The Mother Runners Podcast: Moms Chasing Personal Bests

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Most runners let self-doubt sabotage race-day confidence, until they learn how to rewrite their mental story. 

In this episode, running coach and mental training expert Claire Bartholic shares how to turn pre-race anxiety into activation, excitement, and fuel for performance.

You’ll learn:

🌀 practical tools runners can use to build mental strength, including positive self-talk, visualization, training logs, and simple breathing techniques. 

🌀 how to handle uncertainty, silence negative thoughts, and create non-time goals that make racing feel more joyful and sustainable.

We also discuss the shift to a more relaxed method of training aka Type B Running for mental or physical health. 

Specially, we touch on:

🌀 How to gracefully shift from intense marathon training to a more "Type B" approach to training  

🌀 Tips on maintaining your self-identity while embracing a happier, more fulfilling running journey

Whether you’re training for a marathon, recovering from burnout, or just want more confidence on the line, this conversation will help you run smarter, calmer, and with more belief in yourself.

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!:

 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at goodr.com/motherrunners.

💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗 AQUA OMEGA the world's best omega 3 fatty acids. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

RESOURCES:

·      theplantedrunner.com/reset

·      theplantedrunner.com/beginwithten

·      Planted Runner Podcast

·      Instagram: @theplantedrunner  

TIME STAMPS:

2:03 — Claire explains that what many runners call nerves is really activation, which reframes race day anxiety in a more useful way for marathon mental prep.

3:02 — She expands on the idea of pre-race activation and explains how naming the feeling differently can improve running mindset and race day confidence.

5:46 — Claire shares a simple self-talk phrase, “I choose to feel excited,” that runners can practice as part of positive self-talk and mental strength training.

7:21 — She breaks down self doubt as a story runners tell themselves and shows how confidence before a race can be built through repetition and mental toughness.

9:16 — Claire talks about building running confidence with small steps, tracking progress, and using a training log to reinforce marathon training tips that actually work.

12:09 — She explains how bad races and setbacks can become learning tools, helping runners recover from disappointment and strengthen their race failure mindset.

14:48 — Claire says the biggest marathon skill is uncertainty tolerance, which is a powerful lesson for race day mental prep and long distance running.

15:56 — She recommends guided visualization, including imagining everything that could go wrong, as a way to reduce running anxiety and prepare mentally for race day.

18:27 — Claire shares why deep breathing is an underrated tool for runners, especially for calming the nervous system before a marathon or hard workout.

19:50 — She introduces non-time goals as a way to define success beyond pace, giving runners a smarter race day strategy and stronger marathon goals.

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

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Thank you, Goodr, for sponsoring this episode! GOODR has functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 at goodr.com/themotherrunners

Alice Braham has single-handedly changed the way I think about RUNNING & AGING. And I know she will for you, too!

We are taught to believe that we should slow down as we age. That after 40, it is all downhill. Well, at the 2026 London Marathon, Alice (also known as Alice Sunderland, which is her married name), a mom of four boys, smashed the previously listed British best time for a 50+ woman by nearly nine minutes. The 50-year-old clocked a 2:36:25 chip time after going through the half-marathon in a near perfect split of 78:15!

Alice credits her goal of really soaking in the London Marathon and staying calm with her stellar performance. 

In this episode, we get to know Alice, who is also a fitness trainer and running coach. We dive into:

🌀What her training looked like for the London Marathon

🌀Her running career which included a large gap while having her boys which range in ages from 7 to 16

🌀Her mindset as she turned 50

🌀 Her experience with perimenopause

🌀And what she thinks keeps her running at the highest level 

Alice's remarkable accomplishment in the marathon not only highlights her physical capabilities but also her mental resilience, encouraging others to pursue their passions regardless of age. 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:14–0:42 — running and aging, masters runner inspiration, age is not a barrier
“I have thought about you and your story… it’s completely upended how I view running and aging.”

5:39–6:53 — 50 year old runner, marathon PR, masters running record
Discussing the 2:36 marathon and how it compares to qualifying standards.

8:14–10:39 — London Marathon record, masters marathon training, race day mindset
Alice explains how she took the pressure off and ran calmly.

11:23–12:52 — self confidence for runners, masters athletics, running after 50
Her shift from racing anxiety to inner confidence with age.

14:34–16:50 — marathon training plan, manageable mileage, strength training for runners
Covers her weekly mileage, weights, and Pilates balance.

