Another Mother Runner

No matter your age, this is an interesting and important episode: It features Selene Yeager of Hit Play Not Pause giving straight talk about how age-related hormonal shifts hit active women—then three real-women runners share their personal hormonal journeys. Lead by hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, this candid conversation covers:

-the myriad physical changes active women experienced

-how “not feeling like myself” is now an official menopausal symptom

-the shifts runners made to accommodate aging bodies

-hormone replacement therapy, plus some supplements that help

-the new activi...

Anyone who enjoys self-discovery or introspection will really appreciate this episode, in which Coach Liz Waterstraat and host Sarah Bowen Shea discuss two books about questions: How to Fall in Love with Questions and A More Beautiful Question. Coach Liz discusses the rewards of embracing uncertainty, committing to curiosity, and having a personal, powerful question. Along the way the duo talks about pen pals (trust us—it’s relevant!). As always, Coach Liz relates many lessons gleaned from the books to athletic pursuits.

This episode originally aired July 15, 2025.

FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/

This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to forge a new path or relieve mounting pressures—whether in life or in running. It’s an intriguing conversation with journalist and longtime runner Lindsay Crouse, whose brand-new book is called The Case for Quitting. Lindsay talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton about:

-perseverance and quitting not being opposites

-what “microquitting” is, and how it can help you say no

-how to stop confusing survival with success

-the importance of having a finish line for challenging endeavors

-why you...

Calling all book lovers: This episode kicks off the fall season with some thoroughly engrossing novels. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison marvel at a clever reimaging of Jane Austen’s Emma that resonates today. Ellison details the latest from the author of The Frozen River, then the hosting duo discuss a “hauntingly poignant” novel told from a dog’s perspective. Ellison puts a bow on the episode by raving about a profound multi-generational story. The new novels discussed:

Miss Bates: Emma Revisited: Catherine Cliff

Anyone contemplating their first run, their return to running, or how to improve their runs needs to listen to this clever, inspiring episode with Coach Chris Bennett, author of the just-released This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running., voice of the Nike Run Club app, and podcast host. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Coach Bennett talks about:

-how (+ why) to see yourself as a runner

-the power of honesty and humility

-the myriad ways to define running success

-his intriguing differentiate between a PR and a...

Anyone looking to shake things up should start by listening to this episode, in which Coach Liz Waterstraat details to host Sarah Bowen Shea how small changes can make a big difference. (Call it the Lilliputian Effect!) Detailing two books—Tiny Experiments and Tiny Habits—Coach Liz details how to make your own pocket-sized experiment, as well as highlighting the power of the pivot. She also talks up small-scale, low-effort initiatives and other ways to make lasting habit change. The hosts think, after listening, you’ll agree: Tiny is transformative!

This episode originally aired on July 15, 2025.

Feis...

This is the episode for everyone who has ever been tormented by self-doubt on a run or felt like an imposter in a race: It’s a thought-provoking round-table discussion with two sport psychologists who get where you’re coming from: Dr. Eryn Ayala and Dr. Tess Kilwein. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, the sport psych docs discuss:

-the importance of fostering self-awareness

-how (+ why!) to get over any aversion to self-compassion

-naming and understanding the comparison game

-the heartbreaking power of perfectionism

-ways to shrug (and...

Something for everyone: This episode serves up an array of new novels! Host Sarah Bowen Shea kicks things off with praise for an engaging mystery set in 1950s England, then co-host Ellison Weist gives the lowdown on the final installment of Colson Whitehead’s finely crafted Harlem Trilogy. The host duo can’t say enough good things about a gorgeous graphic novel that will stay with them for years, leading into a broader convo about some of their favorite graphic novels. Ellison wraps things up with a contemporary novel with a don’t-be-misled retro cover. The books discussed:

Murd...

If you’ve ever struggled to get in a groove with working out, you owe it to yourself to listen to this episode. The guest is Lynda Rowan, a longtime endurance coach, prolific triathlete, and the coach of Feisty Fit. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Coach Lynda covers:

-the power of just giving something a try

-the importance of setting realistic goals

-how to remove internal barriers

-why you need to celebrate the “small” victories

-“gray” workouts: what they are + how to avoid them

After...

This episode will resonate powerfully with anyone striving to live a richer, deeper life: Coach Liz Waterstraat tells host Sarah Bowen Shea about Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle. With a few random LOL detours along the way, Coach Liz details the power of softening your grip to forge more meaningful connections and how to find “presence” on runs and in races. She emphasizes that feeling fully alive in a moment (even the final miles of a race!) is a skill that can be practiced. And find out what the Four H’s are—an...

