The RunRunLive Podcast Episode 195 – Run Like a Mother
[audio:http://www.RunRunLive.com/PodcastEpisodes/epi195.mp3|titles=Episode 195 – Run Like a Mother]
Show intro by:
Cleah – http://pancakeiscute.wordpress.com/
RunRunLive – Podcast Intro
(read this script into audio)
“Welcome to the Run-Run-Live Podcast! – The podcast for runners, wannabe runners and mid-packers of all shapes and sizes who just want to strap on their favorite pair of shoes and get out there!
This is Not Chris your host, This is {your name}, I’m the guest announcer this week. When you’re done listening to the RunRunLive Podcast come visit me at {your podcast/blog/product/website} where we {description – call to action – etc.} (feel free to improvise and tart it up, but don’t take too long}
…So – and wherever and whenever this episode finds you I hope you’re doing great and I hope you’re getting your run in today! I know I’m getting my run in!
You ready to have some fun? Come on then, let’s go for a run!”
Email a wav or mp3 to cyktrussell at gmail dot com or leave it as a message on my message line…206-339-7804
Intro:
Hello and welcome to the Womanly women podcast. If everything works out ok this one will be a celebration of mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and runners.
Don’t change that dial! This is the RunRunLive Podcast and this is episode 195 – but today our theme is a celebration of woman runners. If everything works out – you won’t be hearing too much of that tired old misogynist Chris, the host.
Instead this will be a show of other voices. We have a great show for you today. We have Sarah and Dimity from The Run Like a Mother world headquarters. It’s a great interview.
It’s a different format, let’s hope it works. We want to encourage the RunRunLive staff to stretch and take chances, Right? It’s also going to probably run a little long.
We are also going to announce the winner of the Altra Zero-Drop Women’s running shoe contest. Well – actually Jeremy from Altra is.
We had ladies write comments in a blog post about what makes running unique for women and we are going to share some of those here with you. It should be inspiring for the ladies and hopefully informative for those other hairy clueless souls they share the planet with.
Open your hearts and On with the Show!
Audio clips in this episode:
Jeremy from Altra Running – http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_15151_18952_69005_177103
- Annie says:
October 5, 2011 at 11:19 PM (Edit)
Running defines me. Running takes me places that I have never been. I will run my first marathon this weekend. It is the strength that I gain from hitting the pavement that completes me. Running is my peace. Cheers to all the women out there doing what they love. The high I get from the miles I complete is amazing. I can not wait to cross the finish line in Chicago. Keep running
- Sarah says:
September 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM (Edit)
I think for every woman it’s different – I certainly can’t presume to speak for others. But for me, now that I’ve reached a certain age, running is a pursuit I choose to do because I love it. With all of the other things requiring my attention – kids, spouse, house, life – I certainly wouldn’t put the time into it otherwise! And as a mom who tends to put everything and everyone else’s needs above my own, the time I’ve carved out to pursue running is extremely important to me – because as others have said, it’s about more than athletics and fitness: it’s “me” time, and it feels selfish sometimes, but not so much if I think about how my mood would be if I didn’t get my run in!
- kelley says:
September 23, 2011 at 9:44 AM (Edit)
Running is my personal time to think and be alone with myself. It is a rare thing for alone time to pop up randomly as a wife and mom. I’m not sure that being a woman really makes running itself any different for me. Of course there are considerations that maybe men don’t pay so much attention to, like is this neighborhood safe for me to run alone in or is being out after a dark a risk. But the running itself – I think we can all find our passion in that no matter our sex.
- Mik says:
September 12, 2011 at 2:00 PM (Edit)
”Running is like life. It starts and ends. It’s full of ups and downs. It makes you feel all sorts of emotion from joy to pain to just being numb. It allows you to see the nice and not so nice along the way. You trip but you keep on going. And most importantly, you decide how you will approach it- you determine how long, how fast and which course to take that will eventually lead to the finish line.”
- Deb says:
September 9, 2011 at 11:21 AM (Edit)
I am many things. I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a chauffer, a chef…the list goes on and on. But when I am running, I just am. It’s funny that I feel so NONE of the listed things doing the one activity that clears my head and makes me stronger at all of those things.
What is unique to me about the female running experience? At the moment, my world is concentrated on my three daughters, who I hope do not lose themselves and their self-esteem in the crazy world of mixedmessages and pressures that we live in. Running helps me to not lose myself. I hope to pass this gift onto my daughters so that they, too, may grow up strong and self-assured.