18:58–20:40— consistent marathon training, 80 20 running, injury prevention
Great segment on the value of consistency and smart training.

24:53–26:10 — return to running after college, mom runner comeback, marathon comeback story
She shares how she got back into marathon running after a break.

28:31–29:55 — running for mental health, busy mom runner, family and training balance
A powerful mom-athlete section about rediscovering running during COVID.

34:45–36:56 — perimenopause and running, menopause runner, women’s health and performance
Strong SEO topic for women over 40 and masters athletes.

51:10–52:21 — running after 40, masters runner motivation, age is just a number
Her takeaway for runners who think speed ends at midlife.

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

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Carrie Bradshaw did the impossible and she just set a world record for it. 

Carrie, a 45-year-old mom of two, aka on Instagram as "Bionic Runner Babe" for her titanium hips, defied medical odds to set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon by a female with bilateral hip replacements, clocking 3 hours, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds at the 2026 Houston Marathon. 

Diagnosed with congenital bilateral hip dysplasia in 2021, Carrie endured constant pain and was told by most surgeons she'd never run again, yet found hope in Dr. Gregory Stocks, who supported her return to racing after her hip replacements in November 2022 and April 2023. 

A pre-surgery veteran of over 60 half marathons and 10 full marathons with a personal best of 3:09, Bradshaw completed the Boston Marathon in 2025—just two years post-surgery—as her "victory lap," and her Houston time qualified her for Boston 2027, where she aims to chase her old PR. 

In this episode, Carrie shares:

🌀How she decided to go the unconventional route of getting her hips replaced at such a young age for this surgery

🌀What her return to running looked like

🌀Her experience being coached by MEB!

🌀The advice she wants other injured runners to hear and

🌀How her decision to not give up on her dreams is changing lives around the world. 

I’m thrilled for you to listen to this remarkable journey which will remind you to never let anyone else dictate your limits.

THANK YOU, SPONSOR!:

💗PREVINEX natural & EFFECTIVE SLEEP supplement. Save 15% with code WHITNEYSLEEP. 

 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at goodr.com/motherrunners.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:03  — “Doctors said I’d never run again”

0:31  — “Bilateral hip replacements and marathon comeback”

1:30  — “Lessons for injured runners”

11:45 — “Why emotional healing matters in injury recovery”

23:56  — “Diagnosis: congenital hip dysplasia”

28:14 — “Bone on bone and choosing surgery”

39:33 — “PRP, pain, and the decision to replace her hip”

45:36  — “What hip replacement recovery actually looks like”

55:47 — “Meb’s coaching approach after surgery”

68:16 — “Advice for injured runners: grieve, research, advocate”

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Today we get to catch-up with Sara Hall. If you haven't read her New York Times Bestselling memoir, For the Love of the Grind, what are you waiting for? 

From her roots as a national high school champion to becoming an NCAA star at Stanford University, Sara Hall has achieved remarkable milestones spanning three decades (!), including being the only professional runner to win U.S. titles in both the mile and marathon. Sara holds the American record in the half marathon and her personal best marathon time is a 2:20:32! 

But Sara’s journey hasn't been without challenges--and her imperfect journey is what makes her so relatable and inspiring. Sara's faced insecurities, injuries, and setbacks. Despite the doubts from others and the temptation to prioritize the career of her husband, Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall, Sara remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in our sport. Sara and Ryan also are the parents of four girls they adopted from Ethiopia. 

In this conversation, we talk about:

🌀How being a runner helped prepare her to become a mom of her 4, practically overnight

🌀Her barometer to ensure she is balancing training & being a mom well

🌀Overcoming injuries and the fear of re-injury

🌀The mindset (& supplements) that help her compete at the highest level at the age of 43, &

🌀What's next for her!

Sara’s story will resonate deeply as she balances the priorities of world-class competition, family life, parenting, and a strong commitment to faith and community. 
 
