Train Like A Mother

Coach MK and Dimity dive deep into the questions on this advice-filled episode. Whether you need tips on planning your schedule, climbing hills, or motivating when you'd rather not, we've got your back. (And if you just want some straight-up chatter about life, running, momming and the like, we've got that too!)

Coach MK and Dimity take on the book of the cycle: Big Potential by Shawn Achor, and take on the myth that the lonely, long-distance runner is the one who wins the metaphorical race. The conversation takes some twists and turns, including an unexpected emotional moment when Dimity recalls a recent encounter with—and two surprisingly powerful words from—a trail runner.

Train Like a Mother Running Coach Amanda Loudin talks through injuries—and why racing on one isn't a great idea—as well as how to deal with a persnickity GI on race day. (Thumb's up to peppermint gum; thumb's down to caffeinated gels.)

Train Like a Mother Ultra Coach Stephanie Violett Howe talks through hydration, electrolytes and salt tabs (hint: you want them!). She also hits on how to rearrange a training schedule, using hiking poles, seeing snakes on the trail, and getting through races that are much more challenging than you anticipated by sharing specific details about her recent 50-miler in Peru.

As most of the country heads into its ninth month of winter, triathlon coach Jennifer Harrison and Dimity talk about strategies for staying motivated on the bike trainer. (Read: they give Netflix recommendations.) The duo also touches on what you need to think about on the bike when the roads clear, as well as how to make sure to not drop the swimming workouts when you travel. And the word of the podcast? Participatory.

A Pre-Run Mental Focus, guided by Dr. Justin Ross, a Denver-based sports psychologist and coach of the Perform Like a Mother series. In this exercise, Justin helps you set your mind pre-run by prompting you to focus on your breath, your senses, and your workout goals. Using this sequence regularly, before you head out for your miles, will help you get the most, both mentally and physically, out of any run.

After Dimity and Jenn discuss Jenn's surprising win in a recent 50k (wahoo!), the two dive into Ragnar essentials. You'll learn why strength training isn't optional (especially for Ragnar!), how Twizzlers can work into a Ragnarian's diet, and how to thrive during training and race day(s).

Coach MK returns! After chatting about her birth and how life with a fourth kid has changed, Coach MK and Dimity talk about moving your goal post (not a bad thing!), why spring is NOT the best season for running and various other (super important) topics to keep you entertained on your run.

Train Like a Mother Running Coach Amanda Loudin answers a variety of questions from #motherrunners training for 10ks, half-marathons and marathons, and also talks through her perspective on paces. (Paces for easy effort runs, paces for racing, paces for intervals and fast finishes, among others--and spoiler alert: They don't involve numbers!)

Train Like a Mother Triathlon Coach Jennifer Harrison addresses everything from cadence on the bike (80-low 90 rpms is ideal, in case you were wondering) to how to train for a sprint triathlon summer series to why "purposeful" is a great adjective for training transitions. Tune in to increase your swim/bike/run knowledge!

Train Like a Mother Ultra Coach Stephanie Howe Violett talks through a variety of ultra-marathon related topics, including how to fuel for training runs, how much rest you need between races, and what kind of performance goals she has for herself in 2018 (the answer will surprise you!).

In the final episode before we meet Violet, Coach MK and Dimity discuss Starting at the Finish Line: Coach Al Buehler's Timeless Wisdom. This short book shares the optimistic perspective of the Duke University middle-distance track coach; we explain how his coaching style relates to your #motherrunner performance.

Coach MK and Dimity hit the microphone to welcome 2018. In this episode, after plenty of catchup, we take a deeper dive into setting meaningful athletic goals. We talk about what works (small steps that come from within) and what doesn't (ambitious goals with timelines and misdirected motivation). Plus, we disclose the name of her soon-to-be-born baby. #freeviolet

Coach MK Fleming and Dimity are back minding their beats again; this time, the duo chats with #motherrunners who have already been through a training cycle with heart rate. Lots of great MK advice ("PR's are built in the off season with strength") woven into planning schedules for 2018.

Coach Amanda Loudin and Dimity McDowell dive into the 10K, half-marathon and marathon programs in the Train Like a Mother Club; the duo's marathon-length conversation covers everything from running your first marathon post-baby to winning your half-marathon age group at age 66. (BAMR!)