- Bonnie says:
September 9, 2011 at 7:27 AM (Edit)
I feel that running defines me more as a person than a winner. It gives me freedom go out and chase things. It’s time just for me before a crazy day, so that I can start fresh each day. It gives me a chance to challenge myself with things I didn’t think possible. It keeps me in shape so that I can get better and better at my job, and healthy so that I can be of more help to my family. I can’t imagine life without running!
- Tracy says:
September 9, 2011 at 3:33 AM (Edit)
On the bad side, women have to deal with issues men do not have — cat calls, fear of going out alone at night, fear of rape, generally obnoxious behavior by men (oh sorry, actually a lot of men runners do have to deal with that, too).
On the good side–there is a feeling of liberation which I think is stronger for women than men. The simple act of taking time to do something just for “me” is, in itself, pretty counter-cultural even these days.
Personally, running has given me tremendous strength (of body, mind and soul) and made me more courageous and confident. Where I run (I live in Africa), I am a moving symbol of the strength and possibility of women. I am very unusual and I know lots of women look at me and see the possibility of moving freely and having fun, even as an adult–something they get to do very rarely. Young girls see me and see the possibility of being independent, choosing their own life. Not that this sort of symbolic act is not also possible for men, but it is not as groundbreaking, in any culture. For women, it is a revelation.
- Kristina says:
September 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM (Edit)
I am relatively new to running (training for my first marathon, first 5k was in March), so have a fairly narrow perspective. However, I can say that running is my “me” time, as well as my “We” time. When I’m not at work, I’m a wife and a mother. That’s it. There’s never time by myself without guilt. Running allows me to be a better mother and wife during the “We” time, while allowing me peace and tranquility in the “Me” time.
Aside from the obvious physical differences between men and women, I think women may actually get more out of the running experience. As emotional beings, we tend to feel more emotion earlier in an experience, and therefore may well enjoy a run at a deeper, more personal level than our male counterparts.
Running is a natural, beautiful activity that aids in the health and emotional well-being of runners, and by extension, those around them.
- julia says:
September 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM (Edit)
My dailymile entry for today read:
Everything was moving slow this morning including me but I still enjoyed my run. No one was around again. My focus easily rested on the simple act of running with no disturbances. I could hear my feet hitting the red rubber turf, that was about it, just a steady beat. That sound always pulls me together somehow. I don’t know why but I really like it. Yeah…., I like that….the steady beat of a lone run…, I want ta do it again….
- Rachel. says:
September 6, 2011 at 9:31 PM (Edit)
Jogbras, running skorts, hydration vests sized for the female anatomy…finally, a true running shoe to set the female form free…bring it on!!!
- andrea says:
September 6, 2011 at 6:54 PM (Edit)
Hmmm…I’m not really sure how my experience as a female runner differs from that of a male- i’ve never been one. That said… I’m pretty sure no man has ever had to worry about running bra induced breast infections while nursing a baby. I’ve learned a lot in learning how to run 2 years ago- primarily that I still exist as a person with goals and wants outside of my role as a mother. When i step out the door sans children ( and trust me, I have to drag them along with me on bikes and in strollers more than they like) I get to shed my worries, if only for an hour. I am me again- a me which serves as a better, stronger, healthier role model for the next generation of women (and men) in my house.
- Lisa says:
September 6, 2011 at 6:05 PM (Edit)
Running has made me more independent and capable in all areas of my life. There’s something about knowing that you can run a marathon that gives you confidence to know you can tackle any problem, no matter how big. It’s taught me that I never have to worry about being stranded because I can make my own way in the world. And it’s taught me that I am stronger than I ever knew. Running makes me feel like Wonder Woman!
- jenna says:
September 6, 2011 at 4:36 PM (Edit)
Sometimes it seems harder to run as a woman. The running world seems geared towards men (more shoes at stores, male running heroes and seriously, what’s with the sports bra thing?). Why am I called a jogger and my male friend called a runner? I don’t go out for a jog, I go out, slap on the world’s most irritating contraption to hold in my boobs and some running shoes and I run my heart out. In those moments, I get to be more than the 5′ nothing girl the world sees. In those moments, I am tall and I am proud and I am simply a runner.
