Advertise on podcast: The Mother Runners Podcast with Whitney Heins

Send us Fan Mail THANK YOU 💗 GOODR for sponsoring this episode. Functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at the link! Today we are hearing from someone who has lived and breathed running pretty much her whole life.  Angela Reckart ran Division III at The College of New Jersey, where she was a seven-time All-American and part of two national championship relay teams. From there, she moved into coaching — North Florida, North Carolina, six seasons at Penn State helping lead the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten title, and Duke. But off the track, she's 'Coach Reck' — girl mom to two daughters, a woman of faith, and someone who's had to figure out, in real time, what it looks like to build a career around running while also building a family. Today, Angela is going for an Olympic Trials Qualifying time in the marathon in her 40s. That, after she didn’t race for 16 years, and then went from a 2:55 to a 2:45 marathon in 16 months, running her PR just this past April in Boston.  In this episode, we dive into: 🌀The transition from competing to coaching 🌀Her experience in returning to racing 🌀What her training looks like as a mom in her 40s going for the Olympic Trials 🌀Her top mother runner hacks...and mistakes TIMESTAMPS: 1:39 — Motherhood and running’s “busy season” 12:45 — Navigating coaching, travel, and a newborn 14:23 — Why she started marathon training 15:54 — Marathon running as a personal reset 17:36 — Racing goals in your forties 18:47 — The power of stacking training cycles 20:27 — Running mechanics for stronger, more durable runners 22:53 — Think like your own coach 24:39 — Identity beyond motherhood and running 42:18 — Managing injuries without spiraling RESOURCES: IG: @coach_reck  Site: NGU Coaching THANK YOU, SPONSOR!: 💗 AQUA OMEGA High-quality Omega-3s. Save 20% 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Fuel Goods co-founder Laura Jorgensen is on a mission to make sports nutrition simpler, and she's doing it while rebuilding her body and raising a newborn. Laura's relationship with movement has never followed a straight line. After three ACL tears ended her collegiate basketball career at Swarthmore, she turned to running, then cycling, and rode it all the way to the pro ranks with 50+ podiums and a spot on the U.S. National Team. Along the way, she co-founded Fuel Goods, the discovery marketplace and Fuel Planner built to take the guesswork out of endurance fueling. This January, Laura had her knee replaced. This summer, she became a mom for the first time. Now she's easing back into running through run-walk physical therapy, chasing a very different kind of comeback. The advice that changes everything? You can do it all, you just can't do it all at once. In this episode, we talk about: 🌀 The story behind Fuel Goods and the Fuel Planner, which turns your training plan into a fueling plan you can actually buy 🌀 How becoming a mom changes your relationship with ambition, time, and performance 🌀 The "highest and best use of my time" question Laura uses to make faster, saner decisions 🌀 Redefining what it means to be a runner in a new season of life This conversation goes beyond sports nutrition. It's about resilience, patience, and learning how to stack hard things that fill you up instead of drain you.  RESOURCES: IG: @fuel_goods Grab a free personalized fueling plan at fuelgoods.com/fuelingplan. THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗 BEAM MINERALS plant based liquid minerals. Save 20% with code MOTHERRUNNER.  💗 AQUA OMEGA High-quality Omega-3s. Save 20% 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What if your training week doesn’t go according to plan—and that’s actually okay? In this special solo episode, I am breaking down why chasing the “perfect” training week can create unnecessary stress, especially for us busy moms. Fitness isn’t built from one perfect workout or week—it’s built through consistency, adaptation, recovery, and playing the long game. I share how to handle missed workouts without guilt, when to modify or skip a workout, and why you never need to “make up” every run. In this episode, I talk about: Why consistency matters more than perfect trainingWhat to do when you miss a workoutThe difference between green-, yellow-, and red-light training weeksWhy recovery is an essential part of trainingHow busy moms can build flexible training plans that survive real lifeBecause you don’t need a perfect training week to become a stronger runner—you just need to keep laying the bricks. This episode will empower you to take control of your training & handle mishaps with grace and resilience.  THANK YOU, SPONSORS: 💗LITTLE SPOON meal/snack delivery for kids ages 0-12! Save 30% with code MOTHERRUNNER. 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at the link! 