“I’m trying not to call it a comeback because I’m a completely different person now.” —Tina Muir

Tina Muir is an elite runner from England (she’s a 2:36 marathoner!), a new mom, and the host of the Running For Real podcast. Tina went viral last year when she announced her surprising decision to stop running. Her reason: She hadn’t had her period in nine years. Tina opened up about her struggle with amenorrhea and her desire to start a family, and on this episode she explains why she decided to share her story, what it was like going viral and having People magazine write about her period, and what she was afraid people would think about her. Tina also discusses body dysmorphia, how she handled intentionally gaining weight, her eventual pregnancy, and how giving birth compares to running a marathon. And check out Running For Real in a few weeks, when I’ll be Tina’s guest!

This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, and then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend! 

What you’ll get on this episode:

• What it means to be a professional runner, and how Tina made it work after college (3:30)
• Why Tina decided to stop running (6:50)
• Tina’s journey with amenorrhea (11:40)
• The steps Tina took to try and beat her amenorrhea (17:50)
• Why Tina shared her story when she did (20:00)
• What it was actually like setting out to gain weight, and how Tina dealt with it emotionally (22:30)
• Tina’s timeline: How long it took from when she stopped running to when she got pregnant (28:45)
• Why Tina decided to start running again at six weeks pregnant, and how running went throughout her pregnancy (33:50)
• How Tina approached childbirth with the same mentality as running a marathon (37:00)
• Tina’s triumphant return to running after having a baby — and whether she’s worried about amenorrhea striking again (39:00)
• How Tina got into podcasting (42:55)

What we mention on this episode:

Tina in Runner’s World

Tina in People magazine

The Crown

Saucony

Runner’s Connect

Gold Coast Marathon

Neely Spence Gracey

Heidi Greenwood

Tina in Self

Tina on Well+Good

No Period. Now What?

Hypnobabies

Tina’s take on Hypnobabies

Running For Real

Run to the Top

Kara Goucher on Running For Real

Michael McIntyre

Kelly Roberts

Follow Tina:

• Instagram @tinamuir88
• Twitter @tinamuir
• Facebook
• Running For Real

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Facebook
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!