Anyone stepping up to a marathon—or considering 26.2—owes it to themselves to listen to this informative episode. The guests are Angie Spencer (a veteran of 70+ marathons!) and her husband, Trevor, founders of Marathon Training Academy. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, the MTA duo details:

-knowing when it’s the right time to take on marathon training

-understanding and alleviating training anxiety

-the importance of being a “fed” runner

-pacing advice for training and on race day

-the transformative power of training for a marathon<...

Lovers of thrillers will especially enjoy this episode, which kicks off with the hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist discussing the recent New Yorks Times list of The 50 Best Thrillers of the 21st Century. Then they transition to a thriller disguised as a memoir by a talented writer who (to their surprise) didn’t make the list. Two debut novels entranced Ellison, especially a tense, atmospheric one set in rural Wales. The host duo concludes with two DNF books for which they had high hopes. The books reviewed:

The Amateur: Chris Bohjalian

The Great Wh...

Calling all runners: This episode answers all your “but how do I run and strength train?!?” questions. Ann Chisholm, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and ultrarunner based in British Columbia, talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams (also a trainer) about all sorts of weighty matters, including:

-the injury-prevention benefits of strength training

-the most-bang-for-your-buck strength moves for runners

-to lift or not to lift during the taper

-nutritional guidance for fueling your active pursuits

-how to “season your year” to achieve the best results

Before...

This episode is for every active person who understands that the mental side of training is not a one-and-done conversation. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz pulls three books off the shelf, plus one new one, to discuss how pre-race fear affects athletes of every pace; how expectation dictates performance; how excellence is about incremental growth and commitment over time, not perfection; and more. A must-listen episode regardless of if you have a race on your calendar or not. The books discussed:

Winning the Mental Game: Dr. Amber Selking

Built to Finish: Theresa...

This intriguing episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for straight answers about injury prevention, recovery tools, stretching, running form, and much more. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, physical therapist Denise Smith banishes running-related myths while serving up truths and advice runners can use, including:

-when to stop for pain versus when to run through discomfort

-why you should hop off your treadmill and head outside occasionally

-when it’s really time to replace your running shoes

-what a “shiner” is, and why you should get one

...

Fans of well-crafted fiction will enjoy this episode: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist delve deeply into the latest from Daniel Mason, the author of the highly acclaimed 2023 novel North Woods. Ellison rhapsodizes about a debut, multi-generational novel set in coastal Louisiana, then she details another family saga that takes place at a Midwestern island resort. Next up is a buzzy thriller by the author of the popular novel Dietland. The duo wraps up with a lively discussion about a debut novel sparked by a real-life controversy. The books covered:

Country People: Daniel Mason

Anyone looking for a new running challenge needs to listen to this episode: The guests are running and strength coach Christy Scott, plus three real-world runners who talk about taking on a new-for-them distance: a half-marathon, a marathon, and a 100-mile (!) ultramarathon. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, the guests share:

-the power of consistency—and staying present in the moment

-how one runner proved her cancer doctors wrong

-why one chose marathon training to control the chaos in her life

-how they fared in their longer race (bl...

This is the ideal episode for anyone struggling with an injury or going through a tough time in life. In a bit of a shift from her usual performance-centric books, Coach Liz Waterstraat tells host Sarah Bowen Shea about The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar. As part of the conversation, the host duo talks about the power of awe and its ability to get you out of your own head—a joyous phenomenon that can happen during a run, ride, or game. Coach Liz wisely suggestions ways to reframe a...

This is the ideal episode for runners and walkers to get solutions for all their skin-related issues and concerns—no topic is off-limits or TMI. The guest is Brooke Jackson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, marathon runner, and author of Skincare for Runners. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams, Dr. Jackson offers up:

-solutions for post-run heat rash and hives

-loads of sun-protection insight + (scared-straight!) wisdom

-best practices for effective sunscreen application

-deodorant and antiperspirant recommendations

-save-the-toenail guidance

Before the guest joins around 22:52, Molly Wi...

Anyone looking for novels to read at the pool, beach, or on a plane will appreciate the entertaining, well-crafted books discussed in this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist start with the “subtle beauty” of the latest novel by Ann Patchett (the host-duo detail their favorite novels by this esteemed author). In discussing a new domestic thriller, they debate why male narrators are somewhat rare in that genre. An engaging new book that elevates the standard beach read prompts a series of sideline conversations about various generations. Finally, each host shares a graphic novel she’s recently read...

