Valentine’s Day Gifts for Runners
Share your love of running–and sassy merch from our Mother Runner Store–with these Valentine’s Day gifts for runners. We have several markdowns that are as sweet as a box of chocolates, including a big discount on our RUN for your LIFE tee that just hit our store.
This just-debuted lifestyle tee, in V-Day pink and reading “Run for Your Life” with a (not-medically accurate) EKG-inspired readout trailing under the words, will make the recipient’s heart beat fast. Marked down 20% now through February 10, this tee is just $18 (a.k.a., Happy Valentine’s Day to you).
Other options that will spread the love to all your BRFs come February 14:
You can get two ♥ RUN Sweaty Bands for $25, which is a $5 savings from buying them separately. You can give one to two separate runners, or perhaps gift one and keep one for yourself. (Available in three choices of color combos; Sweaty Bands always ship free from our store.)
This sweetheart-pink “Are my kids still chasing me?” technical tee (modeled by mother runner Amy) will make the wearer laugh every time she slips it on. We slashed the price of this running shirt in half: Get it for only $15! (On sale while supplies last as we are discontinuing this design.)
We also slashed the price ($10 off!) of this purple version of our popular “I Run Things” tee (modeled by mother runner Ashley), because, hey, not everyone loves pink, right?
Finally, be on the lookout for a lot of new merch in our store in the coming weeks. We’re rolling out several lifestyle tees with slogans suggested by the tribe; a revamped tech tee; merch for upcoming events, like trucker hats for Pittsburgh, Flying Pig, and Eugene marathons; and tech tees for Pittsburgh and Eugene.
Bonus Podcast: More Big (Bigger?!) Goals!
We got so many inspiring, moving voice memos from badas$ mother runners striving for big goals this year, we couldn’t include them all in the initial podcast. Rather than leave them on the editing room floor, we scooped them up and compiled them into this bonus podcast. These women’s messages of first’s and faster’s are sure to move you in many ways.
*Please download the free app for the podcast network Another Mother Runner is now proud to be a part of: acast. Then, when you listen via the acast app, you can share a “moment” from the show via social media or email. Simply click on the little arrow coming out of the square below the podcast as it’s playing, then choose Moment. You’ll then have a shareable link to send to friends or into the worldwide web!
#195: Striving for Big Running Goals
Sarah welcomes co-host Coach Christine Hinton to talk about setting—and reaching—major running goals. They are “joined” by nearly a dozen mother runners (through voice memos) who share their ambitions, everything from running a half-marathon in under two hours to taking on a 100-mile race for the first time, and everything in between. Coach Christine uses a wonderful mountain analogy for reaching a lofty aspiration, then talks about the importance of chipping away at it. Christine points out the difference in changes a newer runner can achieve in a race versus a more seasoned racer, and she touches on how nutrition can facilitate some changes. The mother runners ruminate on the importance of being mindful of your inner voice—and how to “be your own mom” when it comes to responding to that voice. Sarah coins a new phrase when the conversation turns to ultramarathons, and she drops in the phrase, “flip-turning like a mofo!” at one point. And, as promised, here is the link to dynamic flexibility drills demo’d be Dathan Ritzenhein (and Ryan Sutter).
A trio of calls to action from podcast:
*If you have your own Hyland’s Calms Forté success story, please go to this web page to share it or leave a quick review.
*Train Like a Mother this spring and have your best training experience—and strongest race—ever. Registrations for 10K, half-marathon, and marathon programs in Train Like a Mother Club are on-going; 5K registration opens in February.
*Please download the free app for the podcast network Another Mother Runner is now proud to be a part of: acast. Then, when you listen via the acast app, you can share a “moment” from the show via social media or email. Simply click on the little arrow coming out of the square below the podcast as it’s playing, then choose Moment. You’ll then have a shareable link to send to friends or into the worldwide web!
Get To Know Three More Role Mothers
The week of AMR’s global domination continues with more Role Mothers! The introduced more team members on Monday, the first three Role Mothers yesterday, and we present the final three below. They round out a wide-ranging group of female runners you’ll get to know over the following year as they offer advice, motivation, and inspiration. They’re excited. We’re excited. How about you?
The Regular Runner
Nicole Blades; 43; West Hartford, Connecticut
My Story: I run five days a week—sometimes I’ll roll it back to four days and add a Barre/Pilates class on the fifth day to keep things fresh and fun. For my morning runs, I’ll do 4-5 miles during the week and 7-10 miles on the weekend (before the deep freeze set in, that is!). I run outdoors year round, so the New England weather this time of year is always, uh, an interesting challenge. But no matter what, I just make time for it. Trying to “find time” isn’t going to happen for me, so I have to carve it out and set it in stone. My family knows it’s an important part of what’s makes me me, so they respect my dedication to it, as well.
My most memorable race: Was actually one of my worst races. It was a fun run sponsored by Nike called Run Hit Wonder. It was a choice of 5K or 10K and it should have been fairly easy, but I had just started experiencing plantar fasciitis and it was super painful. It was memorable because my then boyfriend (now husband) signed up to do the run with me and he—being a sweetheart—kept me company and walked-ran while I limped-hobbled all the way to the finish line, listening to the musical stylings of the Goo Goo Dolls and MC Hammer play live along the course. We still have our matching red tech shirts!
I use running to: Think about stories and ideas—kind of let my mind shake loose and go where it wants. Daydreaming while in motion. I also use the time to listen to podcasts!
When I don’t want to get out and run, I tell myself: The first mile is always the toughest. So I tell myself, “Just get through Mile One and done.” The “catch” is that after the first mile you’ve found your groove and will just keep going. If it’s truly, truly horrible, you have to run back home, so at least you’ll have TWO miles under your belt.
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
The Sputterer
Tania Lamb; 37; Frisco, Texas
My Story: I started running after I had my fifth child, a little over three years ago. I decided to start running to lose weight and get healthier. As an added bonus, I wanted to be an example to my girls.
My training was going well and then I injured my ITB. I would take intermittent breaks of not running. This past year was my breaking point when I basically quit running for eight months, because I was so frustrated. My times were just getting worse and worse, basically shattering my confidence.
I want to start running for the love of running again and being consistent instead of just trying to get from one race to the next. I need that love again. The love that got me started in the first place, the one that connected me to my best running friends, the one that made my girls proud of their mama.
Favorite race I’ve ever run: The most fun I’ve ever had at a race is at the Avengers Super Heroes 10K at Disneyland. The course and theme are awesome! Anytime I get to see my boyfriend, Captain America, is always a plus. The Disney Princess Half Marathon holds a special place in my heart, because it was my first race.
Best pre-run breakfast: I always eat half a bagel with cream cheese, a banana, and drink Nuun before a morning run.
Every time I finish a race I feel: Awesome. Accomplished. Proud. Amazing. Like a rock star. And hungry.
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
The Triathlete
Sarah Wassner Flynn; 36; Rockville, Maryland
My Story: I’m a runner at heart, which, I think, plays heavily in my passion for triathlon. I truly enjoy training for all three sports, and the variety helps me avoid injury and burnout. Not to mention that I’m at a huge advantage because the third leg of a tri is often the most brutal, but my background as a runner gives me a boost–and the confidence to chase people down.
Also, in triathlon, there’s a larger margin for error (you can have a bad swim, but make up for it with a decent bike and good run), and there seems to be more room for growth and improvement. I’m not sure how much faster I’ll get as a runner, but I can get stronger as a cyclist and a swimmer, which may continue to propel me in the sport. So there’s excitement in knowing that.
When working out starts to feel like work, I: Call a BRF (or, in my case, a BTF–Best Training Friend) and meet up for a run, bike, or swim. Surrounding myself with strong, ambitious athletes is all the motivation I need!
The pros of a freelance work schedule: The ability to train at various times, to take advantage of daylight and sun (as opposed to working out in the wee hours of the morning or later at night), to be able to manage a bad day or an upsetting email or frustrating project by stepping away from my computer blowing all of those bad feelings off with a run pretty much whenever I need to.
The cons: Without a routine work schedule, time management can be challenging. When I’m extra busy and absorbed with work, I’ll tell myself, “I’ll have time to work out later,” but then later comes and I find myself busy with the kids or unable to get out.
My “push-through” songs: “Dog Days are Over” by Florence + the Machine or “Kick Drum Heart” by The Avett Brothers
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
It’s Time To Meet Your New Role Mothers (Part 1)
This week is all about new team members, new goals, and new projects. Yesterday we introduced two new AMR team members (myself being one of them, ahem), and today we’re unveiling our Role Mothers. During this year-long project, you’ll get to know our six hand-picked mother runners of various ages, geographic locations, family sizes, and speeds who represent all types of runners: the Beginner, the Marathoner, the Grandmother, the Triathlete, the Sputterer, and the Everyday Runner.
We’ll tap our Role Mothers throughout the year to help educate the Another Mother Runner tribe on a variety of topics, from nutrition to injury prevention, from hydration to chafing. If you have a question, they have an answer–at every experience level.
Meet our first three below, and come back tomorrow for more!
The Beginner
Ashley Hinze; 28; Oshkosh, Wisconsin
My story: I am a new mom to our adorable little 10-month-old, Reese (We call her Reesie Roo), and I just started running in December. I’ve played volleyball and softball multiple nights during the week for years, but neither pushes my body to continuously work like running has. Although I continue to play in the leagues, it has been a change adapting from team sports to taking on an individual fitness goal. I have never run a single race, not even a 5K, but I am determined to train my butt off to run a half-marathon in 2016!
Favorite song to run to: “My House” by Flo Rida or a good Adele ballad that I can pretend I sing well to.
Cold-weather running essential: Some good tunes to jam to and some Saucony tights: Wisconsin is chilly this time of year!
Best post-run snack: A banana—it’s easy to pack when busy and on the go!
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
Melissa Fenton; 43; Dade City, Florida
My story: I run because it makes me a better mother. Pure and simple. A better, less anxious, and happier mommy. I will escape in the dark of early morning, and with each stride I will take back myself, pick myself up if you will. I will be selfish, and I will not regret it. Then I will go home, get back on the merry-go-round, and plan with great excitement and fervor my next escape, err, I mean race. And I keep running like a mother.
Why audiobooks rule: A decent whodunit is always a good pick for a run, because of the off-chance you need to listen to just one more chapter to wrap up some mysterious detail, which means an extra unplanned but enjoyable mile or two.
On mile 12, I’m usually thinking: OK, OK. I’m awake now. This isn’t so bad. I mean, someone is gonna hand me a free banana here like any second now. And another 2.5 hours without thinking about what to make for dinner? Yep. I got this.
On mile 25, I’m thinking: Sweet mother of God, Mary, Joseph, and whoever else is currently keeping me upright, just exactly how long is 1 POINT 2 miles anyway? Please mirage of a finish line, come closer!!
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
Pam Shaffer; 57; Douglass, Kansas
My story: I started out as a walker shortly after I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2001. The doctor said I would probably feel better if I dropped a few pounds and was a little more active. I started walking, a lot. I lost about 20 pounds over the next four years.
In 2006, my rheumatologist told me I also had fibromyalgia. But I kept walking and logged a little over 400 miles the following year. In 2009, I logged almost 1,400 miles. And I was moving faster, with a combination of walking and running.
In January of 2013, my daughter decided that if her mother with Lupus and fibromyalgia could run that she might like to give it a try. We signed up for a Color Run in May of that year and never had so much fun. In 2015, I ran in six 5Ks, one 10K, and my first half-marathon!
When I don’t get to exercise for an extended period of time: I get a little cranky. My husband, Gary, now includes hiking and biking on our vacations.
My post-race ritual usually involves: A doughnut. We have several great doughnut shops in town, and it’s my husband’s job to meet me at the finish line with a maple-glazed doughnut.
I usually go through ____ pairs of running shoes a year: I go through three to four pairs a year. Although my husband will tell you he thinks I get a new pair every month.
Follow me: On Twitter and Instagram
Come back tomorrow to meet our three remaining Role Mothers, then we’ll get this party started!
#194: Strength Training for Runners
Find your strong on this podcast: Sarah and her best running friend, Molly Williams, welcome certified personal trainer Angie Krueger to talk about strength training for runners. Before talk turns to various methods of strength training, Angie shares how she’s run 27 marathons in 27 different states. (And only one in the state of denial!) Then the mother runners drill down into the benefits of barre, OrangeTheory Fitness, TRX, BodyPump, yoga, and PiYo, and Angie stresses the importance of doing what you need to feel successful. She gives loads of, ahem, strong advice, including pointers for classic moves like crunches and planks. Learn what “cough muscles” are and how to activate them for better results.
At the top of the show, find out how much money Molly found on her and Sarah’s morning run, and why it prompted Sarah to utter an expletive similar to, but not quite, “mother runner.”
A duo of calls to action from podcast:
*If you have a success story about Hyland’s Calms Forté to share, please go to this web page to leave a quick review.
*Train Like a Mother this spring and have your best training experience—and strongest race—ever. Registrations for 10K, half-marathon, and marathon programs in Train Like a Mother Club close January 24; 5K registration opens in February.