For Real, Though

Zoë is a writer, journalist, environmental advocate, and runner. She has been an associate editor at Trail Runner Magazine for two years and she finds joy in being like a mechanic for other people's writing. "It's kind of a dream job because you get to tinker with other people's sometimes far superior engines and learn how to like better build your own," she shared. Zoe fell in love with trail running, climbing and mountaineering while living in Boulder while attending the University of Colorado. She also writes, produces and hosts the DNF Podcast. "I'm here to challenge myself. I'm here to challenge our culture, I'm here to challenge the media. I'm here to challenge trail running because I fully believe it can be this amazing, inclusive, wonderful place that I sometimes see glimmers of and then it's just not all the way there." –Zoë Rom In this episode we cover…

• The parallels between writing and running. The discipline behind both. [11:00]
• Helping push along the running industry in a direction that is more representative of what the sport is and what the sport wants to be. [23:00]
• "I love trying to find people who have been overlooked by or straight up passed over by our industry and try to bring their specific stories and voices to prominence by just, you know, either giving them a platform and like helping streamline their writing." [33:00]
• Shared about how we can move toward setting aside our insecurities and egos and listening to other people's stories. Journalism is amazing and impactful but what Zoë does is write less about like facts more about raw stories from experiences. "Facts never change anyone's mind, but it's very hard to discount other humans lived experiences."[49:00]

Resources + People mentioned Zoë's Instagram Zoë's Website DNF Podcast "Beating the Boys" article Thank you to Momentous, Tracksmith, and InsideTracker for sponsoring this episode.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get 25% off the entire website using code TINAMUIR

Go here to find out more

Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15.

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Zoe, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Join me for a run?

Something totally new today. While we cannot be physically together in person, I thought maybe we could do the next best thing. Run together from far apart. In this guided run, I will take you through a 30 or 45 minute run, where we will spend time paying attention to our bodies, reflecting, and appreciating our ability to be out in nature.

Part meditation, part run, this will be a way to take a step closer to running without music or headphones, and I would love for you to join me.

Please let me know if you enjoy these, I would love to make them a regular thing where I could answer your questions on the run.

Thank you to BEAM for sponsoring this guided run. Beam hydrate comes with three purposes, balance, performance, and recovery. I used two servings of BEAM performance in my trail race this weekend (which I won outright!) and immediately followed the race up with BEAM recover. These taste delicious and make hydration easy. With summer coming, make sure you are hydrated, use code TINA for 15% off.

We're excited to welcome Dean Karnazes who's back for his third time on the show. In this episode we explore the hard parts of the past year and how running has served as mental medicine for Dean. He also shares about his background as a surfer and how that influenced his running, about his ethnicity as a Greek, his new book, A Runner's High: My Life in Motion. Dean Karnazes is truly an ultramarathon athlete. Among his many feats, he's run 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. He's run across Death Valley in the middle of summer, a marathon in the South Pole, and run 24 hours straight on a treadmill in Times Square. Dean is also a father, husband, and author. " I think for a lot of people it's not failure that that holds them back, it's the fear of failure. So I'm not afraid to fail. And I'm not afraid to try new things And I'm always curious about new challenges… I mean, writing a book is every bit as challenging as an ultra marathon if not more so. It's just as grueling. It's just it requires the same sort of commitment and discipline." —Dean Karnazes

In this episode we cover…

• Dean's new book, A Runner's High: My Life in Motion.
• We learn Dean was a competitive surfer. He explains that to him surfing is very much like running in that it's somewhat of an art form. "You know you can surf without being in competition. You can run without being in a race, so they're very similar in that regard."
• You can love competitions but not feel the need to compete with other people running. "I think the biggest competition is myself. When I stand at the finish line, if I feel like I perform to the best of my ability, then I'm pleased with my performance. And, you know, you can't control other people. You can't control the environment. All you can control is yourself."
• How running during the past year has served as a medicine and been more essential for our heads than our bodies.
• Surrender to whatever is going to happen. Let it happen, you'll figure this out and find a way through. It's very much like running an ultra.

Resources + People mentioned (links) New book: A Runner's High: My Life in Motion Dean's Website Dean's Instagram Dean on episode 081: Is the Fear of Pain Holding You Back? Dean on episode 150: Running For Good Thank you to Momentous, InsideTracker, and Beam for sponsoring this episode.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Insidetracker has been a sponsor and also a dear friend that has helped me SO much in my past when my body was just not right. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. As Running4Real listeners they want to give you all the deal of the year, to take control of your health and wellness. You can get $200 OFF the ultimate plan which is their most comprehensive plan.

