#292: All the Hosts Take a Look Back at 2017—and Eye the New Year
In this extra-long episode, Sarah welcomes each co-host to hear about their year in running. Fittingly, the first conversation is with Dimity, who sums up 2017 as a “year of transformation.” The AMR co-founder tells how she feels better than she has in year, both physically and mentally, and Dim talks about why “pressure is a priviledge.” Find out why SBS dubs her Dimity the Flamingo—plus learn Dim’s big 2018 goals. (Spoiler alert: It’s as big as the Grand Canyon. Literally.) Molly slides into the co-host seat to share how her 2017 goals shifted due to a lingering knee injury—and why it means she has apprehension about the June 2018 half-marathon Molly + Sarah are planning on. Bigfoot makes an appearance in this laughter-filled part of the pod. Next, Ellison hops into the co-host seat to share how menopause (and whooping cough!) caused her speed to decline, and how the situation has placed her in “an arranged marriage” with 5Ks. By this point in the pod, a theme crystallizes: Be kinder + more patient with yourself. Amanda and Sarah are sympatico, both admitting to having an enjoyable year without much racing. An interesting side conversation develops about why relay races can be so energizing and inspiring. Adrienne rounds out this podcast-party, getting rather philosophical with her recent epiphany about how much running has become a part of her. She and Sarah bond, declaring how alive they each feel while running.
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Dry Martini: Running and Not Running
It’s Christmas Day and I am currently hiding from my family.
“Hiding” may not be totally accurate. It’s more that we’ve hit the mid-Christmas lull between breakfast and presents and phone calls but it’s not quite time for the dinner and log, which is a dessert my husband’s mother always made but that we’ve never found a better name for than “log.” And, no, it’s not a fancy Yule log. It’s just pepperminty and whipped creamy and, well, log-y.
In Christmases past, I’ve napped during the lull because the kids would have woken us up before dawn. The kids are older now. We had to wake the Teen up at 8 because everyone else was starving.
Insert a chorus of “Sunrise, Sunset” here.
I did make it to the annual Turkey Trot and ran into some good friends. We were very cold.
As I type this, everyone else in the house is off doing who knows what during the lull. I can hear the black-and-white version of A Christmas Carol my mother-in-law has fallen asleep in front of. My husband is outside playing soccer with our dog in the snow. The kids are in the basement with Mario Kart and blissfully not bickering. I decided to take this window of time to do a thing that brings me joy: talking about running.
What? You too?
It’s been weird running-wise, mostly because it’s been weird, life-wise ever since I got back from volunteering at the NYC marathon. (Just as a refresher: I MET SHALANE FLANANGAN! I’m still unreasonably excited by this — and likely will be well into the new year.)
I managed to get a few miles in while in Florida visiting my mom.
In terms of my own running, I’ve been squeezing it in where I can. First there was Election Day (which I’ll get to in a minute), then Thanksgiving, then a trip to Florida to visit my mom, then Christmas. And in between, there’s been my actual job-job, some behind-the-scenes AMR stuff, some in-front-of-the-scenes AMR stuff at the Philly marathon, and, oh yeah, my children and husband and dog. The last six weeks have been an exercise in careening from barely extinguished fire to another.
Somewhere in the middle of that I caught some kind of phlegmy-coughy nightmare that knocked me on my behind for a week. I did single handedly increase the bottom line of Nyquil’s parent company, however. I’m certain their stockholders will be sending me a thank you note any day now. When the coughing stopped, it was in the single digits and the sidewalk was a sheet of ice. At some point, you just have to admit you’ve been beaten.
Which brings me around to Election Day.
This spring, I decided to run for a seat on my local county board. My reasons were many but, mostly, they revolved around no longer being a passive observer of the political process and knowing that more women in government generally means better outcomes for all. If nothing else, the seat needed to be contested because the incumbent needed to know his constituents were paying attention.
The last few months have been learning experiences, if by “learning experiences” you mean “oh, crap, I wish I’d learned that a few days ago when it would have been useful.” I knocked on a lot of doors. I didn’t barf during a public debate. I knocked on more doors. I had uncomfortable conversations with people who didn’t agree with me. There were yard signs and mailers and handouts. It was hard and sometimes fun and always outside of my comfort zone. I kept reminding myself that I’d run a marathon and that if I could do that, I could do this. I made sure to hydrate.
By Election Day, I knew I’d done all I’d could as well as I could and it was no longer in my hands. I made it to the finish line in one piece and upright. I honestly didn’t care if I won — and I didn’t think I would. Incumbents, even in small districts, are hard to unseat. But my running was never about winning, in all meanings of the word “running.”
Then I won — by all of 27 votes. I will be sworn in on January 1. Which is so not a thing I would have imagined even a year ago.
I’ve spent the weeks since realizing just how vast the chasm is between what I know about how local governments work and how much I need to know in order to do the job well. And I want to do the job well; otherwise, why even bother? What would be most helpful is a quick law degree with maybe an even quicker degree in public policy. Instead, all I have is the ability to absorb information relatively quickly and take nutrition while making relentless forward progress. Like with my actual running, I’m making the best with what I have.
While out on my Christmas Eve run, I check on a friend’s cat. Said cat wasn’t digging the whole selfie thing. Because, you know, cat.
Speaking of, I managed to get out for a long run on Christmas Eve day. It certainly wasn’t fast or pretty. I also had to keep reminding myself to stand up straight and pick up my feet. But it felt good, even when I was ready to stop, which was a few miles before I actually could. I spent the rest of the afternoon buoyed by the miles I’d gotten in, even if they fell short of the miles I’d meant to do all month. And I might have chosen eggnog as my recovery beverage.
How has your year-end gone, running-wise or otherwise?
#291: Setting Realistic New Year Fitness Resolutions
Sarah and Dimity unite to talk with Coach MK Fleming of the Train Like a Mother Club, and the trio jumps into a straight-talk discussion about setting realistic New Year resolutions. Realize why picking one big goal actually adds up to 1,000s of little tasks, and learn to not conflate optimism + attitude with progress. (Like we said: straight talk!) Numerous analogies to mastering a foreign language or to learning to play the piano abound. Coach MK talks about how to be smart in the goals you pursue, and she shares three small daily changes you need to embrace to meet your goals. Find out why Dimity feels “unbreakable” right now—and what her secret goal is. (And why 2022 might be a big year ‘round AMR parts…) A great reminder toward end of the episode: Enjoy the real joy in the journey.
This week’s Nuun-drinking game: Take a swig every time Coach MK mentions the self-defense system of krav maga.
Talk of resolutions starts at 19:40.
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To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/AMR or mention promo code AMR (or Another Mother Runner) when you talk to a Health IQ agent.
2018 BAMRbassador Team: Round Two
Welcome back to Day Two of our Introduction of our 2018 #BAMRbassadors!
If you have no idea what we’re talking about, head to Day One.
Congrats to these 17 #BAMRbassadors;
2018 is going to be a year of many (more) happy miles because of your participation!
Kary Whearty
3 kids (21, 14, + 10); Sylvania, OH
“I recently ran the Detroit Marathon with a friend, her first. There is no greater feeling than sharing finish line hugs and tears!”
Addie Bird
2 kids (10 + 7); Newmanstown, PA
“AMR has helped me figure out how to balance work, family, and running, and taught me a ton about fitness and getting stronger.”
Catey Ball
10 kids (19, 17, 16, 14, 12, 11, 9, 7, 5, + 3); Harriman, UT
“When I started running eight years ago, the running community slowly became a huge piece of my life: I had a place that I felt like I belonged! I would love to connect with women who need a Tribe!”
Julie Patno
4 kids (13-year-old twins + 2 stepkids, 18 + 12); Salt Lake City, UT
“I finished my first 50K (!) last weekend. When I came into work today, a co-worker said I am not the same person I was 4.5 years ago, when I started running. She said I am just ‘f*cking amazing.’ I have to say I agree. AMR/TLAM was a HUGE part of that transformation.”
Jaime Taylor
2 kids (“15 2/3” + 12); Edmond, OK
“Run Like a Mother completely changed my life. I was a wannabe runner on my journey to my first half-marathon, and picked up the book before going on vacation for my anniversary (sorry, husband!). I spent the entire time laughing, reading, feeling an instant connection and validation that I never expected.”
Kristen Genet
3 kids (16, 12, + 9); Blaine, MN
“This is a Tribe that brings out the best in women: accepting each individual where she is at, providing support and community to lift her up, and sharing in the successes and difficulties of training, mothering, and womaning in general.”
Lynne Garcia
1 kid (6); Los Angeles, CA
“What running has given me is nothing short of amazing. Confidence, health, mental balance—and most surprising—identity. I am a runner. I feel like an athlete. Me, the chubby girl with frizzy hair marching along with a saxophone strapped to her. I’m not belittling my former band-geek self, mind you. I’m just simply amazed at what she’s morphed into.”
Meaghan Clark
2 kids (6 + 3); Lincoln, RI
“While training for my first marathon last year, I was in your traditional training plan with a group of 24 ladies who have become some of my best friends.Together, we have been together through all things; not just running, but depression, injuries, spouses, babies/teenagers, races, politics. YOU brought us together. These are ‘my BAMRs’, thanks to you.”
Nicole Hart
3 kids (16, 15, + 9); Boiling Springs, PA
“Honestly, I already feel like I am an ambassador for AMR. I’m ready to make it official!”
Pamela Harris
2 kids (3 + 1); Decatur, GA
“The BAMR community is fiercely inclusionary, and it would make my heart swell to beckon others in. And I’m not going to lie: I am dying to meet more members of the community in real life!”
Pat Brockman
A flock (3 grown sons, 3 wonderful daughters-in-love, + 4 grandchildren); San Antonio, TX
“AMR is the best example of the power of community I have ever been a part of. I have been part of leading women’s ministry in our church for years and years, and AMR is what I wish that ministry could look like.”
Debbi Giossi
3-ish Kids (1 adult son + 2 glorious grandchildren); Austin, TX
“I was held in the arms of this community long before I ever signed up for a training program, attended a retreat or made what have become lifelong friends. I want women of all ages, abilities and attributes to enJOY being a part of such a community. Whatever I can do to facilitate that: Bring it!”
Racheal Pettigrew
3 kids (12, 8, + 5); Tempe, AZ
“I can’t wait to help women understand the importance of putting themselves and their mental + physical health first; it’s as important as keeping their houses clean. (And I have to remember that myself as well!)”
Schuyler Nuun
2 kids (20 + 17); Wyndmoor, PA
“Unconditional love and women supporting women…the way life should be!”
Stephanie Garrett
3 four-legged kids; Westminster, CO
“In six years, I went from weighing almost 300 pounds to today, when I have completed numerous 5Ks + 10Ks, 14 half-marathons, and 4 full marathons. I am slower runner, but all runners need encouragement, positivity, and support in all areas of life.”
Tracy Swearingen
2 kids (9 + 9 months); Omaha, NE
“The AMR Tribe has virtually connected thousands of women who are very different but very much alike.”
Tricia Cecil
2 kids (7 + 3); Elkridge, MD
“Wake up (well) before the sun. Dress, headlamp, reflective gear. Walk carefully down the stairs so not as to wake the three year old or seven year old. Go outside. Turn on Garmin. Take a deep lungful of morning air. Go. Run. Run easy, run hard, run intervals, run long, run tempo, run short. Run in the sweltering humidity of a Maryland August, in the dry cold air of December, through red and orange leaves in the fall and among the new green of spring.”
2018 BAMRbassador Team: Round One
A few weeks ago, we announced our first ambassador program: the BAMRbassador program, because we’re so punny with words.
We were on the prowl for women who would help us spread the AMR love far and wide—and maybe sell a few shirts at expos as well.
To say we were floored by the response is like saying the marathon is a considerable way to run: a gross understatement. We received nearly 350 applications—and in a perfect world, we’d take all of you.
In this (dust-bunnying, toddlers-tantrumming, car-pooling) world though, we know our limits. We want to be sure that the ambassadorship program is dialed and streamlined before we set out for #motherrunner world domination. (A joke, but not entirely…)
Originally, we were going to enlist 15 ambassadors for 2018, but the sheer number of applicants made us more than double the first year’s team: We have 33 #BAMRbassadors for 2018. We are excited to introduce 16 today, and will announce the other half + 1 tomorrow. (If you do the math, that makes the acceptance rate <10%.)
While we realize that doesn’t soften the news if you aren’t profiled below or on the list for tomorrow, please know that we read every application thoroughly, and your words made us laugh, think and tear up. Thank you all for the time, thought, love, and perspective you put into your applications; it was truly one of the best gifts we have ever received.
We discussed and we discussed, then we drank some kambucha and discussed some more. Our hearts sunk as we whittled the list down smaller and smaller, until we couldn’t take it anymore. (Guessing none of us were college admissions officers in our former lives.)
Geographic distribution of BAMRbassadors; many miles covered amongst you all.
The upside of it all? We are 120% committed to making 2018 the Year of the #BAMRbassadors. In other words, we work out the kinks in this program so that we can expand it significantly in 2019 and in years beyond.
Congratulations to our Team of 2018 #BAMRbassadors!
Aimee Bouchard
3 kids (6, 4, + 2); Springfield, MA
“In April 2013, after I had my second kid and the Boston bombing had happened, I searched the web for connection and community, and discovered the AMR website because of a T-shirt you offered as a fundraiser. I was moved, then I was hooked!”
Alicia Cline
2 kids (7 + 5); Cincinnati, OH
“I fell in love with running 30 years ago. It has been my constant in life and keeps me grounded. Other women need to know about and be part of this amazing group.”
Brandi Dockett
2 kids (13 + 9); Mount Royal, NJ
“Thank you for continuing to be a voice for us #motherrunners who kick ass and take names and still get dinner on the table.”
Carrie Meconis
4 kids (8, 4, + 20-month-old twins); Middle Village, NY
“Crossing the 2107 NYC Marathon finish line was so powerful after all I have gone through the past couple of years (four kids; preemies and 6 weeks of NICU time; sickness and injury). But I made it. I hope to inspire other mamas who feel the struggle and pain of this journey.”
Susan Landolt
4 kids (15, 12, 9, + 6); Portland, OR
“AMR gave me the courage to START! And start again when the going got tough. More than anything, AMR has always reminded me that it isn’t just okay to take the time away from the family to run, it is CRUCIAL!”
Annaliese Dolph
3 kids (13, 10, + 6); Portland, OR
“I pulled out a Train Like a Mother marathon plan this year and ran my own personal marathon last week: 26.2 unstaffed miles through the city. I could not fit a race into the family schedule but wanted to prove to myself I can go the distance. If only the AMR ’80s RockMyRun playlist was out then!”
Gina Ebbeling
1 kid (6); Bellingham, WA
“This community shows up. Last January, my husband passed away suddenly. Weeks later, I began training for a half-marathon with TLAM. Running became my therapy and the AMR community was so supportive.”
Jodi Snowdon
2 kids (13 + 11); Kingston, Ontario, Canada
“2012: I was a soccer mom who just wanted some peace and some space for herself. I knew nothing about running when I started moving my slow butt around the block, except that I I wanted to run Princess Half-Marathon. I had no community, I had no coach, I had no help. And then I Googled “running books for moms” and, hallelujah, I found you!”
Julia Miller
3 kids (12,10, + 8); Fitchburg, WI
“Being a part of the AMR Tribe means community, acceptance, support, love, and humor. I can’t believe I found other people who also talk about poop!”
Kat Schjei
3 kids (8, 6, + 16 months); Laguna Hills, CA
“I seek to inspire other BAMRs to get outside of their comfort zone to reach potential they never knew existed. Becoming a mother does not close the fitness door. In fact, it only makes us stronger.”
Kate Walton
4 kids (14, 10, + 2 adult stepchildren); Indianola, IA
“The connections I’ve made through AMR have echoed through my life in the most positive ways. I’ve met people in real life and online who have enriched and supported me in ways I would have never imagined.”
Katie Ormson
3 kids (26, 22, + 18); Libertyville, IL
“I have been a runner for 35+ years and a mother for 26+ years. My best friends in my community are pretty much all runners, and having met many BAMRs in person, I consider many of these women very good friends as well.”
Kimberly Truesdell
2 kids (6 + 2); Fort Wayne, IN
“It’s important to know that there’s a group of people who will support you when you need it—but still call you on your sh*t. I honestly don’t know where my running would be without this Tribe.”
Kristen Fegan
6 kids (15, 12, 9, 8, 7, + 5); Malabar, FL
“Running is usually a solo sport, but the AMR Tribe has transformed it into a team for me. We’re all working together, and that keeps me going.”
Melissa Theberge
3 kids (19, 16, + 14); Plaistow, NH
“I came to AMR able to run 3.1 miles and now I’ve run 26.2 all in a row! ;-) My personal running growth is a credit to AMR, but honestly what I’ve learned about myself and the new friendships are even more precious and valuable to me. I think this is where the heart of AMR lies.”
