#304: AMR + BibRave Crossover Episode
An AMR first: a crossover episode! Sarah has a sit-down with Jessica and Tim Murphy of The BibRave Podcast. First, Sarah interviews the Portland-based couple about their race-review site and their running backgrounds. Marvel at Jessica, whose first-ever race was 26.2 miles long—and how she’s run 19 more marathons in the intervening nine years! Then the trio shifts roles, and The BibRave duo lobs questions at SBS. Sarah covers some familiar territory, such as the AMR origin story, but also reveals some new bits about her racing background. She offers advice on juggling training with parenting duties. Tangents abound in this laughter-filled episode, including random pop-culture references like the brilliant Simpsons-Family Guy crossoverand favorite movies. Make time for a deep dive into the oeuvre of Nicolas Cage after listening to this fun episode! Nuun-drinking game: Chug every time someone mentions “Craftsman-style” homes or architecture.
Enter to win an entry to the 2018 New York City Marathon + a $500 travel stipend, courtesy of Strava. Go to strava.com/nycmarathon to enter and read the official rules. And join the AMR Club on Strava!
For a vehicle that’s friendlier to the environment yet can hold you + all your traveling companions, check out the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Learn more at Chrysler.com
Happy AMRiversary to All of Us: 8 Years of Running Great! (Martini Takes the Mic)
Bounding in with sweaty sports bras and smiles on our faces to celebrate our 8th year of Another Mother Runner! Run Like a Mother was released on March 23 of 2010 — and depending on the day, that either feels like yesterday or many, many (mostly) happy miles ago.
We are celebrating this week with posts Another Mother Runner, a podcast bit we recorded on the fly (truly!) in San Francsico; and amazing race entries (think Twin Cities Marathon, OKC Marathon and plenty of others!) for you and your BRF, which will be hosted on our Instagram account. (Be sure to follow us there if you don’t already!)
Sarah and Dimity ran through their top eight AMR moments from the past eight years. Today I’m hijacking the blog to run through mine.
Martini, c’est moi. (Sorry. Eldest child is taking French and I keep having flashbacks.)
Memory #1: You never forget your first time.
This isn’t my 8th anniversary of writing for AMR — but my time in the Tribe may measure that long. The first time I stumbled across Run Like a Mother was in the Green Toad Bookstore, which is my town’s indie store and where I’d work most Saturdays just because I wanted to get out of the house for a bit and hang with the books. The bookstore’s owner, a mother runner herself, had ordered a copy for our fitness shelves. I flipped through it, loved it, and made a mental note to buy it the following Saturday.
Which I couldn’t do because someone beat me to it. While that was great news for SBS, Dimity, and the publisher, it also meant that I had to wait for another copy. In the meantime, I contented myself with the blog.
Memory #2: The exotic wilds of Albany, NY.
I met Dimity and SBS at a book-signing in Albany in, I think, 2013. They were in town for the Freihofer’s Run for Women and I hooked my then-small kids up with playdates so that I could road trip in peace. Plus, I had a secret plan: I would slip my contact info to one of ‘em because I had an idea for a column….
Here’s the thing few people tell you about being a writer: you hear the word “no” all the time. You either get used to it or let it break you. After many, many years of taking it personally and being afraid to pitch because of that two letter word, having two toddlers finally made me unafraid of “no.” Because, sheesh. How many times per day did I hear it anyway? At least no potential editor was also going to make me clean his or her bottom later.
(Note: Neither Dimity nor Sarah have made this request.)
Memory #3: Martini Fridays is born!
My friend Kate found the picture that started me on my running journey. I’m the one in the black coat. Again, I do have to stress how no one looks fantastic in Eastern Europe in January.
And with this publication, I found myself committed to running a half-marathon. Which I finished!
Memory #4: I fall down the slippery slope.
That first half marathon in my hometown (I’ll be running it for the 4th (5th?) time in May), led to running halfs in Syracuse, Portland (Maine), Austin, Seaside, and Corning, New York (a couple of times). In between there have been 5Ks and 10Ks and a relay. Oh, and just btw, I ran the New York City marathon. No big.
I’m the one in blue.
Memory #5: I sit in a series of small rooms talking at my computer.
Sarah decided to bring on some extra co-hosts for the AMR podcast and I was thrilled to be chosen. Not only do I get to talk to interesting people about interesting things (like my pelvic floor, which I find fascinating), I also get to talk about my running routines to an audience who might actually want to hear a mile-by-mile recitation about my tempo run. Unlike my family, who are over it. The best part is having mother runners come up to me at an Expo or during a race and say they know my voice from the pod. From there, the conversation always takes off.
Memory #6: Schlepping boxes. Hawking merch.
I’m pretty sure I was a flower seller or rug merchant in a past life. I love matching mother runners with hats or tees or hoodies at race expos. Or, if they aren’t in the market for merch, I love chatting with them either a) about their membership in the AMR Tribe or b) why they should check us out. Hauling boxes and folding (and unfolding and refolding) tops can be a bummer, as can running a race the next day on sore legs, but, man, getting to meet mother runners is totally worth the work.
Memory #7: Retreat, Restore, Run, Repeat.
I was lucky enough to be in on the first AMR Retreat, which took us to the delightful Capital Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was dubious. I mean, what would one actually do at a running retreat? How could group foam rolling be fun? Why am I hauling my rear to Arkansas, which is lovely but hardly a big tourist draw?
Cut to Sunday morning, when I realized how much I didn’t want to leave this magical space that we had created. That same feeling happens on the last day of every single retreat. You don’t think that one weekend could forge such strong bonds between women scattered across the country (and globe!) Yet some of my best friends (running or otherwise) are those I made at retreats. I know the same thing will happen to me in Ogden and Cape Cod.
Like these knuckleheads, who I just spent a weekend in Seaside with and two of whom I’ve known since Little Rock.
Memory #8: You guys.
So many great women and experiences and experiences with great women (um) have come into my life because I stumbled upon the first book at my local bookstore and I boldly introduced myself to Dimity. Because of that choice, I found myself at the finish line of the NYC marathon stealing a selfie with winner Shalane and meeting some marathoning moms. I’ve helped two BAMRs reach their dream of running a half: one in Philly, one in Vermont. I’ve gotten to talk with one of my favorite writers who is also a mother runner. I’ve run trails in Western Washington (which I loved) and boardwalks in Massachusetts.
Mostly, though, I’ve met amazing women putting in the miles because they make them feel whole. It’s been an honor to hear your stories at expos or meet-ups or in starting corrals or at the finish line. You guys make the writing easier and fulfilling.
Here’s to another eight years! By then, we’ll be able to get our driver’s licenses.
Just in case you haven’t had enough of me, I’m planning a meet-up before the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race on April 7 at 1 p.m. at Potomac River Running. Click here to sign-up for the mailing list so that I can keep you in the loop — and so that I know how many swag bags to pack.
Our 8th AMRiversary: 26.2 of The Tribe’s Favorite Moments
“Congratulations!” writes Dana, “I’d be lost without AMR!”
(Um, us too.)
“This tribe keeps my head in the right place,” says Laura.
(Ditto to that.)
As our 8th AMRiversary week continues, we wanted to document (naturally) 26 of the tribe’s favorite moments.
Of course, there’s a little .2 at the end as well.
Enjoy—and get ready for so many more happy miles ahead for all of us!
Finishing my first half-marathon in September 2013. My husband was deployed during my training and race. My Running BFF and I followed the Train Like a Mother 13.1 Finish It plan—she in McMinnville, OR and me in Jacksonville, NC —and then she flew out to run the race. I encouraged her to run at her pace (ahead of me) because just knowing she was there was enough for me. I ran the entire thing and felt awesome.—LEAH
I ran my first marathon with Heart Rate Training and these two BAMRs (Meaghan + Sandra) carried me to the finish when things got HARD! We were the smiley and chatty caboose of the entire race field; we were literally circled by police bikes and chased through park roads by police. Unnerving but we had each other—and this selfie—to remember the achievement by! —MELISSA
I attended the AMR party in San Diego four years ago, right after I moved to California from Oregon. It was the best way to connect with new friends such as Smitha, who share the same running and momming lifestyle as I do. Thanks for helping foster these connections and lifelong friendships AMR. ❤❤❤—KAT
Getting to film the AMR video while running Pittsburgh last year was amazing! And I got a PR [using a Train Like a Mother 13.1 Traditional Plan]!—MEREDITH
I live in rural Northern California and run by myself except for my two BRFs jabbering in my ears. I was totally star stuck when I got to meet one of them, Sarah, at the Eugene Marathon a few years back.—STEPHANIE
Running Disney Princess Half, courtesy of AMR. I’ll always be grateful for this experience.—NORAH
Half-Marathon PR after Train Like a Mother Heart Rate Program!—KIRSTEN
Meeting up with another online friend, Alicia, when she was in my neck of the woods for a marathon. We hope to run an Ultra together someday.—FRANCINE (“Yes, we will!” says Alicia.)
So many moments! Being on Ragnar DC on Team Sarah (including the infamous shower incident), running Boston Marathon with Sarah and other fantastic mother runners in 2016, and just this year being selected as BAMRbassador. Still creating memories!—NICOLE
Following Dimity online while she ran her Ironman and then hearing about it later. I felt like it was my real life BRF doing that event and I knew she was crushing it and I was so proud of her! That episode is by far my favorite one in AMR history.—HKD
Running the 2012 Grand Rapids Marathon, my first. I used the “Own It”plan from the Train Like a Mother book and loved it! The marathon itself was that perfect race day we all hope for; I was 40 years old, ran 3:31.32, and qualified for Boston. This picture is at mile 13 and it’s exactly how I felt the entire time. The community of AMR was there each week through the training with questions I had and support through the “piles of miles.” I could not have done it without AMR!—CLEARY
Simply hanging with the best tribe of women I have in my of in my life. I found this group just after my daughter was born in 2012; it has been the best thing for me mentally+ physically. ❤❤ BAMRs!—LIZ
Absolutely has to be the first time I met you both before my first ever half-marathon at Princess 2013! That whole experience of earning my tiara was such a fairy tale for me + you guys brought the pixie dust! (I still remember Dimity saying she could literally feel my heart beating when she put her arm around me for this photo!)—JODI
I have a few favorite moments. Coach MK has forever changed my relationship with running—heck my relationship with my whole body. The Simply Nourished programs have forever changed my relationship with food! Riding bikes around Pittsburgh with Dimity and Coach Amanda was so much fun!—SARAH
Meeting Dimity (and SBS on a stick) in Minneapolis. I met up with a Nancy beforehand for supper; she introduced me to this amazing tribe.—HEIDI
I’ve been following AMR since the beginning; Run Like A Mother gave me the confidence to run my first marathon in 2011. I crossed the finish line wearing your Another Mother Runner pink tank. It’s also been amazing meeting other BAMRs just because we recognize the shirts. That happened at two different races over the years for me.—KALI
Winning a raffle at the last day of the AMR Retreat in Spokane! I joked with my fellow BAMRs that I would eventually win something—I finally did on the last day!—ALEXANDRA
The first AMR Retreat in Little Rock with my sister!—HEIDI
The 2016 Philadelphia Marathon. The weather/wind was brutal and my BRF was struggling by my side. Every time we saw the BAMR cheering squad, it picked up our spirits.We were coming into the last mile and I had used up all my encouragement and motivation. We see Dimity. She not only cheers for us but runs about a quarter mile with us until we can literally see the finish line. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. That is what being a runner is all about, that is what being a BAMR is, carrying each other when we think we have nothing left to give. Cheering for complete strangers. Supporting everyone no matter the pace or the distance. I have a selfie we took with Dimity (much earlier along the course). It is in a frame that says “wake up and be awesome.” Thank you ladies for being so awesome! —LORI (right back at you, Lori!)
Has to be the ‘found change’ that SBS ran past at the 2017 Another Mother Runner retreat, but I saw and picked up! —KATIE
A favorite moment was the 2017 Philly Marathon BAMR Cheer Squad,. We told the Uber driver to drop us off at the closed off Girard Avenue exit off the Schuykill Expressway, walked up the ramp with our signs, and staked out our spot to cheer on our runners. “THIS IS HAPPENING.” —SUSAN
Another Mother Runner party in Maryland. It was a ton of fun and I won a pair of Knuckle Lights, which my husband still uses! —ERIKA
I listened to podcast episode #129 Napa Valley Ragnar Relay while running my first half marathon and laughed the whole way to the hilarious port-a-potty stories! —DIANE
Reuniting with a high school friend at the TLAM book party in San Antonio in 2013. It was so fun to meet SBS + Dimity. The swag bags were fabulous too. I have enjoyed the support and camaraderie of my fellow BAMRs. Thank you for creating the AMR tribe! —MIMI
Seeing SBS + Dimity in Carlsbad at Roadrunner on the book tour! What a super fun night, and I got to meet a bunch of other BAMRs that evening, too! —JANA
I have been an AMR listener (and reader) for many years, before I got married and became a #stepmotherrunner. I love that even though I wasn’t a “mother”, I never felt like an outsider in the AMR community. But my favorite moment of running with AMR came recently. I was running my longest run (a big 4 miles) after an 8-month injury induced hiatus. I started listening to the podcast where Dimity shared that she had to stop running. I ran those miles through tears, because I was celebrating my return from the same disc injury she was sharing about. I cried again listening to that on the “best of” podcast! I love the vulnerability, the passion, and the real life of AMR! —JESSICA
AND .2 WITH BRUCE! I posted how many steps I had on my Fitbit after dancing at a Bruce Springsteen concert on the Facebook page. A few days later I’m listening to the podcast, walking to the train after work and I hear Dimity say my name, read my post AND play a Bruce song. I went nuts: yelling and jumping around. People around me looked terrified. Then I laughed the rest of the way. —MAUREEN
Finally, LeAnn writes, “Can NOT wait to meet you all at the Flying Pig this year! Love the AMR tribe and am really looking forward to so much bad-assery in person!”
Before we fly like pigs, we’ve got a gathering in Washington DC on April around the Cherry Blossom; details and RSVP here.
Want to join LeAnn and us at the Flying Pig on May 4 + 5? Join this list and we’ll share details!
Happy AMRiversary to All of Us: 8 Years of Running Great! (and Sarah’s 8 Favorite AMR Moments)
All this week we’re celebrating eight great years of AMR’ing! Dimity kicked off the party yesterday, sharing her eight standouts from these years. Now it’s my turn.
Moment #1, early 2011: Naming Our “Baby”
Moment #1, early 2011: Naming Our “Baby”Given that we never set out to build a brand, it makes sense our business didn’t have its official name from the get-go. “Run Like a Mother” was off-limits because someone else nabbed that trademark before we did (but since TMs don’t apply to book titles, we were in the clear for our first book.) Thus, the URL of our site was the clunky “RunLikeaMotherTheBook” dot com. (Oy!) Dim and I tossed around possible names every few days, but nothing resonated. My family even got in on the act: One evening at dinner, my older daughter, then-8-year-old Phoebe, said, “You should call it, ‘Another Mother Runner.’ All those ‘-er’s’ sound good together.”
There must have been something in the air: As we were clearing the table, Dimity called. “I’ve got the perfect name for our biz: Another Mother Runner. Don’t you love the repetition of the “e-r’s” at the end of the words?!”
Moment #2, 2012: Surprise Podcast Interview
Dear Dimity has given me many things over the years–from a pretty gold necklace with two flowers to an awesome pair of hand-me-down Paige jeans–but the greatest gift she gave me was when she turned the tables during a podcast recording and started interviewing me! The topic was going to be race-day preparation, but instead, Dimity asked me all sorts of questions about the race I was about to run–my first Boston Marathon. The conversation allowed me to contemplate my choices and my approach to the race, reflections my busy-mom life didn’t allow. I was (and am) so grateful for the opportunity.
Moment #3, 2013: Boston Marathon Tragedy
Moment #3, 2013: Boston Marathon TragedyI hope you don’t think it’s odd to choose a horrific incident as a “favorite” moment, as I wish with all the fibers in my being that the bomb explosions near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon had never happened. Yet in the swirling days after those cowardly attacks, the AMR Tribe showed its true colors. For starters, Dimity wrote one of her most beautiful, heartfelt posts on our website. As she does so often, she was able to put into words what so many of us were feeling. Then there was the outpouring of requests from you, BAMRs, for AMR to produce something that could unite us and help us heal. Thus we made our first of many ♥ run tops, this one with the quiet reminder of “4/15/13,” the date of tragedy. For me, wearing that tee made me feel even more connected to the AMR Tribe.
Moment #4, 2014: Napa Valley Ragnar Relay
Moment #4, 2014: Napa Valley Ragnar RelayFunny: Dimity’s #4 Moment was our first Ragnar Relay. I loved that Maryland adventure, too, but it’s snippets from that California race that randomly spring to my mind. Especially the final leg of the race. I was training to qualify for Boston a second time, so you’d think I was in peak condition. But extreme heat and the strong California sun kicked my arse–and that of a teammate who has since gone on to become one of our 33 BAMRbassadors, Jodi Snowdon. Jodi and I each had longer-than-usual segments to run, in the heat of the afternoon. I knew I was in for trouble when Jodi handed off the slap bracelet–she looked fried. My leg was nearly 9 miles long, and it was supposed to be unsupported, meaning team vans weren’t allowed to stop or give anything to teammates along that section of the race. Well, the “Mama Bear” of our van, Melissa Gilley (who has since become the event coordinator of our Retreats!), took one look at Jodi, and said, ahem, screw that!
My teammates dashed to a supermarket to buy popsicles and cold water before catching up to me and stopping at about mile 6. I doubt sailors stranded on desert islands have ever been happier to see a boat than I was to spy that parked van! I wept tears of gratitude and humility as I told my teammates how utterly depleted and challenged I felt. They all let me have my moment…then told me to carry on. Their supportive love–and popsicles–replenished my body and soul, and I surged in the final miles.
Moment #5, April 2015: Debut AMR Retreat
Moment #5, April 2015: Debut AMR RetreatFor years, Dimity and I knew we wanted to host a running Retreat. A chance to hang out and really get to know a group of women runners, over meals and miles. But it wasn’t until we were guests of the lovely Capital Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas, that I suddenly knew, in my gut, we’d found the right place. So the next year we convened with about 40 women to run, eat, laugh, learn, foam roll, and build friendships that have flourished in the intervening three years. This Little Rock extended weekend was the first of several Retreats–first once a year, and now two this year. And next year we might even double that number! As much as we love the virtual elements of AMR, there’s something almost magical that happens when we convene in person.
Moment #6, May 2015: Fractured Ankle
Moment #6, May 2015: Fractured AnkleBarely two weeks after the Little Rock Retreat, I fractured my ankle in four places while scouting the location for our 2016 Retreat. The accident happened while my colleague, Jonna, and I were on a run with a mother runner, Hillary, we’d met just a few miles before. I literally feel nauseated merely looking at the photos accompanying the post Dimity put up to announce my injury to the Tribe.
But that queasiness is quickly replaced by a warmth that starts in my heart and flows through my body as I recollect the deep love and support members of the AMR Tribe showed me in the weeks and months after my accident and resulting surgery (to inserts pins and rods into my ankle). The care packages and gifts (e.g. a set of cocktail napkins from Jennifer in N.C. that read “i may appear harmless…but inside i’m completely badass.” The pretty pink lipgloss from Natalie in Wisconsin. The hardcover copy of The Light Between Oceans from Rachel in Australia.) and the cards. So many wonderful cards–with uplifting, heartfelt messages.
Throughout my convalescence, I felt buoyed and supported by BAMRs across the globe: Whether or not I heard from you via cards and social media, I knew women were sending me well wishes and prayers. I am 100% certain my full recovery would not have been possible without that love. Thank you.
Moment #7, 2016: Coterie of Co-hosts
Moment #7, 2016: Coterie of Co-hostsI love how multi-faceted my roles and responsibilities are within AMR, but if I have to choose my favorite “hat” to wear, it’s being host of our podcast. Every week, when I finish a recording, I’m on a natural high! When Dimity and I kicked it off in the summer of 2011, neither of us would have ever guessed it would be going gangbusters still in 2018. Yet, thankfully, here we are!
In early 2016, we decided to bring in new voices, literally, by introducing what I, an alliteration-loving writer, dubs “a rotating coterie of co-hosts.” Longtime website contributor Adrienne Martini. My book-loving friend Ellison Weist. Train Like a Mother Club Coach Christine Hinton (later “replaced” by Coach Amanda Loudin). My always-make-me-laugh best running friend Molly Williams. And, of course, Dimity. This year, we added more goodness to the mix with AMR social media director Maggie Palmer and former Runner’s World podcast co-host Tish Hamilton. I love how they each bring their own wit, insight, and running experience to the mic.
Moment #8, Eights Years+: Expos
Moment #8, Eights Years+: ExposAs I wrote about Retreats: While connecting online is fantabulous, there’s something about meeting in person that lights my fire. Selling and speaking at race expos–from the 2010 Hippie Chick Half-Marathon where it was me, a stack of yellow books, and one style of T-shirt (but, hey, in two colors choices!) to repeat trips to the Twin Cities Marathon and everything in between–is where I hit my stride. Introducing new women to our Tribe and embracing devoted BAMRs, while hawking our wares, feels fun and fresh every time. I draw energy from your energy, and I feel deeply humbled by your gratitude.
As I often say at our booth: No, thank you! Sincerely and seriously: Thank YOU. 
What is your favorite AMR Moment over the past eight years? We want to know in the comments below. (Bonus points if you email a picture as well to BAMR [at] anothermotherrunner [dot] com!)
Your moments could be a podcast, a party, a PR you got with a Train Like a Mother plan, a BRF you met through AMR, a chapter in one of the books…whatever. The net is wide and welcoming!
Thanks in advance!
Happy AMRiversary to All of Us: 8 Years of Running Great! (and Dimity’s Favorite 8 AMR Moments)
Bounding in with sweaty sports bras and smiles on our faces to celebrate our 8th year of Another Mother Runner! Run Like a Mother was released on March 23 of 2010–and depending on the day, that either feels like yesterday or many, many (mostly) happy miles ago.
We are celebrating this week with posts Another Mother Runner, a podcast bit we recorded on the fly (truly!) in San Francsico; and amazing race entries (think Twin Cities Marathon, OKC Marathon and plenty of others!) for you and your BRF, which will be hosted on our Instagram account. (Be sure to follow us there if you don’t already!)
Today and tomorrow, Sarah and I are going to run through our top eight AMR moments from the past eight years; some are more personal and others are tribe oriented.
I’m up first.
Moment #1, 2008: Writing the Run Like a Mother Book Proposal
Ok, so the oohs and aahs may be minimal for my first Moment, but honestly, writing sample chapters and sidebars, putting together the Table of Contents, and otherwise pouring our hearts into this proposal (abbreviated here) was rewarding in a way that I know I’d never felt as a freelance writer. Super authentic, and able to speak from our own experiences without putting a magazine gloss over the whole thing.
We didn’t know if Run Like a Mother would sell, but the exercise was definitely worth the effort; it solidified the main perspectives of Another Mother Runner:
- Running is hard, but it’s worth it.
- You can’t be number 458 on your to-do list and expect to feel healthy, balanced, or confident.
- Running makes you a more patient mother, a more loving partner, a more efficient professional, and everybody, from the grovery store clerk to the school principal, with whom you come in contact with benefits from your miles.
Plus, I love that the first few pages of our proposal were actually the beginning of Run Like a Mother; bonus points for multitasking from the very beginning.
Moment #2, 2012: Hitting the Road for Train Like a Mother Tour
We tried a traditional book tour for Run Like a Mother. Like most freshwater lakes, there were a few hot spots—but lots of cold spots. So we went back to the drawing board, and came up with Plan B: parties at #motherrunner houses + running stores, where friends could come, dressed in jeans, and enjoy a glass of wine, a cupcake, win some prizes, get inspired + motivated, and talk about running—but not have to run! (As the Brits would say, brilliant!)
So many smiley pictures from this tour, but I picked this one because of the homemade pillow cases that we used as our sign. I loved hanging those up. (And yep, we got the authentic mother part through and through.)
Moment #3, 2013: My Ironmother Journey
Coeur d’Alene feels at least 10 years ago, not just five. That said, there are so many moments from training and the race that I can still remember clearly. Most of all, though, I remember the spirit of the whole journey: how I had so many BAMR friends rooting for me; how I carried you all with me for so many miles, especially during training; how it all solidified the person I thought I was—and always want to be.
Reading through old posts, this one—a post about a bike training ride and having to turn around at Mile 40, during a long descent, to continue to climb—makes me smile. Things may have changed physically for me over the past five years, but I always still turn around at Mile 40.
For better or worse, challenges like Mile 40 define who I am. Even on the days when I question my goals and my lifestyle with every.single.pedal.stroke, I take comfort and pride in the fact that I will always turn around at Mile 40. I will always do, to the best of my ability, the work that needs to be done.
Moment #4, 2013: Putting Together AMR’s First Ragnar Team
The good news about being a small business? We’re nimble and can execute (most of the time) pretty quickly. The hard part about being a small business? Sometimes we’re winging it as we nimbly execute.
When we put out the call for two teams of 12 for our first Ragnar team in 2013—a Team Dimity vs. Team Sarah showdown situation—we had no idea really how it all would work. There were lots of what-are-we-doing-again? moments. But despite a government shutdown, crazy humidity, and a few wrong turns, we had an absolute blast. We replicated the experiment in Napa in 2014, Ragnar Trail Alafia last year, and will be having more BAMR Ragnar action again this year.
The best part for me? I feel like I’m still besties with my teammates. Sure, I haven’t seen most of them since our adventure, but I know if we went out for a run (or a hike in Crested Butte, Aimee!), we’d pick up right where we left off, #motherrunner style.
Moment #5, 2014: Launching the Mother’s Day Strava Prove It Challenge
When we initially partnered with Strava in late 2013, the were on the cusp of launching their campaign for early 2014: Prove It. Love that sentiment, and wanted to piggyback on it and help #motherrunners, especially those who were wishy-washy when it came to their status as “real runners”, prove to themselves that they could finish a 10k or a half-marathon.
There were a few—or ten—hiccups along the way (see: aforementioned small business), but the overall response and sense of team was phenomenal, and it made us realize that we #motherrunners need teammates who unconditionally support and cheer for us. Two years later, we launched the Train Like a Mother Club to give the Prove It concept—and all you #motherrunners looking for a coach, teammates, camaraderie, and all the laughs, connection and insight that come with it—a permanent home.
Moment #6, Eight Years and Counting: Working with BAMRs
Moment #6, Eight Years and Counting: Working with BAMRsOur tribe wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have the teamwork on the backend to back things up. Naturally, my sister from another mother runner—SBS—tops the list. She is the perpetual marathoner; I am the adventurer. She finds her groove around 4 pm on Friday. Me? 8 am, Monday. She can name 10 flowers in one block, and 10 flavors in one dish, while I know the difference between deciduous and conifer trees, and only need to know: Are they serving pizza? Nevertheless, we have formed a partnership that works on so many levels, and is enhanced by the fact that she laughs at every single joke I make, regardless if it’s worthy or not.
The rest of our team is equally as dynamic. Adrienne’s columns never fail to make me laugh. In the fall of 2015, Coach MK dared me to count my beats and changed my perspective on running—soon thereafter, with her heart-rate programs, that of many other BAMRs. Ellie lets me show up weekly and be her co-pilot as she explains all things nutrition with grace and accessibility. I read triathlon coach Liz Waterstraat’s blog for years, and still can’t believe she’s part of the Train Like a Mother Team.
At the risk of this sounding like an Oscar speech, I won’t name everybody, but they all matter greatly. And I have to give a special shoutout to Susan, who had to share a king size with me in Philly after I had chili for dinner. (Ugh. so sorry again!)
Moment #7, 2016: DNF (Did Not Finish) + DNS (Did Not Start)
Not finishing one race, and then not starting the Superior Trail 50k is a highlight? Yes. Because once again, I had the opportunity to remind us all that, despite our best efforts and intentions, we BAMRs are not invincible. And you all reminded me that it’s not about crossing one specific finish line or setting a PR. It’s about showing up and making the best of what you’ve been given on any particular day. (Or, um, always turning around at Mile 40.)
This was also kind of the beginning a long injury cycle that basically ended with the a trusted doctor gently suggesting I should consider not running anymore. The love that came through then—and continues to come through—continues to sustain me on the days when I’m not sure I’ve still got the creds to post the second half of our favorite #motherrunner hashtag.
Moment #8, Always + More to Come: Impromptu #Motherrunner Moments
I’ll never tire of seeing (and shooting) signs like these, of listening to tales of rockstar races (or crappy runs), of hearing somebody laugh when they read our Badass Mother Runner tops. Despite the fact that science—or our splits—may tell us otherwise, we are all the fastest in the world—and I can’t wait to keep flying with you all!
What is your favorite AMR Moment over the past eight years? We want to know in the comments below. (Bonus points if you email a picture as well!)
Your moments could be a podcast, a party, a PR you got with a Train Like a Mother plan, a BRF you met through AMR, a chapter in one of the books…whatever. The net is wide and welcoming!
Thanks in advance!
#303: Live at GU HQ with Olympians Magda Boulet + Alysia Montaño
Sarah, Dimity, and Molly are coming to you live (well, recorded live in front of audience) from the headquarters of GU Energy Labs in Berkeley, California. Two guests, both Olympians, mother runners, and repeat guests on the pod, join the lively conversation: Magda Boulet and Alysia Montaño. We guarantee you’ll add burpees to your routine after listening!
In the intro, the trio talks about spring break plans and the road trip that brought Molly and Sarah to the Bay Area The Olympians join the show at 14:45.
To enjoy three free Daily Harvest cups, go to daily-harvest.com and use promo code AMR
Enter to win an entry to the 2018 New York City Marathon + a $500 travel stipend, courtesy of Strava. Go to strava.com/nycmarathon to enter and read the official rules. And join the AMR Club on Strava!