Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins
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Just as things really heat up this summer, we are sharing everything you need to know about Heart Rate Training, an important tool for runners including in the summer heat! (This episode first aired on our Patreon. It is an example of the bonus content you will receive when you sign-up to our Patreon -- http://www.patreon.com/mileswithmomspodcast ).
In this episode, Olivia & Shanna talk to their coach Arturs Bareikis (Coach B) about Heart Rate Training, his method of training. Specifically, they discuss how heart rate based training can help runners tune into their bodies, avoid burnout, and improve performance. They break down what it is, how to do it, and why it has been a game-changer for their own personal running.
The discussion also touches on the challenges new runners face when adapting to heart rate training and the importance of patience and understanding in the process.
Other topics Shanna, Olivia, & Arturs talk about include the:
-nuances of marathon training
-value of slow training for long-term gains
-significance of understanding one's body on race day
-balance between heart rate and effort
-role of different training zones,
-injury prevention
-and the critical nature of base training in building a strong foundation for endurance athletes.
All three open up about personal experiences with heart rate training and how it has helped their running and mindset. We hope it helps you better understand this type of run training and how it may help you.
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
You know—Iife is busy and we haven’t had a chance for all four of us to talk and catch up. So that’s what this episode is! We just banter about whatever and cannot be held responsible for what comes out of our mouths.
We discuss our experiences during summer break, the challenges of parenting and managing kids' sports, and the competitive nature that often arises in youth sports—hopefully, highlighting the lighter side of parenting amidst the chaos.
There may be some talk about strange protein sources and surprising things we have seen at the zoo. You’ll just have to listen. Thanks for being here!
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Catching Up
03:00 Navigating School Transitions
05:58 Managing Expectations as Parents
09:02 Mother's Day Reflections
11:58 Summer Plans and Camp Experiences
15:00 Moving and Community Connections
20:01 Summer Break and Family Dynamics
23:04 Sports and Parenting Challenges
26:02 Competitive Spirit in Youth Sports
29:57 Humor and Parenting Experiences
34:02 Summer Activities and Safety Concerns
37:07 The Protein Debate
41:00 Zoo Tales and Animal Antics
43:59 Humor in Healthcare
47:00 Running and Recovery
50:02 Listener Engagement and Reflections
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
REAL TALK: When We Felt "NORMAL" Running After Having a Baby
In this episode, we (Olivia, Tricia & Whitney) answer a question we’ve been asked often by listeners: what it was REALLY like for us to return to running postpartum and when we finally felt NORMAL running after having a baby. (Shanna could not make it today—we missed you Shanna!)….
SPOILER ALERT: None of us had a BOUNCE BACK story to share. In fact, quite the opposite.
-We talk about the impacts beyond the physical changes recovering from pregnancy including sleep deprivation and hormonal changes.
-We share the impact of breastfeeding had on training.
-And we discuss how stress & anxiety around having a baby impacted our recovery.
-We also talked about lessons learned and Tricia, as a pelvic floor physical therapist, gives guidance for new moms.
We hope sharing our journey shares a REAL account of what it is like to return to running after having a baby—not just someone’s highlight reel.
As usual, we give a mother runner shout-out (to Shri!), read a listener review (thank you!), and give a reminder to drop a review and check out our secret podcast on Patreon.com/mileswithmomspodcast.
Thanks for being here!
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
Welcome to Season 2 of the Miles with Moms podcast! In this episode, we share our “mother runner hacks” for making our mom lives easier.
These hacks help with:
-Keeping the house clean
-Post-run recovery
-Fitting in strength training
-Meal prep
-Treadmill running with small kids around, and
-Making your kids self-sufficient (the gift that keeps on giving!)
We also catch up since we have been on a short break between seasons, chat about an annoying Instagram comment someone made to Olivia, do a mother runner shout-out, share a review, and thank our first official sponsor, Lagoon Sleep! Save 15% off your Lagoon Sleep pillows with code MOM. Take your quiz at lagoonsleep.com.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
For this fun episode, Tricia, Olivia, Shanna, & Whitney answer a wide array of listener questions sharing our advice & experiences. Some questions we covered:
-at what age do you stop doing stroller runs with your kids?
-how do you push past your mental barrier in a race?
-what is harder? breastfeeding or training for a marathon?
-where to stash your energy gels during a marathon?
-& what's up with pooping in a marathon?
Tricia also shares how she is woefully unprepared for her ultra (spoiler! she ended up WINNING IT for females!). & we have our usual mother runner shout-out & review. We will take a break next week for spring break & resume with season 2 in April. Thanks for listening and being a part of our community!
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, we (Whitney, Shanna & Olivia -- we missed you, Tricia!) share our running hot takes. Some of many: Running is NOT self-care. The running culture can be TOXIC. Strava is RUINING RUNNING. Downhill races need an *. & MARATHONS are OVERRATED. We also share our usual shout-out and banter. We would love to hear your thoughts on our hot takes as well as your own! Connect with us on Instagram @mileswithmomspodcast! And get more on our Patreon at Patreon.com/mileswithmomspodcast.
Chapters
02:58 Hot Takes in the Running World & Shout-out Emily Gannon
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, we share how we got faster—something we have been asked about a lot. But this conversation comes with many caveats: running is not just about being fast or getting faster. And we don’t know everything there is about running & getting faster. But we do know what helped us shaved time off our PRs—so we are sharing that.
In this episode, Whitney, Olivia & Shanna (Tricia had to work) talk about how we improved our marathon performances over time. We share insights on difference training methods, the importance of fueling, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with running—and also just being a woman with hormonal shifts. We share what hurt and helped our training, & hope this gives you some helpful info on what to do to go after your goals (whatever they may be). We urge you to run your own race, put on your blinders, and enjoy the process (without comparison!).