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you walk away from the “perfect” life on paper and create a life that actually feels like yours? Today, I talk with Lisa DiNoto Glassner, a former Big Law attorney who traded her legal career for a new chapter—and eventually discovered running and runDisney. After completing more than 100 runDisney races, Lisa has become an expert on everything from race logistics and costumes to corrals, characters, and the magic of the experience. Now, she’s sharing everything she’s learned in her new book, The runDisney Companion. In this episode: 🌀Lisa’s journey from Big Law to becoming a runner and runDisney expert 🌀Her best runDisney tips, secrets, and race-day advice 🌀What first-time runDisney runners need to know before race weekend 🌀How to make the most of the characters, courses, and magic If you’ve ever thought, “A Disney race sounds amazing, but I have no idea how this works,” this episode is for you! RESOURCES: Website & book: https://thecastlerun.com/ IG: @thecastlerunner THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗 BEAM MINERALS plant based liquid minerals. Save 20% with code MOTHERRUNNER.  💗 AQUA OMEGA High-quality Omega-3s. Save 20% with code MOTHERRUNNER. 💗HUUG dryer-safe, wire-free, & OH SO COMFY bras. Save 15% with code THEMOTHERRUNNER. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Lisa’s journey from Harvard Law to Run Disney 07:24 — Grief, motherhood, and feeling out of balance 09:46 — How running helped Lisa through her father’s illness 12:11 — Running a Disney half marathon to honor her dad 15:17 — From runner to Run Disney expert and author 16:17 — Why the Run Disney community welcomes every runner 25:41 — First-time Run Disney tips: train like it’s a real race 27:45 — Sleep, recovery, and managing family expectations 36:37 — The biggest mistake moms make on race weekend 51:17 — Why the pursuit of a goal matters more than the finish line 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Most runners are told to wait until life gets easier before chasing big goals. Megan Cooke proves the opposite is true. In this conversation, the founder of Never Give Up coaching shares how she went from elite rowing and years of coaching to running sub-3 marathons as a mom of three, building a fast-growing coaching brand, and refusing to let motherhood erase her athletic identity.  I get to pull back the curtain on Megan’s real life: three kids, three schools, endless car lines, late-night treadmill miles, and a training approach built on consistency, threshold work, and the courage to aim higher. You'll discover: 🌀Why Megan stopped treating motherhood and ambition like an either-or decision 🌀The training principles behind her Boston, London, and Cincinnati breakthroughs 🌀How she built Never Give Up Coaching from a brand-new Instagram account to a thriving business in under a year 🌀Why she believes moms should stop apologizing for wanting time to train 🌀How HRT, perimenopause, and honest self-advocacy fit into the picture for women in their 40s Her message is clear: you do not need to disappear inside motherhood to be a good mom. This one is essential listening for moms who want to run faster without feeling guilty, athletes rebuilding after babies, and anyone who needs a reminder that your best race might still be ahead of you. TIMESTAMPS: 00:31 — Parenting three kids 03:45 — Running every day amid family life 18:07 — Twelve marathons for self-empowerment 30:53 — Coaching, mentorship, and “holding the mirror” 32:35 — Letting go of shame around big goals 34:11 — Pursuing your goals alongside your kids 35:17 — The pressure to overcompensate after a long run 37:32 — Modeling empowerment for your children 38:44 — Being honest about fatigue and recovery 59:36 — Make time, find support, and be brave  THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗 GOODR functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable eyewear. Save $10 off at the link! 💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER. 💗LITTLE SPOON meal/snack delivery for kids ages 0-12! Save 30% with code MOTHERRUNNER. RESOURCES: Coaching: ngucoaching.com IG: @runningcoachmegan and my coaching website www.ngucoaching.com.  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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve hit a plateau, haven’t nailed your race, are navigating midlife running, or are trying to figure out how to keep improving without burning yourself out, this conversation gives you the real story. I chat with Carolyn Coffin, a running coach, podcast host of Inspired Soles, and competitive marathoner whose story spans late-blooming success, coaching, and an ongoing quest to rediscover what running can feel like. We discuss: 🌀How injuries, DNFs, perimenopause, and motherhood have shaped Carolyn's perspective as a runner 🌀The role easy running had in her breakthrough 🌀 What it really means to play the long game and why your best running may still be ahead, even in your 40s and 50s 🌀How she is approaching coaching her husband to a 2:35 marathon at the age of 45 Carolyn also opens up why she’s now taking a scientist’s approach to her own running instead of forcing a result.  