In A Skirt Podcast

Community. That’s the word that kept popping into my head when I was talking to Erica Kirkwood. The power of community. The power of encouraging people speaking positivity into a life. A lot of people are strong on their own, but a community can take that strength and turn it into something phenomenal.  Erica is a talented and hardworking runner. She is also a wife, mother of two, and occupational therapist. And she is also an Olympic Trials qualifier, having broken 2:45 at Grandma’s Marathon last year.  In this episode, she tells me about every person who has pushed her and encouraged her and helped her along the way. Her community. That, along with her hard work ethic and personal mantra—“Why not me?”—has helped her get faster and faster. I really think you’re going to love this episode. Erica is inspiring and fun to get to know. Cheer her on in a few weeks as she runs in Atlanta with the best of the best in America at the Olympic Marathon Trials.   Show Notes:   Erica Kirkwood on Instagram Generation UCan Race for Hope Registration Race for Hope Info   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 42 – Geaux Run This past weekend, I had the fun privilege of running the Louisiana Marathon. Meanwhile, a number of my friends, past podcast guests, and other Lufkinites ran the Houston Marathon. This is a short recovery episode that is basically a compilation of my rambling thoughts leading up to the race and afterward and updating everyone on how my past podcast guests fared in Houston.   Show Notes:   Ainsley’s Angels Race for Hope Registration Race for Hope Info   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

One of my favorite things about this podcast is the opportunity to get to know people. I love the conversations I have on this show and being able to meet my guests and listeners, even if it is just over the phone, Skype, or social media.  Today’s guest is no exception. I have never met Holly in person, but I feel like we are friends. Some time last year, a woman in my church told me, “You should meet my sister-in-law. You would like her. She’s a runner like you.” After that I became social media friends with the sister-in-law, whose name happened to be Holly.  I have followed Holly’s journey over the last year while she has run race after race after race. I have been impressed by her hard work and dedication to running, while working full time as a nurse practitioner and also wearing wife and mom hats.  In this episode, we talk about her job, why she started running, training for six marathons in 12 months, and being part of the skirt-girl tribe. I hope you enjoy our conversation.   Show Notes:   Race for Hope Registration Race for Hope Info   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

We’re having a marathon, y’all. On February 22, we’re running and walking the streets of Lufkin for a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K.  But this isn’t just any race. It’s for a cause. In this recovery episode, Ashley Berry, the Executive Director of East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope, explains what her organization is about and how every person who signs up for the Race for Hope will help fund and promote the Cancer Alliance for Hope. Sign up for the Race for Hope HERE!   Click HERE for more info on the Race for Hope.   If you want to know more about East Texas Cancer Alliance for Hope, visit their site HERE.   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

This is a special episode for me. Robert and I went to school together. We graduated from Lyford High School in 2001. Go Bulldogs! Robert signed up for his first 5K in October of 2015. He didn’t know what he was in for, but after that first event, he was hooked.  This past year, as his mother’s health declined, he promised her he would run 12 5Ks in 2019 for her. He kept his promise, even though it ended up being a difficult and emotional year for Robert and his family. In this episode, Robert tells me about his favorite 5Ks and opens up about the trying year his family has had.   Upcoming Events:   Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Stuart is a kilt runner and Strava artist who lives in Scotland. In this episode, Stuart tells me why and when he started running in a kilt, all about the Scottish Highland Games he participates in, including how the first to finish in a kilt wins a prize. We also talk about other events at the Highland Games, like stone throwing. Traveling to Scotland to watch at least one Highland Games is now on my bucket list. Stuart and I also talk about Strava art. I had a lot of questions about the planning and logistics that go into creating Strava art.  I hope you enjoy this episode!   Show Notes:   Stuart Marr on Instagram Stuart Marr on Strava   Upcoming Events:   Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Modesty. Entrepreneurship. Women-owned businesses. What do these things have in common? Women are stepping up all over the world and saying they want to have their cake and eat it, too. They want to dress the way they want to dress, and not the way the world tells them they should dress, and they want to be active and comfortable and wear clothes that make them feel like themselves. So they’re opening up their own businesses, heading up their own companies, creating their own designs, and playing the business game their way. They’re giving women what they want. They’re selling products that they can feel good about it selling and we can feel good about buying. Aja is one of those women. She’s the creator of Transcendent Active, a new modest-active wear line. She has an extensive background in fashion and she is fun and vibrant. In this episode, we talk about why she dresses modestly, her religious journey, and how she hopes her brand will stand out. Show Notes:   Transcendent Active on Instagram 100 Years Strong – Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment   Upcoming Events:   Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