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context
07:06 Personal Journeys in Running
20:38 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
23:00 Embracing the Journey of Motherhood and Running
24:09 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Training
25:38 The Importance of Coaching in Running
27:31 Understanding Heart Rate Training
29:53 The Balance of Pace and Effort in Workouts
31:58 Adapting Training to Life Changes
34:31 Finding Your Own Path in Running
35:40 The Role of Self-Belief in Running
37:06 Reality Checks and Learning from Experiences
39:45 The Importance of Coaching and Training Plans
42:04 Evaluating Fitness Through Marathons
44:54 Learning to Enjoy the Process of Running
46:43 Finding What Works for You
48:32 The Need for Flexibility in Training
50:57 Encouragement and Community in Running
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
EATING DISORDER AWARENESS: FOOD IS FREAKING FUEL to Run & LIVE
It is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. Sadly, eating disorders are far too common in the world of running for females, at all levels and ages. This is why we felt it was important to openly discuss this topic, especially as moms, hoping we can help ourselves break the cycle & the generation we are raising. =
TRIGGER WARNING: We do share our own experiences with eating disorders so if what we discuss makes you uncomfortable or triggers something in you, please do not continue listening. And if you feel like you may need help, please see the resources below.
In this conversation, we discuss our own personal experiences along with what helped those of us who struggled to overcome our battles. We discuss the importance of viewing food as fuel for successful and healthy running. We delve into the complexities of mental health, body image, and the impact of social media on self-perception. We also discuss the importance of supportive relationship in overcoming eating disorders or disordered eating, and emphasize the need for a balanced approach to food, particularly as moms.
Whether you have had your own struggles with food or know someone who may, we hope our stories and lessons may help.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Current Challenges
09:45 Addressing Eating Disorders in Female Runners
10:14 Tricia's Journey with Eating Disorders
19:25 The Hidden Struggles of Eating Disorders
20:57 The Impact of Injury on Body Image
22:52 Navigating Social Situations and Food
24:58 The Influence of Competitive Environments
31:12 Recognizing and Addressing Eating Disorders
49:21 Finding Support and Community
49:37 Understanding Triggers and Support Systems
52:55 Navigating Social Media and Body Image
56:51 Rethinking Food Relationships for Kids
01:00:00 Fueling for Performance vs. Body Image
01:03:30 Realistic Expectations in Postpartum Running
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we welcome Nick Klastava (@nklastava), a running coach and father, to discuss the intersection of running, fatherhood, and personal growth. All four of us are HUGE fans of Nick and his approach to fatherhood, running, coaching & just being an overall good human.
The conversation explores Nick's journey as a runner, his coaching philosophy, and the challenges and joys of being a present father. We delve into the unique pressures that fathers face, including dad guilt, and how these experiences shape their parenting styles.
Nick shares valuable insights for single mothers raising sons, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding in parenting. Nick also shares about his journey in running, the pressures of competition, and the importance of finding joy in the sport.
He discusses how detaching from numbers and focusing on effort led to better performance. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of parenting, the need for support among partners, and the significance of communication in relationships. Nick emphasizes the importance of accountability in parenting and the need for both partners to be involved in family responsibilities
MORE ABOUT NICK KLASTAVA:
Nick started running back in 1996 and has been competitively running for 24 years now with a brief break in his 20’s. His spark for running came back in High School, being a part of a team and finding a sport that brought out the best in himself. He ran competitively in college for Monmouth University in New Jersey after college he took 8 years off from running and thought he was done forever. After moving to Maryland in 2010, Nick found his spark again with running and found a new outlook on running with less pressure and less emphasis on the numbers and broke all of his college PR's by age 38.
Nick lives just outside Baltimore, Maryland with his wife and two daughters (Chloe and Amelia). Nick has a degree in Software Engineering and currently works as a program manager by day. He works as Head Coach of 1:1 Run Coaching at Running Explained and also is the Co-host of the Between Two Coaches Podcast. His favorite thing about coaching is to uncon
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, Whitney & Olivia get to know each other better (so you get to know us better, too!). (Shanna & Tricia couldn’t make it—we missed you ladies!).
We ask each other questions we have always wanted to do know about the different chapters in our lives. You’ll find that Olivia has lived a million lives by the time she was 20 & Whitney changed careers & never looked back.
We discuss regrets & reflections on where we are today as mother runners. & of course, share many laughs along the way, too—including or take on jumpsuits. And it wouldn’t be a Miles with Moms episode with talk of poop—or balls. Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Talents
02:58 Getting to Know Each Other
06:00 Olivia's Journey to Utah
08:57 Life in Vegas and EMT Career
15:11 Ballet Experience in Washington, D.C.
18:13 Cultural Connections and Reflections
24:57 Reflections on Leaving Journalism
26:14 Coping with the End of Ballete
32:02 Regrets and Reflections
35:15 The Gift of Dance and Potential
37:48 Redefining Success and Enoughness
43:03 Running Journey and Personal Growth
50:04 Shifting Perspectives on Running Goals
56:03 Finding Joy in Running
59:59 Life Lessons and Future Aspirations
Keywords
podcast, motherhood, running, ballet, personal growth, career transitions, self-acceptance, Utah, journalism, fitness
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
ANOTHER HOT SEAT SPECIAL: LOLLIPOPS, IPADS & CROCHET, oh my!
In this episode of the Miles and Moms podcast, Shanna, Tricia, & Olivia (not Whitney, she couldn’t be there today) put each other in the hot seat asking the tough questions about topics like mom guilt, last race of your life choices, and unexpected lessons of being a mother runner.
We share openly and honestly about what makes us feel guilty, give each other pep talks with the flip-side of the story, and laugh a lot (and possibly offend people who like to crochet—Tricia is sorry.)
In all seriousness, we hope this episode makes you feel less alone with your inner-critic and more empowered to keep chasing your dreams!
Chapters
06:06 Mom Guilt: Balancing Running and Family Life
12:00 Finding Time for Running Amidst Chaos
18:03 Navigating Screen Time and Parenting Guilt
21:11 Balancing Personal Goals and Parenting
24:03 The Influence of Parental Role Models
27:39 The Impact of Guilt on Parenting
39:55 Controversies in Running Events
44:39 Unexpected Lessons from Motherhood and Running
56:35 Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood and Running
01:00:05 The Coexistence of Identity: Motherhood and Running
01:02:55 The Evolution of Running Goals
01:05:57 The Joy of Running: Finding Fun in the Journey
01:14:00 Community and Connection Through Running
Keywords
moms, running, self-care, mom guilt, parenting, podcast, family, balance, screen time, mental health, parenting, personal goals, running, guilt, role models, bucket list races, motherhood, discipline, family, aspirations, running, motherhood, sustainability, nutrition, local food, post-run cravings, environmental impact, personal growth, community, aspirations, motherhood, running, personal growth, identity, community, mental health, parenting, life lessons, self-discovery, resilience
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we take on dealing with other people's opinions and trying not to care what other people think--whether in real life or on social media. The discussion emphasizes the struggle to balance personal identity with societal expectations. We also talk about the challenges of authenticity, the fear of judgment, and the importance of vulnerability.
