Welcome to the debut of “My Running Guru,” an occasional Q&A on our website highlighting a member of the Another Mother Runner community talking about the person who enticed her into the wonderful world of running. We are kicking things off with Holly Dickman, a family physician, mother of two, and a BAMRbassador in Perrysburg, Ohio. (If Holly sounds familiar to you, it might be from her talking on our podcast about her goal to run a race in every state.) 

Holly (left) in pink, Megan (right) in light blue

 Name of the person who got you into running (a.k.a. “your running guru”): 

Megan 

How did you know this person? 

We were in [medical school] residency together at the time, so we had worked closely for about two years. 

Did you ask her for help, or did she approach you with wisdom? 

She was a runner; I was not. I did kickboxing, boot camp, and strength classes—and I thought running was insane! I swore I could not, would not, run. Megan was continually telling me I could run if I wanted to. She eventually wore me down, and I caved. To be fair: I was equally relentless in insisting she go on a date with one of my husband’s long-time friends. And now they’re happily married! Megan and I are a bit stubborn, but apparently also know what’s good for each other. 

How did she share insight and info with you? 

Megan has given me so much advice along the way! In 2017, she ran my first 5K with me and encouraged me to actually run when I just wanted to walk. Then, when I still insisted I was not a runner, she did a Warrior Dash with me. I wasn’t sure that was my jam…so the next year she encouraged me to get a bike, and we did a duathlon. We later did a Spartan race together. Eventually, I found triathlon (she doesn’t swim so it was all strong encouragement for that one), and triathlon has become my true love in sport. I think it takes a really amazing friend to not just pull you into their passion, but to help you make it your own. She would never do a tri, but she helped me find how sport fit into my life, and what kept me motivated and excited. 

Holly in blue, Megan in pink

Best two or three pieces of advice Megan gave you? 

Gosh, how to pick only two or three! Megan’s probably never specifically said these words, but these are general concepts I’ve learned from her:

-Your pace doesn’t matter. You’re a runner. Front of the pack or back, don’t discredit the hard work and effort you’re putting into running, no matter the numbers on your watch. 

-Find what brings you joy. When she kept encouraging me to try different types of races, I realized that it’s about finding what works for me, what makes me happy. 

She also gave me “real” advice like, “sh*t happens” (sometimes literally), and you need to fuel your body. 

Did Megan help you see running in a different light? 

She helped me realize that running truly is obtainable for anyone who is willing to put in the effort. My siblings and I, growing up, said our family motto was, “Barths don’t run.” And Megan helped me disprove this. She made it approachable. When it came to races, they weren’t so scary and intimidating. And she’s helped me chase huge goals—from stacked races like the Flying Pig challenges up to encouraging me that I could do a full Ironman. 

Holly (left) and Megan (right)

Have you paid it forward, offering advice to aspiring runners? 

I hope that I try to make running and sport seem obtainable to others, like Megan did for me. Applying to be a BAMRbassador was partially because I wanted a place I could encourage other women and offer advice to those early in their running/racing journey because I know how valuable it is to have someone you can ask questions of. 

I think I’ve also gotten to pay it forward with Megan. I became a mom a few years before her so I had been juggling career, motherhood, sport, and hobbies for a few extra years. I hope I’ve been able to encourage her and share what I’ve learned along the way. We are able to sympathize with each other about mom guilt, early mornings, and tired evenings. Yet still remind each other that when we take that time for things we love, we show up as better moms, better physicians, and better friends. Even though we both mostly work with coaches now, and rarely can physically run together, we check in often. And for me, that means a lot. 

Want to highlight your running mentor? Fill out this Google Form, and we might follow up for a future column. 

Also, check out our Instagram account today (Tuesday, August 20) for more on Holly, plus an exciting Running GUru giveaway of GU Energy goodies!