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In this episode, we discuss the pervasive issue of mom guilt, particularly in the context of running and personal pursuits. We share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate feelings of guilt, the importance of communication with partners, and the need for self-care. This discussion emphasizes the significance of breaking generational cycles of self-sacrifice and the necessity of recognizing one's own needs as a mother. The conversation concludes with positive affirmations and reminders that mothers deserve time for themselves.

Takeaways

• Mom guilt is a common experience.
• It's important to thrive in motherhood, not just survive.
• Running can provide a sense of identity outside of motherhood.
• Communication with partners is crucial to managing guilt.
• Mothers often feel societal pressure to be selfless.
• Self-care is essential for overall well-being.
• Breaking generational cycles of self-sacrifice is important.
• Mothers should recognize their own needs and passions.
• Positive affirmations can help combat feelings of guilt.
• Creating a supportive environment can alleviate guilt.
• Mom Guilt: A Shared Experience
• Self-Care for Moms: Filling Your Cup

Sound Bites

• "Mom guilt is a huge topic for mothers."
• "We want to thrive, not just survive motherhood."
• "It's okay to need your cup filled by something else."

Chapters

04:25
Personal Experiences with Mom Guilt

07:30
The Impact of Running on Motherhood

10:22
Navigating Spousal Guilt

13:26
The Role of Communication in Relationships

16:15
The Pressure of Societal Expectations

19:21
Finding Balance in Motherhood

22:22
Breaking Generational Cycles

25:29
The Importance of Self-Care

About your hosts:

• Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
• Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
• Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
• Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...

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In this inaugural episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we, (your hosts Whitney, Olivia, Shanna, and Tricia -- hi!) share our personal running journeys, the motivations behind starting the podcast, and the challenges we face as mother runners. 

We discuss the importance of community, overcoming limitations, and the guilt often associated with taking time for oneself. This conversation highlights the joys and struggles of balancing motherhood and running, emphasizing that pursuing personal fitness goals can positively impact both the individual and their family.

Takeaways

• Whitney is a certified running coach and founder of a running community.
• Olivia started her running journey five years ago and is excited to share her goals.
• Shanna has been running since childhood and returned to the sport after having kids.
• Tricia is a physical therapist and shares insights on postpartum running.
• The podcast aims to create a supportive community for mother runners.
• Running can help alleviate feelings of guilt and selfishness in mothers.
• Personal running journeys can inspire and motivate others.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health through running.
• Community support is crucial for overcoming challenges in motherhood and fitness.
• The podcast is a platform for sharing experiences and advice for mother runners.

About your hosts:

• Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
• Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
• Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
• Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...