This is an episode for everyone as grief is a recurring facet of all our lives. The guest is Myra Sack, the founder of E-Motion and author of Fifty-seven Fridays, a memoir about the life and January 2021 death of her young daughter. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Myra shares:

-the founding of her org near Boston’s Heartbreak Hill

-why the repetitive, rhythmic nature of running helps process grief

-the power of having someone running by your side

-the healing capacity of nature

-the group’s un...

The Miles of Books Non-Fiction Debut Episode originally dropped on April 22, 2025.

This debut episode is ideal listening for all athletes, especially ones in a pursuit of increased athletic enjoyment and success. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat does a deep dive into the new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan. Among other things, Coach Liz discusses the importance of openness during a race; how conscientiousness can help runners succeed in training; and why being more outgoing might deepen your connection to running. (As promised, here’s Co...

This episode originally dropped on February 23, 2024.

Anyone considering or training for a half-marathon or marathon needs to listen to this episode with running legend Deena Kastor, Olympic bronze medalist in marathon and author of Let Your Mind Run. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Deena shares:

-ways to banish the intimidation factor of a long run

-what “the insistent mind” is—and how to get into it

-positive interpretations of the signals your body sends you mid-run

-her acceptance of slowing down + running shorter races

-the...

Calling all cooking and baking enthusiasts: This special episode is for you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Sheila Gencarelli, both avid cooks/bakers, serve up a conversation about four new cookbooks. They discuss standout recipes; baking with a variety of flours; small-batch nut butters; and numerous quick weeknight dinner options. The cookbooks they discuss:

Easy Everyday: 100 Recipes and Meal Prep Ideas for Effortless Eats: Jessica Merchant

Big Bites: Time to Eat!: Nourishing Family Recipes That Cook in an Hour or Less: Kat Ashmore

Morning Baking: Roxana Jullapat

Cooking Fast and Slow...

If you’re trail-running curious—or just love inspiring athletes—this is the episode for you! Host Sarah Bowen Shea is joined by guest host Corrine Malcolm, co-host of Trail Society podcast, to talk with Stephanie Irving, 64, an avid trail runner running the legendary Western States 100, where she’ll be the second oldest female participant; she’s also the co-founder of Wild Woman Trail Runs. In this in-person episode recorded just days before the big race, Steph and Corrine detail:

-what’s so special about WS100

-the “magic” of a women’s-only running race like Wild Woman

...

Whether you have an upcoming race or are simply under a lot of stress, you owe it to yourself to listen to this insightful episode. Coach Liz Waterstraat, with host Sarah Bowen Shea, discusses Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Hendrie Weisinger and J.P. Pawliw-Fry. Coach Liz shares some important lessons gleaned from the book, such as viewing something as a challenge instead of a crisis—then learning to thrive on a challenge. The hosts talk about the effective strategy of “shrinking” a pressure-filled moment, and how a perceived victory can tr...

Anyone headed on a summer vacation or away on a work trip needs to listen to this episode. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, plus two other frequent travelers (a triathlete and an ultrarunner/flight attendant!), share advice and anecdotes about exercising while away from familiar stomping grounds. Details include:

-been-there, done-that advice on making smart hotel choices

-packing pointers

-the best apps to get the lay of the land + plan running routes

-how to make sure recovery is part of your time away

-encouragement to jump into...

Feeling like diving into summer with some engaging reads? Listen to this episode in which hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist jump into two books set in and around water—one is a debut that Ellison quite enjoyed, while the other is a dystopian tale. Ellison has praise for the historical war-and-love story in the episode’s mix, while the hosting duo is divided over the new novel by the Pulitzer-prize-winning author of Less and Less Is Lost. Sarah is enamored with the “dear” protagonist and his adventures, while Ellison finds the characters too precious and predictable. The novels t...

Let’s not kid ourselves: Everyone needs to listen to this episode because extreme weather is coming, if it hasn’t arrived already. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat (a hot-weather racing warrior!) welcome Christopher Minson, Ph.D., a professor of Human Physiology at University of Oregon, where he is also co-director of the Exercise and Environmental Physiology Labs, to strategize about running and cycling in hot weather. Dr. Chris shares:

-some fascinating science re: sweat + thermoregulation

-reasons to run outside instead of in a climate-controlled enviro

-somewhat-surprising advice for what to w...