Go here and use Code: GIFTFROMRUNFORREAL for this amazing deal.

A new product that I have been trying out is Beam. Where they try to help athletes with balance, performance, and recovery. Now I have tried performance and balance and the flavors were great and I felt the hydrating electrolyte energy powder formulated with beetroot, green coffee bean, and citrulline really helped me and I know they will help you too.

Go here use code TINA for 15 % off your order.

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Dean, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Chris Gethard is a well-known comedian and actor. He hosted a show called The Chris Gethard Show and now hosts a podcast called Beautiful/Anonymous: 1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. "We did in fact understand one another on a very deep level," Tina said. "In a strange way, beautiful anonymous. We had a beautiful conversation, and before Chip tagged us in a tweet, we were anonymous to one another. This is one of my favorite interviews of all time." In this episode we cover…

• Chris shares that while he's not a runner due to nail-patella syndrome affecting his knees, elbows, and hands, very interested in how running is a platform that promotes empathy and kindness. Part of this is that his work has leaned on empathy too because he grew up feeling like he didn't belong, and even a little "freakish" and feeling like an outsider. He shares that his direction with comedy and Tina's direction of her running and podcast both overlap in empathy. [10:00]
• Empathy for the inner critic. Chris shares his story of being bullied as a child, while Tina recounts the endless headspace during long solo runs that allowed self-criticism to sink in. Together they discuss how empathy can help us be kinder to ourselves and the people around us. Being the kind of friend that others sometimes can't be to themselves. [15:00]
• Chris shares how comedians have a responsibility to reflect on the attitudes and the current times and connect with the audiences. How growing up in a very including and diverse neighborhood helped him connect easily with people of all backgrounds. [34:40]
• At a time when late-night show writing rooms and staff were largely made out of white men, Chris on the other hand shared, "I had female representation, always had queer representation. I hired people who had immigrated to America who weren't born here. I was doing that because that gives me more ideas. I don't need to hire other people who have my life experience." [47:00]
• Everybody out there has something going on. "Doing Beautiful Anonymous has taught me is I have to assume that other people are having a rough time or in their heads about something… I have to lean into the idea that if I can let my ego and my needs go and assume that other people might be dealing with something and to give them the ultimate benefit of the doubt." [44:55]

At a crossroads. In this serendipitous episode Tina and Chris who have never met before and come from completely different backgrounds, realized they share similar crossroads. Chris is asking himself if he wants to return to comedy while Tina is asking herself if she wants to return to professional running. They both ask, "how do I keep going?" and"how do I bring the joy back?" Enjoy this episode about how a runner and a comedian actually do have a lot in common and are both exploring projects that feel right and do good in the world. Resources + People mentioned Chris Gethard Instagram Beautiful/Anonymous Chris Gethard Website Running Realized Podcast Thank you to Athletic Greens, Momentous, and Koala Clip for sponsoring this episode.

Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding.

Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

I have been a big fan of Koala clip for years, using it on most my runs. It's a convenient way to take your phone and keys with you on your run without it getting in the way or being uncomfortable. You can either clip it on the back of your sports bra or on your waist. It doesn't bounce, does not move, sweat resistant, very comfortable, and I don't even feel it.

For my listeners, you can get 10% off your order by using code RUNNING4REAL so go here and check out some of the colors they have.

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Chris, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

This is a conversation filled with wisdom, history and persistence. Tony Reed takes us back to how his childhood commitment to 3 miles a day (running, walking or crawling) as a way to beat his pre-diabetes prognosis ignited within him a life-long love of the sport. In this episode Tony embodies the growth we can achieve if we have the courage to pursue our dreams and challenge ourselves along the way. He shares about his story as a runner parent and his experiences in the corporate world. Tony is someone with incredible wisdom about what it takes to work hard toward something you believe in, even it's the least traveled path. Tony was first Black runner in the world to finish marathons on all of the continents, including Antarctica. He is one of fifty people worldwide, who completed the marathon "hat trick" which consists of finishing (1) at least 100 marathons,(2)a marathon on all seven continents, and (3) a marathon in each of the fifty States. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the National Black Marathoners Association. In this episode we cover…

• Running marathons was secondary to Tony. He shares he started running and walking 3 miles a day after learning he was pre-diabetic and that exercise might help. He's kept his commitment to 3 miles a day throughout his life.[29:15]
• Tony has run 131 marathons. He shares that it's easy for people's initial reaction to be in awe, but he reminds us that it took him 40 years. We so often look at the snapshot but we don't look at either what goes behind the scenes or how long it took. [07:20]
• His my mother introduced Tony and his brother to collecting postage stamps, which sparked a love of travel."Our mission was to see the world, it was to get out of the project, was to get out of the ghetto and literally to travel to see the entire world." [29:30]
• Music is part of Tony's running. He shares that with every marathon he picks a theme song in his head and has songs associated with all the marathons. "At the Hartford, Connecticut Marathon we had 5.5 inches of rain during the race. I found myself singing the lyrics to Parliament's Aqua Boogie funk song…And so he talks about dancing underwater without getting wet. And I visualized myself running this marathon and the raindrops were partying."[14:23]
• Tony says there's something in his mind about not wanting to run the perfect race. So during the Dallas White Rock Marathon he had a mile and a half left when he realized he hadn't stopped to walk the entire race. So, he stopped and walked 25 yards then he picked it back up. [16:55]
• When Tony started running marathons, social media wasn't around so there was no way of finding out how to run a marathon. During his quest for information, he discovered Ted Corbitt and his accomplishments. After learning Ted Corbitt was Black, Tony decided to find a way to recognize the accomplishments of Black distance runners so he co-founded the National Black Distance Running Fall of Fame in 2013. Marilyn Bevans and Ted Cobitt were the first to be inducted. (Bevans was recently interviewed an episode of Running Realized) [21:40]
• Ted Corbitt is actually the person who came up with the concept of the five borough race in New York City. He was also one of the first presidents of the New York Road Runners Club, as well as for the Road Runners Club of America. He was the first Black runner on the Olympic marathon team in 1952, and was an ultra runner. He is the person that they generally call the father of distance running in the U. S. [21:40]
• National Black Marathoners Association is working to plant seeds to improve distance running for Blacks throughout the country including scholarships and mentoring One other project is getting Ted Corbitt on a national stamp. You join in supporting this initiative on here. [59:50]
• Tony shares that he hopes the pandemic is giving people an opportunity to reflect on why they run. Are they running for the medals? Are they running for their health? Are they running to relieve stress?
• "I like to say one of the things that running taught me was to go through to a self-analysis to look at my weak points. So again looking at what is a real or perceived weakness and then doing something to prove that this is indeed a strength."

Resources + People Mentioned

Learn more about Tony

Ted Corbitt Black Heritage US Postage Stamp Project

National Black Marathoners Association

Marilyn Bevans interview on Running Realized

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors Momentous, Insidetracker, and Tracksmith for sponsoring this episode.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

InsideTracker provides you with a concrete, science-backed, trackable action plan for reaching your performance goals and being your healthy best. InsideTracker is offering my listeners a 25% off discount to their entire store.

Go here and use Code: TINAMUIR for 25% off your order.

Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15.

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Tony, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

*Note* This episode was recorded before the mass shooting in Atlanta. At Running For Real, we stand against the racism towards Asian American Pacific Islander communities that has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carolyn is Taiwanese-American and grew up in Houston, Texas after her parents immigrated to the US. During much of her childhood she struggled with navigating the different worlds of being Taiwanese and American. She's now a mother, dietician, runner, and creator of the Instagram page, @diversewerun which features stories of runners who are of different cultures. We also talk deeply about how we can do our part and begin to heal. How we can create a world that is stronger and inclusive not only to skin color, but of cultures, traditions, age, genders, and so much more.

Carolyn shows us that in running and in life we can all be more inclusive to people who are different than us, because that's the beauty of being human.

"And so if this virtual space can be even just a place where someone can feel like they're not alone… I want @diversewerun to continue to exist as a safe space for people to feel seen and where they can connect with others who who are like them and hopefully help expand and broaden people's worldview." — Carolyn Su

In this episode we cover…

• Growing up navigating two different cultures (Taiwanese and American) and what she experienced as a child going to school and feeling out of place and different. [08:30]
• The history of the treatment of Asian cultures in the United States. It's important to understand the history so we can understand what is going on today, and how we heal. [27:30]
• The importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and the impact on relationships. [1:02:38]

Resources + People mentioned

• @diversewerun Instagram
• Carolyn on Grounded Podcast
• Carolyn on the Morning Shakeout Podcast
• Carolyn's feature on Tracksmith Journal

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Insidetracker, and Athletic Greens for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Have you not been feeling yourself lately? Gone down a lot of avenues but not really finding clear solutions? That is where Insidetracker can come in for you. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. I have trusted this company for years to help me show where I may be lacking and or if I just need a few tweeks here and there. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all.

Go here to get 25% off as a special for Running for Real listeners on their ENTIRE store.

Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding.

Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Carolyn, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

If you or someone you care about is having a tough time through this pandemic (and we have all gone through waves of highs and lows), this episode is sure to bring comfort. This is a conversation with Renee McGregor (@r_mcgregor) about how food continues to be a coping mechanism for many people as a way to get us through tough times. But most of all, she helps shed light on how we can develop healthier relationships with food. Renee is one of the leading Sports and Eating disorder specialist dietitians and has spent 20 years working in clinical and performance nutrition. While she's a sports dietician, she focuses her work on eating disorders and helping people establish healthy relationships with food and training as well as mental health and female health. Renee has worked with sports teams in the 2012 London Olympics, 2016 Rio Paralympics, and Commonwealth (Queensland 2018). Renee is also an author and podcast co-host of Train Brave. "It's important to tune into your emotions and work out that they are trying to tell you something." —Renee McGregor In this episode we cover…

• How we have been using and abusing food to help us get through tough times, especially COVID. [0.11:00]
• How we can change the way we talk to young adults, teenagers, and children when it comes to food to help them develop a healthy relationship to food. [25:50]
• The anxiety and depression happening for many right now, and how to be there for someone you love going through that (while also recognizing that it can have a huge impact on our mental health). [46:00]
• We talk about body image and perfectionism. [1:03:00]

And much more. There is a reason this is Renee's third time back on the podcast. I appreciate her advice and wisdom, and hope listeners do too. Resources: Renee McGregor's Website Renee McGregor's Instagram Previously on Running for Real Episode 33: Is Healthy Eating Ruining Your Life? Previously on Running for Real Episode 99: A New You Is More Than Just Healthy Eating Book: Orthorexia Podcast: Train Brave Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, InsideTracker, and Beam for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Have you not been feeling yourself lately? Gone down a lot of avenues but not really finding clear solutions? That is where Insidetracker can come in for you. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all. I have trusted this company for years to help me show where I may be lacking and or if I just need a few tweeks here and there. I count on Insidetracker to help me decipher the science behind it all.

Go here to get 25% off on their ENTIRE store.

A new product that I have been trying out is Beam. Where they try to help athletes with balance, performance, and recovery. Now I have tried performance and balance and the flavors were great and I felt the hydrating electrolyte energy powder formulated with beetroot, green coffee bean, and citrulline really helped me and I know they will help you too.

Go here use code TINA for 15 % off your order.

Thanks for listening!

We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us:

• Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
  • If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone
• Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player
  • Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Renee, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

