For Real, Though

"It's hard to be what you can't see." That's the idea that has inspired Sabrina Pace-Humphrey's to make a change in the trail running community. As a child, you had dreams and goals based on the people you saw, but if none of them looked like you, it was hard to imagine yourself doing it. Young black runners haven't had enough idols to look to, and in the trail running community? They've been nonexistent.

That doesn't mean there aren't any black trail runners, but they are almost never in the public eye. That is, until Sabrina took over the cover of the most recent Runner's World magazine issue. Sabrina shared her excitement for trails, work on diversity expansion, and running tips with us. You won't want to miss it!

You Need More Than Just Shoes to Run

We often celebrate running as the simplest, most inclusive sport. "All you need is a pair of shoes!" While that may be the only gear you need (though even that can be debated!), a running community is also crucial to supporting runners of all types. Without races to participate in, groups to run with, coaches that encourage and teach us, running wouldn't be what it is today.

For the minorities in running, the need for more than shoes is even more imperative. When it comes to trail running specifically, there are additional barriers. Simply the geography of trail running is a natural excluder of black runners. Most trails happen to be outside of urban areas where black populations are sorely outnumbered. For Sabrina, a black, middle-aged mother, the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against her.

Sabrina has worked to change that. She co-founded Black Trail Runners and speaks out to brands, helping them find ways to expand their target audience to people of color. She told us that for companies it has to begin internally. In order to become more inclusive and diverse, you have to look at the process for the decisions you make. How are you picking who you're hiring? Or marketing to? That's where it begins.

So You Think You Want to Be a Runner

Sabrina didn't start running until she was in her early thirties. Now she's an ultra-marathoner, on the cover of Runner's World, and a running community leader. As mentioned before, she's a mother, a grandmother, a woman of color, and a native to the British countryside. If anyone wasn't "meant" to be a trail runner, it was probably Sab.

Long story short, if she can do it, so can you. Sab started running after having her fourth child. Her doctor recommended she find some type of exercise to combat her postpartum depression. She had never enjoyed running, but decided she would try to run a mile.

That first run was awful. She felt like she couldn't breathe, that she couldn't do it, but then, she finished. Ever since that first run, although many have been similar in difficulty, she's never regretted finishing a run. "It's a miracle, it's magical," she says.

Sabrina's Secret to Tackling Long Distances

Sab has now run some very impressive distances. She's competed in what's commonly known as the "toughest footrace on earth," Marathon Des Sables, a 250km race in the Sahara Desert, along with many other ultra-marathons. Even with those mammoth races under her belt, she still takes it one step at a time, chunking up each training session or competition into smaller bits.

A very visual piece of advice that Sab gives when you are out on a run that just feels plain hard, is to think about the devil and angel on your shoulders. The devil tells you that you can't do it, that you're not meant for it, or that it's too hard. Sab pictures stepping on that devil with every step forward she takes. Each one pushing it further and further down. You can do it, and the angel on your shoulder will be proud when you finish.

Whoever you are, you can be a runner. People like Sab are making sure of that. If you don't see a runner like you, be that runner for the next person. Take one step at a time, chunk it up, and let that little devil know what you are capable of.

Resources:

Sabrina on Instagram

Sabrina on Runner's World

Black Trail Runners

Black Trail Runners on Instagram

Black Trail Runners on Facebook

Marathon Des Sables

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, and Trumpaclart 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. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15.

Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Momentous collagen. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to running. The most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew.

Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.

A place where you can go support #BlackLivesMatter movement by purchasing t-shirts made by Matthew James Barker and other products. They are committed to raising funds for Black Lives Matter. Based out in the UK, go to their Instagram or their website to show some support to them for the Black Lives Matter movement!

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 Sabrina, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Who do I want to be when I grow up? Emma Roca. I have had the opportunity to speak to and learn from a lot of women, but Emma is someone who is the absolute definition of a strong woman. Emma from Team Summit, who represented Spain in the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji has accomplished a lot. She has a PhD in biochemistry, owns three businesses, is a professional firefighter, world class adventure racer, and is a mother to three kids. That in itself would be enough to have us questioning if she is even human (and I ask her this in the interview), but above all that, the thing that stands out about Emma the most, is her attitude.