Her perspective is equal parts honest and hopeful - a reminder that a rough patch does not have to become the whole story. TIMESTAMPS: 02:16 — Late-blooming runner starts in her 30s03:13 — Easy running breakthrough and training structure05:27 — Early PRs from 5K to half marathon06:26 — First marathon disaster and why it stuck08:29 — Motherhood, military life, and running community13:25 — Why running “sucks” at the beginning16:43 — Boston Marathon pacing mistake and heat22:51 — Extreme heat race cancellation30:17 — Easy runs feel worse; blood sugar and perimenopause40:14 — Public goals, pressure, and marathon mindsetRESOURCES: Podcast: Inspired Soles IG: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗LITTLE SPOON meal/snack delivery for kids ages 0-12! Save 30% 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail What if you gave yourself permission to stop doing everything “right” with your running? In a special solo episode of The Mother Runners Podcast this week, I explore what happens when training, mileage, paces, fueling, and race goals become another source of stress—especially when you’re already balancing motherhood, work, family, and life. I am sharing seven permission slips every mother runner may need...Because running should add to your life—not become another place where you feel like you're failing. In this episode, I discuss : 🌀Why your easy pace doesn’t define your fitness 🌀When to skip or modify a workout 🌀 Why rest is part of training 🌀 How to chase a PR while still enjoying running 🌀Finding balance between running, motherhood, and real life Most importantly: You are allowed to run in a way that makes your life better—not more stressful. Send this episode to a mom runner who needs a permission slip—or maybe seven;). THANK YOU, SPONSORS: 💗CURE HYDRATION delicious & clean hydration: Save 15% with code MOTHERRUNNER. 💗AQUA OMEGA High-quality Omega-3s. Save 20% 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt like your body is working against you, this episode is for you. We’re joined by Caitlyn Germain, a former standout runner and mom who battled mysterious lower-leg pain before discovering she had popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Caitlyn shares her journey from being sidelined from running to finishing the Boston Marathon, and how self-advocacy, patience, and trusting your body helped her move forward. This conversation is a powerful reminder for runners and moms to listen to their bodies, protect their health, and keep going. In this episode, we discuss: 🌀Caitlyn’s running journey and mysterious lower-leg pain 🌀Her diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome 🌀Returning to running, Boston Marathon, and lessons in self-advocacy Caitlyn’s insights on meeting yourself where you are and the power of persistence—is sure to move you.  THANK YOU, SPONSORS!: 💗BEAM MINERALS plant based liquid minerals. Save 20% with code MOTHERRUNNER.  💗LITTLE SPOON meal/snack delivery for kids ages 0-12! Save 30% with code MOTHERRUNNER. RESOURCES: caitlyngermain.com IG: @caitlyn_keeps_tri.ing TIMESTAMPS 0:01 — Caitlyn is introduced as a standout runner with elite speed, setting up her identity as a competitive athlete. 0:06 — She talks about how running shaped her identity, showing how deeply tied she was to the sport and performance. 0:31 — She’s still trying to return to running, which highlights the long road of recovery, resilience, and getting back to the sport. 0:51 — She begins telling her origin story as a runner, which is useful for runners interested in how an athlete builds a training base and competitive mindset. 1:17 — She describes reaching the NCAAs while dealing with pain, showing the tension between competition, endurance, and hidden injury. 2:01 — This is where she starts to suspect something is wrong, an important runner moment around early injury signals and listening to your body. 2:20 — She admits, “I thought it was me,” which reflects common runner self-talk around self-blame, mental toughness, and ignoring symptoms. 2:53 — She describes legs throbbing after hard efforts, a relatable runner keyword moment around training load, recovery, and unusual pain patterns. 4:36 — She remembers being told that pain meant she worked hard, which shows how runners can normalize discomfort, effort, and overtraining signals. 6:45 — She talks about the pain becoming more frequent, marking the shift from manageable discomfort to a real injury pattern, declining performance, and a need for answers. 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [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 connection02:02 — Kids, pets, and family life04:18 — How Whitney and Audrey first met05:27 — Audrey’s origin story: starting her blog and fitness career15:32 — Audrey’s running history and changing motivations18:41 — Audrey’s traumatic birth experience27:25 — How to support someone going through something hard36:24 — Strength training, running, and postpartum fitness46:46 — Nutrition, fueling, and the “all or something” mindset54:32 — Current goals, races, and High Rocks plansWhitney 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]