Anyone feeling rundown or overburdened owes it to herself to listen to this episode about a brand-new book called The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving by Elizabeth Svoboda. A big fan of this 188-page book, Coach Liz Waterstraat details lessons learned from it, including the importance of choosing to rest (couched in the term, “principled dissent”) and why a “struggle phase” when starting a run or kicking off a work project is natural and normal. Discover what it means to “re-story”—and why it can provide clarity and energy.

Feisty Fest: Join us...

In this bonus episode, Selene welcomes longtime friend, cyclist, and women’s sports powerhouse Kate Veronneau to the show for a preview of the first-ever FeistyFest in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

For Kate, the location is personal: The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is where she first fell in love with bike racing, found her cycling community, and eventually launched a career in the sport. She shares how a casual Friday night trip to watch track racing turned into an entry-level “try the track” class, a relocation to the Lehigh Valley, and years immersed in one of the most m...

For every mother worried she might have to forgo athletic goals due to parenting demands, this episode is for you! In this heartwarming, inspiring episode, hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton talk with two mothers who were able to pursue their marathon goals thanks, in part, to a generous grant from For All Mothers+. (Psst, the application deadline is June 10!) One momma completed her first marathon, while the other guest qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials (!). In the episode:

-both runners detail how their marathon dreams became reality

-one mom’s journey from watching th...

Attention Anglophiles (and lovers of clever, engrossing books): This episode is for you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist explore the themes of four new novels all set in or around England’s capital city. Buckle up: Two are riveting, contemporary page-turners, including the latest from the author of 2012’s Capital. The other two are period pieces laced with mystery and romance. The hosts delve into the perception of reality and seeing it through a media lens. The novels discussed:

Look What You Made Me Do: John Lanchester

The Kindness of Strangers: Emma Garman

No matter what speed your forward motion is, you need to listen to this enlightening episode featuring Milica McDowell, DPT, co-author of Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity―One Step at a Time. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Molly Williams, Dr. Milica details:

Th...

Anyone who believes limited time, options, or resources are holding them back needs to listen to this intriguing episode. Coach Liz Waterstraat shares surprising lessons learned from the hot-off-the-presses book Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better by David Epstein. Realize why more freedom doesn’t equal more possibility—or more productive workouts or better race outcomes! Learn how to minimize distractions during workouts to boost focus. And discover if you are a “satisficer” like Sarah or more of a maximizer/satisficer hybrid like Coach Liz.

Join AMR at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October...

No matter what age you were when you became an athlete, you’ll enjoy these insightful conversations with three women who didn’t discover their sporty side until their 40s. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, they share:

Before the first late-bloomer runner hops on around 14:13...

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the latest from the authors of The Help or The Guncle, this is a don’t-miss episode! Host Ellison Weist weighs in on Kathryn Stockett’s long-awaited novel, and Sarah Bowen Shea details Steven Rowley’s new set-in-Palm-Springs book. Ellison also raves about the latest Oprah’s Book Club pick. And Sarah goes wild for a novel adaptation on Netflix! The books discussed:

The Calamity Club: Kathryn Stockett

A Deadly Episode: Anthony Horowitz

John of John: Douglas Stuart

Attention adventure lovers: Give a listen to this episode about the Grand Traverse, a single-day trail event in Duluth, MN, that lets you choose the distance you cover and at what pace you want to go (hiking or running). Coach Dimity McDowell and three 2025 Grand Traverse participants join hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat to share details and highlights of this epic undertaking, including:

-the training involved for a one-day hiking or running event

-how hiking 21 miles stacks up to running a half-marathon

-essential nutrition and hydration strategies for success

This is a must-listen for everyone who needs to get out of their own head and make forward progress. Coach Liz Waterstraat shares wisdom and take-away lessons gleaned from Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results by Nir Eyal with Julie Li. In the conversation with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz explains that beliefs aren’t facts; the effect anticipation has on physical capabilities; and the importance of stacking small wins. And she drops a scientifically backed shocker about the deleterious effects of hitting snooze!

Momentous: Use code AMR for up...

This is a must-listen for parents of sporty kids, anyone struggling with an injury, and folks looking for hard-earned wisdom: Running prodigy/phenom Mary Cain, author of the compelling new memoir This Is Not About Running, talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton. Interspersed with the hosts expressing anguish at the harassment she endured, Mary details: