Ask the Yogi Runners is a bi-monthly series on Running On Om hosted by Julia Hanlon and Susie Stephen. In this episode, Susie and Julia interview Jen Packer, Utah based runner, yogi, and mother of four. We talk to Jen about the online running and yoga communities, and how that has led to off-line connections and friendships. Jen also shares with us a few of her yoga moments from the trails and talks about preparation for her up and coming 50-mile ultra trail race.

We would love to answer your yoga and running related questions— feel free to comment on the podcast post or send an email to [email protected] with them!

Chris Heuisler is the RunWestin Concierge, experienced runner, and father.

In this episode, Chris tells the story of how he started running and what inspired him to begin the quest of running 50 marathons in 50 states. He reflects on the memorable and humbling experiences he has had running marathons. Chris discusses his former job at Equinox and how this prepared him for his work now. He shares the story of discovering RunWestin, his dream job, and the application process he went through. Chris recounts watching the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon with Meb Keflezighi and the lessons he learned from Meb. He offers advice for staying healthy and physically active while traveling. Lastly, Chris previews whats ahead for 2015: exciting developments for RunWestin and a triathlon on Chris’ racing calendar.

Amy Sproston is an ultra trail runner and world traveler.

In this episode, Amy shares her background in running, from running with her father when she was in middle school to discovering trail running through Virginia Happy Trails Running Club as an adult. Amy reflects on the struggle and sense of accomplishment of ultra distance races, calling upon the memory of her first ultra-distance race. She discusses her recent win at HURT 100-mile race in Hawaii and her recovery process after the race. Amy reflects on her travels to Ethiopia, including her perspective on how Ethiopians use trail running as part of their training. She gives anecdotes from her experiences with running in Bolivia, Iraq, Japan, and Afghanistan. Amy provides insight on the growth of ultra running and notes important mentors to her in the trail community. Lastly, Amy previews upcoming races on her calendar for 2015.

Alicia Shay is a professional runner, coach, and nutritionalist.

In this episode, Alicia tells the story of why she started running in high school. She reflects on the transition to collegiate running at Stanford University and recounts the unexpected race result of setting the former NCAA 10k women’s record. Alicia discusses how she overcame the challenges she faced from injury and her husband Ryan’s unexpected death at the 2008 Olympic Trials. She reflects on her inspiration to open her Flagstaff home (“the Shay Hostel”) to other endurance athletes. Alicia provides insight on her work as a coach and how it allows her to give back to the running community. She offers fueling advice for marathoners from her experience as a nutritionist. Alicia discusses her transition to trail running and explains how she incorporates ski mountaineering into her training. Lastly, Alicia previews races on her calendar for 2015.

Lisa Chase is a yoga teacher, runner, and writer.

In this episode, Lisa recounts how she began running in high school and in college, discovered yoga as an outlet from the competitive world of running. Lisa explains what inspired her to enroll in a yoga teacher training and how to know if you are ready for a teacher training. She reflects on the impact of Bhakti Yoga and numerous influential yoga teachers on her path. Lisa discusses how pregnancy has impacted her running and yoga practices. She explores the meaning behind Quinoa, Kale and Exhale, her blog, and the role of Vegetarian cooking in her family’s life. Lisa provides insight for runners interested in yoga from her recently published Ebook, “Yoga for Runners.” Lastly, Lisa expresses excitement for welcoming motherhood in 2015.

Erin Taylor is a yoga teacher and global head coach of Jasyoga.

In this episode, Erin Taylor tells the story of how a basketball injury brought her to yoga. She recounts the experience of teaching yoga to her college teammates and how this naturally put her in the role of yoga teacher. Erin explains the structure of Jasyoga, her revolutionary approach to teaching yoga to athletes. She discusses yoga for runners, including three essential yoga poses that runners should incorporate on a daily basis. Erin provides insights she has learned from her recent move from Seattle to England. She shares how she balances running with her yoga practice. Lastly, Erin reveals whats ahead for in 2015, including exciting developments for Jasyoga.

Tyler McCandless is a professional runner, PhD student, and coach.

In this episode, Tyler tells the story of how he began running in high school and the transition to collegiate running. He discusses the power of consistency as leading to breakthroughs in his running. Tyler shares his training philosophy and how he manages quality and quantity on a weekly basis. He reveals how he balances his running with his PhD studies in Meteorology. Tyler reflects on the intersection between community service and running with his founding of the Kauai Marathon Youth Program. Tyler provides insight on a process-oriented mindset as a key to successful running and racing. He explains the impact of nutrition, in particular coffee and beets, on his running performance. Lastly, Tyler previews upcoming races on his calendar.

Satsuki Shibuya is a painter, artist and spiritual thinker.

In this episode, Satsuki tells the story of how she explored art as a young girl and planted the seeds for her career now. She discusses the distinction between religion and spirituality in her life. Satsuki recounts her journey with illness and how she healed herself through finding her spiritual path. She explains the inspiration behind her work with watercolor and her life as professional painter now. Satsuki reveals how she transmits her inspirational quotes. She explores the idea of practicing presence in a world filled with multitaskers. Lastly, Satsuki shares what she is excited about for 2015.

Ask the Yogi Runners is a new bi-monthly series on Running On Om hosted by Julia Hanlon and Susie Stephen. In this episode, Susie and Julia interview Ann Mazur, yoga teacher, runner, and creator of Runners Love Yoga.

Ann graduated from the University of Notre Dame where she specialized as a runner in the 5 and 10km on the track. However, Ann discovered yoga in 2005 and found not only that it increased her flexibility, but helped to prevent many injuries. Currently a postdoctoral fellow in the English department at the University of Virginia, Ann splits her time between academia, teaching yoga, running, and also acting in a theatrical group she helped to create.

Jenné Caliborne is a vegan chef and creator of Sweet Potato Soul.

In this episode, Jenné reflects on her transition to a vegan diet from her journey from vegetarian to vegan and the importance of community in making the change. Jenné shares stories from cooking with her biggest inspiration, her grandmother. She discusses how her Southern roots impact Sweet Potato Soul, her blog. Jenné reveals when she knew she wanted to be a teacher of food/nutrition and the actual logistics of having a personal chef business. She recounts her experience as the Disney Princess Tiana in a live NYC show. Jenné provides insight on traveling as vegan, drawing upon her international travels. Lastly, Jenné previews whats ahead in 2015 for Sweet Potato Soul, including projects in vegan footwear.