- Judy says:
September 6, 2011 at 11:05 AM (Edit)
Hey Chris, Love your podcast especially the outros. You definitely “add value” to my life. I think that the “female” running experience may be unique in that a lot of women suffer from overworking, multitasking and lack of self esteem. Men suffer from these also but I think it can be pronounced in women, especially women who are mothers. I think that a lot of women find running as a huge outlet. A way to have some time to call there own and gain self confidence. If you want to interview someone for your show who could speak to this issue I would suggest Dimity and Sarah. Since the publication of their first book, Run Like a Mother, these authors have built up an engaged, vibrant tribe of women runners with a presence on Facebook and on their website anothermotherrunner.com. They have done a lot for mother runners like me!
- Mikala says:
September 5, 2011 at 10:48 PM (Edit)
Since you had Altra running shoes advertised on your podcast I have looked everywhere for them. I travel a lot for work and have searched from Boise to Albany, but no one seems to have them in stock. I’m a bit of a gear head, so the free part would really help out my running budget! I’ve been a runner for about 8 years. I did a lot of local 5ks but never really enjoyed it. Then, I discovered ultra marathons and I was hooked! I’m hoping to qualify for Western States later this year, and running it in my new Altra running shoes the experience would be incredible!
- Janet says:
September 2, 2011 at 8:03 AM (Edit)
Running has been part of my life for just over 35 years, and when Chris talked about the lack of women who ran when he was starting in the 70′s it started me thinking about how running has helped me change over these many many miles and years. I don’t really think that it IS different or special. It’s running. I have run with men and women, felt the companionship, competition, and friendship, and now mostly run alone because the solitude is what is working for me now. The running experience evolves and changes as life evolves and changes. I’ve been lucky to run in China in the ’90′s (great update from Amanda!), Europe, Japan, all around the US, and now in New Hampshire. As long as we can continue, it is a gift, a pleasure, a reward for women, surely, but for all of us.
- Shelly says:
August 31, 2011 at 8:33 PM (Edit)
Most women are focused on taking care of others: family, coworkers, friends and other loved ones. When we lace up the running shoes, it is our time. Even if the kids are in the stroller we are pushing, it is still time to decompress and connect in a way like no other. I like the feeling of empowerment that running instills. It’s great to have the freedom to run!
- Gina says:
August 30, 2011 at 4:47 PM (Edit)
When I run it does not matter that I am a woman. The air in and out of my lungs, heavy and thick. The rain on my face. The sweat dripping down my legs. The pieces of life that matter.
When I run it does not matter that I am a woman. Thoughts run straight and clear, unfettered. Eyes bright and clear. Here I work only for myself. The pieces of life that matter.
When I run I am a woman in the purest form. Strong and straight. The trees bow down before me and the crickets sing my praise. This is what it means to be human. This is what it means to be a woman.
- Lori says:
August 30, 2011 at 3:51 PM (Edit)
I’m made as a woman, but compete like a human.
I train like a woman in that I have a task and I take pride in marking it off. I rise to acheive knowing that this is not cutting into my beauty rest, but it’s growing a better kind of beauty on the inside. This early Saturday run is nothing like getting up to go to work!
I cover the same roads, time after time, but as a woman, I notice the subtile changes. A country road tells time by which harvest is scattered along its fringes. “Cotton’s in? Wow! Time flies!”
I recover in ice like a man, but all the while salivating over that sunshiny wallow coming in just a few minutes on the back porch.
Bring it on!
- Julie says:
August 28, 2011 at 7:18 PM (Edit)
I have a love/hate relationship with running.
I hate:
– road kill
– falling
– freezing weather
– pain
– sweat
– sore feet (which I’m sure would be solved with a free pair of size 10 Altras!)
I love:
– watching the sun rise over the river on my long runs
– the peace of cool quiet mornings
– friendships forged over the sport
– running gear
– the euphoria and sense of accomplishment when I’m done!
- Grace r says:
August 26, 2011 at 3:05 PM (Edit)
Life is full of tough decisions, mistakes and successes, everyday battles won and lost. It is a transforming process that fluctuates between highs and lows. Life is demanding. But every morning I put on my shoes and go out the door, and for the next hour I am focused on making myself stronger and faster, mentally and physically. Narcissistic? Perhaps. But this ritual builds the foundation for my day. Running helps me train not only for my next race, but for the challenges each day may bring; and I take comfort in knowing that tomorrow I will return to this calm place once again.