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!:

 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at goodr.com/motherrunners.
💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

RESOURCES:

💗IG: @sarahall3

💗Book

💗Run Freely App

TIMESTAMPS:

0:41 — family / kids / nest changing

8:11 — masters running / age mindset / adapting

10:04 — beliefs / self-talk / aging

21:32 — all-in training / family balance / boundaries

28:59— marathon pacing / going out too fast

34:34 — Boston / elite field / comeback

40:53 — typical training day / mom life / work schedule

43:25 — motherhood / running as a better mom

47:22 — masters supplements / recovery / inflammation

52:51— mental toughness / race mindset / MM song motivation

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Tera Moody was a stand-out runner as a kid. I’m talking state champ. Went on to run at Colorado as part of the national championship team. Placed 5th in the Olympic Trials marathon in 2008. Top ten in the Chicago Marathon, TWICE. Represented the US in Worlds. Has a lifetime PR of 2:30 in the marathon. 

You get the picture.

But it hasn’t been all skittles and sunshine for Tera. She had a coach who was old-school and promoted unhealthy underfueling. As a mom of two, running would completely wipe her out. Mom guilt for running would steal the joy. And, at times, running turned into an unhealthy coping mechanism.  

But through all this, Tera has grown and learned so much and I’m so excited for her to share her insights with us. She’s incredible open about a lot of things such as:

🌀What she saw in her kids that helped her overcome mom guilt

🌀The biggest change she made to keep her energy and mileage up

🌀Her genius idea for re-setting PRs as a mom and a master’s runner

🌀And telltale signs that running is an unhealthy coping mechanism rather than a healthy lifestyle, and so much more.  

You are going to walk away from this episode inspired to redefine success as a mom and runner in a way that just makes you feel GOOD. 

THANK YOU, SPONSORS:

 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at goodr.com/motherrunners.

💗LAGOON SLEEP PERFORMANCE PILLOWS customized & optimized sleep. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:01 — Intro and Tera’s background

0:37 — Growing up in the Midwest and moving around

3:46 — College running and nationals

7:22 — How Tera got into running

9:50 — College pressure, body image, and under-fueling

11:14 — Discovering road racing and postpartum comeback

24:24 — Resetting PRs after turning 40 / becoming a mom

35:25 — How Tera trains now and coaches herself

46:22 — Running as a tool, not therapy

64:36 — Most rewarding part of motherhood and running

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Jenny Maxwell founded PowerBar with her husband Brian while she was still in college. As two elite runners, they wanted quick pre-run nutrition that wouldn't upset their stomachs. Eventually, they sold PowerBar to Nestle and also started a family with six kids. 

When the youngest was an infant, Brian's heart stopped while running and he passed. 

Jenny's story is one of strength and perseverance. (She ran her first marathon at the age of 13!). She found solace in running and strength in motherhood. She also eventually found a new passion, drums--which eventually led to finding a new energy bar company, JAMBAR. JAMBARs are delicious and so nutritious bars that also are packed with protein. 

Jenny opens up about:

🌀how she carried on after suddenly losing Brian 

🌀The beginnings of founding PowerBar

🌀the void JAMBAR fills

🌀And, her secrets for LONGEVITY in running, as a runner of 45 years,  so much more.

PS: I was sent JAMBAR samples but JAMBAR did not sponsor this episode! 

RESOURCES:

Website: jambar.com

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!:

💗PREVINEX natural & EFFECTIVE SLEEP supplement. Save 15% with code WHITNEYSLEEP.

💗LAGOON SLEEP PERFORMANCE PILLOWS customized & optimized sleep. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Introduction and who’s living in the house

2:10 — Parenting advice and raising productive kids

3:14 — Her first marathon at age 13

6:10 — Brian’s Olympic marathon background

8:55 — How Power Bar began

11:02 — Early production and mail-order startup days

15:28 — Selling Power Bar to Nestlé

17:32 — Brian’s passing and its impact

23:37 — Starting drums and music as a new outlet

26:05 — The origin of Jam Bar and healthier ingredients

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Audrey Bowman no longer questions her capabilities. Not in running, and not in life. Why? Because she faced the brink of death while giving birth to her son. Rather than instilling fear or fragility, that traumatic experience taught her the opposite: to embrace life without fear, knowing she can achieve far more than she ever imagined. It underscored the importance of living fully and cherishing every moment.

In today's conversation, Audrey, a run coach at Relentless Runners & Founder of ABF Method, delve into several topics, including:

🌀Her running journey and how it led her into the fitness world,

🌀How a transformation in her nutrition changed everything for her, and

🌀An in-depth discussion about her traumatic childbirth and postpartum experience.

I know you her perspective will change the way you view running as a mom. 

RESOURCES:

·      Instagram: @audreybowmanfit

·      Relentless Runners Coaching

·      ABF Method App

·      Macro Coaching

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!:

💗LAGOON SLEEP customized pillows for your best sleepever : Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 — Introduction and Knoxville connection
• 02:02 — Kids, pets, and family life
• 04:18 — How Whitney and Audrey first met
• 05:27 — Audrey’s origin story: starting her blog and fitness career
• 15:32 — Audrey’s running history and changing motivations
• 18:41 — Audrey’s traumatic birth experience
• 27:25 — How to support someone going through something hard
• 36:24 — Strength training, running, and postpartum fitness
• 46:46 — Nutrition, fueling, and the “all or something” mindset
• 54:32 — Current goals, races, and High Rocks plans

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Lynn Ruis is a testament to the idea that you are never too old to run--or start running. Lynn is 68-years-old and she has a vibrant running life. She has a group of close friends who run several times a week together and plan adventures. She travels the world to run races. And she has her long run days, speed days, and tempo days--just like those who are a fraction of her age. 

Her journey into running began somewhat unexpectedly when she helped with course control at a local race. Captivated by the energy and excitement, she soon became hooked on the sport. 

In our conversation, Lynn and I discuss:

🌀What she loves so much about running at this stage of her life

🌀The importance of community as we become empty nesters

🌀How she keeps pushing herself

🌀And the secret to keeping it fun and making running a lifelong pursuit.  

Lynn's story is one of resilience, as she continuously adapts her running practices to stay uninjured and healthy. I know our conversation will inspire you to keep going and never give up on wanting to challenge yourself. 

THANK YOU, SPONSOR!:

💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Earlier this year I ran a rust-buster half-marathon. I heard someone say something about golden retrievers (we have 3, currently about to get a 4th) so I had to chime in. The person talking was Katie Baksa, founder of Bound Running Co.

A phenomenal runner, Katie was pacing a couple of friends so I joined. She took great care of us & I got to interrogate her about Bound and her running journey. It was so fascinating, the miles flew by AND I told myself--I got to share her story. 

Katie is an Olympic Trials marathoner and social scientist. Her clothing brand is built on the belief that running is more than a sport—it's a shared journey. The motto, “When we run together, we go beyond,” captures the what Bound stands for: community.

In this episode, we explore:

🌀Her running breakthrough & experience qualifying and running the Olympic Trials Marathon
🌀How being a mom affected her running 
🌀Why she founded Bound & what sets it apart 
🌀and learn about a severe injury she sustained from a fall while running & how that has impacted her perspective on life.

After hearing her story, you'll see how much you can gain from the running community. 

RESOURCES:

IG: @bound.running

Website: www.boundrunning.com 

THANK YOU, SPONSORS:

💗PREVINEX natural & EFFECTIVE SLEEP supplement. Save 15% with code WHITNEYSLEEP.

💗LAGOON SLEEP PERFORMANCE PILLOWS customized & optimized sleep. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗 ZBIOTICS a pre-Alcohol probiotic drink that breaks down the byproduct of alcohol responsible for rough mornings. SAVE 15% with MOTHERRUNNER.

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Today we get to know Megan Morant’s story of chasing MORE THAN one BIG DREAM at a time. Megan is a WWE broadcaster and co-host of the running podcast, Getting Chicked. She is also a woman who saw the 2020 Olympic Trials marathon and became inspired to try to qualify—but she also wanted to become a mom and have a baby. 

She decided—you can do both. Before becoming a mom, she was a 2:45 marathoner. A year after having her baby, she ran a 2:36 marathon, qualifying her for the Olympic Trials marathon. 

Megan has called herself a has-been. She had a successful  high school running career that led to a DI college scholarship, but in college, things never really panned out. Deep down inside, she knew she had untapped potential. 

In this convo, we talk about:

🌀How Megan manages to do all she does

🌀Her training to reach a 2:36 marathon postpartum 

🌀The secret to having a relaxed approach & long runway to big goals

🌀How she stoked her self-belief amidst self-doubt

🌀& her ability to DREAM BIG but not sweat the SMALL STUFF 

Megan’s story teaches us the power of self-belief and that you don’t have to choose between your dreams. You can dream more than one big dream. As she says, you can be a career woman, mother, and high level athlete all at the same time. 

RESOURCES:

IG: @meganmorantwwe 

Running Podcast: Getting Chicked

Forallmothers.org

THANK YOU, SPONSORS:

💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER.

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]