Roisin (Ro) McGettigan is a sports psychology consultant, co-founder of Believe I Am, Olympian, and former professional steeplechaser.

In this episode, Roisin tells the story of how she began running in Ireland and and discovered the steeplechase, her running specialty event. She discusses the role of mental focus and strength in competing. Ro explains how the techniques of sports psychology were paramount to her breakthrough 2007 World Championships race. She reflects on the recent experience of being retrospectively awarded the bronze medal for the 2009 European Indoors 1500 meters race in 2014. Ro provides insight on how to cultivate gratitude in both running and life. She recounts the story of co-founding Believe I Am and reflects on its continued growth. Lastly, Ro discusses balancing running in her life now and previews whats ahead for 2015.

Jeff Caron is the East Territory Sales Manager for ElliptiGO, competitive distance runner, and active supporter of all things running.

In this episode, Jeff shares his running background from how running gave him confidence as freshman in high school to his successful collegiate career at the University of Maine. He gives advice to younger athletes on how to find the distance that is right for you. Jeff reflects on pursuing his passion for running after college on the sub elite level with New Balance Boston and the lessons he learned from this time, including the importance of enjoying the process, instead of being results driven. Jeff discusses how he brought his commitment to the running industry to a new level with his work with Flotrack, Saucony, and now ElliptiGO. He reflects on his special experience watching the 2014 Boston Marathon. Jeff offers his perspective on the growth and future of running. Lastly, he shares who influences him in the sport and his goals for 2015.

Ask the Yogi Runners is a new bi-monthly series on Running On Om hosted by Julia Hanlon and Susie Stephen.

In each episode we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we have received, as yoga teachers, runners and coaches – about the separate activities of yoga and running and also how to combine the two. In our second episode, we first recap Susie’s experience as a volunteer at the HURT 100 mile race on Oahu, Hawaii and her upcoming marathon plans. We then dive into questions about whether runners can pass the point of healthy flexibility and the role of heated yoga in runner’s training.

Ame Wren is a Boston-based yoga teacher and director of Boston Yoga School

In the episode, Ame tells the story of why she started practicing yoga. She reflects on the importance of saying yes in her path to becoming a yoga teacher. Ame discusses the power of the Boston yoga community. She reveals some of her self-care practice and how she fits in time to study with her favorite teachers. She explores how Iyengar yoga influences her teaching of Vinyasa yoga. Ame offers her perspective on the difference between yoga teaching versus yoga instructing and provides advice for those interested in enrolling in a yoga teacher training. Lastly, Ame investigates how the practice of letting go makes space in the New Year and previews trainings and retreats on her 2015 calendar.

Melody Fairchild, professional runner, coach, and motivational speaker.

In the episode, Melody tells the story of how she started running as a young girl in the canyon where she lived. She reflects on the motivating factors that fueled her successful high school career. Melody discusses how pressure affected her running performance, calling upon the memory of her final race of her collegiate career. She shares how the pain in her body introduced her to the holistic work of cortical field re-education. Melody offers techniques for those struggling with a compulsive relationship with running. She tells anecdotes of her recent experiences running in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Lastly, Melody reveals her goals for 2015, including races on her calendar and explorations in writing.

Gillian Gebree is a yoga teacher, professional ocean sports athlete, and owner of Paddle into Fitness

In the episode, Gillian describes where her love of the ocean began from her childhood on Cape Cod. She explains what is stand up paddle board (SUP) yoga and the actual logistics of practicing yoga on the water. Gillian reflects on her most memorable teaching moment of 2014. She explores how she navigates the challenges of being self-employed and balancing her teaching with competing. Gillian reviews the different styles of water racing she participates in, and which discipline she likes the most. She shares on how she stays motivated in her training. Gillian offers insight on the practice of presence in water sports and yoga. Lastly, Gillian reveals whats on her yoga teaching and racing calendars in 2015.

I edited my ROO Podcast #89 with Haile Gebrselassie for a project at the Oral History Winter School. Our assignment was to produce a short piece from a longer interview that would be aired on WGXC 90.7-FM in New York.

This almost four minute piece tells Haile’s running story. Haile Gebrselassie is one of the greatest distance runners in history, and now business and father. I encourage you to listen to the unedited interview, ROO Podcast #89, to hear Haile’s full story.

Ask the Yogi Runners is a new bi-monthly show on Running On Om hosted by Julia Hanlon and Susie Stephen

In each episode we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we have received, as yoga teachers, runners and coaches – about the separate activities of yoga and running and also how to combine the two. In our first episode, after a few introductions and scene setting conversations, we dive into questions about how to begin a yoga practice, and if you’re a runner, how to include yoga with the demands of a training plan.

Sarah Baumert is a yoga teacher and dancer.

In the episode, Sarah explains how she discovered yoga at the age of nine years old in a Nebraska bookstore. She tells the story of falling love with dance in her youth through the guidance of her passionate teacher. Sarah reflects on how yoga became a therapy for her body from the many hours of dancing at the University of Minnesota. She discusses what motivated her to become a yoga teacher. Sarah provides insight on the connection between yoga and dancing and how they complement one another in her life. She reveals challenges she faces in her own yoga practice. Sarah offers techniques for overcoming lack of motivation to get on one’s yoga mat and advice for those intimated to try yoga. Lastly, Sarah shares her teaching and life plans for 2015.

Chris Vargo is a professional ultra trail runner and running coach.

In the episode, Chris provides his background in endurance sports before he started running. He discusses on his Nike Trail Team sponsorship and the team’s mission. Chris explains what motivated him to become a running coach. He explores the connection between addiction and running. Chris shares his perspective on the drinking culture in the trail running community. He reflects on how his running coaching has also served as a platform for him to help people with alcoholism. Chris describes his journey overcoming alcoholism and the turning point in his recovery. He looks back at his year of racing in 2014 and the importance of active-recovery after one’s racing season is over. Lastly, Chris previews races on his calendar for 2015.