- Carrie says:
August 25, 2011 at 11:45 PM (Edit)
While in junior high, I developed an eating disorder. The only thing I would do was run. I ran because I felt I needed to lose more weight or burn off calories. I was never overweight; just an average, athletic teenage girl. Nevertheless, running became something I had to do. It no longer became something that I enjoyed. While in college, still trying to recover; I rediscovered my love of running-which was lost- by realizing that my body was a vessel through which I could express myself and I was of worth to do so. In order to do such, I needed to gain back strength that was lost. I signed up for a local 5K and began to run again. I continue to run today for running has become more empowering, meaningful, and an expression of my faith to overcome a battle that truly took away something great for a time.I hope to instill in every woman that they are of worth and running provides hope, healing, and accomplishment.
- Nicki says:
August 24, 2011 at 8:59 PM (Edit)
Women, in society in general, tend to be the nurturers and the ones who put themselves last. When I lace up my shoes and head out for a run, I am putting myself first which makes me happier and healthier.
- Rebecca says:
August 24, 2011 at 10:31 AM (Edit)
I think what makes the experience unique for women is that every step we take is a step towards continuing the tradition of Katherine Switzer and Joan Benoit Samuelson. Also, we have a week out of every month where even if it is a good month, you feel tired and out of sorts. Running through that is tough but only makes you stronger.
- Kalina says:
August 24, 2011 at 9:33 AM (Edit)
Women runners are so much more than men runners. We have so many more obstacles to overcome. I mean is a male ever going to have to worry if he is going to start his period the day before a big race? Is he ever going to be slowed down in practice because his body is exhausted from “that time of month”? I don’t think so. Women runners have to overcome that stupid emotional side to us and really push through the pain. Which we are awesome at. I’d like to see a man give birth and live through it.
Running defines me because it gives me a place where I can truly be myself with no one to impress and no one to judge. When I’m running there is nothing that matters except me and the run.
Thanks for a great giveaway! I REALLY hope I win!!!
- Susan says:
August 24, 2011 at 9:10 AM (Edit)
When I run I get the chance to be just me. I challenge myself, push myself and treasure each step of freedom. No one asks me for snacks, complains about what’s for dinner or leaves their dirty clothes in my path. It’s time with good friends sharing the rhythm of our footsteps or simply time alone. It keeps me sane, clears out the clutter in my mind and energizes me to try to be a better mom to my three amazing kids.
- Lorna says:
August 23, 2011 at 3:13 PM (Edit)
I am nurturer, provider, gatherer of tears, kisser of all “owies”, protector against the boogieman and all other things scary. I am Mommy, I am woman, I am employee, I am sister, daughter, lover, friend. I am chef, housekeeper, launderer, teacher, nurse and spiritual guide. I am a runner. I run because it’s the one thing I do for me. It’s my time, my thoughts, my body. Running is mine. I don’t have to share it with anyone. It’s the one selfish thing I do. Yet, everyone in my life benefits from the more patient, calmer, fitter, healthier, saner person it allows me to be. Running is the main ingredient in this crazy balancing act I call life.
- Liz says:
August 23, 2011 at 2:22 PM (Edit)
Running has change my live in so many ways. But I think the biggest was really helping me learn how to safely push my body to its limits. Not only with running but also with natural child birth. Two very different things but two things that I feel very strongly about doing the natural way we were created to do.
- Elizabeth. says:
August 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM (Edit)
We’re mothers, wives, friends, caregivers, nurses, historians, teachers, motivators, party planners, and storytellers. But yet, we never forget to channel our inner superheroes and run, too.
- Tanya says:
August 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM (Edit)
As a woman, I’ve learned that I feel best when I listen to my body – it’s not about conquering it, but working with it an embracing what it tells me.
Whether I’m running alone to enjoy the solace and quiet of the early morning or running to experience the recharging community of good friends on the weekend, it provides me an opportunity to embrace the unique strength of being a woman.
For me, running as a woman represents cooperation more than competition – cooperation with my own body and with the community around me.
Skits, commercials and parodies in this episode:
Story time:
Equipment Check:
Featured Interview:
Run Like a Mother – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Run-Like-a-Mother-The-Book/317268647037?sk=app_190322544333196
Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea are successful sports and fitness freelance writers. As an assignment for Runner’s World, they trained together for the 2007 Nike Women’s Marathon, and they continue to run regularly in races of all lengths. Both are mothers and longtime runners.
