years old. She grew up in Gainesville, Florida, went to college at the University of Florida, and moved to Austin, Texas in 2018. While she doesnt fully identify with being fully Colombian or fully American, at an early age she learned to value hard work perseverance. It was ingrained at her from the beginning the importance of keeping in touch with her roots while taking advantage of living the land of opportunity. Love of Water and Land Her love of sports began in the water. Swimming was a big part of her life and she swam competitively through high school. When she was younger, the only running she did was running stadiums as conditioning for swimming and she saw any sort of running as a chore. That changed when she moved to Austin which is where she started doing triathlon and getting involved with November Project and other running groups like East Side Beer Runners and Austin Runners Club's Morning Jo's group. "I was overwhelmed by the people that are part of the running community here. here. It wasn't this elitist runner group that I had in my mind, but a rather welcoming group of diverse runners who reeled me in and caused me to fall in love with the sport," she says. "Running is a common ground because we're all so different. It creates a safe space for us to have special conversations and form meaningful connections. Even for a long time, I didn't know what my friends did as day jobs because we just had so many other things to talk about!" Prickly Pear Prickly Pear is a mindset, a community that Maria and her sister Luisa started in 2018. They are sending out the message that you don't have to follow the mainstream ideas. That you can go out on your own and do something different. That you can be yourself. They spread this message through their Instagram and their monthly publication called The Commissary that spotlights stories of everyday people doing positive things and spark curiosity. They're bringing together people of different cultures and skills like artists, photographers, and small business owners so they can show up for one another and help each other live more meaningful lives. Tina describes it as more traditional media where it's enjoyable to sit and read intentionally rather than scroll through. Maria's 3-2-1 Corner Each week in Tina's newsletter, Maria shares three things to ponder about, two recipes, and one challenge. What makes the new Running Realized podcast special? Maria believes the word, "Realized," is what makes this new podcast with Knox and Tina so special. "Realized" acts more of an action verb because it's about turning conversations into actions that listeners and ourselves can take to be part of helping humanity thrive. It comes out on February 22nd. Where are we headed? Running for Real has undergone a revamp. There's a new website, logo, and even the podcast has a new cover. But at the core, the mission remains the same: having honest and real conversations. Maria explains that hard conversations can be had with people who share different opinions if we are able to just find common ground. For us, the shared interest happens to be running. It's what allows us to connect with others who have different backgrounds and cultures than ourselves yet share similar struggles. "I think ultimately what I think Running for Real is about is literally humanity in running. So how can we sho

"Yeah, sport is a vehicle for social change outside of the quarter of the field. We've seen sports lead social movements, and I think sport is one of those things that everybody can relate to. It's one of those things that bind us together, regardless of our other differences." –Chris Mosier Who is Chris Mosier? This week's conversation is with Chris Mosier, the first transgender athlete to compete for Team USA, first transgender man to represent the United States in international competition, first transgender athlete to qualify for the Olympic Trials in any sport in a category different than their sex assigned at birth, and Chris is the person credited for the International Olympic Committee's policy change for transgender athletes. You don't know what you don't know. Chris says a lot of us have a fear of doing wrong because someone might get hurt by what we say, but it shouldn't prevent us from trying to do our best to step in and be an ally. There's an idea of intent vs impact where our intent might be good, but the impact might still be hurtful. However, it's just important for us to acknowledge the hurt we may have caused, and then vow to do better. Which pronouns should you use? Learning the terminology is a good first step. For example, misgendering is one of the most common things that happens in the trans community. Mis-gendering is when someone says "she" instead of "he" or, says "he" or "she" instead of"they" for somebody's pronounce that they use. Pronouns are how we refer to people when they're not around. She/her and he/him are the most common ones, and there are people who use they/them as their pronouns too. Most recently, they/them has been approved by the dictionary to say that even though it is plural, it can refer to one singular person. Chris explains pronouns are personal and we tend to make assumptions about people's pronouns when we meet them. In the past year, we've seen a big push for people to put their pronouns in the bio of the social media, in emails, or in the window of digital meetings so people know what to correctly address you as. He says this is not just for transgender or non-binary people. It's for everyone especially if cisgender people and allies do it because it opens space for everyone to be addressed how they want to be addressed. You can learn more terminology at transathlete.com You can't control other people's opinions, but you can always control how you respond. "I realized over time is that I am not responsible for anybody else's thoughts or opinions. What other people think of me is none of my business," Chris says, "but what I can control is how I respond." You are possible. In 2010 Chris didn't think transitioning was possible. He saw the high school and college kids documenting their transitions but didn't see any adults. Didn't see people in a mid-professional career. Didn't see any trans men playing sports with men. He just didn't know that it was possible. It took a long time for Chris to even learn about trans identity and to learn the word transgender in a meaningful way. For him to realize it's a possibility, then explore that with himself. He knows how women are treated in sport Chris knows how women are treated in sports because he was treated that way before transitioning. Women weren't given the same playing time. Women got the hand-me-down uniforms and second rate equipment. The men's team got celebrated while the women's team got a brief mention. He shares the mind-blowing statistic that women's sports only get 4% of media coverage on the whole of all sports. "I'm really grateful that I've had the experience of being raised and socialized as female, competing in sports as a woman and then transitioning to mail seeing how differently I'm treated, seeing all of the harms that are done to women in sports. I think it just gives me this really unique perspective about gender, about power, about masculinity and femininity, and about positioning in the world privilege and all of those things that can help me be a better advocate." Chris says we have to understand that athletes come in different sizes, shapes, body structures, types of abilities and athletes receive different support. How do you compete in sports as a trans-athlete? In 2020 Chris became the first openly transgender male athlete to compete in an Olympic trial. Even though he had to pull out because of an injury, he said his main goal had been getting to Olympic trials as a way to break the barrier and open the door for the next person who comes after him. What policies and protections exist? Chris explains that in terms of trans policies, rules around transgender affect access to housing, protections for young people in schools, and the military. There were a number of harms committed by this previous administration against the trans community including targeted efforts banning trans people from public life. It was a top-down presidential initiative going through the Department of Educ

"I absolutely believe that I could do whatever I want to do. It's not gonna be easy. Maybe I'll fall on my face, maybe I'll fail ridiculously… but I wanna try." — Nat Mitchell 4 Things We Learn from Nat 1. Relationships Relationships are beautiful, intricate parts of our lives. Whether it's marriage or friendships, relationships have profound impacts on us and overtime you peel back layers of people and get to know them better. You learn what makes them tick and what makes them happy. "Relationships are so important when you can dig deep within someone's heart and just really figure out who they are," Nat says. And it's not always perfect. It's messy and it can be disappointing, but the more you get to know people at their core, that relationship can be the thing that gets you through turbulent times. 2. Family Nat's love of running and sport can be traced back to her family. She was just 7 years old when she started running with her parents. Her dad would even run 14 miles to work several times a week. From him, she learned persistence and discipline. Her mom was a model but made it her mission to shield Nat from society's norms about women and their bodies. She taught her to love who she was, no matter what. 3. Patience Life, like running, has no quick fixes. Just like there's no quick way to get fit, there's no quick way for us to go back to pre-2020 normal. There's no quick way back into running after pregnancy. There's no quick way to achieve your goals. It all requires patience. Even back in Nat's pregnancy, patience was key. Early on, she developed preeclampsia, a complication affecting the kidneys and liver. She shares how it affected running during pregnancy and her ease back into it afterward. Nat recognizes the importance of listening to your body and her advice for women coming back into running from pregnancy or injury, that it's okay to take your time. Ease back into it. 4. Just Try Nat just turned 48 years old and is still running far. "I know I'm not 21 years old and don't have the freedom someone who can solely focus on running… but I believe I could do whatever I want to do. It won't be easy, maybe I'll fall on my face. Maybe I'll fail ridiculously, but I just want to try." Suite Run Podcast Nat and her husband, Jerold recently launched their podcast called Suite Run. Runners know that every time they're in a new city, they want to find places to run that are safe and easily accessible. Places that allow you to explore the beauty of where you're traveling. With their new podcast, listeners can learn from other runners what their favorite hometown run routes, trails, coffee shops, and cafes are. Next time you're in a new city, you know which run routes to go on and places to check out. Resources: Nat's podcast: Suite Run Podcast Nat's website: Nat Runs Far Nat's Instagram Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Tina's New Podcast, and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Launching my new podcast with my co-host Knox Robinson from my 200th episode in February. These episodes are going to go a bit deeper when it comes to the running world and the problems we are facing. I am very excited to have Tracksmith funding this project for us. If you want to sign up to be the first to know more about this new podcast sign up here to get more information. 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 Nat, I look forward to h

"Running is a very small part of me as a person. So I do think this entire past year has been a great exercise for athletes to embrace all parts of themselves. To realize that you have more to offer than just running. To feel free to speak your mind about it." — Amelia Boone Love, community, and a strong support network. I think the number one thing I've been seeking all these years is community. Eating disorders are very isolating. They're diseases that thrive in secrecy, she says. It wasn't until understanding that all those lies and secretiveness were impeding the things that I wanted in life: love, community, and a strong support network. Aligning Actions with Core Values The biggest thing in this past year for Amelia is making life decisions in accordance with the values that are important to her. Number one is community, which is the reason she uprooted herself and I moved to Colorado from California because that's where the majority of her friend group is. Her advice is listing your core values and the things that are motivating you and then trying to align your actions with that. Something that helped her navigate this was ACT therapy: acceptance and commitment therapy. We're not athletes in a vacuum Running is a very small part of Amelia. She shares that this past year has been a great exercise for athletes to embrace all parts of themselves. What makes you unique apart from running and sports. For her, she's involved with plenty of other things including being an attorney. Ask yourself– Do you realize that you have more to offer than just running on and like your field? Feel free to speak your mind about it, she says. "Yes, I still run most days, but it's probably third or fourth on my list of things." Looking ahead "I'm just trying to embrace it as another year of adventure on being okay with the unknown," Amelia says. The number one thing to focus on right now is just compassion. Compassion for yourself and compassion for others, because everyone is going through different battles right now. And that, to me, is the one thing that we need more of in this world is just total compassion for each other. Resources: Link back to episode 10 Amelia's website Amelia's Instagram Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Goodr, and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Momentous collagen. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to running. The most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really take into consideration of look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect to many great organizations who care for our planet deeply. Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. 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 Amelia, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

*Explicit language warning in this episode "You don't have to solve all the world's problems in one go... You can't solve it all once, but just start doing any something better than nothing." –Stephen Lease Stephen Lease is the CEO and Co-founder of goodr, a company that makes sunglasses that are fun, functional, and affordable. Sunglasses for people who think running is fun. Stephen is an entrepreneur at heart and after five failed businesses, goodr became the one that soared. In this episode, Stephen and Tina reflect on his company's response to a controversial social media post and its evolution since. Stephen shares his own journey as a runner and what it means to merge his love of the sport with his knack for being an entrepreneur, and doing good for the planet. Pineapple Gate and Owning Mistakes Companies are people, and sometimes people make mistakes. Stephen recounts how a few years ago, goodr posted a photo on social media that received a lot of backlash. It was a result of not having the right checks and balances in place. Since then, goodr has been doing a lot of behind the scenes work to ensure this doesn't happen again, and to have much more empathy for the world. "It was not okay," Stephen said. "We didn't have the checks and balances that we do now, but we got to learn from it. We now review everything as a committee so that multiple eyeballs are on it. There's an approval process of names and copy so that this doesn't happen in the future." Fail while daring greatly We live in a world where it's easier to point fingers than it is to look inside. Stephen quotes Theodore Roosevelt's famous"A Man in the Arena" speech reflecting on how sometimes it's better to fail while daring greatly than not playing the game at all. Running Journey Stephen didn't start running until later in life. He ran his first marathon when he was 30 then got into ultras in 2017. "One of the funnest things about running," he says, "is there's just always somebody around the corner that is way faster than you. And I remember meeting people who are 100 mile runners and then saying outlaid to myself, 'there's no way I would ever do that.' And flash forward to being around enough people. Enough friends. Then all of a sudden, something that seemed unobtainable in a moment is like, this is obtainable. It's not gonna be easy, but I could prove to myself that I could do it." The Perfect Storm "I love entrepreneurship and starting companies and business culture. And I loved running. So talk about a perfect storm of things. It all enabled me to marry two sides of my life that I love." Stephen also admits to his privilege as a white heterosexual male in America. He says he grew up in a lower middle-class family, but his parents didn't push him to be anything he didn't want to be. He was problem-solving for himself early on and met his co-founders of goodr back in high school. goodr For the Planet goodr is part of 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit founded by Patagonia for businesses and individuals to commit to donating 1% of their top-line revenue to causes that benefit the Earth. Additionally, goodr has purpose projects where everyone spends 10% of their time on nonprofits or art-related projects. That's where the idea came for becoming a carbon-neutral company. To the team at goodr, it's important for them to offset their carbon footprint as a way to allow athletes– runners, cyclists, golfers– anyone who wears their sunglasses, to feel they too are protecting the outdoors. "You can't solve it all once, but just start doing any something's better than nothing. Progress, not perfection. That's the I think that's the biggest message with the environmental movement," Stephen says. Resources: 1% for the planet Go here to get 15% off at goodr The Science Behind Creatine Video Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Tina podcast ad, Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Momentous collagen. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to running. The most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off any product as Momentous. 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Launching my new p

"The most important thing that I will ever do with my life is finding a way to convince people to believe in their own dreams and to find a way to understand that it's not about the how it's about the thing that drives you to live the life that makes you happiest." — Jon Rankin On your heart Growing up, Jon didn't know he had talent. But he knew he'd accomplish what his heart went after. This led him on a running journey through attending UCLA to then being an alternate in the Olympics. He reminds us that, "Your heart knows all the answers to all the questions that you have about what the heck you're supposed to be doing with your life." We are trained to ignore our intuition and gut because it's not always clear it's the right thing. But Jon says things always work themselves out and that it's about moving forward and doing what makes you happy. On Identity It's easy to get caught up in identifying yourself as a runner, Jon says. We often take up the identity of the sport we do versus the person who does that sport. Jon says this is similar to race. "As a black man, I don't think about being Black. I see myself as a man who happens to be Black. You know, I don't put the color before the person of the human being. I'm a human being." On Parenting Parenting isn't easy, but Jon says it's about time and love. Every mistake is a part of the journey because there's an unspoken understanding that allows those parent-child bonds to never be shaken. He says relationships get better with time and love. On Running Jon has never looked at the rosters to see who he would run against. He didn't want to know. because he felt he didn't need to know. Why? He shares that in running just like in life, you can't dictate how others are going to do, you can only focus on your own performance. Trust your own talent. On Being an Artist "I felt like in many ways, I do anything in life as an artist, I'm a creator. A performer," Jon says. Running is like a performance because you communicate through every step and every surge. You go through the moves, the failures. Running is a canvas you can paint with your efforts. Living with Kidney Disease When he was 26, Jon was going through a routine physical exam a few weeks before the Olympic trials when the doctors discovered he had kidney disease. He was at the top of his athletic career when suddenly gets told he as a progressive terminal illness which ended his professional running career. But Jon chose to see this ending as a new beginning. He made the choice to re-examine what was important in his life. Relationships, family, life's meaning. He questioned everything and suddenly running wasn't as important as it used to be. This led him on the path to starting a family, starting his own business, and still having a positive relationship with the sport. Go Be More In 2007 Jon came up with the idea to start his company called Go Be More based on the fairy tale of the ginger bread man. He saw this story of the little cookie who didn't want to just be born to be eaten. Jon says every human being is born into this world that wants to consume who they are before they have a chance to be who they were born to be. So Go Be More was born. Jon's a writer, a storyteller. He wanted to be like the Ginger Bread Man and inspire others to Go Be More. "We are the gingerbread man. We are born into this world that wants to tell us who we are based on our religion, our sex or sexual orientation, our class our ethnicity. You know what we're born and yet within us, you know, we know that we want to be something more than we're more than what the world says we are so that box that we're born into this identity. It's what the world has placed upon us and so we have to cast it away. We have to find a way to Go Be More. To run towards the thing that truly will help us to be who we were born to be." Jon may have not achieved all the running dreams he had, but he is certainly a happier person because he chased them. Resources: Jon's Website Go Be More's Instagram Jon's Instagram Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Generation UCAN, and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Momentous collagen. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to running. The most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew. You can go here and use code TINA for 20% off any product as Momentous. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and

This is Michael Gervais's third appearance on the Running for Real podcast and the conversation goes deep into unpacking courage, vulnerability, optimism, growth, and change. As a high-performance psychologist, Michael dedicates his life to helping humans flourish by living in the present moment more often. In this episode he reflects on the accelerated changes 2020 brought to humanity, and the ways we can incorporate those lessons learned in 2021 and our higher purpose lives. Michael is someone who spends his life guiding others through navigating the toughest feats and edges of limits– whether it's high-performance athletes or business executives. But what makes him special is his wisdom in high stakes environments transcends into our daily lives, our own crises, our own athletic goals, career goals, and personal purpose. The most dynamic people work from the inside out They dictate their experience in life, independent of their external circumstances. On the contrary, people who are struggling allow their outside experiences to dictate their inside experience. This is why right now is the time to invest in your inner life because your inner life will reflect how you show up in the outside world. First Principals In 2020 we began having hard conversations with the people around us about things that matter. As our social circles shrunk, our old friendships of "convenience" like people we ran with, went from superficial chats to real talks about illness, politics, and social justice. 2020 re-evaluated our relationship with relationships. Goals support an overarching purpose Michael encourages us to be purpose-driven, not goal-driven. It's about how we engage with life rather than what we want to accomplish in life. Goals are important because they should be structured as a ladder to your higher purpose. It's the intersection of when you're on the edge of your capacity and still able to have a little fun. Setting Intentions Instead of New Year's resolutions, Michael sets a clear intention he wants to explore for the year ahead. He shared that in 2020 his intention had been "play," and that it was challenged quite a bit throughout the year. But having an intention makes it easier to set smaller goals that support that higher purpose. Highlights "Crises are a natural accelerant to change." "Change is reflected by your personal philosophies." "Train for a growth mindset like you train reps in the gym. Train for mindfulness, calm, and confidence." Resources Follow Michael: Finding Mastery | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Compete to Create: Michael's Website: Compete to Create Michael on Rich Roll Podcast Michael's Previous episodes on Running for Real Michael Gervais BONUS Episode: Handling Panic and Anxiety Michael Gervais: There Are No Shortcuts To Living An Insightful, High Performing Life Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Athletic Greens, and Teas with Meaning for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Momentous is having a great giveaway right now but it's not what you are thinking. They are choosing 5 people who will post a photo of themselves on Instagram on how they are doing self care. And those 5 people will win $1000 to be donated to a charity of your choice AND a 1 year supply of a Momentous product of your choice. All you need to do is tag @LiveMomentous and use #progressnotperfection and post the photo anytime before January 1, 2021. AND if you could tag me in there as well that would be great. Also you can go here and use code TINA for 20% off any product as Momentous. 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 make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! Teas With Meaning is committed to providing organic loose leaf tea blends and authentic tea experiences. Developed in the heart of Oakland by educator and tea connoisseur, Kamilah Mitchell, a brain tumor survivor and cancer warrior. Go here to support this wonderful business. 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, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Hope Virgo embodies true Running for Real spirit. She demonstrates the courage of speaking the truth and being honest with oneself, especially through challenges. Hope has written two books sharing about recovery from eating disorders, mental health campaigner helping young people and employers, and is an advocate for people with eating disorders. In this episode, Hope shares with Tina her story of going through years of anorexia and her journey of recovery, with hopes to shed light on this issue that many people are battling alone. Hope shares that there are so much shame and guilt around anorexia or any eating disorder, that it's difficult for people to accept they have a problem and seek help. She was actually an outpatient at a hospital for 6 months before turning into an inpatient at the hospital and lived there for one year. Then came the daily journey of choosing recovery and choosing to move forward with it every day. Take Aways Embrace how you're feeling on a day to day basis. Don't distract yourself from your emotions. It's braver to say you're having a hard time, rather than bottling it up. Once you start showing vulnerability, it helps pave the way for others to feel more comfortable showing vulnerability. Have a conversation with someone who's struggling and ask them what's going on and how you can support them. In America, only 6% of people with eating disorders are actually underweight. While eating disorders are there, they might not be physically apparent but are very much there mentally. Hope believes in the power of community to help people through their mental health and eating disorders rather than being institutionalized. Be proactive. Have people who help you stay accountable, support networks, and a plan in place. If you know of someone who's struggling, do other activities with them that are not related to food or going out to eat. Highlights "Eating disorders are a mental health issue, not a physical illness." —Hope Virgo "People with eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. They can be people of all different races and backgrounds. 25% of cases are actually male. —Hope Virgo "We all have good days and bad days and throughout life, we work our ways up and down that spectrum. It's about replacing those unhealthy coping mechanisms (whether through food or exercise), and replacing them with healthy things that work (like journaling or going for a walk)." —Hope Virgo Resources: Hope's Website Hope's Instagram #Dumpthescales Campaign Hope's favourite places to go for Support: The Hub of Hope (and not just because it has my name!) – it provides a quick way to pull up a list of services in your area. It also has a crisis text message scheme just in case you need someone to talk to Student Space: Set up by Student Minds has a place for finding support, a place to reach out for support, and blogs to read The Mix: One of the best sites I have come across! It offers online support, as well as a heap of information. It is mainly for under 25 year olds but there is a lot of great stuff on there! Eating Disorder Help BEAT: BEAT: Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Student line: 0808 801 0811 Youth line: 0808 801 0711 - BEAT provides online support and phone support Anorexia Bulimia Care: another amazing safe place for you to go. And if you are over 18 they also offer a be-friending scheme First Steps ED: A fantastic charity that focuses massively on early intervention, giving you a space to come and speak out up. NEDA : (US Based) – this organization has some brilliant blogs as well as a crisis text messenger service and helpline Support for Families / Carers FEAST is for parents and carers of those struggling. But again a really valuable space to go for support and to read blogs YoungMinds: Parent helpline 08088025544 University support Student Minds: A huge hub of knowledge – have a look at their blogs and their support sections Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Metpro and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! Go here to get 14 days free on the app! Momentous is having a great giveaway right now but it's not what you are thinking. They are choosing 5 people who will post a photo of themselves on Instagram on how they are doing self care. And those 5 people will win $1000 to be donated to a charit