The 5K. 5 kilometers. 3.1 miles. It is the most popular distance for recreational runners. If you listened to Episode 34 with Ken Johnson, he explains that decades ago, the 10K used to be popular, but it has since been replaced by the 5K. Why? Because more people are getting outside and running. We are slowly learning that running isn’t just for elites. It’s for people like you and me. And the 5K is the perfect distance to show people that.  The 5K can be life-changing. I’ve learned, and so many others have as well, that the hardest part is training your mind and body for that 3.1-mile endeavor. Once you’ve done that, you realize you can train yourself to do just about anything. A few months ago, a few of us runners in the Lufkin area started messaging each other. It was Kody Smith, Laura Jones, Matty Dupree, Mike Burton, Cindy Springs, and myself. What if we put together a couch to 5K program for people in this area? This episode is about why we started that program and how it went. It ends with conversations with a few of the participants immediately after they crushed their 5K goals!   Upcoming Races:   Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

What is it that you want in your community? What need exists that you could fill? What ball can you get rolling?    Upcoming Races:   Register for the Reindeer Run 5K Reindeer Run 5K on Facebook Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Ken is a lifelong runner. He began running when he joined the Army in 1961. He retired from the Army in the 1980s and moved to Huntsville where he helped co-found the Seven Hills Running Club, a still-active club. Ken’s story is a bit unconventional. Although he’s been running for 58 years, he says he doesn’t like it! You could say he became a runner under duress. For someone who doesn’t like the sport, he sure is active in it! Ken has completed more than 1,100 races, including 101 full or ultra marathons, and 101 (plus some) half marathons. There’s significance to the number 101 and he explains that in this episode.  Also in this episode, we talk about Ken’s Army days and his current run streak. Hope you enjoy our conversation!   Show Notes: Seven Hills Running Club Ken Johnson’s Running Streak Blog   Upcoming Races:   Register for the Reindeer Run 5K Reindeer Run 5K on Facebook Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Fear is an odd thing. It can be beneficial at times. It’s useful for self-preservation. It can keep us from doing crazy or stupid things. It can keep us from injury and death. But sometimes fear keeps us from living, or living well. It turns into stress and anxiety and adversely affects our quality of life. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that a lot of the things that mean the most to me in life I was once afraid of. When I forced myself to face my fears, I found things I loved. I talk to a lot of runners. I love their stories. And I’ve noticed a common theme with a lot of runners—through running, they have been able to overcome a fear, or used the strength of running to face fears.  So this week I asked runners – what fear has running helped you overcome? Show Notes:   Register for the Reindeer Run 5K Reindeer Run 5K on Facebook Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Mike is a teacher, husband, and father. This past January, Mike decided he wanted to get his health back. He started with changing the way he ate, and then, in May, he started running. Mike has lost about 140 pounds this year, and he’s discovered he has a passion and a talent for running. In this episode, we talk a little about Mike’s transformation (some of his students didn’t recognize him when school started back in August), but more about his love for a sport that has done more for him than just help him get healthy. Show Notes: Register for the Reindeer Run 5K Reindeer Run 5K on Facebook Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook   Follow In A Skirt Podcast: In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Myka is a high-school senior from Indiana. She plays volleyball and softball.  When Myka was a young girl, she made the decision on her own to start wearing a skirt to play sports instead of the conventional sports uniforms.  In this episode, she tells us why she decided to make that decision and how her teammates have always supported her.  I sent Myka a list of questions for this episode, and one of them was if she ever feels nervous or self-conscious about what she wears. Myka admits that it can be difficult to look different, but she takes it in stride, smiles, and is happy to show the world who she is. The other questions I sent Myka that she answers in this episode are if she has experienced negativity about her choice to play sports in a skirt, what her favorite sport is and why, if her courage to be different has inspired others, and what piece of advice she would offer to someone who’s afraid to put themselves “out there.”  