March 2019

#357: Talking Triathlon w/ SwimBikeMom + a Newer Mother Triathlete

The dynamic duo of Sarah + Dimity dive into a conversation about triathlon with two enthusiasts: First is Meredith Atwood, a.k.a. SwimBikeMom, who is excited about the recent publication of the second edition of her book, Triathlon for the Every Woman. Meredith speaks candidly about how triathlon saved her from work stress and alcohol abuse. Nod in empathy as she details her first run (eight minutes), then laugh along with the trio as she describes her first swim session as an adult. Meredith reveals what triathlon taught her—and how it helps her accept her weight. Meredith and Dimity (also a triathlete) bond over praise of shorter races and women’s events.

The second guest is Jackie Kahuna, a mom of two from San Diego who just celebrated the one-year anniversary of her first triathlon. Yet find out why she’s already completed a 70.3 (half-Ironman) event! Jackie and Dimity give guidance on getting used to clip-in pedals and toss around gear advice. Jackie’s enthusiasm for the variety of three sports is infectious.

SBS + Dim talk books in the intro: Sarah raves about literary genius of The Virgin Suicides and extols The Winters (a modern reboot of Rebecca), while non-fiction-loving Dimity sings the praises of Pam Houston’s Deep Creek and On Desperate Ground. (Who knew she was fascinated by the Korean and Vietnam wars!?) SwimBikeMom joins the conversation at 20:25.

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From March 29-31, 2019, save 20% on all Train Like a Mother Club triathlon programs, available for sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman distances. Sign up at trainlikeamother.club/triathlon, using code TRIWEEKEND

Get $50 off the purchase of an AfterShokz wireless bundle at amr.aftershokz.com by using code AMRBUNDLE at checkout.

Start your vitamin ritual today at ritual.com/amr

Freshen up your running gear with a Mercury Mile box: Take $10 off your stylist fee by using code AMR at checkout at MercuryMile.com

Dry Martini: Seneca 7 Prep and Crazy Sounds

I have running friends who live all over the country. Heck, I am lucky enough to have running friends all over the globe. Because I see pictures from all of these running friends, I am well aware that maybe half of you are enjoying some lovely weather right now. Hooray. You bring me hope.

snowy woods

This is just as slushy and slippery as it looks.

Me and my northern friends are still in the thick of it — and I, at least, am growing increasingly bitter. March is hard when you live above the Mason-Dixon line, to say nothing of what it’s like in the western mountains. We’re in the one-step-forward-five-steps-back boogie that will last until mid-April, if not further. For every day that we see just a little bit of sun, there are five more days of gray and gloom.

I keep reminding myself that our general lack of spring is the price we pay for having truly delightful summers, ones where I can count the number of days over 85 on my fingers. Future me will really like that. Current me is literally camped out next to a space heater pretending I’m in Aruba.

Still. Two weeks ago, I had a mid-morning run where I actually had to stop to figure out what I was hearing. Was I being followed? Was I having a hallucination? No and no.

It was birds. BIRDS. I’ve gotten so used to hearing nothing but wind and ice, I’d forgotten that the world has birds in it. Shortly after that, I crossed a brook that was, like, babbling because the inches of ice that trapped it had melted.

runner near stream

It was BABBLING.

A couple of days after that, I had to pull my fleecy running pants back out. But I’m still hanging on to those birds, y’all. Between the sucky weather and my looming book deadline (it’s going as well if slowly), those birds are the only things keeping me going.

That’s not quite true. One more thing is giving me life right now. Around this time last year, I was deep into preparations for the Seneca 7, a relay race around New York’s Seneca Lake. It’s 77.7 miles total and run in teams of 7. This year, the race is on April 28 and I managed to convince six BAMRs to do it with me again.

In theory, it should be spring by then but experience is one of the world’s best teachers. Last year, we were treated to a high of 34 degrees F with snow squalls and sleet — and were all afraid that Heather might just blow into the lake. It was epic.

Despite the hours and hours it took to warm back up again, the seven of us had the best time ever. It was all of the camaraderie and silliness of a Ragnar but we all woke up in and went to sleep in real beds after indoor showers. Race navigation is delightfully straightforward, too. As long as the lake is on your left, you’re doing great.

Last year, we had team AMR tanks that were going to be super cute with capris or running skirts. Instead, we tossed the tanks over or under our coats and sweatshirts. This year, the theme will involve pink sparkles and the new Badass Mother Runner tanks. I’ll keep you posted if they are all that we’ll wear on top or if they will be a base layer.

We’ve made another improvement. We discovered that picking out your specific white rental van among the dozens of white rental vans is a chore. Thanks to eagle-eyed Marianne, Team Chafing like a Flock Star now has a giant inflatable pink flamingo to lash to the top of ours generic team van. Because we are tasteful and understated.

Sadly, we lost a few of the OG team members during the course of the year. Two bowed out because of life continuing to happen in unexpected ways; one has an uncooperative Achilles’ tendon. They will always be flock stars to us. We’ll pour out a NUUN in their honor when we round the halfway point.

group of women

We will do our best to hit the same picture spot this year.

Personally, the packing and planning for this adventure is helping me maintain my precious calm despite all of the ice. Last year I made a note to pack every single pair of Balegas I own into my van bag. I can deal with all manner of discomforts but wet feet make me nutty. I also need to pack a set of non-running comfy clothes because this year, I’m runner number one. My day will start sooner than everyone else’s — but will be done sooner. It’ll be a nice change from being the last one out and in last year.

I haven’t given a single thought to snacks, which is unlike me.

What should I stock up on, BAMRs?
What are your must-have relay treats? And what else am I forgetting?
And do you think we’ll have snow again or 90 degrees with 100% humidity?

Paris Marathon: Travel Gear Check

I am now exactly three weeks out from my Big Spring Race, and you know what that means, right?

Cue the crazy!

This year’s Big Event presents even more opportunities for pre-race anxiety because I’m traveling (with daughter and boyfriend) to run … the Paris Marathon!

 

Berets, s’il vous plait! I crack myself up, but BF Rick and daughter Nina refused to wear their berets after this pre-trip Christmas photo.

 

“Mom, some people travel places without running marathons,” said my daughter, age quatorze, who is, like many teens, a master of the deadpan death stare.

Comment?

Even after all these years of running (and traveling to) races, I still get pre-event nervousness. Even three weeks out. Doesn’t everybody? Don’t you?

My friend Jodi, who is coming up on her 100th marathon (!) and lives what we speak, calls it being torqued.

But why? Asked an uncomprehending nonrunning civilian. Why so nervous after all these years? Some people say it means you’re invested in the outcome. Or maybe it’s just a distraction from life’s “real” problems. It certainly serves as a locus for all the crazies.

Three weeks out is a good time to go through my running-travel gear checklist before I come completely blinded by pre-travel mania. It may seem obvious, but like the flight attendant reminding you to put your tray tables in a locked an upright position for takeoff, it bears repeating, if only for the sake of sanity.

Daughter Nina, ager 14, is not a runner but a swimmer, and a 14-year-old master of the death stare. Fierce!

CARRY ON (or wear) THE SHOES

Of course the fresh new running shoes I bought in January as inspiration and motivation to train for Paris are no longer fresh or new and the updated version has a narrower toe box uncomfortable for my bunions. Wah!

Travel tip (and note to self): Your shoes are fine. Don’t try anything new on race day. Pack your running shoes in your carry-on.

Related: You can wear running shoes to walk around the city post-race. No one’s going to mistake you for a Parisienne anyway.

Tune-up race: I used a Timex not a Garmin in the Skidaway Half-Marathon, March 22, in Savannah, Georgia.

TAKE ALL THE WATCHES

Garmin or Timex Ironman? The Paris Marathon is, of course, 42 kilometers. Who knows their pace per kilometer? Who can do math in a marathon? Nicht moi. (Oh wait, that’s a German French mashup.)

In the NYC marathon in November, I didn’t wear the Garmin because its BEEP at every mile never lines up perfectly with the mile markers on the course and that stresses me out.

In a recent half-marathon, I used the Timex instead of the Garmin and the course was NOT marked with every mile marker, and not knowing where I was mileage-wise stressed me out. (You might be inclined to say, Tish, you are easily stressed. Yep.)

As the New York Times’s Jen A Miller recently and helpfully explained, the Garmin is not 100% accurate (sorry to burst the bubble if you didn’t already know). And I am running the Paris Marathon NOT for a specific time goal—because that would just add another layer of insanity—but for a four-and-a-half hour foot tour of the city’s sights. (And some people just travel to Paris without running a marathon. Pfft.)

What does my pace-per-km matter anyway? So the Garmin or the Timex?

Note to self: Take both.

 

Sister Leslie (pink boa) celebrating the completion of her 50 State Marathon goal in 2015. (Me on left). Possibly ironic note: She hasn’t run a marathon since.

REMEMBER BRA AND SOCKS

My sister is an accomplished 50 Stater, meaning she’s run a marathon in every state, which obviously means she traveled to races a lot. You’d think she’d have the whole travel-gear equation nailed. But … see pre-marathon mania, above.

At 10 o’clock the night before the Bayshore Marathon, in Traverse City, Michigan, she was laying out her gear for the next morning’s race, and guess what she discovered she had forgotten to pack? Yep, her sports bra.

She ran the marathon in her bathing suit tankini top.

Which begs the question: Why did my sister remember to pack a bathing suit for a marathon trip to Michigan but not a sports bra? (See? Crazy.)

Gear travel tip: Tuck rolled-up sports bra and running socks into running shoes in the carry-on bag. Check and check.

A NOTE ABOUT DESTINATION RACE GOALS

Some people have great success traveling far from home to run races and set world records or qualify for the Boston marathon or log a new personal record or break four hours for the first time. And good on them!

But that person is not me. I’ve had the great opportunity to travel to a lot of races over the years, but I’ve also learned that rarely if ever do I run my “best,” if by that we mean a “fast” time. There’s just too much additional stress in travel—time changes; different roof, bed, food, water; language; even running customs. Just for example, in the Paris marathon, if you can believe it, they don’t serve Gatorade on the course! Sacre bleu!

For me, the goal has to just be going, seeing, doing. Wish me bonne chance, dear AMR tribe, with all the things!

ALL THE OTHER STUFF

Shorts with side pockets. Short sleeves, tank, long sleeves. Lavender essential oil (for better sleep and to calm the nerves). Endurolytes (because no Gatorade!). Justin’s peanut butter and honey packets. Barbara’s animal crackers. Post-race Birkenstocks.

[Want an item-by-item list? Check out our Half-Marathon Gear List—it works for pretty much any race distance.]

WHAT AM I FORGETTING?
WHAT IS ON YOUR RUNNING TRAVEL CHECKLIST?

#356: Real Women Turning Fitness Passion into Their Job

Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin chat with three mother runners who let their avocation be their vocation, turning their love of being active into their work (or at least a side gig). First is Eleni Drake, who launched Mile Markings, a company that creates inspirational temporary tattoos for runners. Eleni details how a need to let out her creative juices, plus a desire for motivation while on a race course, prompted her to launch Mile Markings with her husband. The next guest is Cynthia Vissers, who started working at a running specialty store after her youngest son started kindergarten. Laugh along with the trio as they commiserate that while there’s no job that entails eating bonbons on the couch, at least Cynthia can get hired because she likes to drink a beer post-run! Cynthia also shares advice on becoming a brand ambassador for favorite brands.

The final guest is Paula Johnston who, last year, started fitness coaching and teaching group fitness classes. She describes what an “interesting puzzle of logistics” it is to combine a full-time job, parenting, running, and teaching classes and training clients. (Phew!) She gives great advice on how to follow in her footsteps. The conversation takes an awe-inspiring detour when Paula reveals she lost 110 pounds (!) since 2012.

In the intro, Sarah and Amanda talk about the college admission process—Amanda’s oldest is almost at the finish line of that saga, while Sarah’s oldest is just starting down that road. The first avocation/vocation mother runner joins the program at 17:30.

Please help us out by taking a quick survey about our podcast.

Get $50 off the purchase of an AfterShokz wireless bundle at amr.aftershokz.com by using code AMRBUNDLE at checkout.

Receive 20% off your Nuun order by visiting nuunlife.com and using promo code AMRHYDRATE.

Best TV for the Treadmill & Other Cardio Workouts

best tv for treadmillWhen weather, time, a sick kid or some other factor keeps your workout indoors, you might need a little visual distraction when you’re on the treadmill, stepmill, and all other ‘mills in between. You are not alone!

[Running outside? Our favorite podcasts for runners.]

Here are some of our faves to get you through your next sweat session:

best tv for treadmill

FLEABAG

Somehow I only just discovered Fleabag, a British black comedy gem Amazon Prime. It’s an NC-17 half-hour show that makes me laugh uproariously and tear up in each of the six episodes. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, my new girl-crush, created “Fleabag” and stars in it. I can’t wait for Season 2 to debut this spring! I’m also waiting for season two of “Killing Eve,” a British spy thriller laced with (more) black comedy. Two strong women leads play a cat-and-mouse game that keeps you on the edge of your seat. We might even blow off our long runs to binge on Season Two when it debuts!
— Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

 

best tv for treadmill

BROADCHURCH

Broadchurch” is a riveting who-done-it British crime show with unexpected twists and plot turns.  It will have you on your toes trying to figure out who committed the crime and you think you know until the last episode!  A binge-worthy Netflix must see!

—Train Like a Mother Club Coach Jennifer H.

 

 

 

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

I love “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” because it makes time fly; season two is even better than the first. “Escape to the Country” is slower but draws you in with a great character study as they hop between different individuals or couples who have escaped from England to Spain or France, trying their hand at running a B & B or dive shop on the coast, and BBC does a great job of hopping between the people they’re profiling without it feeling too contrived. Both shows just keep my attention during treadmill runs because of the great storytelling and an escape from reality. I want to watch until the end to see what happens.
Maggie, AMR Social Media Manager + Podcast Co-Host

FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE

My latest treadmill show is “Friends from College.” It’s all about a group of 40-year old friends and their “complicated “ relationships. Funny, raunchy, almost fall-off-the-treadmill good time. They just canceled after season two so now I am in mourning.

BAMRbassador Brandi, New Jersey-based mom to 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SURVIVOR

Survivor!” I have literally run thousands of miles on the treadmill over the last two years binging on “Survivor.” Getting all caught up in their challenges and drama keeps me so occupied that I don’t care that I’m spending hours on the treadmill!
BAMRbassador Catey, Utah-based mom of 10

 

 

 

 

GRACIE AND FRANKIE

Grace and Frankie.” The cast is amazing, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sam Waterson, and Martin Sheen. These are great actors and they are given a great premise – of two best friends coming out as gay late in life and their very different wives finding friendship and support from each other. Add to that their crazy adult kids and all sorts of funny situations. It makes the miles fly!
BAMRbassador Cortney, Silver Spring, Maryland-based mom to 1

 

 

best tv for treadmill

LOSERS 

I’ve become a fan of the series “Losers” on Netflix. It’s about how sport and losing go hand in hand and how you react to the outcome. Great for time on the bike trainer. It just pushes you to do better.
BAMRbassador Jill, Michigan-based mom to 3

 

 

best tv for treadmill

THE WEST WING

The West Wing!” It is still relevant and fascinating, AND once you’re off the ‘mill and in the car or running outdoors, you can listen to The West Wing Weekly podcast which discusses the show episode by episode with fascinating stars from the show as well as other appropriate political guests and social commentators. There is humor, drama, reality, and fiction, all rolled into one!
BAMRbassador Melissa, New Hampshire-based mom of three

 

 

 

best tv for treadmill

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE

I discovered “The Man in the High Castle” this winter while spending endless hours on the treadmill as I train for Boston. It’s a historical drama, as if Axis powers won WWII instead of Allies. Suspense, exciting, and really engaging. I also have watched so much This is Us and Parenthood on the treadmill, but those shows make me cry and it’s so hard to run while ugly crying…
BAMRbassador Kristen, Minnesota-based mom of three

 

 

best tv for treadmillFOOD NETWORK SHOWS

On the treadmill, I like watching any of the Food Network competition shows: “Chopped,” “Cake Wars,” and the “Kids Baking Challenge.” Oh — and “The Pioneer Woman” too-love her! Why? Because…food! And I’m always trying to figure out something to make for dinner.

BAMRbassador Sara, California-based mom of three

 

 

 

[Running outside? Our favorite podcasts for runners.]

What shows do you like to watch
when you’re on the treadmill or doing other cardio?

AMR Aid Station: Key Foam Rolling Moves for Runners

On the surface, running is a seemingly low maintenance sport—give me some good shoes, a supportive sports bra, and the road ahead of me.

While that’s mostly true, we all know that piling on the miles without doing prep work—in this case, foam rolling—can plant landmines in the road ahead of you.

The benefits of foam rolling are as long as the list a six-year-old has for not wanting to go to bed:
• it rushes oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the muscles;
• it irons out the knots and other glitches going on in your muscles + tendons;
• pre-run, in addition to waking up all your major muscles, it calls to order all the supporting ligaments and tendons;
• post-run, it lets you hit any parts that might have been unhappy during your run, and promotes an overall speedier recovery.

If you are new to foam rolling, know that there are a variety of theories and instructions out there: you can be told to barely graze the surface of sore areas to dig into them in like a mother.

As with most things athletic, there is no magic formula or intensity: just variations on a theme.

So here’s what we recommend: Do what works for you, your body, and mentality. Maybe you want to really focus on your calves one day, the hit your quads the next—and you fit in your sessions right before bed. Maybe like medium-intensity five passes on all parts of your body before you head out on your run. Maybe it’s gotta get done before you shower or it never will.

The only common thread? You have to hit the (lego-strewn, dog-hair-covered) rug and roll.

A good place to start? With these two videos, demonstrated by Kolleen Riddick-Losch, a #motherrunner and TriggerPoint master trainer whose classes at the AMR retreats always receive rave reviews.

In this first video—Four Key Foam Rolling Moves for Runners—Kolleen uses a TriggerPoint GRID foam roller to hit the calves, quads, Vastus Lateralis (which in turn, benefits the IT Band), and thoracic spine.

If you don’t have a TriggerPoint GRID, no biggie: any medium-density foam rolling will work.

In this video—Three More Key Foam Rolling Moves for Runners—she calls on the TriggerPoint MB5 Massage Ballto target the hip flexors, pecs and lats—you’ll be amazed at what happens to your running (and overall) posture when you target your upper body.

If you don’t have the MB5, use a tennis ball or foam roller. A lacrosse ball or baseball is too dense.

We encourage you to integrate them into your training routine, whether you’re a brand new runner or in the thick of marathon training; foam rolling 3 to 4 times a week for 10 minutes can make a significant difference in how your body reacts and performs on the road ahead of you.

If need a TriggerPoint product, save 20% off all TP products with code AMR20.

Do you foam roll?
If so, what’s your favorite—or most helpful—body part to hit?

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