Alya Alghamdi is a track and field athlete from Saudi Arabia. Growing up in a place where girls couldn't participate in sports, she never imagined she would be on the way to try and represent her country in the Olympics as a female runner. In this episode, Alya shares about fleeing her country and going into hiding in Europe because she didn't want to conform to the cultural traditions of arranged marriage. But it was during her time abroad where she became fascinated with sports like surfing, swimming, cycling, and running. It was through running that she found solace because it was the one thing she could do by herself. Alya's unique story is one of resilience, of persisting through hardship even though the future doesn't look promising. Having faced setbacks like not being able to return to her country for fear of her life, she dedicated herself to studying the law until she found a gap that let her prove she could opt to not have an arranged marriage. Or when she spent years training for the 2016 Olympics and was denied likely because she was older than the others. but while the younger athletes stopped training after their races, Alya kept going. She still keeps going. Alya's spirit is one that is determined to keep breaking barriers. Her story isn't over yet and she's still training and building herself up for the 2021 Olympics and record settings in the 60/100/200 meters. She is striving to have Saudi Arabia honor women equally as men in sports, and her dream is to carry the Saudi flag at the Olympic games. As a symbol that women athletes deserve it just as much. Lessons Turn your phone off while in a workout. Aim for that feeling where nothing else matters except what you're immersing yourself into at that moment. Whatever you give, you get back. Whether in sport, school, or education, whatever you sacrifice or invest in, will be returned to you. It can be relationships, family, hobbies. But you have to give up something in order to make room for what you want. Allow yourself to be inspired by other's stories, but remember everyone's story is different and yours is unique too. So choose things that resonate with your own goals and life. Highlight "Everyone is born with a gift. You just have to be fearless about it." —Alya Resources Alya Instagram Connected to Goodness by David Meltzer Pages and Time aim to promote literacy within correctional facilities by donating new + used paperback books. Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Metpro, Generation UCAN, and Alaffia for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! Go here to get 14 days free on the app! Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINAUCAN for 20% off of your order. Go here to learn more. This is a great and empowering website, which helps you to really look at the products you are purchasing for your family and friends. A social enterprise that has the goal of empowering empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality. They have products for hair, face, body, babies and kids, lifestyle products, and a few supplements. Go and check out their products and the good work 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 Alya, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Dave Hollis says whenever a change is introduced into your life, it shakes your identity. In this episode, Dave and Tina backtrack elements of Dave's life that led him to unearth nuggets of wisdom about navigating change, hard times, narrating your own story, and a methodology of setting goals and getting after them. What makes Dave special is he traces lessons of life back to his own chapters of life as President of Theatrical Distribution at the Walt Disney Company and how leaving that role and entering the unpredictable world of the entrepreneur shook his identity. He talks about stepping into your unique gifts and finding humanity in your struggle. About not worrying about the "what if's" and "how long's" and instead of appreciating the gifts of the current moment. Two Notes to Younger Self: The things you think will make you happy, will not. Find happiness, hope, and gratitude in your current situation because it's all you have. Three Questions to Ask: Where did the story come from? Does the storyteller have credibility? Do they have credibility on this topic? Gift Yourself: Recognize the humanity in your struggle. Once you do, you'll give yourself two things… You'll find other people going through similar experiences as you and will make you feel less alone. You'll open the possibilities of accepting help. Suffering thrives in darkness, so by opening to others, others in similar situations might have a hack or tool to help you. Setting your vision and goals: Set a clear vision of yourself 5 to 10 years from now. Then take a look at your 5 areas of health (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational) and see how you can advance each of them with small goals for the next 3 to 6 months in whatever environment you find yourself in. Highlights "When you accomplish a goal, you reframe what you had believed you had the capacity for." —Dave Hollis "Struggle is universal. The headwinds, grief, and hard times are a reflection of your humanity. It's not a reflection of you being weak or broken." — Dave Hollis "Friction is breaking down the muscle so you can build it back up." —Dave Hollis "Leave the dock of something certain, for growth sits outside the choppy waters of the harbor." — Dave Hollis Resources: Dave's Instagram Hollis Co. Podcast Rise Together Dave's New book The Power of Now BIPOC Rising Hearts- Indigenous- led grassroots group elevating native voices and interconnection across social, racial, economic, and climate movements. Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15. 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 Dave, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel is someone making waves at the intersection of sport and advocacy. She's a fourth-generation Lower Brule Sioux Tribe runner doing her heart's work in using running to amplify voices and representation of Black, Brown, Asian, Muslim, Two-Spirit, Immigrant, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. Jordan believes transformational change comes from the intersectionality of these groups. That each community must have an equal voice in the conversations around social, environmental, and economic justice. In this episode, Jordan traces her childhood growing up on a reservation in South Dakota, to later moving to Maine and facing prejudice and racism. The invisibility and systems of oppression she witnessed, led her to move to Washington D.C. and help bring Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups seats at the table and voice to be included in discussions. That's where she founded Rising Hearts, a grass-roots group elevating collaborative efforts among all racial, social, climate, and economic justice movements. Jordan's running life is heavily influenced by her grandfather and mother because running is embedded in Indigenous tradition. That's when she realized running was her vehicle for drawing support and education around Indigenous rights. In the 2019 Boston Marathon, Jordan painted a red hand on her face to bring to the spotlight the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. For each mile of that race, she honored a different missing and murdered Indigenous womxn, girls, two-spirits, and relatives affected by MMIW, and the last 0.2 miles for her grandfather. Through running and advocacy, Jordan is striving to pave the way for new Indigenous athletes. Lessons 1. Movements are intersectional. We must show up for each other with strength in numbers. 2. Dismantling racism and systems of oppression must be done through work in un-learning, re-learning, and building a better future. 3. Be proactive. Have conversations with family and friends about anti-racism, open up a discussion at the dinner table, and teach kids at a young age. But come at this from a good place, not a place of frustration and anger. 4. Following, supporting, amplifying, donating, and centering are all ways to support marginalized communities. Highlights "We don't want to cancel people out, we want to bring people in." — Jordan "It's heart work, not hard work." — Jordan Resources: Jordan's Instagram Jordan Marie Daniel's Website Rising Hearts Resources from Jordan: Books to read, articles, and podcasts to listen to Running on Native Land Initiative (Launching January 2021- bringing land acknowledgment into running and races) Runner's World Article Organizations Jordan supports that are helping support ending injustice and violence in Native communities: National Indigenous Women's Resource Center Tribal Law and Policy Institute Indigenous Women Hike Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Metpro and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! Go here to get 14 days free on the app! 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. 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 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 Jordan, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

For Damian Hall, life is about striving for progress, not perfection. As a record-breaking ultra-marathoner, Damian is also a father, coach, journalist, and author. He's set seven FKTs (fastest known times), most recently setting the record in the UK's Pennine Way. In this episode, Damian shares about his journey to becoming a Carbon-Negative Runner and why it's important to him as a way to take care of our Earth. Tina and Damian also dive into how trail running differs from road running and the beauty of traversing through spectacular places. One of the ways Damian loves to run and be in nature is through fell running, or hill running. With origins in England, it's a sport where runners race up a gradient, often without clearly marked trails. It's a combination of cross-country, trail, and mountain running. Soon enough, Damian found himself traveling all over the world for races. From the Saharan desert to arctic Sweden, and Mont Blanc. All the flights and transportation left him feeling hypocritical with the climate emergency and his love of the outdoors. So, he decided to offset all his races and become carbon negative with the help of an organization called Our Carbon. He says you don't have to be perfect or go for something this big, but any small changes help minimize your footprint on the planet and keep climate on our agenda. Damian and Tina also talk about how run races create a lot of waste, like T-shirts made of polyester which does not break down easily. In 2020, so many races got shirts printed then the races got canceled and the shirts went to waste. Organizations like Trees, not Tees are helping events and participants avoid this issue by planting trees instead of shirts people won't wear. 4 Lessons In trail running, you're not going in a straight line. You're weaving back and forth all the time and using different muscles instead of pounding on the same ones when you're road running. It's okay to walk during a trail run or race. It helps preserve muscles for later. Your personality helps dictate your approach to training or how you plan an ultramarathon. For Damian, his traverse of the Pennine Way included banking energy and power napping, but it's different for everyone. You don't have to make huge life changes to reduce your waste footprint on the planet. Simply reducing your consumption helps and not buying things you don't need, like the latest watch or another pair of shoes. Instead, opt for secondhand items or better yet, experiences. Highlights "We're all in this system heavily reliant on fossil fuels and it's difficult to escape. While we can't be perfect, we can make small lifestyle changes." —Damian Hall "Build memories instead of buying items." — Tina Muir 2020 Giving Guide Damian collaborated with Running for Real to help us put together a giving guide of ideas for sustainable products to gift this season as well as experiences other people can appreciate instead of tangible gifts. Maybe it's gifting your kids wooden toys instead of plastic ones, gifting your friends secondhand books, or making a donation for an organization to plant a tree. We guarantee there's something for everyone in this giving guide. Resources: Damian's Website Damian's Instagram Totally FKT film Damian's Film My Run Interview Trees not Tees Our Carbon Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Metpro, Insidetracker, and True Laundry for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! Go here to get 14 days free on the app! Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get $200 OFF the ultimate plan which is their most comprehensive plan. Go here and use Code: GIFTFROMRUNFORREAL for this amazing deal. The black owned business hightlight for this week is True Laundry founded by Ali B Muhammad, Malik Saleem, and Abdur-Rahim Shaheed in 2012 where they believe that Quality Exceeds Value. A company is only as good as the promises it keeps. They promise the quality of our products will always exceed the value. True Products, is a startup manufacturing and Distribution

Samantha Gash is an authentic storyteller, world-class athlete, social entrepreneur, and mother. To her, running is the mechanism that helps her contribute to causes larger than herself. Driven by social impact, she's helped raise over 1.3 million dollars for causes including women empowerment and child access to education. In this conversation, Samantha and Tina unpack the deep wisdom she's learned over the years, and how lessons she learned as an athlete translate over into helping navigate life's obstacles. Samantha touches on her expeditions in Australia and South Africa and completing the 4 Deserts Grand Slam– four 250K ultra marathons in which she was the first woman and youngest person to complete in one calendar year. 4 Lessons Good ideas take time. Samantha encourages us to look inward at our intentions behind our ideas. We have to break them down to the core and discover the "why" behind why we do what we do. Our ideas won't be perfect at first, they take time to change and grow. Don't let ego drive your life. Ego can burn and destroy you, Samantha says. It can consume what you're doing and why, so you must keep it in check. Don't be afraid to show parts of you that aren't perfect. It's good for people to see rawness in you, and then see your growth. Ask yourself, "What can this experience be outside of myself?" Passion is about endurance. The word "passion" gets thrown around in the context of pursuing a job you love. But Samantha reminds us that the Latin root of passion means endurance. It's about finding ways to get through tough moments. There are always going to be monumental setbacks, but you have to keep grinding. Don't rush the process, take breaks, and look at your life with fresh eyes. Change is always happening. Life isn't static. For Samantha, COVID-19 changed her life overnight. Races halted, goals paused, traveling canceled. But she said she somehow was able to adapt to new habits without skipping much of a beat. She said since her life has normally always been filled with change, she's become used to pivoting. Quarantine has allowed her more time with her son and husband as well as reminded her to go back to her roots as to why she began running in the first place. Highlights "Don't rush into things. Your body and mind take time to adapt. Things need time to organically build." "I'm a realistic optimist. I'm good at saying, 'this situation isn't optimal and I'm struggling, but how can I pivot that into something positive?'" "Maybe the adventure and running that I experience in ultramarathon environments are my vehicle, my mechanism for contributing to something bigger than myself." Resources: Samantha's Podcast Samantha's Instagram Samantha's Website Samantha on the Rich Roll Podcast Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Athletic Greens and Insidetracker for sponsoring 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more. Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get $200 OFF the ultimate plan which is their most comprehensive plan. Go here and use Code: GIFTFROMRUNFORREAL for this amazing deal. 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 Samantha, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

For Daryl Murphy, running is a vehicle for justice. Having been a runner throughout his teens, Daryl ran for several years at Ohio State University until the structure of the college sports system disenchanted him from running. Then, years later at the start of 2020, Daryl's coworker asked him to do a 5K with him. This was a catalyst for him to get back into running. Soon enough, Daryl ran a virtual half marathon until another friend gave him an idea for another challenge– 30 consecutive days of 5K's. Initially he didn't think he'd get to 30 days, but after his first consecutive seven days of 5K's, they just became part of his daily routine. But after 30 days, he couldn't stop. Daryl was just a few days shy of completing 50 consecutive days when George Floyd was killed, so the emotions and injustice around Floyd's death fueled Daryl's drive to push past 50 days. Soon friends begin getting inspired by Daryl's runs, so he decided to take what he was already doing, running, and use it as a vehicle to spotlight racial injustices and raise money for Black Lives Matter. His runs took the name, Miles for Justice when Daryl decided to create a Pledge It campaign. Supporters could pledge a dollar for every mile he'd run in one month. The first campaign benefited Black Lives Matter, and the second for justice for Breonna Taylor. So far he's raised over $10,000 dollars and is planning a third campaign. Daryl hasn't stopped running. He shows us we can transform small actions we already do every day, into impacts bigger than ourselves. 3 Lessons You can take something simple you already do every day and turn it into something that benefits others It's ok to not know how to do something, such as raising money for a cause like Daryl did. But the important thing is to take a chance. There are so many resources around to help you, you just have to look around. When days get hard, remember why you started in the first place. For Daryl, on days he didn't want to run, he remembered he was doing it for Breonna Taylor. Highlights "Anyone can add something like this into their daily life. I was already going on these runs, but now I'm going on these runs in the name of justice." "I'm going to keep doing this every single day just to let you know we have a voice. Change is happening and will continue to happen. As slow as it may come, we will continue to be here every single day." Resources: Daryl's Instagram Miles for Justice: Breonna Taylor Miles for Justice: BML Santa Monica Daily Press article Shoutout to Aaron and Joshua Potts for connecting us with Daryl. You can also listen to the episode we did with them on growing diversity in running here. Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momenteous, Tracksmith, and Tawa Threads for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Momentous collagen. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to running. The most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15. Tawa Threads reflect the natural beauty, contours and silhouettes of the lands we love to wander. Tawa Threads' styles and bold, exploratory colors seek to elevate underrepresented communities by giving proceeds back to organizations who implement inclusive outdoors experiences.Designs include an assortment of apparel and home decor that are uniquely hand printed providing each print with its own unique character. Feel free to use discount code RUNWITHTAWA10 at checkout when purchasing your product. Click 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 and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure h

Importance of Female Role Models Jacob grew up surrounded by three strong sisters and mother. From a young age, he saw them as role models of strength and courage. Today, as a father to four daughters, Jacob says he knows he's not someone his daughters can aspire to be because they'll always see him as a man, as their father. He shares he's constantly looking for strong women to point to because having been surrounded by strong women his whole life, he wants his daughters to have the same. Exercising Your Strengths "It's about putting in the time and being patient. Let your body adapt to gradually increasing stimuli." — Jacob For Jacob, he had spent the majority of his childhood running 5Ks and 10Ks. It wasn't until later in life when he learned of his uniquely high VO2 max and lactate threshold which gift him with having more endurance. That's when he learned about marathons and later ultras. That's where he found his strength. As a coach, he shares that the greatest opportunities to improve as athletes are in aerobic development. "So many people focus too much on anaerobic and not enough on aerobic. Perhaps the best way to find out where your talents and strengths are is to focus on building your aerobic base. Build your lungs." He also discusses what it's like to explore new activities like trail running. He says you can start small by doing your easy runs on trails first, then introduce strides or hill repeats on trails. A good indicator of where you're performing at your strongest is how well you're feeling during certain workouts but also paying attention to how quickly you recover. Who is Tommy Rivs? The largest part of Jacob's story is his brother Riv's recent illness. Rivs is Jacob's younger brother. An ultra-marathoner with a big beard and an even bigger heart. "He's just a very kind soul. A renaissance man of some sort," says Jacob. Rivs speaks multiple languages including sign language and French. He makes videos with iFit so people can run while learning about different cultures. He's a husband, father, and helps others with their running journey through his physical therapy practice. Rivs and Jacob were even training to qualify for the Olympics. But earlier this year while in the Grand Canyon, Rivs got sick and couldn't get out. He was coughing blood and thought he might have COVID-19 so he self-isolated for two weeks until he got too sick and his wife took him to the hospital. After many tests, it was discovered Rivs has a rare form of lymphoma. He went from being a world-class athlete to being on life-support for over three months, in a coma, and paralyzed. Jacob shares Rives is now out of the ICU and is undergoing chemotherapy. He's in a rehab facility to help him regain strength and mobility before undergoing a bone marrow transplant. In the past months, Jacob helped put together a Run with Rivs Challenge, which the running community around the world showed support for. Organizing this helped give Jacob a sense of meaning and purpose since he's not able to physically be near Rivs or his family due to COVID travel restrictions since Jacob lives in Canada. Paradigm Shift For Jacob, the whole experience with Rivs has increased his sense of empathy toward what others are going through and a deeper appreciation for the human experience. "Like most runners, I pride myself in being independent and low maintenance. But this experience has exposed my vulnerabilities, fears, weaknesses, blind spots, and given me a new appreciation for humanity and the running community," Jacob says. Ask for Help "It's ok to not have all the answers and to ask for help. I think this is particularly helpful for men to hear because we spend so much of our lives believing we have to be strong and independent, and it is our responsibility for others to rely on us— not the other way around. We can become better people through these tough times." Resources: Jacob's Instagram Jacob's Peak Run Performance Tommy Riv's Instagram Tommy Riv's Facebook Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Inside Tracker for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15. 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am stil

Often our most important training days as runners are the ones when we do nothing. Our recovery days are crucial, and without them, the hard work we put it wouldn't result in much. When our muscles are allowed to heal properly, they can repair themselves and grow stronger. A continual pounding doesn't allow for that. With all the stress-related and emotionally-heavy issues we have been faced with recently, it seemed like a good time for a more relaxing episode. Like our legs and lungs, our minds and souls could do with a recovery period, so that's what we aimed for in this episode. Oren Jay Sofer is an author, instructor, guide, and teacher. HIs expertise is in mindfulness, meditation and nonviolent communication. You can hear his voice and join in his classes that he hosts on his website, or on apps like Calm and 10% Happier. If you need a break from the world this week, and advice on how to deal with the stress we're all experiencing, read on and tune in. What is Meditation? If you're like me, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about meditation is an old man sitting crossed-legged somewhere in nature for hours on end. This can definitely be described as meditation, but so can many other forms of meditation. The point is typically to be aware of your thoughts, but not judgmental. The definition of mediation varies, but a starting point you can think about is that meditation is training for your mind. If you find your thoughts wandering, or maybe even catch yourself thinking some negative things, don't feel like you are failing at meditation. The point isn't so much to have a perfectly clear mind as it is to understand how your mind works. Keep practicing. Why Meditate? To begin, Oren gives a short parable on how meditating is effective. This is incredibly important for those of us that feel like we don't have time to meditate. Think about a logger who spends his days cutting down trees with his axe. As time goes on, his axe becomes dull, and so his rate of falling trees starts to decrease. To make up for his inefficient axe, he works harder, faster, and longer. A fellow logger notices his axe and offers him a sharpener, but he replies that he doesn't have time to sharpen his axe, he needs to reach his tree cutting quota. You get where this is going. Meditation isn't an extra thing that is required of you that takes energy. Meditation is the sharpener that will allow you to perform more efficiently at all the tasks you are faced with. What Else Can Meditation Do for Me? Another visual story can illustrate what mediation might do for you. A hamster runs on her fixed wheel all day long. At one point she is approached by another hamster who introduces her to meditation. She jumps off the wheel for a while, meditates, and then gets back on, running faster than ever. After a while, the meditation she does everyday prompts her to think about her fixed wheel, and why she is always running on it. What is the purpose? What else is there to do? Meditation can help you clear your mental inbox. It lets all the thoughts roam around without judgement and slowly you begin to find those things that are most important. Meditation and Your Relationships A great benefit of training your mind through meditation is the ability to communicate more rationally and effectively. We are faced with a myriad of issues and relationships today that require a lot of control and focus when communicating. As you train your mind to recognize your thoughts before you speak them, you'll be a better communicator. What to Do Today Oren suggests four things to practice in order to keep ourselves and relationships healthy. See if there is one that you can implement today! 1) Stay connected with people. Don't let different opinions get in the way. Nearly all our stances can be boiled down to a similar goal we have. Work to see what that is. 2) Take care of yourself in basic ways. That means rest, movement, meditation, and food. 3) Limit your news intake. This can be extremely draining and addictive. Stay engaged, but set limits. 4) Stay nonviolent. This is similar to number one. See the humanity in everyone. We all have vulnerabilities, and as we see them, we are kinder to one another. Resources: Oren's Website Oren on Instagram Oren on Twitter 10% Happier Calm Book Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Inside Tracker, Tee's Kreation for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your pur

Getting Down to the Core As someone who was accustomed to training for race after race and sticking to rigid schedules, Des says 2020 has helped her slow down and enjoy the time she spends running. She says it's allowed her to think about what it would be like to go from thinking of the sport where performance is top-of-mind, to getting the point where she's a life-long runner for the love of the process of running. That's not to say there are days where motivation gets tough. While there aren't races to look forward to, Des says what helps keep her spirits lifted is thinking about why she started running. "For those struggling with motivation to get out the door, think about the why. What was the thing that got you started, that made you buy your running shoes and get out there." Destober With races canceled, Des decided to make the most out of a training plan-free season and worked up her own challenge others could participate in— Destober. Inspired by Travis McKenzie, Destober was Des' plan to run the miles in the dates of October. October 1 is one mile, October 2 is 2 miles, and so on. This put her at a grand total of 496 miles for the month, and the last run being a 31 miler. You've got to stick with the grind, she says. Just keep in mind the reason you started running in the first place. This way when racing comes back, you'll be many steps ahead of others. Seasons are all temporary As cold months and dark days get closer, Des and Tina discuss winter training especially in places where snow and ice become barriers to outdoor running. But Des says the important thing is to remember seasons are temporary. We'll get through them and just need to make adjustments. Just like in the summer you hydrate more and wake up earlier, we must also allow ourselves to change our expectations. "If it's C-game conditions, you can't expect an A-game," Des says. Be flexible with your goals. Women in Running Des has no doubt moved the needle for women in running. Looking forward, she said we must strive to involve more women as coaches and in the administrative part of the sport, whether it's World Marathon Majors or the World Athletics."We need women in those positions to show other women that that's something they can do," she said. There's an Upside to Everything For Des, the Destober challenge pushed her limits in a way she wouldn't have been able to had she been training for the NYC Marathon in a normal year. She shares how she's been spending more time with her family than ever before and is making sure to embrace the silver linings of this time. "There's an upside in everything, it's really how we view it and decide to make of it." Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Bumbleride, and Itz Glitz Girls for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off. Go here to learn more. I was so excited to start up this partnership with Bumbleride and their eco friendly products. Their running strollers have really taken into account how the ride is for your child. They are thinking about the environment when they put their strollers together with the plastic frame being made of 25% recycled water bottles. You can check out more about their stroller that I am in love with here. Or check out their website here to look at all of their products and to support this great company. Owned by two young sisters Kenzie and Kya, who are soccer and track athletes and they have created this line of clothing for pre-teens, teens, and young adults. If your child is into track and field this is the place for you! I just love the positivity they are sharing with the world through their clothing line. Go here to check out their clothing line, things are selling out so make sure that you check them out soon! 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 Des, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Rich Roll is a fountain of wisdom, a cultural figure in the podcast world, an icon in endurance sports, and a champion for plant-based lifestyles. Although in college he'd been one of the top swimmers in the country and later a lawyer, his life became interrupted by alcoholism. So it wasn't until his 40's that Rich retook the reigns of his life and started exploring veganism and endurance sports. Now an accomplished athlete, author, podcast host, and father of four, Rich is best known for his humble curiosity and ease of conversation. The community he's created has transcended beyond endurance sports and into nutrition, mindfulness, sobriety, entrepreneurship, climate, and bringing people together to discuss hard topics of our current world. But his journey wasn't an overnight success straight into Ironmans and Ultras. It's been a series of smaller choices added up over the years. This is what makes Rich special. It's easy to see the humanity in him and see parts of yourself reflected in his story. In this conversation, Rich and Tina dive into the power of vulnerability and finding joy and meaning by exploring the edges of your comfort zone. One Foot In Front of the Other "The best time for doing anything, if not yesterday, is today." — Rich Roll You have to be willing to begin something without knowing where it's going to lead you, says Rich. Dropping all expectations tied to the result and falling in love with the process of starting something new. This is true for Rich's athletic feats as much as his career. It's easy to get paralyzed by getting too wrapped up in what the ultimate destination looks like, whether it's a race or a career goal, that you prevent yourself from the space to imagine the possibilities along the way. "I've learned that when you move forward, goops open and opportunities present themselves," Rich said. "But if you don't take that first step because you're waiting for those opportunities before you begin, they're never going to materialize." Be You "There's no one else in the universe that is you. Your unique perspective on yourself, humanity, and the planet is valuable. Nobody else has your experience," says Rich. The things you put out into the world are a reflection of who you are. By being honest and vulnerable about it, it resonates with other people because they see themselves in you. But vulnerability takes courage. For Rich, his podcast platform is a safe place guests can be open and feel comfortable being honest with their story. "True strength can only be summoned through acknowledging the problem and allowing yourself to experience whatever you're feeling." For Rich, honesty, and sincerity are taking the form of speaking up about current events. He shared new directions he's exploring with his podcast about being part of the positive change in the world and not shying away from issues but trying to tackle them not in a political or activist way, but as someone trying to have a meaningful conversation about difficult things. It's these moments of discomfort and truthfulness that give our lives meaning. Challenging ourselves, our ideas, and bodies. Putting ourselves in positions to strive and fail so we can learn who we are at our core. There's No Prescription Rich says it's important to stay grounded with practices that allow us to lead more authentic lives. There's no prescription, it's different for everyone. Whether it's time alone on a trail, journaling, or meditation, it's like putting on the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you can be the best version of yourself and maximum service to other people. Tina and Rich both agree that finding ways to live life mindfully and purposefully allows them to be better parents, coworkers, and friends. Finding moments of stillness and reflection helps them stay connected with the real reasons they fell in love with their endeavors, whether it's podcasting, running, or other feats. Voicing Change Rich is someone who aligns his actions with his values. Most recently, he's embodying this with his latest book, Voicing Change. It's a compilation of timeless wisdom and inspiration lifted from his podcast guests over the years. Evergreen stories of ordinary people who through vulnerability and courage, have some extraordinary wisdom to share. Resources: Voicing Change by Rich Roll A Life on Our Planet How to Save a Planet Podcast Margaret Klein on Running for Real Podcast Darin Olien on Running for Real Podcast Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Tracksmith, and Go Be More for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crash

Mark "Mace" Macy and his son, Travis competed in the Worlds Toughest Race. Except their story goes deeper to make it more motivating, powerful, and inspiring than any other competitor in the race. Mace was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago, and Eco Challenge Fiji was potentially his last race. Being a legendary adventure racer who had competed in many Worlds Toughest Race events before, Mace knew he could handle the toughness aspect, but how would his mind and body handle the challenges of pushing to the limit. This conversation with Travis and Mark involves going over the race, but then so much more about dealing with the challenges of Alzheimers, which currently affects one in ten Americans over 65 and is expected to affect 14 million Americans by 2050. We talk about the reality of having this challenge come up for their family, and how Mace thought it would never happen to him, being the epitome of health and fitness. Mace gives his advice for people who are working through the challenge of Alzheimers and both Mark and Travis have advice for family members to be supportive. We talk about the grieving process that is occurs upon diagnosis. How it is natural and normal to experience that feeling. And Mace, keeping the fun always, tells us a funny story from the race. This episode covers a serious topic, but these two remain upbeat and positive. A great lesson for life, and one I am proud to share on this podcast. Resources: Travis Macy Instagram Travis Macy Twitter My Runner's Connect Travis Macy Episode Angelo Poli from MetPro Episode Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Metpro, and Go Be More for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off. Go here to learn more. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! The black owned business for this episode is Go Be More, a brand with the reminder to chase your dreams. The founder is Jon Rankin, a motivational speaker, Olympian, and kidney disease survivor. The Go Be More brand represents more than just comfortable clothing. It is a wedding ring for your personal goals. It's a motivator, a constant reminder, and a physical representation of your commitment to be who you were meant to be. Go and check out their website here where you can check out their merchandise, podcast, blog, and their Just One Challenge. And start to make that difference in chasing your dreams! 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 Travis and Mark, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

"It's hard to be what you can't see." That's the idea that has inspired Sabrina Pace-Humphrey's to make a change in the trail running community. As a child, you had dreams and goals based on the people you saw, but if none of them looked like you, it was hard to imagine yourself doing it. Young black runners haven't had enough idols to look to, and in the trail running community? They've been nonexistent. That doesn't mean there aren't any black trail runners, but they are almost never in the public eye. That is, until Sabrina took over the cover of the most recent Runner's World magazine issue. Sabrina shared her excitement for trails, work on diversity expansion, and running tips with us. You won't want to miss it! You Need More Than Just Shoes to Run We often celebrate running as the simplest, most inclusive sport. "All you need is a pair of shoes!" While that may be the only gear you need (though even that can be debated!), a running community is also crucial to supporting runners of all types. Without races to participate in, groups to run with, coaches that encourage and teach us, running wouldn't be what it is today. For the minorities in running, the need for more than shoes is even more imperative. When it comes to trail running specifically, there are additional barriers. Simply the geography of trail running is a natural excluder of black runners. Most trails happen to be outside of urban areas where black populations are sorely outnumbered. For Sabrina, a black, middle-aged mother, the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against her. Sabrina has worked to change that. She co-founded Black Trail Runners and speaks out to brands, helping them find ways to expand their target audience to people of color. She told us that for companies it has to begin internally. In order to become more inclusive and diverse, you have to look at the process for the decisions you make. How are you picking who you're hiring? Or marketing to? That's where it begins. So You Think You Want to Be a Runner Sabrina didn't start running until she was in her early thirties. Now she's an ultra-marathoner, on the cover of Runner's World, and a running community leader. As mentioned before, she's a mother, a grandmother, a woman of color, and a native to the British countryside. If anyone wasn't "meant" to be a trail runner, it was probably Sab. Long story short, if she can do it, so can you. Sab started running after having her fourth child. Her doctor recommended she find some type of exercise to combat her postpartum depression. She had never enjoyed running, but decided she would try to run a mile. That first run was awful. She felt like she couldn't breathe, that she couldn't do it, but then, she finished. Ever since that first run, although many have been similar in difficulty, she's never regretted finishing a run. "It's a miracle, it's magical," she says. Sabrina's Secret to Tackling Long Distances Sab has now run some very impressive distances. She's competed in what's commonly known as the "toughest footrace on earth," Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race in the Sahara Desert, along with many other ultra-marathons. Even with those mammoth races under her belt, she still takes it one step at a time, chunking up each training session or competition into smaller bits. A very visual piece of advice that Sab gives when you are out on a run that just feels plain hard, is to think about the devil and angel on your shoulders. The devil tells you that you can't do it, that you're not meant for it, or that it's too hard. Sab pictures stepping on that devil with every step forward she takes. Each one pushing it further and further down. You can do it, and the angel on your shoulder will be proud when you finish. Whoever you are, you can be a runner. People like Sab are making sure of that. If you don't see a runner like you, be that runner for the next person. Take one step at a time, chunk it up, and let that little devil know what you are capable of. Resources: Sabrina on Instagram Sabrina on Runner's World Black Trail Runners Black Trail Runners on Instagram Black Trail Runners on Facebook Marathon Des Sables Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, and Trumpaclart for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15. Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I

Who do I want to be when I grow up? Emma Roca. I have had the opportunity to speak to and learn from a lot of women, but Emma is someone who is the absolute definition of a strong woman. Emma from Team Summit, who represented Spain in the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji has accomplished a lot. She has a PhD in biochemistry, owns three businesses, is a professional firefighter, world class adventure racer, and is a mother to three kids. That in itself would be enough to have us questioning if she is even human (and I ask her this in the interview), but above all that, the thing that stands out about Emma the most, is her attitude. Emma is someone who gives her very best, but approaches life with humor and humility. We talk about being a mother, raising strong girls, and how to be a role model for children in your life (yes, even if you are not a parent). We cover the importance of a team or support network around you for whatever it is you are trying to do, and why we need to surround ourselves by people who believe in our strength. And we talk about how exercise can be a major way to destress (and don't we need it right now!) even if it means you miss out on relaxing in other ways. Emma is truly one of the most motivating women I have ever met, and if you do not already love her, you will after this episode. Resources: Emma's Twitter Emma's Website Emma's Facebook Angelo Poli from MetPro Episode Thank you to my wonderful sponsors Metpro, Altra, and Sophie Williams for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best. Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer! I am thrilled to announce my exciting partnership with Altra, as an athlete and a sponsorship, I have loved their shoes as well as what this company stands for. So as a special treat to Running4Real listeners they are going to give away a pair of shoes every month this year! Go HERE to enter to be a winner a free pair of shoes. And once you have entered once you will be entered for the entire year. Altra Running Europe has now started a new giveaway for the European listeners out there, enter here for a bi-monthly giveaway for your choice pair of shoes. You can also go here and you can enter to win your own pair of shoes. AND if you do enter I will send you a 20% coupon code to Altra Running Europe. I would like to introduce you to Sophie Williams, she is doing a great deal for the anti-racist movement being an author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black (releasing in April 2021). She has been in so many articles in really getting the word out on how to be an anti racist. Welcoming you with her personality, you are just going to be hooked in and you just can't stop watching her content. She is also located in the UK so go and check her out here as well as following her on Instagram to show her your support. 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 Emma, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

By now we know that the planet needs saving. There are millions of tons of human-made garbage floating in the sea, forests being burned and otherwise destroyed, and gases rising into the atmosphere multiplying the negative natural disaster effects. It's not exactly a pretty picture. There is a lot of work to do if we want to minimize the damaging effects of climate change. It can seem overwhelming, but the scale of the task doesn't have to discourage you. The fact is, we need all hands on deck to make a difference. The ship will go where it needs to go if we all do our part. Darin Olien has dedicated most of what he does in life to tackling this problem. He's a nutritional guru, and an environmental activist, but you probably know him best from co-hosting Down to Earth with Zac Efron. He shared his experiences with us about being a Netflix star, and more importantly, what we can do about climate change. How to Talk About Climate Change As we are learning from the current election and shows like The Social Dilemma, we tend to hear from and talk to similarly-minded people a majority of the time. Your social media circles and likely even a lot of the people you see in person, have similar ideas to you. What does this mean? A few things to remember: First, if you speak up often, you are probably mostly speaking to the choir. We know you care about climate change, and so do we. So what? What are we going to do about it? Second, because you are mostly speaking to the choir, you don't feel the pressure from different opinions and so your voice becomes more aggressive and there is less room for those with different priorities or beliefs to participate. Darin came across these same feelings while filming Down to Earth. He knows that if he were in charge of making the film, it would have been less conservative. Fewer people would have watched, and those that did would have been "in their pod" already. Instead, the people that watched the show didn't expect to learn about the environment or their health because they weren't being talked to, they were just listening in on the conversations. Consider these things as you talk more about climate change. First of all, expand your circle. We can't keep talking to the same group of people if everyone is going to get on board. Be willing to hear different thoughts and understand some people have varying priorities. Second, be kind and play the long game. Keep friendships and be the person that your friends and family know they can go to if they want to learn more. Our actions don't change overnight. Sometimes just knowing who they can ask climate change questions about when they start thinking about it more is the best thing you can do. How We Can Make a Change Now Opening the gates of communication is a great way to start, but posting that you care about the planet on Instagram isn't going to be what saves it. We need big change. Really big. To be perfectly transparent, bigger than what we can do on an individual level. Making small changes in our lives is a good thing! Being aware of our consumption is important, but to make a difference we need the big players to change. Corporations have to fundamentally change. No amount of recycling is going to change the trajectory we are on. In fact, Darin told us that less than 10 percent of what we think is going to be recycled actually does. Most of it goes in the ground or a dump somewhere. Even then, consumer products aren't the biggest contributors to global warming. So how can we change the system? There are two ways to get to the corporations. One is from policy. We need to use our vote to get the right people in office and the right policies passed. And two, we need to vote with our feet and wallets. Simply put, companies won't make things that we don't buy. There is hope. More and more countries, companies, and individuals are changing their ways. Many experts estimate that it is too late to avoid damage from climate change, but all that means is that the sooner we work to change, the less damage there will be. It's important to not give up hope and to act as soon as possible. Keep learning and keep acting on what you learn. Resources: Darin's Website Down to Earth Documentary Footprint Shakeology Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Team Onyx Adventure Racing for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites! You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter

Tashi and Nungshi Malik are changing the world by inspiring young girls and women all around the world. Having received the highest award for women in India, the Nari Shakti Puraskar, in 2020, they are on a mission to show Indian women and girls that they can do anything they dream of. It was a pure joy to talk to Nungshi and Tashi on the podcast for the latest World's Toughest Race episode. They both have a fun approach to life, and they are not afraid to amke fun of themselves or joke about their family relationship. If you have siblings, you will recognize many of the struggles from this episode! We discuss why young girls in India are told to find a nice, cushy job, to get married and gave kids. But Tashi and Nungshi want to show that there is more to life than that, that they can maximize our time on this earth, and do it together. We talk about the importance of family being supportive, and how fathers in particular can help girls to dream big and see they can do anything boys can. Nungshi and Tashi talk about their experience on the Worlds Toughest Race, not as one of the elite teams trying to win, but just to show that "ordinary" people can complete things like this too. This episode is motivating and courageous, and will make you reconsider the way you see the world. Resources: Nungshi and Tashi's Facebook Nungshi and Tashi's Instagram Nungsho and Tashi's Twitter Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Athletic Greens and True Laundry for sponsoring 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! The black owned business hightlight for this week is True Laundry founded by Ali B Muhammad, Malik Saleem, and Abdur-Rahim Shaheed in 2012 where they believe that Quality Exceeds Value. A company is only as good as the promises it keeps. They promise the quality of our products will always exceed the value. True Products, is a startup manufacturing and Distribution Company that specializes in household cleaning supplies. True Products has over 25 distributors and currently does business in over 18 states throughout the country. True Products has positioned itself as an international, premier provider of household cleaning products, utilizing a unique approach to providing affordable, quality products and excellent customer services for Consumers, retail outlets and government agencies. True products is an American based, Veteran-owned corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Check them out here to help support their mission. 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 Tashi and Nungshi, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

The modern woman is often faced with more than ever before. She is expected to take care of all the "traditional" motherly demands that come with raising children and maintaining a home, but she is also often expected to have a career, be involved in the community, and overall be perfect. Dr. Libby Weaver is helping to change the feeling of non-stop demands on our lives. Her book entitled "Rushing Woman's Syndrome" directly addresses the feelings that many busy women are going through. She helps women to find a more balanced approach, showing that calming down and controlling the amounts of anxiety or pressure we place on ourselves will allow us to do the things we need to, and do them better. You Choose How to Respond One of the first thing to realize as a "Rushing Woman" is that you have a choice. You are in control of your actions and how you choose to respond to situations. With practice, you can even have a major influence on how you feel. Dr. Libby references Victor Frankl, a holocaust survivor and neurologist, who explains that everyone can choose their attitude in "any given set of circumstances." When someone asks a favor of you, or your toddler throws his plate against the wall, or your boss yells at you for someone else's mistakes, you have a split second when you have a choice of how to respond. One way to respond in a way you won't regret is to expand that split second. Pause and give yourself time to think about how you would like to react before you do or say anything. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and therefore act like you do. "I Don't Have Time for That" Have you ever read an article that describes the perfect morning routine? Or maybe your favorite magazine tells you to meditate 20 minutes a day, cook all your meals at home, exercise 47 times a week, and walk everywhere you go because driving your car is ruining the environment. Let's be real, you don't have time for everything, and neither does anyone. However, when it comes to your wellbeing, there are some things that are worth "having time for." The fact of the matter is that while you don't have time for everything you do have time for any one thing. It's often said that it's not that you don't have time for it, it's that it's not a priority in your life. This can be hard to believe, but it's rather simple to understand. Just think of the last time you had an emergency. Maybe you had to take your child to the ER to get stiches, or your car broke down, or your basement got flooded. That day, you made time for everything else, and took take of the emergency. When we are forced to prioritize something, we can realize what the crucial activities are. So, pick a few things that are absolutely crucial to your health in your mind, and treat doing them like it's an emergency. Getting eight hours of sleep is not impossible. But maybe working out for an hour, cleaning the house, working, playing with your kids, making dinner, going to a town meeting, AND sleeping eight hours is. Here are three ways you can find the time to do your emergency to-do items: 1) Start saying no. There are some things you can probably simply cut out. Maybe it's the town meeting or an extra project at work or helping your friend move. It's not easy to say no, but it's an option, and a great way to feel in control. 2) Ask for help! Maybe you aren't the person that likes to say no, so instead, ask for help yourself. Your spouse, a friend, a colleague, even your child can help free up some of your time. 3) Use your resources. You can be creative here, but if you know that getting sleep, or making time to cook at home really boosts your productivity elsewhere, don't be afraid to spend some money to help get some things done. Hire a sitter for an hour just to take a nap, or pay someone to walk your dog or clean your house. If this is an option for you, it may be the best option. Dr. Libby has so much more to add to getting out of the rushing woman rut. Tune in to this podcast and consider picking up her book (linked below). Remember, you are in control of your life. Make it a beautiful one. Resources: Dr. Libby's Website Dr. Libby on Instagram Dr. Libby on Facebook (Book) Rushing Woman's Syndrome: The Impact of a Never-Ending To-Do List and How to Stay Healthy in Today's Busy World (Book)Man's Search for Meaning Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, Inside Tracker, and Tawa Threads for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to c

Coree Woltering is an openly gay, black man who is unapologetically real and fights for what matters to him. He wears bright, dazzling speedos to compete in, and is one of the best ultra-endurance runners in the country, yet what he wants to raise awareness for the most is something you might not expect; midwest (American) athletes being overlooked by brands when they are equally capable of representing a brand well. Coree himself has become evidence of this, signing to The North Face earlier this year. In this episode, we talk about Coree's entrance into the running world, beginning early, but not really knowing where his strengths were until he tried his first marathon in his late teens. Coree did not think about the lack of black role models in the running or triathlon world he grew up in, looking up to people like Chrissie Wellington for a source of inspiration. We talk about our society's need to put people into boxes, which encourages marginalized groups to form. Just like we say being a runner is only part of who we are, being black is only part of Coree, as is being gay or being from the midwest. We go on to discuss his experience in the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji, and whether there was added pressure being the first all African American team with Team Oynx, and things beyond their control going wrong, and forcing their race to face a heartbreaking decision. This episode is packed with inspiration, and Coree's perspective in life is one we can learn a lot from. Resources: Coree's Instagram Coree's Twitter Coree's Website Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Athletic Greens, and Fenn Coffee for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off. Go here to learn more. 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more! This week's black owned business, Fenn Coffee sought to deliver on a need affecting many triathletes' needs. Using high-quality coffee with low acidity to minimize effects. Anyone climbing their own personal mountain knows that, when hitting plateaus, pushing to the next level requires more. Innovation. Improvement. Something better. That is precisely where Fenn Coffee began. They stand for something even more by fair-trade Coffee, organically grown beans, family and women-run farms, low and zero-emission roasting, and an employees-first mentality. Check them out here for more information about their coffee and the apparel they have. 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 Coree, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

How have the interactions with others influenced your life? This is an impossible question to answer. Even for someone that feels extremely introverted, anti-social, and loves the idea of off-the-grid, your life is shaped by the people that have been in it. This is not a bad thing really, it's just how our species functions. There are pros and cons that come with the natural tendencies of human nature and relationships. The great cities humans have built could not be done individually. Of course, the great destructions also come at the hand of collective effort. The goal then is to harness the good of community, and work to lessen the negatives. Today's episode circled around the various communities we are a part of. Our guest, Colleen Quigley, has been an influential presence on social media for the last several years, becoming more and more well known as an elite runner. She makes up one of the 11 Bowerman Babes and competed in the 2016 Olympic games. Early Competitions Colleen didn't dream of competing in the Olympics when she was younger. In fact, she didn't like competition very much in general. She loved dancing, but didn't like the dance competitions. Colleen is definitely a competitor today, but she feeds off the enjoyment of the event, not necessarily off the competition itself. For younger athletes, or for those new to a competitive sport like running, there appears to be a lot of pressure. Outside influence can make anyone feel nervous about public performances, and when you are new to something, every event carries more weight. You simply don't have enough experiences under your belt to feel relaxed about the current one. While it's okay to be serious about what you are training for, don't let the seriousness of it dominate your feelings. Colleen suggests trying to focus on play and enjoyment. Running is a lot of things: serious, tiring, therapeutic, fun, exhilarating, etc. You get to choose which parts of it to focus on. Remember that one bad day doesn't define who you are, but neither does one good day. Collect as many positive thought moments as you can to shape what running is to you. Finding Motivation Competing on a world stage has given Colleen many opportunities to develop and find the motivation that has pushed her to the top. Running with the other Bowerman Babes and a solid group of collegiate athletes has definitely played a big part. She says that when she is able to run with a group of people, bad days aren't as bad because she can find someone to keep her motivated. When we surround ourselves with others that have similar objectives, we move each other along. Finding someone or a group of people that motivate and inspire you, but don't unnecessarily pressure you is worth it. If you haven't found that group yet, keep looking, they are out there. Colleen also finds motivation in pondering on the great opportunities she has. We get to run; we don't have to. Going through injuries is something that has cemented that idea for Colleen. When you don't get to run, you'd do anything to run, even in the worst weather. However, it can be difficult to remember that we get to run. Somedays you simply just want to lie in bed and forget about it. A good way to remind yourself of your opportunities is to journal. Rereading your journal during unmotivating times is a great way to see how far you've come and remember why you want to get out of bed! Be an Active Contributor It is becoming increasingly easier to be a passive consumer of social media. The apps and websites we use are strategically made to keep us there scrolling, clicking and watching. Don't feel awful about your struggle to limit your time—it's not easy for anyone. However, make sure you are using the tools that exist to limit your passive consumption. Using time tracking apps, having others keep you honest about your time spent online, or making sure to comment and post as much as you scroll will help make the social media experience more positive. Take advantage of the great people around you, and build up those you can. We are very lucky to have such a supporting group of humans to create great things. Let's do it the right way! Resources: Colleen on Instagram Colleen on Twitter The Social Dilemma Protect Our Winters Brene Brown on Instagram Clare Gallagher First Interview RFR Clare Gallagher Second Interview RFR Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, and Run Mitts for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check

James Lawrence, AKA The Iron Cowboy, does not shy away from a challenge. Running 50 ironmans (140.6 miles) in 50 days in 50 different states (yep, you read that correctly), is not exactly for the faint of heart. I know what you are thinking (I was thinking the same thing), He must be incredibly talented, resilient, strong. But actually, James genuinely believes he is genetically average. He just believes in taking on challenges that find your limit, and he has an iron grit that allows him to just keep on going. We talk about James' experience completing this unbelievable event and discuss the self-doubt that can creep in when people are judging and attacking you that can threaten to rip us apart from the inside out. James then goes on to share about his experience in The World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji with his team, Iron Cowboy. Covering 416 miles of oceans, jungles, rivers, mountains, and more, all in 10 days. Which one was truly tougher? How did he handle the experience when he went from three events he knew well (running, biking, swimming), to most totally unknown activities he had never tried before? If you have ever wondered how you would get on in the Worlds Toughest Race, this will show you, and make you reconsider what you thought were your ultimate limits. If you need a dose of inspiration during a time there is a lot pulling us down, this is for you. Resources James Lawrence's Twitter James Lawrence's Website Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN and Run Smart Podcast for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off. Go here to learn more. Brodie Sharpe is on a mission to bring clarity and control over running injuries. When you do start listening to this podcast you will start to unravel those reasons behind those stubborn injuries. Join the movement by sharing the RIGHT information. This podcast is not just for those who are injured, it is a way to learn how to be a better and healthier runner. Subscribe to the Run Smarter Podcast to learn all sorts of tips to keep on being healthy. 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 James, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Today is about getting started. Action. It can be the most difficult, and yet the simplest part of any goal. Physically, it makes sense. If you think of a bowling ball, it has no problem smashing those pins down once you get it rolling. The most impressive event of a bowling ball's existence is actually not all that difficult. The more impressive part is probably the person that gets it started. Think about how this applies to other things we are impressed by. The finish of a race? An impressive concert? Maybe a progressive law being passed? For any of these things to happen, there had to be a beginning. Something that got the ball rolling. That beginning probably wouldn't have wowed you, but it might have made all the difference. Our guest today is Latoya Shauntay Snell. She's a mother, a runner, a chef, a cyclist, a writer, and more. She's a strong voice for the black community and for body politics. Like you, she had a time when she got started. All the things she's done had their first step. She shared with us what that's been like and her journey so far. What is Toxic Positivity? When we share what we are doing, especially as we are just getting started, it's very easy to want to come across as all sunshine and daises. You don't want anyone to see your bad side, your unfinished product, your struggles. But can avoiding the hardships end up being a bad thing? Yes! If we only share the good, we aren't giving the whole picture. This can hurt us and the people we are sharing with. Allowing ourselves to be human, to be real, is so important to our mental wellbeing. It also helps us connect more with our audiences or friends and family. This doesn't mean you have to share everything, nor does it mean you can't be a positive person and work to put a positive spin on things. It just means to not keep it all in, to not hide it all. Share how you are feeling and you'll be surprised when people reach out and tell you they've had the same feelings too. You're Not a Late Bloomer Whether you just graduated college or just retired, it's not too late to get started. Latoya sees and associates with a lot of athletes that are running, lifting, or otherwise getting active for the first time, or at least the first time in a long time. It's becoming more and more popular to start training with purpose without necessarily making it a career or working to be an elite athlete. And it's happening at all ages. There can be unnecessary pressure to plan out your life at a young age. A career, a degree, a hobby. It can feel like you will miss your opportunity if you don't start yesterday, but we are seeing competitive weight lifters in their 60s and 70s who didn't start till they were over 50, and ultrarunners that run 50 or 100 miles in similar age ranges. The point is, it's not too late. Why can't you be the next outlier? It has to be someone, and the more outliers the better because it starts becoming normal. Don't let anything about you deter you from starting today. Your race, your gender, your age, whatever it is, you're not a late bloomer and you can get started. Give Yourself Grace Black lives matter. I will continue to say it on this platform, and I will continue to try to do my part. I hope that you will take the challenge to get started. Be an ally, and know that mistakes will come. They do with anything we try to do, that's just how it is. You'll probably say something wrong, at the wrong time, or to the wrong person, but you're trying. Give yourself grace as you get started. Latoya would be proud of you. Know that most people understand that you are making an effort, and that's what matters. So, whatever it is you have been putting off, accept that the getting started can be the hardest, and that the momentum will carry you through the challenges. You can do it! Resources: Latoya on Instagram Latoya on Twitter Latoya's Website Black Girls Run Click HERE to learn about more about the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Tracksmith, and Solar Sister for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races and in my every day life. This product has 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 high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You

Imagine covering 671km (416 miles) in just over 5 days by trekking, biking, rafting, climbing, paddle boarding, swimming, rappelling, and crossing oceans by boat. Exhausted already? Me too. But that is what Team New Zeland did to win the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji. Today, we are kicking off this series with one half of Team New Zeland, Nathan Fa'avae, and Sophie Hart. Not only are these two adventure racers tough as nails, but they have been on the top of their game for a long time, all the pressure was on their team to win. It was theirs to lose. We talk about their Eco Challenge Fiji experience, but then so much more. We cover the mom guilt Sophie experienced when she went from going out training whenever she liked, to suddenly needing to be there all the time for her two children. We talked about Nathan's leadership skills, and why every member of any team is important, you never know who could be lifting another team member up when they need it most. If you enjoy being a part of a team, you love to learn from inspiring people, or you are just interested in hearing from genuine, kind people. This episode will speak to you. There is a reason Bear Grylls called Nathan the Michael Jordan of adventure racing, and you will see why after hearing these two world champions. The World's Toughest Race was an annual event every year from 1995 to 2002, but then stopped (although none of the guests I interviewed are quite sure why). The 2019 Eco Challenge Fiji was the first one in 17 years. The amazon prime series, hosted by Bear Grylls is full of inspiration, heart, and toughness, and it has been a massive hit for good reason. Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN and &Mother for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races and in my every day life. This product has 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 high or crashes! Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off. Now this week I am featuring a business that is close to my heart. Founded by Alysia Montano along with Molly Dickens who created this foundation building on the movement #DreamMaternity, bringing attention to the lack of sponsorships to female athletes who chose to become mothers during their athletic careers. This is a non profit to help transition the movement to impact. You can donate to this great movement and to help them break barriers, you can also purchase some of the items on their website to show your support. Check it out here for more info. 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 Nathan and Sophie, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Some issues pervade all businesses, industries, and individuals. In 2020 alone we have seen a handful of them. The far-reaching effects of Covid-19 has changed everyday life for every individual around the world. Social injustices have affected millions of people directly or indirectly in the United States and elsewhere. Addressing these issues isn't easy, but to initiate change and progress it's important to do so. As a running community we care about this planet deeply. Collectively we get to see as much of this planet as any group. Running down alleys in the city, around parks, in local gyms, along beaches, and up mountains, our feet take us just about everywhere. We want to keep the world clean so we can breathe the air, enjoy the view, and share it with future generations. Today's guest gave us more insight into climate control, an issue we have discussed before. Dr. Margaret Klein Salamon shared with us new perspectives on what it means to battle global warming and why it is so crucial to start now. This is a bipartisan issue that we should all be able to get behind because the planet is important to all of us, runners especially. The Biggest Threats of Rising Temperatures Dr. Klein Salamon explains two major reasons for concern that climate control is currently presenting. First is what is called feedback loops. A feedback loop in this sense is essentially a reaction from rising temperature that in turn creates more rising temperatures. Think fires. Increased temperatures mean more fires and more intense fires. These fires then add to carbon emissions that raise temperatures further. It's a snowball effect, but in a much more damaging way. The second and larger issue is the threat on food production which Margaret says is a pending "collapse of civilization." With rising temperatures there is likelihood for droughts across various countries around the world. Immediately this results in food shortages and mass exodus. We have already seen what can happen when millions of citizens try to leave their country in a short amount of time and the burden it places on individuals and countries. Many Syrian refugees are experiencing this first hand. What Needs to Happen? By now you have heard all about our "carbon footprint." The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that we are responsible for does make a difference. However, Margaret argues that the small things we are trying to do, might not make that big of a difference, even collectively. Refusing plastic straws, eating less meat, and riding our bikes instead of driving our cars are all positive things, but frankly, they hardly make a dent in the problem. Large scale, political, and industrial change is what needs to happen if we are to stabilize what is world temperatures. Margaret says that the entire system really needs to change if we are to have a chance. This means that people in charge have to make some big decisions. Our best use of time might be spent trying to influence who is making those decisions and how they are making them. What Can We Do? It can be extremely hard to deal with this kind of information. Anger, sadness, shame, and frustration may all come out at once. Dr. Klein Salamon encourages you to not let your emotions go to waste. Take that energy and try to make some progress. In her new book, Margaret explains that allowing ourselves to feel these emotions will help us battle what is ahead. It's okay to feel these things, in fact it's what might make the difference in how we act. This really is a simple, though critical, issue. Temperatures rising will cause problems, potentially civilization collapsing ones. If we have a way to stop that from happening, we ought to. That's the simplicity of the decision. Implementing it may be the hardest thing humanity has done, but it will be the most important as well. Resources: Margaret on Rich Roll's Podcast What Lies Beneath The Climate Mobilization Margaret's Book Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Under Belly for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15. 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. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podca

Running is a challenge. It's physically painful and mentally exhausting. It seems like such a natural way to move our bodies, but at the same time it can feel so absurd when there's no need for us to travel in that way anymore. Like most of us, you've been in the middle of a training session or race and thought "Why am I doing this?" And when we aren't telling ourselves how hard running is, our friends and family are sure to do it for us. "You're crazy." "Why don't you just go to the gym?" "Isn't running bad for you?" Now that we all agree how difficult running can be, let's add a few things on top of all that. Suppose you have five children, all demanding your attention and draining your energy resources throughout the day before you get in a workout. Now add working fulltime on top of that. How about running in 85 °F weather? Let's say you do this with a long skirt, long sleeve shirt, and a headwrap. And by the way, you're running fast enough to qualify for an Olympic marathon spot. This is exactly what running is like for Beatie Deutsch. Beatie grew up in New Jersey in an Orthodox Jewish family. Shortly after high school she went to study in Jerusalem. She fell in love with the city and never looked back. Now she lives there with her husband and five children, managing everyday motherhood with working toward her Olympic dream. Beatie left us with some wonderful advice on motherhood, training, and her secret to her success. Read on! Motherhood Advice Beatie considers herself a new runner, with only four years under her belt and already competing on a global level. She really started to take off in the middle of raising her family, and at one point had four children in six years. Like so many of us, being a mother comes first. And although running is now her job, that wasn't always the case. Balancing work with motherhood and selfcare took everything she had. There are two pieces of advice Beatie gives to those with kids. "Your kids read off your energy," says Beatie. She reminds us that kids are resilient, that we don't need to worry quite as much as we do, and that if you are calm and relaxed, then your kids won't be as likely to be anxious or stressed either. Secondly, Beatie says that our kids only have one mom. "Those years go by so quickly, and you don't get them back," she says. Whatever stage of child raising you might be in, it's a great reminder. Take time to watch your children play or fall asleep and take a mental picture. Those moments are precious and rare. Feeling Comfortable as a Woman So much of feeling empowered as a woman today has to do with how we look and what we wear. That isn't a bad thing! "There's not just one way for a woman to feel comfortable," says Beatie, "Beauty is in diversity." Sometimes it may feel that showing off your body and getting rid of your insecurities about how you look in a bikini or a sports bra is the only way to feel empowered. If that is what makes you feel like a strong woman, then you go for it! This is a simple reminder that empowerment comes from within, with making decisions that you feel confident in no matter who is looking. If that means wearing a tank top, leggings, a hijab, a skirt, a sports bra, or any other thing, then that is beautiful. There isn't one way to feel beautiful, comfortable, or empowered. You're Capable of More Than You Know Beatie's faith has given her a lot of strength in her running. Your ability to get better day after day is much more mental than physical, and working on your self-beliefs can help you get further than you ever thought possible. "Don't doubt yourself," says Beatie, "The power of your mind is really incredible." Beatie's last advice is to keep taking baby steps, and she means baby steps. When running 200 splits, she'll often only see 0.2 second improvements week to week, but they are still improvements. Remember, running is a challenge, and each baby step forward should be celebrated. Keep moving forward and find joy in running. Resources: Beatie on Facebook Beatie on Instagram Beatie's Website Beatie on "Run Farther and Faster" Beatie on "Ali on the Run" Beit Daniella Nancy Clark Interview Renee McGregor Interview Jennifer Gaudiani Interview Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and City Fit Girls for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. Also, go here to check out their 100 days of Summer email campaign where they talk about anything and everything running. You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15. Athletic Greens i

The global pandemic has a lot of us out running. New runners and those re-familiarizing themselves with running are joining the throng of runners. It is fantastic to see. It's one of the few exercises where no gym is required and social distancing is easy to maintain. Whether you've gotten back into running over the past few months or just started running this week, it's a good time to remind yourself of the basics and develop a plan that will help you enjoy the sport for years to come. At the core of Jason Fitzgerald's goal is to help runners run more, better, and longer. He has worked to find the answers that we all need to know if we want to run our best for a long time. Shortcuts and quick fixes don't produce sustained progress and often result in injury and burnout. Jason has created "Strength Running" which is a curriculum all about strength running for runners. On his website and podcast, he shares the benefits of strength training and which types of exercises help runners increase their distance and speed and prevent injury. Jason answered your questions about how to build a strength training center in your home, theories about running that have changed over the years, and how to get started in running. Read along! The New Runner If 2020 has you running like you never have before, we totally get it. How else can you escape what has turned out to be a wild year? Welcome to the club! Running is a great way to calm your mind, explore your city, get some fresh air, and stay healthy. When you are first getting into running (or getting back into it) make sure to treat yourself with kindness. Don't set too high of expectations, and allow yourself to get over the hump. "Stick with it. Be consistent. And be gradual with your increases in mileage and intensity," says Jason. "Do some strength training so you can stay healthy and strengthen your muscles, so you can reduce the likelihood of injury." Jason also mentions that your body needs a few weeks to get used to running. You'll likely be tired and sore as you get used to being on your feet for so long and moving your body in that way. After 2-4 weeks, you'll get over that initial hump. Why Do Runners Need to Strength Train? It may seem that all of the strength required to run can come from running itself. While your legs, core, and upper body will all go through changes as you begin running, there are some parts of your body that need to be strengthened to support this activity. One of the most crucial preventative measures for runners is to develop the muscles that allow you to have good form while running. Injuries often come at times of fatigue because your posture and form become compromised. When you put too much pressure on different parts of your body, like your knees, then your likelihood of injury increases significantly. Your core and hips are two areas that often need more attention in order to give you that stable foundation, but don't be over concerned about getting into the gym for hours every week. Building a lot of muscle isn't the goal in strength running. Strength training as a runner usually means doing a few exercises for 10-20 minutes after most runs. Jason's Three Strength Training Motivations As a runner, you definitely didn't sign up to lift a bunch of weights, and it might be something you want to avoid at all costs. However, it doesn't take much to make sure you are allowing yourself to run your best. If you are finding it hard to spare some time to do strength training on top of your runs, Jason suggests decreasing your mileage to make time for it. A few extra miles per week might not make a big difference, but a strong runner's body will. Here are three more motivations for you if strength training sounds like the pits. 1) You will feel empowered. As you build strength, pay attention to how you feel. When you build your strength, you will feel more confident and that will translate into the other work you do. 2) You will be a better runner. It's as simple as that. You will be able to run longer, faster, and for more of your life. Like Jason mentioned, he would rather you skip some of your running than skip a short strength training session. 3) You will look better naked. Enough said. More tone and more muscle will have you standing in front of the mirror a bit longer than you usually do. Keep up the good work! Let's all keep running and make sure to do those exercises that will give us the best running life. Check out Jason's website to learn more! Resources: Jason on Instagram Strength Running Website Strength Running Podcast Jason's First Interview on RFR Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and RunGrl for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be pur