We each open up about our experiences with self-acceptance, the impact of sharing personal stories, and the importance of community support in overcoming personal struggles. We all have different battles on this topic but agree there is a need to embrace imperfection and the realization that everyone has their struggles, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among mothers.
Chapters
18:15 Navigating Public Perception and Personal Struggles
21:08 The Challenge of Authenticity on Social Media
24:13 Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Fear
30:18 The Complexity of Independence and Asking for Help
39:22 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories
44:08 Understanding the Weight of Opinions and Self-Perception
49:19 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
52:51 The Pressure of Perfection in Motherhood
55:34 Finding Comfort in Imperfection
01:00:09 Navigating Relationships and Fear of Judgment
motherhood, running, personal experiences, cultural differences, overcoming fear, podcast, self-care, community, parenting, mental health, social media, vulnerability, authenticity, motherhood, public perception, personal struggles, mental health, independence, self-acceptance, community support, authenticity, motherhood, self-acceptance, community, perfectionism, judgment, support, relationships
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
JEN HUGHES: Military Mom & Elite Masters Marathoner Overcoming Adversity & Breaking Boundaries
In this episode of the Miles With Moms Podcast, we are so honored to interview Jen Hughes (@jenhughes56 on Instagram). Jen is a remarkable woman who has overcome significant challenges in her life.
Jen shares her journey from a life-changing car accident that left her in a wheelchair to becoming a competitive runner and enlisting in the military at the age of 45, being the oldest person to enlist.
Throughout our conversation, Jen emphasizes the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and the joy of running. She discusses her experiences in basic training, the respect she earned from her peers, and how she balances her roles as a coach, mother, and military member. This episode highlights the power of determination and the pursuit of one's passions.
We challenge you to listen to this episode and not be inspired!!
MORE ABOUT JEN:
Jennifer Hughes is a dedicated coach, soldier, wife, and mother, known for her resilience and faith. After a life-changing car accident left her in a wheelchair, she fought to walk again, eventually returning to competitive running and aiming for the Olympic marathon trials. Jennifer has run in all 50 states and 28 countries.
With over 15 years of coaching experience, she currently coaches high school track & field, cross country, and Unified Sports. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Brooks Most Inspirational Coach in the Nation and her school’s Coach of the Year for 2024/25.
At age 45, Jennifer made history as the oldest woman to enlist and complete basic training, now serving in the Army National Guard while maintaining her coaching and competitive training. Grounded in her faith and family, she embraces life and seeks new experiences, cherishing her love for running and connecting with people worldwide.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we talk about your typical random stuff (caffeine and catheters, anyone?) and then we dish the dirt on the types of moms we are vs. the types of moms we thought we would be.
We cover a wide array of topics such as how we deal with messes, our husbands, discipline, chores, big emotions, and bedtime routines--to name a few. Per usual, we all bring different experiences and opinions to the conversation, but we find many common threads including the fact that none of us became the moms we thought we would be.
Our conversation highlights the realities of parenting expectations versus actual experiences, the chaos that often accompanies family life, and the lessons learned from our own childhoods. We hope you enjoy, relate, and laugh along with us!
Chapters
06:00 Running and Conversation: The Perfect Pair 08:51 Parenting Styles: Expectations vs. Reality 12:08 Shoutouts and Celebrations 14:56 Diving into Parenting Styles 17:25 Parenting Styles and Household Dynamics 31:34 Lessons from Growing Up in Big Families 35:03 Creating Ownership and Responsibility in Kids 39:31 Unexpected Relationships and Misunderstandings 40:26 Parenting Regrets and Styles 41:09 Balancing Rigid Routines with Flexibility 42:49 Embracing Individuality in Parenting 46:04 Evolving Parenting Styles 49:32 Finding Balance in Parenting Dynamics 51:27 The Importance of Community in Parenting 01:15:05 Understanding Our Parents Through the Lens of Parenthood 01:20:04 The Reality of Parenting and Self-Reflection
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
How to find the right running coach for YOU! (& how to break up with one)
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we address a question we have been asked about a lot: what to look for in a running coach & how to find the right running coach for you? We all have had different experiences with running coaches and share what to look for based on your needs, goals, and life stage. Like with most things as a mother runner, you may need a different running coach based on the season you are in. And, in some seasons, you may not want a running coach.
We share some running coaches we have worked with and cautionary tales. We also talk about how to “break up” with a running coach and what are red flags. Our conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, setting realistic goals, and finding a coaching style that aligns with your individual needs. Ultimately, we encourage runners to take their time in choosing a coach and to prioritize their own well-being and performance.
Chapters
03:00 The Pressure of Time Management
05:53 The Birth of the Podcast
10:00 Choosing the Right Running Coach
15:12 Experiences with Different Coaches
23:57 The Challenge of Coaching and Self-Management
25:23 Finding the Right Coach: Personal Connections Matter
35:50 Breaking Up with a Coach: A Difficult Decision
50:40 Adapting Coaching to Life Changes
01:04:03 The Value of Personalized Coaching
podcast, running, coaching, multitasking, time management, emotional support, motherhood, fitness, personal growth, community, coaching, running, flexibility, training, athlete, communication, goals, relationship, performance, support
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RUNNING GOAL FOR YOUR UNIQUE "MOM LIFE"
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we are talking about how to choose the right goals for your mom life—as we all have unique demands placed upon us and a limited amount of time and energy. All of our approach setting goals in a different way as we all have different mom lives—but there is a common theme with an emphasis on discipline plus flexibility—and making sure you choose the right goal for YOU and do it for YOU.
We share personal experiences about balancing family life with training and we delve into the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while managing the demands of motherhood, and the importance of self-care and support from loved ones. We explore the evolving mindset of runners, particularly mothers, as they navigate their training journeys. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of consistency over perfection, the value of personal goals, and the need to redefine high mileage in the context of individual circumstances.
Of course, we talk about inappropriate things as well—and hope you laugh out loud at least once during this episode! Happy new year!
Chapters
12:30 Lighthearted Banter
15:29 Shout Outs and Community Engagement
16:34 Goal Setting and Decision Making
21:15 Finding Time for Training
29:52 Flexibility in Training and Family Involvement
33:57 Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Training
39:56 Navigating Comparison and Setting Realistic Goals
45:57 Finding Purpose and Joy in Running
53:00 Balancing Mileage and Quality
58:51 Redefining Success in Running
01:00:53 The Pressure of High Mileage
01:06:57 Encouragement for New Runners
01:09:19 The Importance of Personal Goals
01:11:55 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
Keywords
running, motherhood, goal setting, balance, flexibility, fitness, New Year, training, podcast, mom life, running, training, flexibility, consistency, personal goals, social media, high mileage, motherhood, ultra running, marathon training
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing personal goals, challenges, and the impact of loss (yes, another one of us cries—but there is much more laughing!) WE share insights on adjusting to new environments and the importance of community and friendships in motherhood. In this conversation, the participants discuss their experiences with holiday isolation, the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of community support. We also reflect on our goals for 2025, including personal growth, running aspirations, and the significance of setting smaller, manageable goals. The discussion emphasizes the need for connection, self-care, and the value of friendships as they navigate their journeys into the new year.
Happy new year, mother runners!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections 02:59 Personal Goals and Challenges for 2024 05:58 Dealing with Loss and Grief 09:04 Adjusting to Change and New Environments 12:03 Friendship Dynamics and Community Building 16:41 Navigating Holiday Isolation 20:06 Setting Goals for 2025 22:30 Running Aspirations and Personal Growth 24:40 Reflections on 2024 and Future Goals 34:16 Embracing Smaller Goals for the New Year
Keywords
podcast, motherhood, running, personal growth, grief, community, New Year, goals, change, friendship, holiday isolation, 2025 goals, running aspirations, personal growth, reflections on 2024, smaller goals, motherhood, friendships, self-care, community support
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles and Moms podcast, we get deep--and also really ridiculous, as we tend to be--starting with an in-depth analysis of the personality of Olivia's dog (kidding, not kidding). We also reflect on 2024 in running and our personal lives. Are we were we thought we would be? What lessons did we learn? Our conversation emphasizes growth, lessons learned, and aspirations for the future as they navigate motherhood and running. We share insights on overcoming struggles, embracing one's true self, and the significance of community support in their lives. Tricia also shares a really touching surprise from a listener that just goes on to prove that there are good people in this world. Merry Christmas!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings 03:06 Reflections on 2024 and Personal Growth 15:53 The Nature of Memory and Forgiveness 18:04 Expectations vs. Reality in Running 20:10 Personal Growth Through Running 23:25 Reflections on 2024 Goals 25:38 Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges 29:26 The Journey of Transformation 33:49 Deep Conversations on Life and Growth 36:22 Overcoming Personal Struggles 49:23 Finding Genuine Connections 52:03 Dealing with Negativity and Haters 57:49 True Colors and Authenticity
Keywords
Miles and Moms podcast, running, motherhood, personal growth, community support, holiday traditions, 2023 reflections, running goals, achievements, lessons learned, running, mental health, personal growth, authenticity, relationships, reflections, transformation, self-care, therapy, community
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
What’s So Freaking Great About the Marathon, Anyway?!
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, your hosts (Whitney, Olivia, and Shanna—Tricia was unable to make it) delve into the complex relationship runners have with marathons. What’s so great about the marathon distance anyway? Why do we choose to suffer? Why not pick something shorter?
We explore the allure of marathon running, the mental challenges faced during races, and the personal journeys that motivate us to keep coming back to the sport and this distance, in particular—because for all its faults, the marathon can certainly give us a lot of gifts, too
Our conversation highlights the balance between personal goals and the joy of running. We discuss the balance between pursuing personal goals and maintaining enjoyment in running, as well as the impact of social media on runners' perceptions of success. We emphasize the need for self-acceptance and the value of cheering for others in the running community—including sharing our biggest race regrets.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Marathon Love-Hate Relationship
05:23 The Allure of the Marathon
12:47 Mental Challenges of Marathon Running
20:45 The Role of Experience and Training
26:35 Rediscovering the Joy of Running
32:15 The Importance of Community in Running
42:00 Finding Balance Between Goals and Enjoyment
48:00 The Impact of Social Media on Running Goals
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
This is PART 2 of our little series of putting each other in the HOT SEAT. Part I, Shanna & Olivia interviewed one another. In this episode (part II), Whitney & Tricia interview one another—asking their own questions and questions from Instagram followers and podcast listeners.
Whitney and Tricia dive into a variety of topics, including their experiences with scary movies, the evolution of their fitness journeys, and the challenges of motherhood. They discuss the importance of community among mother runners, the impact of social media on their fitness journeys, and the significance of pelvic health, among many other topics. The conversation also touches on their training for ultra marathons and the role of supplements in their routines, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.
The conversation also features a rapid-fire segment where they share their favorite books, movies, and pet peeves, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about the importance of fitness and humor in managing life's challenges. Hope you enjoy!!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Series 03:00 The Hot Seat Special 06:07 Childhood Scary Movies and Their Impact 08:59 The Shift in Viewing Preferences 11:52 Starting Instagram and Sharing Fitness Journeys 15:01 Pelvic Health and Fitness Knowledge 18:08 High-Intensity Workouts and Their Evolution 21:01 Training for Ultras and Personal Goals 24:11 The Journey of Blogging and Podcasting 26:50 Supplements and Caffeine Use 28:43 The Evolution of Supplement Use 31:40 Navigating the Supplement Industry 34:44 Personal Health and Wellness Routines 36:02 Rapid Fire Favorites 40:27 Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management
Keywords
podcast, moms, running, fitness, pelvic health, Instagram, scary movies, high-intensity workouts, ultra running, supplements, supplements, health, wellness, fitness, coping mechanisms, personal stories, rapid fire questions, nutrition, exercise, mental health
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
One of the skills of being a mother runner is being flexible & adapting to change. So with that, this week we are giving you TWO episodes for the price of ONE. Why? Because our schedules were too nuts & we couldn't all get together so we thought it would be a fun pivot to interview one another.
Shanna & Olivia put each other in the hot seat in PART 1. PART 2 Tricia & Whitney interview one another. We start each podcast talking about what's going on in our lives & then we ask each other questions that our Instagram followers want to know--but also that we are curious about ourselves.
In this episode, Shanna & Olivia delve into mindset shifts, the challenges of marathon training, and the impact of weight loss on performance. They share personal anecdotes about managing periods during races, memorable meals, and guilty pleasures in TV shows. The discussion also touches on the importance of friendship and community in the running world, highlighting how their bond has grown through shared experiences. The episode wraps up with light-hearted reflections on life and the upcoming holiday season.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 09:00 The Journey to Marathon Running 20:03 Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals 30:03 Advice for New Runners and Embracing the Journey 39:49 Chasing Big Dreams: The Marathon Mindset 44:52 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Goals 55:44 Navigating Challenges: Weight Loss and Race Day 01:04:48 Crazy Memories and Marathon Training 01:12:10 Friendship and Finding Your Village 01:22:00 Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, hosts Olivia and Tricia welcome Sandra Mikulic (a "plus-sized runner"), who shares her inspiring journey from a non-runner to an ultra marathoner. Sandra discusses the transformative power of running, the challenges of marathons, and the supportive community within ultra running. She emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, the impact of social media on body image, and the values she instills in her children. Ultimately, they emphasize that the journey itself is the true victory, encouraging listeners to embrace movement and self-discovery without the burden of expectations.
Chapters
01:30 Sandra's Running Journey Begins 04:32 The Transformation Through Running 06:58 Experiencing the Marathon 09:58 The Ultra Running Community 13:29 Mindset and Neuroplasticity in Running 20:58 Balancing Motherhood and Running 24:00 Embracing Change and Self-Forgiveness 26:05 The Impact of Parenting on Self-Perception 28:58 Body Image and Self-Acceptance 01:00:02 Overcoming Adversity and Self-Love 01:02:59 Transformative Moments in Motherhood 01:05:59 Non-Scale Victories and Self-Compassion
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, your Miles with Moms hosts discuss weighing the decision many mother runners face: should they train for a running PR or expand their family? It is a tough decision with many emotions (and opinions!). But the truth is, there can be a ticking clock on both--and sometimes the clock is ticking at the same time and you have to decide! We discussed how we decided whether to have another baby or pursue our running goals. We also give a shout-out to our new mother runner of the week, Bailey Raemakers, and have a "ventilator session" -- definitely worth sticking around for (it involves tattoos and the holidays!).
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
This week marks our last installment of our special Mother’s Day episodes where we are interviewing amazing moms. Today we chat with Tess Chupinsky (@tesschupisky on Instagram), an entrepreneur/founder of @therunmylifejournal, homeschooling mom of 5, foster mom, and marathoner.
Tess shares her experiences with running during pregnancy, the transformative power of journaling for mental health, and how she balances family life with training. She also discusses her journey into fostering and how it has impacted her family dynamics, as well as the importance of building a strong partnership in marriage. Tess’s journey highlights resilience, self-care, and the significance of gratitude in daily life.
Some amazing takeaways from our conversation:
-how Tess qualified for the Boston Marathon running just 3 days a week
-how journaling helped get Tess out of a pool of grief & shift her mindset
-the importance of self-care for parents
-what led Tess to starting her journal business for busty moms,
-and her secrets to maintaining a health marriage, among other things.
More about Tess:
She is 35 year old mom of 5, runner by early morning light, entrepreneur and homeschool mom by day, reader by night. After just achieving her 10 year long quest to get to Boston, she has her sights on eventually breaking 3 and chasing 6 (7) stars. “I love the place running takes me, on the brink of my limits, breaking the barriers and discovering the truest, strongest parts of myself. I use the combination of my morning routine, the run my life journal and running to help me mentally and emotionally be the best mom I can be,” Tess shares.
Thank you Tess for sharing your inspiring story!
Please consider sharing and reviewing this podcast!!
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
Will you still like us after you listen to this podcast? We almost didn't publish it. In this latest episode, we come to you completely unscripted. We learned soon before recording that we all couldn't make it, so we pivoted and decided to not focus on a topic. The result is a potpourri of topics (in fact, we actually talk about potpourri!). As usual, the topics range from serious to ridiculous--including a 9 minute monolonge from Olivia about Utah culture in the beginning. We also give a shout-out to our amazing mother runner of the month, @AudraMcPartland ! We will return to our focused episodes after the Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful holiday!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Miles with Moms Podcast 08:25 Cultural Insights and Community Dynamics 16:44 Personal Running Journeys and Challenges 23:29 Creating a Supportive Community for Mother Runners 28:30 The Quest for the Perfect Christmas Tree 34:08 Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: A Personal Debate 39:28 Thanksgiving Plans and Family Gatherings 47:02 Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Gatherings 53:25 Navigating Food Pressure During Holidays
Keywords
moms, running, community, personal growth, cultural diversity, holiday preparations, support, motherhood, podcast, fitness, Thanksgiving, holiday preparations, family gatherings, food pressure, Christmas tree choices, holiday traditions, running, cooking, self-care, mental health
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In our inaugural BONUS episode where we spotlight amazing mother runners, we are celebrating the awesomeness of Alyse Gilliver, an incredible mother runner.
Alyse, @aleebreemcgee_run on Instagram, is a mom to three littles (6 and below). She's also a pediatric oncology nurse. She fell back into love with running after having her third and quickly made huge strides--most recently running a 2:48 marathon this October--shaving about 16 minutes in the past year!
Alyse shares how she balances being a mom, working, and training--and how she holds onto joy in training while also being goal-oriented. Her outlook on being a mother runner is as inspiring as it is refreshing. And we feel certain, you will love listening to her journey and approach to running and MOMLIFE.
Please enjoy our talk with Alyse!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Mother Runner Community 06:03 Training Evolution and Marathon Experiences 11:57 Mental Strategies for Training and Racing 17:57 Challenges of Long Runs and Motherhood 25:31 Training Routines and Flexibility 30:49 Communication and Support in Family Dynamics 36:51 Future Aspirations and Upcoming Races 41:55 Mental Strategies for Racing Success 50:56 The Marathon Experience: Balancing Goals and Reality
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
Running after having a baby is HARD--& is so different for each pregnancy. In this episode, we unpack our experiences with running postpartum, including the mistakes we made because we had a lack of knowledge related to pelvic floor health. We discuss how we felt, when we felt "normal", and things we would have done differently. We also discuss the role sleep deprivation and hormones can play!
Tricia, a doctor of physical therapy with an emphasis on postnatal care, answers our listeners' questions related to running postpartum including how to return to run, how to stop leaking, whether you can run with diastasis recti, and more. Tricia also busts myths related to running after having a baby.
Whitney shares her advice as a running coach who coaches postpartum runners, including how she would train a postpartum runner for a marathon.
Our main message to all mother runners coming back after having a baby is that each postpartum journey is different. Do not compare yours to another! Also, see a pelvic floor physical therapist!! You can find one here: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator
We also give a Shout-Out to our Mother Runner of the Week, Francesca @5ammommyrunner on Instagram!
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Miles with Moms Podcast 01:00 Introduction to Postpartum Running 03:01 Mother Runner Shout Out: Francesca's Journey 06:00 Diverse Experiences of Postpartum Running 09:00 The Importance of Recovery and Rehabilitation 11:59 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 15:02 Lessons Learned from Personal Experiences 16:03 Postpartum Running Experiences 19:59 Pelvic Floor Awareness and Health 21:55 Misconceptions About Diastasis Recti 25:49 Returning to Running Postpartum 31:14 The Importance of Sleep in Recovery 42:06 Postpartum Running: Getting Back on Track 43:47 Understanding Individual Recovery Times 44:44 Navigating the Postpartum Journey 49:39 Individualized Training Plans for Postpartum Runners 54:18 The Long View: Longevity in Running 56:34 Embracing the Postpartum Experience 01:00:42 Community and Support in Motherhood
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode we chat about the importance of fueling for runners and share personal stories of their fueling fails and go-tos.
We share some humorous stories about their experiences with nutrition and food choices as runners & discuss the challenges of pre-workout nutrition, the importance of breakfast for long runs, and their personal race day rituals. The conversation highlights various nutrition strategies for runners, focusing on pre-race fueling, the use of gels and electrolytes during runs, the role of caffeine in enhancing performance, and the importance of post-run recovery meals. We share our preferences, highlighting the significance of finding what works best for individual needs in endurance sports. We also talk about mental challenges faced by runners, and the importance of finding joy in the process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 05:11 Celebrating Mother Runners: Tess Shipinski's Journey 09:17 The Importance of Fueling for Runners 14:06 Epic Fueling Fails: Learning from Mistakes 19:10 The Perils of Pre-Workout Nutrition 24:44 Breakfast Choices for Long Runs 31:03 Race Day Rituals and Food Choices 34:26 Fueling for Performance: Nutrition Strategies 36:51 Gels and Electrolytes: Finding What Works 39:31 Caffeine: The Secret Weapon for Endurance 44:57 Post-Run Recovery: What to Eat After a Workout 54:33 Fueling for Performance: The Importance of Nutrition 57:18 Mental Toughness and Overcoming Past Struggles 01:00:01 Finding Joy in Running: Personal Experiences and Wins 01:05:21 Navigating Pressure and Expectations in Racing 01:11:21 Community Support and Real Talk in Running
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
The Mental Assault of Running Injuries (+ the Good Stuff, too)
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we discuss the challenges and lessons learned from running injuries. We share personal experiences, emphasizing the mental and emotional toll injuries can take on runners, especially mothers.
This conversation highlights the importance of strength training, understanding the root causes of injuries, and overcoming guilt and shame. We encourage other mother runners to embrace their journeys and prioritize self-care while navigating the complexities of motherhood and running. We also talk at great length about the profound impact of running injuries on mental health and identity.
Takeaways Understanding the root cause of injuries is important. Comparison with others can lead to unnecessary guilt. Quality training is more important than quantity of miles. Emotional support is vital during recovery. It's okay to take time off to heal. Being injured can affect many aspects of life, not just physical. The mental aspect of running injuries can be more challenging than the physical pain. Running is often a core part of identity, making injuries feel like a loss of self. Support from understanding friends is crucial during recovery. Finding alternative therapeutic outlets is essential when running is taken away. Injuries can lead to a spiral of mental health challenges, including depression. It's important to seek professional advice for injury management. Not all injuries require complete rest; some can be managed with strength training. Invest in your health; it's worth it. Be your own advocate in healthcare settings. Every season of life, including challenges, will pass.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, we discuss the challenges of finding time to run as busy mothers. The conversation delves into the balance of family life and running, strategies for training, and the importance of flexibility in managing workouts around kids' schedules.
We emphasize the need for a mindset shift from perfection to progress in both running and parenting. We also talk about the ever-changing nature of parenting, the challenges of balancing personal goals with societal expectations, and the impact of social media on mental health. We share personal anecdotes about their experiences with online trolls, the pressures of parenting responsibilities, and the struggle to find time for running amidst busy schedules.
This discussion highlights the importance of community support and the need for open conversations about the realities of motherhood and personal aspirations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
01:13 The Challenge of Finding Time to Run
05:09 Tricia's Insane Ultra Running Experience
09:43 Balancing Family Life and Running
10:11 Training for an Ultra: Strategies and Mindset
14:57 The Importance of Flexibility in Training
18:47 Finding Time to Run as a Parent
22:58 Prioritizing Self-Care and Running
27:08 Adjusting to New Seasons of Life
30:01 The Importance of Supportive Partnerships
34:20 Flexibility in Training
40:19 Embracing Change and Patience in Parenting
41:42 Embracing the Seasons of Parenting
42:44 The Ventilator: Sharing Our Weekly Struggles
55:30 Finding Time for Running in Busy Lives
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
Navigating Runner Safety as a Mother Runner: In Honor of the Life of Alyssa Lokits
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we discuss the critical issue of runner safety, sharing personal experiences and the emotional impact of recent tragic events involving runners. We explore the importance of awareness, self-defense strategies, and the tools available to enhance safety while running. This conversation emphasizes the need for community support among women runners and the challenges they face in balancing motherhood and personal safety.
Takeaways
Every time there's an incident, there's disbelief.
Women often feel unsafe while running, with statistics showing 96% of women feel this way.
Personal experiences can help others feel less alone in their fears.
Awareness is the most important aspect of runner safety.
Victim blaming is a prevalent issue that needs to be addressed.
Women should not have to justify their running times or routes.
Sharing experiences can lead to better safety practices for all.
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, the hosts discuss their recent race experiences, the challenges of comparison in running, and the unique struggles of postpartum running. They share personal stories about their journeys, the importance of community, and how to navigate the pressures of performance while balancing motherhood.
Takeaways
Running can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for mothers.
Comparison to others can be detrimental to mental health and motivation.
Finding joy in running is essential, especially after having children.
Postpartum running requires patience and understanding of one's body.
Community support can significantly impact a runner's journey.
It's important to set personal goals rather than comparing to others' achievements.
Taking breaks from competitive environments can help maintain mental well-being.
Running should be fun and fulfilling, not just about performance.
Every runner's journey is unique and should be celebrated.
Embracing the process of running can lead to greater appreciation for the sport.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Hosts and Their Running Backgrounds
04:05
Race Experience: The Vegas Half Marathon
07:02
The Importance of Mental Toughness in Running
10:03
Balancing Family Life and Running
12:54
The Impact of Weather and Environmental Factors on Running
15:54
Comparison in Running: Past vs Present
18:52
Finding Joy in Running After Health Struggles
21:39
The Role of Community in Running
24:48
Postpartum Running: Challenges and Strategies
27:39
The Shift from Competitive to Enjoyable Running
30:27
Healthy vs Unhealthy Comparison in Running
33:35
The Journey of Returning to Running After Having Kids
36:21
Final Thoughts on Running and Motherhood
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of mom guilt, particularly in the context of running and personal pursuits. We share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate feelings of guilt, the importance of communication with partners, and the need for self-care. This discussion emphasizes the significance of breaking generational cycles of self-sacrifice and the necessity of recognizing one's own needs as a mother. The conversation concludes with positive affirmations and reminders that mothers deserve time for themselves.
Takeaways
Mom guilt is a common experience.
It's important to thrive in motherhood, not just survive.
Running can provide a sense of identity outside of motherhood.
Communication with partners is crucial to managing guilt.
Mothers often feel societal pressure to be selfless.
Self-care is essential for overall well-being.
Breaking generational cycles of self-sacrifice is important.
Mothers should recognize their own needs and passions.
Positive affirmations can help combat feelings of guilt.
Creating a supportive environment can alleviate guilt.
Mom Guilt: A Shared Experience
Self-Care for Moms: Filling Your Cup
Sound Bites
"Mom guilt is a huge topic for mothers."
"We want to thrive, not just survive motherhood."
"It's okay to need your cup filled by something else."
Chapters
04:25 Personal Experiences with Mom Guilt
07:30 The Impact of Running on Motherhood
10:22 Navigating Spousal Guilt
13:26 The Role of Communication in Relationships
16:15 The Pressure of Societal Expectations
19:21 Finding Balance in Motherhood
22:22 Breaking Generational Cycles
25:29 The Importance of Self-Care
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this inaugural episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we, (your hosts Whitney, Olivia, Shanna, and Tricia -- hi!) share our personal running journeys, the motivations behind starting the podcast, and the challenges we face as mother runners.
We discuss the importance of community, overcoming limitations, and the guilt often associated with taking time for oneself. This conversation highlights the joys and struggles of balancing motherhood and running, emphasizing that pursuing personal fitness goals can positively impact both the individual and their family.
Takeaways
Whitney is a certified running coach and founder of a running community.
Olivia started her running journey five years ago and is excited to share her goals.
Shanna has been running since childhood and returned to the sport after having kids.
Tricia is a physical therapist and shares insights on postpartum running.
The podcast aims to create a supportive community for mother runners.
Running can help alleviate feelings of guilt and selfishness in mothers.
Personal running journeys can inspire and motivate others.
The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health through running.
Community support is crucial for overcoming challenges in motherhood and fitness.
The podcast is a platform for sharing experiences and advice for mother runners.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
ELIZABETH ROPP: Finding the Joy of Running Later in Life
(We wanted to call this the Snail Trail episode--you will have to listen to find out why...) But ok! THIS WEEK on the Miles with Moms podcast we were so honored to have Elizabeth Ropp, a pediatrician and homeschooling mom of 6, as our guest as we continue featuring fellow mother runners all month long to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Elizabeth is a 40-year-old mom who started running a little over two years ago after baby six as a means to battle postpartum anxiety and depression. She recently completed her first World Major Marathon at the Boston Marathon, her third-ever marathon. She is planning to run Chicago later this year. Elizabeth homeschools her six children and recently went back to nearly full-time as a pediatrician working as a Nursery Hospitalist at our community hospital.
Some topics we chat about:
-HOW SHE FITS IT ALL IN. Elizabeth walks us through a day in the life, including what she does if her kids don't comply with their teacher aka mom.
-FINDING RUNNING LATER IN LIFE. Elizabeth talks about how running saved her during a hard time in her life, and how she keeps it fun while also having big, serious goals. She also opens up about her battles with imposter syndrome.
-HER DECISION TO GO BACK TO WORK. Elizabeth shares why she decided to go back to work after staying home with her kids for many years. Her self-awareness and courage are inspiring.
Olivia also drops some of her usual hilarious nuggets including one that will never make you look at snails again. She also talks about the humor she found in her marathon DNF earlier this month.
Thanks to our sponsors Lagoon Sleep and Happy Curves for supporting this episode!
Save 15% on Lagoon Sleep pillows with code MOM and save 10% on Happy Curves products on Amazon with code MilesMoms10.
DISCLAIMER: We had technical issues so the audio is less than perfect. Thanks for bearing with us!
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
This week we are so honored to have Natalie Mitchell as our guest as we continue featuring fellow mother runners all month long to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Natalie is one of those people who is just a bright shining light, filling any space around her with positivity. Her heart is so pure and her perspective so moving. We think you are going to just love our conversation with her.
In this episode, some topics we chat about:
-AGING IS A MINDSET. Natalie, who is 52, is going over her fastest times yet.
-FINDING STRENGTH IN THE HARDEST TIMES. Natalie & her family have gone to hell & back including narrowly surviving the LA fires.
-EMBRACING THE POSITIVES OF BEING A MOM ATHLETE. Natalie shares how being an athlete positively impacts her role as a mom inc. staying close with her kids.
MORE ABOUT NATALIE MITCHELL:
I am a certified running coach, have written many articles for Women's Running Magazine, am an Ambassador for Maurten and Previnex, an athlete with H2O Audio and have coached many athletes to their first marathon and beyond. I currently coach in person (Assistant Coach for high school cross country and track) and online athletes in distance running.
I was a D1 cross country and track athlete at UC Santa Barbara and have run 15 marathons so far with a PR of 3:05 in the marathon (2019) and 1:27 in the half marathon (2018). I have been coached by some of the best coaches in the sport and I'm currently training to run a much faster marathon. On the weekends you’ll find me race announcing. I also host the Suite Run podcast with my husband Jerold, where we talk to passionate runners each week about running and travel.
This episode is sponsored by HAPPY CURVES! Save 10% on Amazon with code MILESMOMS10.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
The True Recipe for Longevity in Running: Kayleigh Schwartz (A Mother’s Day Special)
This episode kicks off something fun we are doing for May (the month of Mother’s Day)—we are featuring fellow mother runners to shed light on their journey, insights, and how they “make it work.”
Our first feature is of Kayleigh Schwartz Hendricks, an athlete that Whitney has coached for three years.
Kayleigh is a pediatric nurse practitioner who works in the pediatric hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant unit at the University of Michigan. She is also an adjunct clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and teaches undergraduate pediatric clinicals. These positions involve a constantly changing schedule with night shifts.
She’s also a mom to three young boys (and two dogs, a cat, six chickens, and some fish).
To say Kayleigh's life is full is an understatement. Kayleigh has such a beautiful and refreshing outlook on running that truly is the recipe for longevity, health, and happiness in the sport. She shares how she manages to stay consistent with her training despite such an inconsistent work schedule and maintain her love of the sport—which she has had since the age of ten.
We loved chatting with Kayleigh so very much, and learned so much from her—and we think you will, too!
This episode is brought to you by Lagoon Sleep, lagoonsleep.com. Save 15% with code MOM. It is also brought to you by Happy Curves. Save 10% on Amazon with code MilesMoms10.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
Why I NEEDED Running in My Life -- Francesca Barbetta
“We had been in and out the hospital so many times and thank God for my mom's my rock. She's my best friend. She was with me through everything. So she knew that I needed to start running again for like my own mental sanity.”
This week we feature Francesca Barbetta ( @5ammommyrunner on Instagram) because she is truly inspiring. And while her accomplishments & day-to-day commitment are so inspiring as a mother runner, it’s what she has overcome that is arguably the true inspiration.
While many on Instagram may know her as the mom who wakes up way too early to run far on a treadmill with her three littles at home—what they don’t know is the how and why she does it.
That’s what we wanted to get reveal. And Francesca was graciously so honest with us sharing how her life was on a total different trajectory.
She shares:
-how running saved her when she was in the depths of postpartum depression and anxiety while navigating a serious medical condition with her baby
-how she does those early morning runs and what helps her stay energized throughout the day
-the biggest lessons in her postpartum running journey
-& what she wishes every mother runner (or woman in general) would stop doing.
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
This week we are doing something extra special. We have two special guests Polly Cunes (@mommytosubthree) and Michelle Baxter (@therunnersplate) to talk about getting FASTER as a MASTERS runner.
They share what they changed to keep feeling good and nabbing those PRs. Polly has been slaying her PRs at the age of 41 including a 2:43 marathon and a 1:18 half. Michelle has PRed in 5 distances at the age of 41 including an 18:20 5k and a 2:56 marathon. Meanwhile, your over-40 co-hosts are also improving their running while "over the hill." Tricia, 41, is killing the ultra distances, placing first among women in her first 50 miler this year. Whitney, at the age of 41, also PRed in several distances including a 1:20 half. At 43, she's feeling better running than ever.
In this podcast, we talk about the training tweaks, nutrition changes, and recovery hacks that have made all the difference in training so that our best running years are ahead. We discuss the power of mindset and not letting naysayers (probably the same ones who told you to quit running when you became a mom) stop you from chasing your dreams. We hope to inform and INSPIRE with this very honest conversation.
MORE ABOUT POLLY & MICHELLE:
Polly is a full time teacher, a mom of two and a competitive runner. She started running in her early 20s after competitive sports as a way to stay fit and channel her inner competitiveness. She fell in love with racing but didn’t train seriously until after becoming a mom. She thrives on training hard, fitting running into her busy life and chasing big goals. This year, the age of 41, she has run personal bests in the marathon (2:43:35) and half marathon (1:18:22) and she’s not done yet!
Michelle is a mom of two, a running coach and founder of the running blog, therunnersplate.com. At the age of 41, she PRed in the mile, 5k, half marathon, 10 mile, and marathon. Michelle started running at the age of 10 and was an “average” runner in high school and at her Division III college. But with some dedication and more structured training, she was able to get faster as a mom—and even faster as an over-40 runner. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two boys.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...
In this episode, Shanna & Olivia catch us up on their training which leads them into an inspiring conversation about chasing goals as a mom. Olivia never thought she would be chasing sub-3 hour marathon times as a mom. In fact, she talks about how she still struggles to see the paces she is hitting. And Shanna discusses what it's like to compete on the track as a mom among a sea of college runners.
Both highlight the importance of believing in yourself and knowing that it is NEVER too late to go after your goals--whatever your goals may be. They also discuss what "makes someone a runner", how to hop into the track scene, and why the marathon distance is so amazing and terrifying. We also have our mother runner shout-out.
If you are interested in competing on the track, check out directathletics.com or athletic.net to find events near you.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Lagoon Sleep, for supporting this episode. Take your quiz at lagoonsleep.com and save 15% with code MOM.
About your hosts:
Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...