Sarah Bowen Shea is a successful health and fitness freelance writer living in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three young children. She writes for a variety of magazines, including Runner’s World, Whole Living, and SELF.
Showing off her nurturing side, Sarah had her first book published in 2009–The Essential Breastfeeding Log: A Feedings Tracker and Baby-Care Organizer for Nursing Moms. Sarah firmly believes one of her greatest accomplishments was exclusively breastfeeding her boy-girl twins for the first year of their lives.
Quick Tip:
Outro:
That’s it; you ladies have found your way to the end of yet another RunRunLive podcast – Episode 195 in the can.
Thank you to the ladies who read for us today. Dimity and Sarah and Lavender and Jolene. I hope you all enjoyed this episode. It’s fun to try new things and new wrinkles. Speaking of wrinkles…Chris has a few great shows for you coming up so stay tuned.
…
New-Outro
People
In our ongoing discussion of leadership this week we take a chapter from the CEO of Campbell’s Soup. He just left Campbell’s after successfully turning the company’s fortunes and before that he did the same thing at Nabisco.
He was asked what his secret was for changing companies. He replied, without hesitation, that the first and primary thing you have to do is to get the people engaged. You can have a compelling vision or a great product but if the people in the company are not engaged you can’t have success.
This is such a basic point that we tend to overlook. We tend to look for technical answers, and tactical solutions. But all the math and science in the world cannot be successful unless you have a group of people who are turned on by a common vision and are willing. Willing to work. Willing to commit. Willing to trust. And willing to fail.
The first step is always the people.
We avoid that step. We try to skip that step. Because that is the hardest thing.
Next time you come into a new position, or a new situation or challenging problem, consider the people first. That is where the key will lie.
It’s always about people.
And while you consider this I will see you out there.
…
You can find Chris checking His estrogen levels at Twitter, Facebook, DailyMile, YouTube – and Google as cyktrussell that’s Chris yellow king tom Russell with two esses and two ells.
Share with us at the dial in line – 206-339-7804. Leave a message there it sends an audio file.
We like it when women read the show intro. It is in the show notes and on the web site –- you will find all the other content on the website www.runrunlive.com
To take you out today some haunting blues by the talented Koko Taylor called Voodoo Woman. Enjoy!
Bon Chance, Mes Amies
Music:
From Podsafe:
All music used in the show is from the Podsafe music network found at Music Alley. Please support the starving, socially minded artists sampled herein by purchasing some!
Song1
turquoise_rose-half_a_woman
Song 2-3
shemekia_copeland-the_other_woman
chrissy-real_woman
christopher_b_crowder-smell_the_coffee
Outro music:
Koko Taylor – Voodoo Woman
Outro Artists Bio:
Koko Taylor
Standard Links:
www.midpackerslament.com
Cyktrussell At gmail and twitter and facebook and youtube
Chris’ book on Amazon – > http://www.amazon.com/Mid-Packers-Lament-collection-running-stories/dp/141961584X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228687012&sr=8-1
Mid-Packer’s Lament E-book
Mid-Packer’s Guide to the Galaxy E-Book
Dial in number for RunRunLive is – 206-339-7804
Chris Russelllives and trains in suburban Massachusetts with his family and Border collie Buddy. Chris is the author of “The Mid-Packer’s Lament”, and “The Mid-Packer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, short stories on running, racing, and the human comedy of the mid-pack. Chris writes the Runnerati Blog at www.runnerati.com. Chris’ Podcast, RunRunLive is available on iTunes and at www.runrunlive.com. Chris also writes for CoolRunning.com (Active.com) and is a member of the Squannacook River Runners and the Goon Squad.
Email me at cyktrussell at Gmail dot com
Running Podcast, podcasts for running, podcast for runners, free podcast for runners, Running Blog, marathon, triathlon, mileage, sprinting, run, track, training, running clubs, running groups, running shoes, exercise, health, 5k, running, swimming, sports, injuries, stretching, eating, jogging, biking, trail race, 5K, 10K, Ultramarathon, jogging a good exercise, road runner, jogging tips, benefits of jogging, free running, running shoes, marathon training, running, jogging, health and fitness, runners, runner, Boston qualification, Marathon BQ, Boston marathon
Thank you, that was real nice. 🙂