Emma is someone who gives her very best, but approaches life with humor and humility. We talk about being a mother, raising strong girls, and how to be a role model for children in your life (yes, even if you are not a parent). We cover the importance of a team or support network around you for whatever it is you are trying to do, and why we need to surround ourselves by people who believe in our strength. And we talk about how exercise can be a major way to destress (and don't we need it right now!) even if it means you miss out on relaxing in other ways. Emma is truly one of the most motivating women I have ever met, and if you do not already love her, you will after this episode.

Resources:

Emma's Twitter

Emma's Website

Emma's Facebook

Angelo Poli from MetPro Episode

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors Metpro, Altra, and Sophie Williams for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

I am very pleased to have MetPro as a sponsor for the Running 4 Real podcast. As before they were a great sponsor but not everyone could afford their services, and now they have been working very hard on new technology that can be made for anyone. I'm excited to share MetPro's newest addition––The MetPro Platform, an app that allows you to experience the same science and tailored strategy that their experts use. This isn't a food logging tool or workout app, the MetPro Platform allows you to start ​tracking​,analyzing​, and ​learning​ what your metabolism responds to best.

Sign up today​ and receive a ​14-day FREE trial!​ ​Click here​ to take advantage of this special offer!

I am thrilled to announce my exciting partnership with Altra, as an athlete and a sponsorship, I have loved their shoes as well as what this company stands for. So as a special treat to Running4Real listeners they are going to give away a pair of shoes every month this year! Go HERE to enter to be a winner a free pair of shoes. And once you have entered once you will be entered for the entire year.

Altra Running Europe has now started a new giveaway for the European listeners out there, enter here for a bi-monthly giveaway for your choice pair of shoes. You can also go here and you can enter to win your own pair of shoes. AND if you do enter I will send you a 20% coupon code to Altra Running Europe.

I would like to introduce you to Sophie Williams, she is doing a great deal for the anti-racist movement being an author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black (releasing in April 2021). She has been in so many articles in really getting the word out on how to be an anti racist. Welcoming you with her personality, you are just going to be hooked in and you just can't stop watching her content. She is also located in the UK so go and check her out here as well as following her on Instagram to show her your support.

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 Emma, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

By now we know that the planet needs saving. There are millions of tons of human-made garbage floating in the sea, forests being burned and otherwise destroyed, and gases rising into the atmosphere multiplying the negative natural disaster effects. It's not exactly a pretty picture.

There is a lot of work to do if we want to minimize the damaging effects of climate change. It can seem overwhelming, but the scale of the task doesn't have to discourage you. The fact is, we need all hands on deck to make a difference. The ship will go where it needs to go if we all do our part.

Darin Olien has dedicated most of what he does in life to tackling this problem. He's a nutritional guru, and an environmental activist, but you probably know him best from co-hosting Down to Earth with Zac Efron. He shared his experiences with us about being a Netflix star, and more importantly, what we can do about climate change.

How to Talk About Climate Change

As we are learning from the current election and shows like The Social Dilemma, we tend to hear from and talk to similarly-minded people a majority of the time. Your social media circles and likely even a lot of the people you see in person, have similar ideas to you. What does this mean?

A few things to remember: First, if you speak up often, you are probably mostly speaking to the choir. We know you care about climate change, and so do we. So what? What are we going to do about it? Second, because you are mostly speaking to the choir, you don't feel the pressure from different opinions and so your voice becomes more aggressive and there is less room for those with different priorities or beliefs to participate.

Darin came across these same feelings while filming Down to Earth. He knows that if he were in charge of making the film, it would have been less conservative. Fewer people would have watched, and those that did would have been "in their pod" already. Instead, the people that watched the show didn't expect to learn about the environment or their health because they weren't being talked to, they were just listening in on the conversations.

Consider these things as you talk more about climate change. First of all, expand your circle. We can't keep talking to the same group of people if everyone is going to get on board. Be willing to hear different thoughts and understand some people have varying priorities.

Second, be kind and play the long game. Keep friendships and be the person that your friends and family know they can go to if they want to learn more. Our actions don't change overnight. Sometimes just knowing who they can ask climate change questions about when they start thinking about it more is the best thing you can do.

How We Can Make a Change Now

Opening the gates of communication is a great way to start, but posting that you care about the planet on Instagram isn't going to be what saves it. We need big change. Really big. To be perfectly transparent, bigger than what we can do on an individual level. Making small changes in our lives is a good thing! Being aware of our consumption is important, but to make a difference we need the big players to change.

Corporations have to fundamentally change. No amount of recycling is going to change the trajectory we are on. In fact, Darin told us that less than 10 percent of what we think is going to be recycled actually does. Most of it goes in the ground or a dump somewhere. Even then, consumer products aren't the biggest contributors to global warming.

So how can we change the system? There are two ways to get to the corporations. One is from policy. We need to use our vote to get the right people in office and the right policies passed. And two, we need to vote with our feet and wallets. Simply put, companies won't make things that we don't buy.

There is hope. More and more countries, companies, and individuals are changing their ways. Many experts estimate that it is too late to avoid damage from climate change, but all that means is that the sooner we work to change, the less damage there will be. It's important to not give up hope and to act as soon as possible. Keep learning and keep acting on what you learn.

Resources:

Darin's Website

Down to Earth Documentary

Footprint

Shakeology

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, and Team Onyx Adventure Racing 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. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15.

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 do and it taste 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!

As being a part of the World's Toughest Race, Team Onyx was the first all-Black team in the expedition racing, representing the best qualities and strength that come from diversity. As you may remember Coree Woltering is on this team and they could use as much support as they can as they are trying to get into the World's Toughest Race: Patagonia.

Visit here to show your support by buying their apparel, learning more about the team, and what events they have coming up.

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 Darin, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Tashi and Nungshi Malik are changing the world by inspiring young girls and women all around the world. Having received the highest award for women in India, the Nari Shakti Puraskar, in 2020, they are on a mission to show Indian women and girls that they can do anything they dream of.

It was a pure joy to talk to Nungshi and Tashi on the podcast for the latest World's Toughest Race episode. They both have a fun approach to life, and they are not afraid to amke fun of themselves or joke about their family relationship. If you have siblings, you will recognize many of the struggles from this episode!

We discuss why young girls in India are told to find a nice, cushy job, to get married and gave kids. But Tashi and Nungshi want to show that there is more to life than that, that they can maximize our time on this earth, and do it together. We talk about the importance of family being supportive, and how fathers in particular can help girls to dream big and see they can do anything boys can.

Nungshi and Tashi talk about their experience on the Worlds Toughest Race, not as one of the elite teams trying to win, but just to show that "ordinary" people can complete things like this too. This episode is motivating and courageous, and will make you reconsider the way you see the world.

Resources:

Nungshi and Tashi's Facebook

Nungshi and Tashi's Instagram

Nungsho and Tashi's Twitter

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Athletic Greens and True Laundry 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 do and it taste 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!

The black owned business hightlight for this week is True Laundry founded by Ali B Muhammad, Malik Saleem, and Abdur-Rahim Shaheed in 2012 where they believe that Quality Exceeds Value. A company is only as good as the promises it keeps. They promise the quality of our products will always exceed the value. True Products, is a startup manufacturing and Distribution Company that specializes in household cleaning supplies. True Products has over 25 distributors and currently does business in over 18 states throughout the country. True Products has positioned itself as an international, premier provider of household cleaning products, utilizing a unique approach to providing affordable, quality products and excellent customer services for Consumers, retail outlets and government agencies. True products is an American based, Veteran-owned corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Check them out here to help support their mission.

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 Tashi and Nungshi, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

The modern woman is often faced with more than ever before. She is expected to take care of all the "traditional" motherly demands that come with raising children and maintaining a home, but she is also often expected to have a career, be involved in the community, and overall be perfect.

Dr. Libby Weaver is helping to change the feeling of non-stop demands on our lives. Her book entitled "Rushing Woman's Syndrome" directly addresses the feelings that many busy women are going through. She helps women to find a more balanced approach, showing that calming down and controlling the amounts of anxiety or pressure we place on ourselves will allow us to do the things we need to, and do them better.

You Choose How to Respond

One of the first thing to realize as a "Rushing Woman" is that you have a choice. You are in control of your actions and how you choose to respond to situations. With practice, you can even have a major influence on how you feel. Dr. Libby references Victor Frankl, a holocaust survivor and neurologist, who explains that everyone can choose their attitude in "any given set of circumstances."

When someone asks a favor of you, or your toddler throws his plate against the wall, or your boss yells at you for someone else's mistakes, you have a split second when you have a choice of how to respond. One way to respond in a way you won't regret is to expand that split second. Pause and give yourself time to think about how you would like to react before you do or say anything. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and therefore act like you do.

"I Don't Have Time for That"

Have you ever read an article that describes the perfect morning routine? Or maybe your favorite magazine tells you to meditate 20 minutes a day, cook all your meals at home, exercise 47 times a week, and walk everywhere you go because driving your car is ruining the environment. Let's be real, you don't have time for everything, and neither does anyone.

However, when it comes to your wellbeing, there are some things that are worth "having time for." The fact of the matter is that while you don't have time for everything you do have time for any one thing. It's often said that it's not that you don't have time for it, it's that it's not a priority in your life.

This can be hard to believe, but it's rather simple to understand. Just think of the last time you had an emergency. Maybe you had to take your child to the ER to get stiches, or your car broke down, or your basement got flooded. That day, you made time for everything else, and took take of the emergency. When we are forced to prioritize something, we can realize what the crucial activities are.

So, pick a few things that are absolutely crucial to your health in your mind, and treat doing them like it's an emergency. Getting eight hours of sleep is not impossible. But maybe working out for an hour, cleaning the house, working, playing with your kids, making dinner, going to a town meeting, AND sleeping eight hours is.

Here are three ways you can find the time to do your emergency to-do items:

1) Start saying no. There are some things you can probably simply cut out. Maybe it's the town meeting or an extra project at work or helping your friend move. It's not easy to say no, but it's an option, and a great way to feel in control.

2) Ask for help! Maybe you aren't the person that likes to say no, so instead, ask for help yourself. Your spouse, a friend, a colleague, even your child can help free up some of your time.

3) Use your resources. You can be creative here, but if you know that getting sleep, or making time to cook at home really boosts your productivity elsewhere, don't be afraid to spend some money to help get some things done. Hire a sitter for an hour just to take a nap, or pay someone to walk your dog or clean your house. If this is an option for you, it may be the best option.

Dr. Libby has so much more to add to getting out of the rushing woman rut. Tune in to this podcast and consider picking up her book (linked below). Remember, you are in control of your life. Make it a beautiful one.

Resources:

Dr. Libby's Website

Dr. Libby on Instagram

Dr. Libby on Facebook

(Book) Rushing Woman's Syndrome: The Impact of a Never-Ending To-Do List and How to Stay Healthy in Today's Busy World

(Book)Man's Search for Meaning

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, Inside Tracker, and Tawa Threads 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. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15.

Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Collagen, vitamin C is a necessary co-factor in collagen synthesis, and the consumption of vitamin C alongside collagen peptides has been shown to increase the effectiveness of collagen supplements. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to play. Most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew.

Go here and use code TINA for 25% off.

Have you not been feeling yourself lately? Gone down a lot of avenues but not really finding clear solutions? That is where Inside Tracker can come in for you. 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 Inside Tracker to help me decipher the science behind it all.

Click here to get 10% off your order by using code TINAMUIR.

Tawa Threads reflect the natural beauty, contours and silhouettes of the lands we love to wander. Tawa Threads' styles and bold, exploratory colors seek to elevate underrepresented communities by giving proceeds back to organizations who implement inclusive outdoors experiences.Designs include an assortment of apparel and home decor that are uniquely hand printed providing each print with its own unique character.

Feel free to use discount code RUNWITHTAWA10 at checkout when purchasing your product.

Click here to learn more!

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 Libby, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Coree Woltering is an openly gay, black man who is unapologetically real and fights for what matters to him. He wears bright, dazzling speedos to compete in, and is one of the best ultra-endurance runners in the country, yet what he wants to raise awareness for the most is something you might not expect; midwest (American) athletes being overlooked by brands when they are equally capable of representing a brand well. Coree himself has become evidence of this, signing to The North Face earlier this year.

In this episode, we talk about Coree's entrance into the running world, beginning early, but not really knowing where his strengths were until he tried his first marathon in his late teens. Coree did not think about the lack of black role models in the running or triathlon world he grew up in, looking up to people like Chrissie Wellington for a source of inspiration.

We talk about our society's need to put people into boxes, which encourages marginalized groups to form. Just like we say being a runner is only part of who we are, being black is only part of Coree, as is being gay or being from the midwest.

We go on to discuss his experience in the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji, and whether there was added pressure being the first all African American team with Team Oynx, and things beyond their control going wrong, and forcing their race to face a heartbreaking decision. This episode is packed with inspiration, and Coree's perspective in life is one we can learn a lot from.

Resources:

Coree's Instagram

Coree's Twitter

Coree's Website

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN, Athletic Greens, and Fenn Coffee for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, 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 bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!

Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off.

Go here to learn more.

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 do and it taste 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!

This week's black owned business, Fenn Coffee sought to deliver on a need affecting many triathletes' needs. Using high-quality coffee with low acidity to minimize effects. Anyone climbing their own personal mountain knows that, when hitting plateaus, pushing to the next level requires more. Innovation. Improvement. Something better. That is precisely where Fenn Coffee began. They stand for something even more by fair-trade Coffee, organically grown beans, family and women-run farms, low and zero-emission roasting, and an employees-first mentality.

Check them out here for more information about their coffee and the apparel they have.

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 Coree, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

How have the interactions with others influenced your life? This is an impossible question to answer. Even for someone that feels extremely introverted, anti-social, and loves the idea of off-the-grid, your life is shaped by the people that have been in it. This is not a bad thing really, it's just how our species functions.

There are pros and cons that come with the natural tendencies of human nature and relationships. The great cities humans have built could not be done individually. Of course, the great destructions also come at the hand of collective effort. The goal then is to harness the good of community, and work to lessen the negatives.

Today's episode circled around the various communities we are a part of. Our guest, Colleen Quigley, has been an influential presence on social media for the last several years, becoming more and more well known as an elite runner. She makes up one of the 11 Bowerman Babes and competed in the 2016 Olympic games.

Early Competitions

Colleen didn't dream of competing in the Olympics when she was younger. In fact, she didn't like competition very much in general. She loved dancing, but didn't like the dance competitions. Colleen is definitely a competitor today, but she feeds off the enjoyment of the event, not necessarily off the competition itself.

For younger athletes, or for those new to a competitive sport like running, there appears to be a lot of pressure. Outside influence can make anyone feel nervous about public performances, and when you are new to something, every event carries more weight. You simply don't have enough experiences under your belt to feel relaxed about the current one.

While it's okay to be serious about what you are training for, don't let the seriousness of it dominate your feelings. Colleen suggests trying to focus on play and enjoyment. Running is a lot of things: serious, tiring, therapeutic, fun, exhilarating, etc. You get to choose which parts of it to focus on.

Remember that one bad day doesn't define who you are, but neither does one good day. Collect as many positive thought moments as you can to shape what running is to you.

Finding Motivation

Competing on a world stage has given Colleen many opportunities to develop and find the motivation that has pushed her to the top. Running with the other Bowerman Babes and a solid group of collegiate athletes has definitely played a big part. She says that when she is able to run with a group of people, bad days aren't as bad because she can find someone to keep her motivated.

When we surround ourselves with others that have similar objectives, we move each other along. Finding someone or a group of people that motivate and inspire you, but don't unnecessarily pressure you is worth it. If you haven't found that group yet, keep looking, they are out there.

Colleen also finds motivation in pondering on the great opportunities she has. We get to run; we don't have to. Going through injuries is something that has cemented that idea for Colleen. When you don't get to run, you'd do anything to run, even in the worst weather.

However, it can be difficult to remember that we get to run. Somedays you simply just want to lie in bed and forget about it. A good way to remind yourself of your opportunities is to journal. Rereading your journal during unmotivating times is a great way to see how far you've come and remember why you want to get out of bed!

Be an Active Contributor

It is becoming increasingly easier to be a passive consumer of social media. The apps and websites we use are strategically made to keep us there scrolling, clicking and watching. Don't feel awful about your struggle to limit your time—it's not easy for anyone.

However, make sure you are using the tools that exist to limit your passive consumption. Using time tracking apps, having others keep you honest about your time spent online, or making sure to comment and post as much as you scroll will help make the social media experience more positive.

Take advantage of the great people around you, and build up those you can. We are very lucky to have such a supporting group of humans to create great things. Let's do it the right way!

Resources:

Colleen on Instagram

Colleen on Twitter

The Social Dilemma

Protect Our Winters

Brene Brown on Instagram

Clare Gallagher First Interview RFR

Clare Gallagher Second Interview RFR

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Tracksmith, Momentous, and Run Mitts 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. Not to mention they have their fall collection out! You can also go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15.

Here is a brand new sponsor, Momentous and I'm excited to start this relationship with them. This week I want to highlight Collagen, vitamin C is a necessary co-factor in collagen synthesis, and the consumption of vitamin C alongside collagen peptides has been shown to increase the effectiveness of collagen supplements. Use Momentous Collagen Peptides daily for long-term joint health, resilience against injury, and faster return to play. Most popular ways to use are in a smoothie or with your morning coffee! It mixes in super easily and is totally unflavored. Most products claim to be "unflavored" but still carry a strong scent of their source, be it bovine-hide or marine collagen. Ew.

Go here and use code TINA for 25% off.

The black owned business for this week features Susan Clayton of White Paws Run Mitts., They carry primarily the running hand mitts as well as face masks for runners. Which has been rated one of the best face masks for runners. There are 9 colors available for the face masks, and are comfortable, water resistant, have reflective strips, and made right in Baltimore.

So go and check out their website here to learn more about this great product.

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 Colleen, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

James Lawrence, AKA The Iron Cowboy, does not shy away from a challenge. Running 50 ironmans (140.6 miles) in 50 days in 50 different states (yep, you read that correctly), is not exactly for the faint of heart. I know what you are thinking (I was thinking the same thing), He must be incredibly talented, resilient, strong. But actually, James genuinely believes he is genetically average. He just believes in taking on challenges that find your limit, and he has an iron grit that allows him to just keep on going. We talk about James' experience completing this unbelievable event and discuss the self-doubt that can creep in when people are judging and attacking you that can threaten to rip us apart from the inside out.

James then goes on to share about his experience in The World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji with his team, Iron Cowboy. Covering 416 miles of oceans, jungles, rivers, mountains, and more, all in 10 days.

Which one was truly tougher? How did he handle the experience when he went from three events he knew well (running, biking, swimming), to most totally unknown activities he had never tried before? If you have ever wondered how you would get on in the Worlds Toughest Race, this will show you, and make you reconsider what you thought were your ultimate limits. If you need a dose of inspiration during a time there is a lot pulling us down, this is for you.

Resources

James Lawrence's Twitter

James Lawrence's Website

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN and Run Smart Podcast for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Generation UCAN to encouraging me to go on with this ECO Challenge series, 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 bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!

Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off of your first order or if you are a returning customer use TINAUCAN15 for 15% off.

Go here to learn more.

Brodie Sharpe is on a mission to bring clarity and control over running injuries. When you do start listening to this podcast you will start to unravel those reasons behind those stubborn injuries. Join the movement by sharing the RIGHT information. This podcast is not just for those who are injured, it is a way to learn how to be a better and healthier runner.

Subscribe to the Run Smarter Podcast to learn all sorts of tips to keep on being healthy.

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 James, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Today is about getting started. Action. It can be the most difficult, and yet the simplest part of any goal. Physically, it makes sense. If you think of a bowling ball, it has no problem smashing those pins down once you get it rolling. The most impressive event of a bowling ball's existence is actually not all that difficult. The more impressive part is probably the person that gets it started.

Think about how this applies to other things we are impressed by. The finish of a race? An impressive concert? Maybe a progressive law being passed? For any of these things to happen, there had to be a beginning. Something that got the ball rolling. That beginning probably wouldn't have wowed you, but it might have made all the difference.

Our guest today is Latoya Shauntay Snell. She's a mother, a runner, a chef, a cyclist, a writer, and more. She's a strong voice for the black community and for body politics. Like you, she had a time when she got started. All the things she's done had their first step. She shared with us what that's been like and her journey so far.

What is Toxic Positivity?

When we share what we are doing, especially as we are just getting started, it's very easy to want to come across as all sunshine and daises. You don't want anyone to see your bad side, your unfinished product, your struggles. But can avoiding the hardships end up being a bad thing? Yes!

If we only share the good, we aren't giving the whole picture. This can hurt us and the people we are sharing with. Allowing ourselves to be human, to be real, is so important to our mental wellbeing. It also helps us connect more with our audiences or friends and family.

This doesn't mean you have to share everything, nor does it mean you can't be a positive person and work to put a positive spin on things. It just means to not keep it all in, to not hide it all. Share how you are feeling and you'll be surprised when people reach out and tell you they've had the same feelings too.

You're Not a Late Bloomer

Whether you just graduated college or just retired, it's not too late to get started. Latoya sees and associates with a lot of athletes that are running, lifting, or otherwise getting active for the first time, or at least the first time in a long time. It's becoming more and more popular to start training with purpose without necessarily making it a career or working to be an elite athlete. And it's happening at all ages.

There can be unnecessary pressure to plan out your life at a young age. A career, a degree, a hobby. It can feel like you will miss your opportunity if you don't start yesterday, but we are seeing competitive weight lifters in their 60s and 70s who didn't start till they were over 50, and ultrarunners that run 50 or 100 miles in similar age ranges.

The point is, it's not too late. Why can't you be the next outlier? It has to be someone, and the more outliers the better because it starts becoming normal. Don't let anything about you deter you from starting today. Your race, your gender, your age, whatever it is, you're not a late bloomer and you can get started.

Give Yourself Grace

Black lives matter. I will continue to say it on this platform, and I will continue to try to do my part. I hope that you will take the challenge to get started. Be an ally, and know that mistakes will come. They do with anything we try to do, that's just how it is. You'll probably say something wrong, at the wrong time, or to the wrong person, but you're trying.

Give yourself grace as you get started. Latoya would be proud of you. Know that most people understand that you are making an effort, and that's what matters. So, whatever it is you have been putting off, accept that the getting started can be the hardest, and that the momentum will carry you through the challenges. You can do it!

Resources:

Latoya on Instagram

Latoya on Twitter

Latoya's Website

Black Girls Run

Click HERE to learn about more about the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.

Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

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

Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races and in my every day life. This product has been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!

Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off.

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 get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code FORREAL15.

This organization I discovered on my own, and I have donated to because I am very passionate about their cause. Solar Sister trains and supports women to deliver clean energy directly to homes in rural African communities. They provide essential services and training that enable women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses in their own communities. You can join in their women led movement of making the world a better place and to power the future. Go here to go find out more.

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 Latoya, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.

Imagine covering 671km (416 miles) in just over 5 days by trekking, biking, rafting, climbing, paddle boarding, swimming, rappelling, and crossing oceans by boat. Exhausted already? Me too. But that is what Team New Zeland did to win the World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji. Today, we are kicking off this series with one half of Team New Zeland, Nathan Fa'avae, and Sophie Hart.

Not only are these two adventure racers tough as nails, but they have been on the top of their game for a long time, all the pressure was on their team to win. It was theirs to lose. We talk about their Eco Challenge Fiji experience, but then so much more. We cover the mom guilt Sophie experienced when she went from going out training whenever she liked, to suddenly needing to be there all the time for her two children. We talked about Nathan's leadership skills, and why every member of any team is important, you never know who could be lifting another team member up when they need it most. If you enjoy being a part of a team, you love to learn from inspiring people, or you are just interested in hearing from genuine, kind people. This episode will speak to you.

There is a reason Bear Grylls called Nathan the Michael Jordan of adventure racing, and you will see why after hearing these two world champions.

The World's Toughest Race was an annual event every year from 1995 to 2002, but then stopped (although none of the guests I interviewed are quite sure why). The 2019 Eco Challenge Fiji was the first one in 17 years. The amazon prime series, hosted by Bear Grylls is full of inspiration, heart, and toughness, and it has been a massive hit for good reason.

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Generation UCAN and &Mother for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.

Generation UCAN has been with me through a lot of my races and in my every day life. This product has been my go to nutritional product for marathon training and racing when I was getting all of my best times. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes!

Use code TINAMUIR25 for 25% off.

Now this week I am featuring a business that is close to my heart. Founded by Alysia Montano along with Molly Dickens who created this foundation building on the movement #DreamMaternity, bringing attention to the lack of sponsorships to female athletes who chose to become mothers during their athletic careers. This is a non profit to help transition the movement to impact. You can donate to this great movement and to help them break barriers, you can also purchase some of the items on their website to show your support.

Check it out here for more info.

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 Nathan and Sophie, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.