This week we had the pleasure of talking with Erika Hoagland! Erika was previously the editor for Ultrarunning Magazine and today she still writes a column called I Am An Ultrarunner as well as she owns a cookie company (she makes the most beautiful cookies), she is a mom and she trains for and races ultras. We chat about the joys and insanities of motherhood, her journey through child birth and her consistent racing through the years. Erika ran Western States this year after using the pregnancy deferral when she had her daughter in 2017. She explains her experience, how it works and why it’s so important in our sport to allow moms the freedom of not having to choose between racing and growing their family. Briefly, here’s how it works: if you raced your way into Western States or had your name drawn in the lottery but you are pregnant or get pregnant before the race and feel like it’s not the best time to be running 100 miles, you can defer your race to another year when you’re more ready to run without any punishment of loosing your place in this race that is so difficult to get into. This allows mothers to do what is best for their bodies and families (Hallelujah).

Erika shares about her race at Western States this year and the fears, anxieties and stresses she carried with her in training and the race itself. She didn’t have the race she hoped for and it brought about some heavy emotions that she has processed and thankfully shared with us because her words were so relatable and life-giving to the rest of us (at least for Stef and I!) As humans, and especially as moms, we can tend to compare our past selves to our current selves and cringe when we don’t feel like we’re “back” to where we once were athletically. We can intertwine our self-worth with our race times and be saddened by unmet expectations. But Erika is moving forward and embracing the runner she is right now, ditching the stress of outcomes and finding joy in ultra running. We loved our time with Erika and are so inspired by her! Listen to this episode by searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” wherever you get your podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe to the pod and share this with your fellow mother runners! Thank you!!

Show Notes:

Erika Hoagland

Erika's seriously gorgeous cookie business: Rosebud Cookies

Ultrarunning Magazine - such a staple in our sport!

Western States Pregnancy Deferral

Our sponsor: Treeline Coffee - Get 10% off the most delicious mom fuel and joy with code RUNHARD10 

This week we have Heidi Strickler on the podcast again (if you didn’t tune in for episode 44 back in 2020 you should listen to that one too)! Heidi is our favorite Sports Dietitian - she specializes in nutrition for endurance female athletes, RED-S, amenorrhea, disordered eating and more. Today we discuss how we as parents can talk about food and body image in a healthy way with our kids! We learn about body neutrality (“our bodies are the skin suits that allow us to experience life” as Heidi says), body positivity when appropriate, steering away from the mindset that our bodies have anything to do with our worth as a human, and how to set kind and/or firm boundaries with other people who comment on our kids’ bodies. Heidi emphasizes how we can communicate the benefits of our kids eating complete meals but how all foods can fit within that and how we can move past many of the food shaming and negative judgments of certain foods we hold onto (ex: listen in to hear how Luna Bars compare with Pop Tarts)! We also hear about Heidi’s personal experience with an eating disorder, how she extends freedom and permission to herself in her recovery and offers the same freedom and permission to us as well, and we’re so appreciative.

This was an incredibly helpful conversation for us and we hope it brings insight and inspiration to you too! Just remember, we won’t do this perfectly, but trying to be intentional, maybe breaking some negative intergenerational cycles where we can, and embracing the little teachable moments with our kids goes a long way towards raising healthy, confident, self-loving humans!

Show Notes:

Follow Heidi on Instagram!

Two Book resources from Nikki written by Hillary McBride:

The Wisdom of Your Body (AMAZING)

Mothers, Daughters and Body Image (Only a couple chapters in, still AMAZING)

Use code RUNHARD10 to get 10% off delicious Treeline Coffee… because a cup of coffee is basically a cup of vegetables (**refer to the conversation in this episode) and the best way to start your day 

This week we talk with Jodi Fisher - a mother, a runner and the founder of Go Guarded, which is a company dedicated to empowering active individuals with self-defense tools. Unfortunately we live in a world where all women have known fear and we must take our safety seriously, even or especially when we're running. Go Guarded makes products that are one of the many layers of self-defense we can protect ourselves with. There are rings with serrated blades and handheld tools that come with a blade, personal alarms, and/or pepper spray. Each piece is designed with convenience, comfort, effectiveness and affordability in mind to give runners those couple seconds they need to get away from a scary situation. We also talk about the importance of equipping ourselves with knowledge, awareness and confidence that comes with self-defense classes and other ways women can protect themselves. 

We love that Jodi started this business and is helping women feel a little more prepared while doing the things they love, like running and being outside! Check out her website linked in the show notes to learn more and to read through many useful safety resources! Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and share this one with other mother runners! Y'all stay safe out there!

Show Notes:

Go Guarded

Follow Go Guarded on Instagram

Stef has a Run Angel which is another type of safety tool for runners

We talk about some fun earings Stef has, check them out! etsy.com/shop/tribychay  

Grab a bag or coffee subscription at Treeline Coffee and get 10% off delicious mom fuel with code RUNHARD10

This week we reflect on what runners can do when they find themselves in a season of low (or maybe zero) mileage. Sickness, injury, busyness, low energy, mental health, whatever may be the cause we have all experienced low points in running and we explore how that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. When you look at all the areas of your life competing for your energy and if you're physically running less miles, maybe you can nourish other parts of you that have been impoverished. 

The main point here is that rest is not failure and you have our permission to take it whenever you feel like you need it!

We hope you all are finding wholeness and well-being no matter what season of life or running you're in! Tune into this episode by searching "Run Hard Mom Hard" wherever you get your podcasts, don't forget to subscribe and share with other mamas! Thank you!

Get yourself some running or resting fuel from Treeline Coffee and get 10% off with code RUNHARD10! 

We're finding our podcasting rhythm again people!! We are going to try to be more regular with episodes, cause we've been missing all of you! This week Stef shares her big, exciting racing plans for 2023, tune in to hear what they are! We talk about Hardrock and what they're doing to increase women's' chances of running the race, life and travels in Costa Rica for Nikki, and the importance of manifesting your dreams and being brave enough to realize what you want, ask for it and take little steps towards it. You never know what will come your way! We discuss parenting, dropping perfection and rewiring negative thoughts with positive affirmations for ourselves and our kids.

Listen by searching Run Hard Mom Hard on your preferred podcast platform! If you're reading these show notes you are part of this amazing women and motherhood community and we are so thankful for you! 

Show notes:

Nikki is reading and highly recommends The Artist's Way Check it out!

Tune into the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast with Dr. Becky for some serious parenting gold! Episode 130 - Breaking Cycles & Reparenting Yourself and Episode 131 - How to Raise Untamed Kids

Buy the best mom fuel around, Treeline Coffee! Use code RUNHARD10 for 10% off your purchase!

Hi friends!! It’s been a minute (or two or ten) but we have a new episode this week!! Tune in and hear all about Stef’s latest race - Superior Fall Trail Race 50 miler - not to give too much away but she did amazing! Nikki also shares about what it’s been like moving to Costa Rica as a family of five! Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe and share with your community! Listen by searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you!

Show Notes:

Superior Fall Trail Race 50 Mile

Grab a bag of mom strength in a cup, in other words, "You Got This" coffee from Treeline Coffee! Use code RUNHARD10 for 10% off! 

New Episode!! And it’s not even Friday! But it’s been a serious minute since we’ve had a new episode of us chattering away in your ears, so here’s a little update conversation with Stef and Nikki! We have some big news coming at ya - Nikki and her crew are moving to COSTA RICA… tomorrow!! Listen in to hear some of the details on that. We’re still planning on keeping the podcast rolling - one of the beautiful things about living in our technologically connected world. Remember, you can find us by searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” on any podcast platform and thank you for tuning in and being a part of this awesome, inspiring and uplifting mother runner community! We love you all!

Show Notes:

Nikki mentions reaching out to a previous podcast guest, Julie Urbanski - a world renowned pro at living abroad with kids - listen to episode 78 for more on that!

As always, a huge thank you to our sponsor, Treeline Coffee for keeping us fueled to run hard and mom hard! Use code RUNHARD10 for 10% delicious coffee

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer McConachie - an inspiring multi endurance sport adventurer, author and mother. Jennifer has done some amazing things - like raced ultras on 5 of the 7 continents, climbed several of The Seven Summits, swam the Hellespont from Europe to Asia, done stage races, adventure races, and recently created and completed a 100 mile paddle down the Missouri River - just to name a few!

She immerses herself in the places she goes - learning as much as she can before a big trip - reading the literature, studying the culture. She’s driven to push herself outside her comfort zone and to find and be the best version of herself. Jennifer says ultra experiences are like parenting experiences condensed so the mental strength for both of them mirror each other. One of the mindsets she carries with her in endurance sports and motherhood is that how you feel now is not how you’re going to feel later - a powerful reminder to give yourself time, space and grace in the low moments of an ultra event or while parenting!! It WILL turn around.

It was such a joy talking with Jennifer and getting inspired to go do an adventure - near or far! Enjoy this episode and check the show notes for how to find a copy of her book, “Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life”! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this with your circle! Thank you!

Show Notes:

Find Jennifer on Instagram

Jennifer’s website

Jennifer’s Book

Grab a bag of Treeline Coffee and use code RUNHARD10 for 10% off your order of delicious mom fuel!

We have Ladia on the podcast again this week for part two! Ladia opens up our conversation with a bang by challenging the prescribed narratives we feel we have to fit into as women and mothers in this place and time in society. For example, the “bouncing back” culture we experience after having babies and seeing body changes as a disservice to the other parts of our life (including running) often does not honor what we go through or how we want to embrace the growth we can find in that space. Ladia says, “but I don’t want to go backwards. I don’t need to be the person I was yesterday or ten years ago…. Whether in pregnancy and postpartum or not, that’s not what I’m trying to move towards. I want to embrace who I am, where I am, today and every day moving forward.” We ponder how to find, process and represent our true experiences with language that will free us and others from societal expectations. The things we go through shape us and we can hone the power of that growth and channel it when facing hard things (like ultra running and motherhood). We talk about the need for mothers to have space to talk candidly about their struggles without being dismissed or having to prove their gratitude of being a mother and the importance as mothers to show our kids our full humanity. Ladia mentions, “The most important thing we do as mothers is be ourselves”.

Ladia shares a little about her birth and feeling the contrast of grief from losing her best friend, Gabriele Grunewald, while looking forward to new life through her son Gabriel (named after Gabe of course!). We hear about how Ladia moved through the early postpartum days when building up running in a way that showed kindness to her body and honored her emotions and anxiety of leaving her baby for long runs. AND! We hear about her INCREDIBLE 4th place finish at Canyons 100k in April! From funny stories to positive energy to trail beauty to racing as a way to feel connection amidst the loneliness of motherhood to numb legs to oozing poison oak, it was so fun to hear Ladia tell the race day tales.

We were so lucky to be in Ladia’s presence again and we hope you enjoy this episode! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this with your people! Thank you!

Show Notes:

Find Ladia on Instagram

Check out the Brave Like Gabe Foundation and read more about who Gabe was and how you can support their mission to raise money for rare cancer research!

Brave Like Gabe 5k is happening on June 25th, 2022!! Don’t miss it - sign up and run it wherever you are while being connected to a greater purpose and all the Brave Like Gabe community.

This episode is sponsored by Treeline Coffee - a woman owned business out of Bozeman, MT who ethically source all their coffee beans from sustainable and socially responsible farms. Use code RUNHARD10 for 10% off your order of the most delicious (and necessary) mom fuel! It is liquid encouragement in a cup, no lie.

This week we had the privilege of talking with Ladia Albertson-Junkans on the podcast! Ladia is a data analyst, runner for Brooks, FKT holder, Olympic Marathon Trials Runner, Western States finisher, Chuckanut winner (twice), etc, mom of a 17 month old and a really beautiful soul. We set out to talk with her about her recent 4th place finish at Canyons 100k in April but we honestly didn’t even make it to that (hence why this is part one)! There were just too many other things we needed to learn from Ladia about being human, living life fully and holding space for all the paradoxes of life - the beauty and the heartbreak.

We loved Ladia’s perspective on competition- how it is an opportunity for connection with others, a chance to surprise yourself, how it doesn’t need to be adversarial and how you can bring others along with you when racing. When you open your journey up to fellow competitors and they do the same, it allows for all of us to be invested in each other - where one person’s victory is everyone’s joy.

We hear about her dear and deep friendship with the late Gabe Grunewald who passed away in 2019 from a rare cancer and how Ladia’s life has been impacted forever from that. Gabe found a way to adjust to every interruption as it came, not fighting the circumstances of her cancer but continually fighting for the things that made her feel alive. Gabe was brimming with self-love and self-respect so she could give love away endlessly to others. She kept trying (most obviously through running as she was a professional runner through her whole 10 year cancer journey (!!!)) and she set the example for all of us to not give up on the things that bring you joy when life gets hard. (See show notes for Brave Like Gabe Foundation information!)

Ladia also put motherhood into powerful words when she said, “There’s something to grieve every moment and something to rejoice in every moment and sometimes I’m struck by how those two things not just coexist but almost belong together and are inseparable.” It’s a tough feeling to describe but we think all parents know this to be true!

Huge heartfelt thank you to Ladia for all she shared with us and her generosity in agreeing to do a part two (stay tuned)!  Enjoy it and don’t forget to share this with someone else who could use these words today!

Show Notes:

Find Ladia on Instagram

If you want to hear more from Ladia, listen to some other podcasts she’s been on where she shares more inspiring and touching stories:

Freetrail

Ginger Runner Live

Ali On The Run

Check out the Brave Like Gabe Foundation and read more about who Gabe was and how you can support their mission to raise money for rare cancer research!

Brave Like Gabe 5k is happening on June 25th, 2022!! Don’t miss it - sign up and run it wherever you are while being connected to a greater purpose and all the Brave Like Gabe community.

This episode is sponsored by Treeline Coffee - a woman owned business out of Bozeman, MT who ethically source all their coffee beans from sustainable and socially responsible farms. Use code RUNHARD10 for 10% off your order of the most delicious (and necessary) mom fuel! It is liquid encouragement in a cup, no lie.