In this episode HollyAnn Swann joins us to discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with athletic pursuits. We share personal experiences of birth, postpartum recovery, mental health struggles, and goal setting. The conversation also touches on the pressures athletes face, the journey of breastfeeding, and the significance of shifting focus from outcome-based goals to enjoying the process of running. We get to know HollyAnn and are amazed by her ability to juggle a newborn, two-year old, and school- all while maintaining ambitious athletic persuits. Go HollyAnn! We are routing for you :)

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HollyAnn Swann @swift_swann

Amanda Basham @amanda_basham

Careth Arnold @i.careth

In this conversation, Kaylin Gepper shares her journey as a strength and nutrition coach specializing in postpartum health. She discusses the importance of supporting mothers through their fitness journeys, the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal fitness, and effective nutrition strategies for busy moms. Kaylin also shares her own experiences transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to a coach, her running journey, and the significance of behavior change in both nutrition and strength training. The discussion emphasizes the value of community, support, and self-care for mothers.

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Kaylin Goepper @coach.kaylingoepper

Careth Arnold @i.careth

Amanda Basham @amanda_basham

In this episode, Careth and Amanda discuss the chaos of summer family life while balancing their training for upcoming races. They share personal updates, including the challenges of fitting in training amidst family commitments and the nerves associated with race day. The conversation also delves into parenting challenges, particularly sibling rivalry and the anxiety that comes with raising children in today's world. They reflect on the responsibilities of motherhood and the importance of fostering a love for nature in their children. This conversation also explores the complexities of parenting, particularly the anxiety that often accompanies parenthood. They discuss the shift from optimism to realism after having children, the common fears that arise, and the impact of these feelings on daily life. 

In this conversation, Sarah Jones shares her journey from being a professional athlete to navigating motherhood. She discusses the challenges of balancing her athletic career with family life, the impact of injuries on her running, and her experiences during pregnancy and postpartum. Sarah reflects on her birth experience, the challenges of breastfeeding, and her return to fitness. She also talks about her training for upcoming races and the joys and struggles of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community and support.

In this episode of the Return to Run podcast, hosts Amanda Basham and Careth Christine share their personal journeys in running, motherhood, and the challenges of balancing athletic performance with family life. Amanda recounts her experience at the Broken Arrow Sky Race, while Careth reflects on her transition into running post-kids and the impact of the pandemic on her athletic pursuits. They discuss the importance of coaching, the thrill of stage racing, and the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of running and parenting. In this conversation, Careth Christine shares her journey as an ultra runner and mother, discussing her experiences at the Bandera race, living in a trailer, and balancing motherhood with her passion for running. She reflects on her unique home birth experience, the challenges of postpartum recovery, and the pressures of competition in the ultra running community. Careth emphasizes the importance of exploring her athletic identity while navigating the complexities of family life and the evolving landscape of the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Return to Run Podcast 01:33 Amanda's Experience at Broken Arrow Sky Race 06:39 The Thrill of Stage Racing 08:58 Balancing Family and Racing 10:58 Careth's Pre-Kid Running Journey 20:01 Careth's Transition into Running Post-Kids 24:45 Navigating Pregnancy and Running 27:27 Life Changes During the Pandemic 33:04 First Marathon Experience 37:08 Trail Racing and Overcoming Challenges 46:02 Coaching and Growth in Running 46:56 Journey to Bandera: A New Challenge 49:31 Living in a Trailer: Embracing the Adventure 51:41 Running as an Outlet: Balancing Motherhood and Passion 53:40 Navigating Time Constraints: The Stress of Parenthood 55:41 Life Changes: Moving and Family Dynamics 57:21 Pregnancy and Racing: A Unique Experience 01:00:33 The Birth of Shiloh: A Home Birth Story 01:09:27 Postpartum Recovery: Returning to Running 01:13:37 Exploring Athletic Identity: Finding My Place 01:19:16 The Pressure of Competition: Balancing Expectations 01:24:41 The Future of Running: Embracing the Unknown

In this conversation, Amanda Basham shares her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with athletic pursuits. She discusses her pregnancies, the importance of pelvic floor health, her breastfeeding journey, and the return to running after childbirth. Amanda emphasizes the significance of strength training in recovery and reflects on how her identity as an athlete has evolved since becoming a mother. The conversation highlights the complexities of motherhood, the physical and mental challenges of postpartum recovery, and the joys of raising children while pursuing personal fitness goals.

In this conversation, Careth Christine and Amanda Basham share their experiences navigating the challenges of running during and after pregnancy. They discuss the importance of intuitive training, the balance between motherhood and athletic pursuits, and the impact of nutrition and childcare on their performance. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, the pressures of competition, and the joy of running. They reflect on their personal journeys, upcoming races, and the support systems that help them manage their dual roles as athletes and mothers.