So, here is Myka in her own words… Thanks for opening up to us, Myka, and letting us know how it feels to celebrate the unconventional! Show Notes:   Register for the Reindeer Run 5K Reindeer Run 5K on Facebook Register for the Race for Hope Race for Hope on Facebook Myka on Instagram   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Adam’s a fun guy. He is easy to talk to, has a brain full of great ideas, is a go-getter, and has a great sense of humor. Years ago, when Adam was 19-years old, he briefly fell asleep while driving home from college. He woke up with a severed spine. Since then, he has been paralyzed from the waist down. Four years ago, Adam was given the opportunity to walk again with a ReWalk robotic exoskeleton. This exoskeleton re-enabled him, and ever since, he’s been on a journey to walk one million steps in races across America and raise awareness and funds for his non-profit organization called I Got Legs. In this episode, Adam tells me how I Got Legs is helping others, the races he has taken his exoskeleton (which he named “Betty Carlton”) to, his future goals, and his vision for I Got Legs. By the way, you’re going to love the reason he named his exoskeleton “Betty Carlton.” If you want to donate or support I Got Legs, go to igotlegs.org. I also have a link to that website in my show notes, along with the organization’s Facebook page, and Instagram profile. Adam is based out of Charleston, South Caroline. If you’re in the Charleston area, or if you like to travel, I Got Legs has a number of events coming up soon that you can participate in and that will financially support the organization.  Show Notes:   I Got Legs Website I Got Legs on Facebook I Got Legs on Instagram ReWalk   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 29 – “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should” – a cautionary tale from Rusty Stover When I started running, I knew nothing about rest and recovery. I thought I could run the same pace and distance every single day, and I couldn’t understand why that pace and distance was easy some days and so very hard other days. Over the past few weeks, I have been helping out with a group here in Lufkin using the Couch to 5K program to get ready for the Reindeer Run 5K in December. Couch to 5K is a run/walk program that slowly builds up running endurance. I didn’t know about Couch to 5K when I started running, but I followed the same basic concept—running short distances, then walking until I felt better, then running again until I felt fatigued, then walking again. Eventually the running portions got a little longer…then a little longer…and so on until I was able to run a mile without stopping, then two, then three. But now that I’m helping others, I want them to know all the things I didn’t know seven years ago when I started out. So I turned to an expert… Rusty Stover has coached a wide range of ages for years. He was the cross country coach at Lufkin High School for a long time until he left sweltering East Texas for the cooler temperatures of Durango, Colorado. And he coached me for a couple of years. He’s also coached a lot of my local running and cycling buddies. One thing that he emphasizes with any athlete he’s working with is the need for recovery. In this episode, we talk about why some days feel harder on your body than others, what you need to do about it, and just how hard you should be pushing yourself. When Rusty was writing my running plans for me, sometimes I scrapped what he had prescribed for a day, and did what I wanted to do. He would always send me a text message that said, “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.” And he was right. My best running buddy is a high mileage kind of gal. But she’s been running for decades, so her body can handle it. When I ran my first marathon, I wanted to run six days a week with lots of miles. So I did. The result? Well, I had a tough time getting through the marathon and wasn’t able to run for two months after the race. Rusty put me on a bike to recover and the next go-round, he lowered the number of days I was running and sprinkled in a lot of strength training and cross training. The result was a much better marathon. I cut 50 minutes off my finish time and recovered quickly enough to run my fastest half marathon to-date just six weeks later. As he explained to me then, and as he explains in this episode, you don’t need to compare yourself to others. You need to take the amount of recovery time that is best for you and build your base—your running foundation. As you build that base in a healthy way, you’ll be able to push yourself a little more. And if you are interested in personalizing your running with a coach, I highly recommend Rusty. Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter