It might have taken children's book author-illustrator Lori Richmond 39 years to become a runner, but she's created quite a buzz in the running community by combing her longtime passion for art with her newfound love of running. We chat about Lori's View From My Run Project, the artistic endeavor that landed her a spot in Runner's World Magazine, as well as her most recent running adventure, completing her first marathon. If you've ever thought of yourself as not an athlete or runner because of your creative abilities (or another reason), you're sure to find inspiration in this episode. Lori also shares some innovative ways other creatives have used to find their workout motivation. Know someone who completed the New York City Marathon? Lori's created several beautiful drawings from the race that can be purchased. Her children's books would also make a great gift this holiday season. Learn more (and be sure to reach out to help me convince her to pitch that children's book about running!) by visiting the show notes. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 149

Mary has definitely earned the title of Marathon Momma, the handle she uses on Instagram. Find out why as she shares her running journey and marathon journey. While Mary just started running in 2010, she's completed four Boston Marathons and many other half marathons and full marathons. She shares which races have been her favorite and some insights into all the running successes she's enjoyed in 2018, a year that's seen Mary PR (achieve personal best times aka personal records) in several distances. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 148

Tina Muir is a 2:36 marathoner and Great Britain runner who recently shocked the running world by taking a hiatus to focus on starting a family and overcoming amenorrhea. She shares more about her running journey and becoming a mom. All of her advice focuses on a common theme of the importance of listening to your body. It doesn't matter if you're an elite runner, beginner, or not a runner, but hoping to become pregnant, you'll definitely benefit from her insights. While Tina is taking a break from competing as an elite athlete, she hasn't stopped posting on Instagram (her daughter Bailey has the best smiles!) or producing episodes of her podcast, Running for Real. Show notes:  FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 147

Feeling like you might lose it if you get one more Black Friday or Cyber Monday email? I'm with you! But I DO have a few Cyber Monday specials for you and one is free so I couldn't resist creating a Cyber Monday Special podcast episode for you. Tune in for some of my favorite books for the fitness lovers on your gift list this holiday season, products I love that are on sale today, as well as three special offers you can take advantage of from my fitness company, Fit Armadillo. Finally, I invite you to become a supporter of The Fit Fifteen and share something special for the 1st five supporters who pledge at least $25. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 146

When you see the regular runners at your favorite trail, you might think they've always been super motivated. Author of People of Memorial Park, Stacy Holden, comes back to share stories from individuals in her book who couldn't comprehend running one mile at the beginning of their fitness journeys. This is part two of a conversation that started in yesterday's episode. In Ep 144 you'll learn more about the creation of Stacy's book, which was a Hot New Release and you can get for 20% - check the show notes for details. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also want to check out Ep 114 and Ep 115 with Shellye Arnold, CEO and President of the Memorial Park Conservancy. To learn more about the Houston Turkey Trot check out Ep 135 that your podcast host invites you to join with her and client and former podcast guest (Ep 28, Ep 51, Ep 74, Ep 128) Meredith Rice. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 145

After 25 years of running at Houston's Memorial Park, Stacy Holden started thinking about all of the people who she recognized, but did not know their names, much less their stories. Her desire to learn more inspired her to track them down and write a book. That book is People of Memorial Park! Since the book's debut at the top of Amazon's Hot New Releases, Stacy has continued her efforts to meet new individuals in a weekly blog at PeopleOfMemorialPark.com. This is a two part conversation. Don't miss Ep 145 for stories of people who've used this Houston trail to start their fitness and running journeys. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also want to check out Ep 114 and Ep 115 with Shellye Arnold, CEO and President of the Memorial Park Conservancy. To learn more about the Houston Turkey Trot check out Ep 135 that your podcast host invites you to join with her and client and former podcast guest (Ep 28, Ep 51, Ep 74, Ep 128) Meredith Rice. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 144

IRONMAN Ron Chew comes back to share tips for endurance athletes and future IRONMAN triathletes. Ron takes us behind the scenes of his last race, IRONMAN Chattanooga. He also shares a few inspiring moments from pro IRONMAN athletes like Jan Frodeno and Daniela Ryf. You'll definitely come to appreciate how the IRONMAN race is a lot like life in one day. Maybe you'll even be inspired to take on the challenge for yourself. Ron shared several great products and inspirational video clips that will be in the show notes since they didn't make all make it "on the record" for this interview. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 143 | Part I of this conversation was Ep 142 For more IRONMAN inspiration check out Ep 121 and Ep 122 with IRONMAN Kindal Sweet

Ron Chew stops by to share his inspiring journey to becoming an IRONMAN triathlete and the life lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you want to become an IRONMAN athlete or not, you're sure to gain some nuggets of wisdom from Ron's story. This is also a great episode to share with someone going through challenging times. Ron's been there and is proof that you can find your happiness and that things will get better. Today's episode is part one of our conversation and focuses on Ron's IRONMAN story. Come back for episode 143 for more IRONMAN tips from Ron. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 142 | For more IRONMAN inspiration check out ep 121 and 122 with IRONMAN Kindal Sweet

Struggling to find your fitness motivation? Getting moving while giving back to your local community can be a great way to make new friends while exercising. Today's guest, Ann Dalkey, is the President of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that organizes monthly beach clean ups (first Saturday sweeps), a great way to get in a walk while making a difference. Ann stops by to share more about the organization and how you can get involved. She also talks about the endangered El Segundo blue butterfly, a species whose habitat includes parts of Redondo Beach and also benefits from the work of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful. Tune in to learn more about the nature in our special South Bay area! Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 141

Looking to change up your fitness routine? Paddle Logger fitness app creator, David Walker, stops by to share some of the many reasons to take up stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Enjoy tips that will help those new to the SUP world avoid making rookie mistakes and learning some of the many ways that paddleboarding can be used if you're in need of a new challenging workout. Finally, David shares more about his fitness app, Paddle Logger, that will help you track your paddleboarding journey. Show notes: FitArmadillo.com/Podcast The Fit 15 by Fit Armadillo® #TheFit15 @TheFitFifteen @FitArmadillo Ep 140