When you have a talent, a gift, or awards to your name for a sport, it is easy to rely on those to get things in life. Of course, you work hard, but you also are boosted with constant praise and recognition for what you can do. When that sport is removed by personal choice or external force, there is a reckoning that happens. Who am I? What do I do now? Do I even matter anymore? I've had few guests on the podcast who understand that experience similar to mine. I believe that most can relate to the feeling of having to back off from something you love or even step away entirely, which is crushing but voluntarily choosing to when you could keep going to work on a business, that can be hard to admit. While no one is judging you, it can feel like you are wasting your talent, that people are going to be disappointed in you. And our guest today knows that all too well. Jesse Thomas is a former professional triathlete, CEO of Picky Bars, podcast host, as well as father to Zadie and Jude and husband to Lauren Fleshman. We talked about struggling to feel like you are enough, figuring out your identities, and how being an athlete of any kind(and I mean athlete in the sense of anyone who participates, not professional) can help make you a better person and better at what you do outside of your sport. How We Define Ourselves While Jesse is well known as a former professional triathlete, entrepreneur, and podcast host with his wife Lauren, he shares that the largest part of how he defines himself personally is just his family. The most important thing to him is being a great dad. "Priorities ebb and flow. We have specific times in our lives where we have the best chance or ability to achieve a specific goal that is finite. And in order to put time into that, you do need to sacrifice other things for a little while," he shares. "As long as you're communicative about the length and duration and depth of that sacrifice, then you can often get through it." Primary Parent During Jesse's time focusing on racing and Picky Bars, Lauren was the primary parent, and now they've switched. With Lauren working on a big project, Jesse is the primary parent. "We certainly hope that we're teaching them lessons about self-care and the pursuit of things that bring you joy and hopefully make an impact in the world." "Retirement" Writing a blog and doing a project with Triathlete Magazine made Jesse realize the emotion he was carrying in the decision to stop racing professionally. "I'm super thankful for everything, but I'm gonna move on to the next phase of my life," Jesse said. "It felt really good. It felt it was a relief. Like I can now fully pivot into the next phase of my life, which was around becoming a "professional" "unprofessional" CEO for Picky Bars as the majority of my focus." Confidence is key Confidence is the tool Jesse says he learned from racing and it transcended into life with family and with running Picky Bars. Confidence that it's going to work out regardless of the challenge you face. As athletes, we ride such roller coasters with injuries, training, and races. But that teaches you a lot about business, especially when it comes to identifying what you can and can't, and believing everything will work out in the end. Picky Bars Picky Bars is a reflection of Jesse, Lauren, and Stephanie, the founders. It's a brand that promotes positive messages and in doing things around healthy positive body image, sustainable relationships with food, and inclusion. "What what we want to do now is build it too, to a place where it's making a super positive impact on all of our communities with, great product, great messaging, great givebacks, and making it an amazing place to work. " Resources Jesse Instagram Picky Bars Website Picky Club Work, Play, Love podcast Triathlete Magazine Article Lauren Fleshman on Running for Real Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel.

You can go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15.

Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding.

Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Thanks for listening!

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Thank you to Jesse, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

As someone who was known as "the girl who got her period back" for a while, I have never actually addressed periods on my podcast until now. In this two-part episode with WUKA founder Ruby Raut as well as coach, physician and researcher Megan Roche.

Ruby was born in Nepal, and shared her experience as a young girl who would got sent to her aunt's house during her period and would not be allowed to talk to any boys or men. That experience internalized a shame in Ruby that she was determined to bring out into the light. Ruby founded WUKA, the UKs first period pants brand, and while I have no affiliation to the brand, I am inspired by Ruby and all she has done to change the conversation and look after our planet (especially as the brand was started in my hometown...which I did not realize till we talked in the interview!).

In part 2, Meg and I discuss the logistics of running on a period. Does it help or hinder your running? What period products are options for runners? And most importantly, how do we stop feeling embarrassed about something that 50% of the population goes through every month. I also ask her how the heck ultra-marathoners do it!

This episode was long overdue, and I really believe it will be valuable to runners. Take a listen.

Ruby Raut

Ruby is originally from Nepal and now lives in St. Albans, England (Tina's hometown). She is the co-founder and CEO of WUKA, the UK's 1st period underwear brand. Ruby is an environmentalist at heart and is doing her part in making it easier for women to have access to period products that don't harm our planet.

When she was young, Ruby shared about the experience of getting her first period. In Nepal, her mom made her a makeshift pad with an old saris cut into squares. Then she got sent to her aunt's house and during her period was not allowed to see boys or men, be out in the sun, or leave the house.

Ruby shares how the taboo around periods in Nepal is very strong but even after moving to the UK, she realized that even with more access to disposable menstruation products, there was still shame around periods.

Ruby saw this as an opportunity to tackle the period taboo and the environmental factor that comes with single-use menstruation products. That's why WUKA was born– as a sustainable solution to period products and is on a mission to make them accessible to everyone who needs them.

Megan Roche

As a coach, physician, and researcher, Megan Roche (previously on R4R episode 109) sees many athletes who come talk to her about their menstrual cycle. She shares that the number one thing is taboo. That many athletes have trouble vocalizing what they are experiencing

"I've seen that a lot more coaches, especially due to the work by Stacy Sims, who highlights kind of training around the menstrual cycle training, with the menstrual cycle. There are more and more coaches just straight out asking athletes and talking about the menstrual cycle as this very early conversation in the coaching process," Megan says.

For example, before starting your period, there's a phase many people feel tired and bloated. But a lot of athletes know that when you get your period, you're primed and ready for competition.

Megan shares that her husband, David, is a coach to many female athletes and creates an open environment about the topic. Because if a coach understands how you're feeling around the menstrual cycle-related to performance it can help them contextualize the importance of it.

When it comes to long Ultra races, Megan explains that period blood is just like other bodily fluids. People just have to be prepared for it and understand it's just another variable on the day. Changing tampons or silicone cups during trail races is part of it. She also says it can be helpful to use a chafing cream such as Squirrel's Nut Butter as well as packing an extra pair of shorts.

Resources:

Learn more about WUKA

Listen to Megan Roche's podcast, The Happy Runner

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor goodr, Generation UCAN, and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration of look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect many great organizations who care for our planet deeply.

Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair.

Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a peanut butter chocolate bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. They have even introduced a new super starch granola that has been in the works for quite awhile. It is delicious and just what you need for a little snack. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!

Use code TINA20 for 20% off of your order.

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode.

To share your thoughts:

• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from)
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

To help out the show:

• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one.
• Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Ruby and Megan, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

The changing relationship runners may have with the sport throughout our lives.

For Evie, she just moved back to Australia after years of living in the UK. She was also a sports psychologist and enjoyed a lot of sports before having twins last year. Now she's slowly introducing sports into her life again and building her career back up.

Evie predominantly loves swimming and triathlon and has competed at an amateur level and age group competitions. It was when she was pregnant with twins that her life changed and she turned to walking as a way to keep active.

As a psychologist, she learned how to prepare for changing times.

"I've learned lots of skills in terms of how to be adaptable and flexible, and we're going to talk about mental flexibility," Evie said. "When the twins were born again, I really didn't do much. And I remember, you know, is sitting on the couch, thinking I can't remember the last time I have sat for so long."

She talks about the importance of checking in with yourself because going from a competitive athlete to having no support at all after having children and during COVID, it's difficult to find time for yourself. Our relationship with running and sports is constantly evolving so we must be flexible and adapt with it.

Creating a Plan B.

After realizing her original plans of early swims weren't working, Evie came up with a strategy called Plan B to ensure she gives herself grace and flexibility while still making space for activities she enjoys.

"On Monday morning, check with my husband to see what meetings he's got that day. Can I slip out during the day for a lunch Swim? Can I go in the evening, or should I just bump it to the next day, or can I do some yoga at home?"

Mental toughness is the ability to perform at a consistently high level regardless of what you're faced with. When it comes to scheduling time for runs or other sports, those sorts of challenges and adversities are part of that mental toughness athletes should build up.

But the flexibility aspect is just as important. It's about practicing compassions with yourself and allowing yourself to be flexible and not beat yourself up over skipping workouts. That's where Evie's Plan B comes in handy. But you should always treat yourself with self-compassion because there's a difference between pushing through discomfort and a place of pain where you should stop.

How do you recognize the difference? Evie suggests creating a pain log for developing an understanding of your own pain threshold. Write down details about the injury like what intensity it was when it occurred and how long it occurred for.

Develop flexibility

Develop that flexibility by doing things you don't normally do, or don't do things you normally do. It doesn't even have to be sport-related.

Think about it's reconnecting with what's important to you in life. There's always a purpose. Ask yourself why you run? What is it that you love about running? What is it that you love about your training?

"Realize that we haven't just got obstacles in the way, we've got opportunities here to be creative and to focus on small goals," Evie says. "Think of what you can focus on. What you can do and what you can't do."

Evie is taking new clients again

Evie is back ready to help people with the goals, challenges, and adversities they face. Although she's in Australia, she can work with people anywhere. She's registered in the UK and is waiting for her registration in Australia.

"I've always had a really strong interest in injury and helping people manage transitions with the sports, including injuries."

RESOURCES:

Evie's past episodes on episode 108 and episode 114

Evie's website

Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries by Carrie Cheadle and Cindy Kuzma

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Athletic Greens, Momentous, and my New podcast for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding.

Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!

Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

My new podcast with my co-host Knox Robinson from my 200th episode has launched! These episodes are going to go a bit deeper when it comes to the running world and the problems we are facing. I am very excited to have Tracksmith funding this project for us. Subscribe below to listen to the new podcast.

Apple (iTunes) Podcast | Stitcher | Castbox | Overcast | Spotify | Google podcasts |

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode.

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.

Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from)

Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one.

Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here.

Thank you to Evie, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.