How to balance your training. From finding time as a parent to progressing to minimalist shoes, running expert Amanda Loudin shares her expertise.

Summary: How do you juggle being a parent, training hard, and adapting on the fly to be the best runner you can be? In this interview, we’re going to get inside the head of Amanda Loudin, better known as MissZippy from her popular blog MissZippy1.com. Amanda is a running coach, mother, writer, and an all-around expert when it comes to balancing and adapting training Amanda is going to tell you exactly how she approaches the balance between being a parent and getting the most from your training, how to build-up your training if you’re thinking of going minimalist, and how to properly balance and plan training. Here are the actionable highlights from the interview: 1. Transitioning to minimalism running Lots of runners are thinking about, or currently trying, to transition to running barefoot or with shoes with less heel height. However, progressing to this type of running too fast often leads to its own set of injuries. Take Action: Amanda suggests starting with a transition shoe with a 4mm heel drop and letting your body slowly adapt. Run just a few minutes or a mile in minimalist shoes and then switch back for the rest of your run to develop a feel for forefoot striking and to progress without injury. 2. Balancing training hard with being a parent Anyone who trains and has a family knows it can be a difficult balance between optimal training and feeling like you can be a good parent. Finding that balance is the key to being happy and making progress in your own training. Take Action: Amanda creates her schedule to be extra flexible to allow for the occasional interruption on short notice. Amanda also talks about the importance of staying positive when you do need to adjust for a missed workout. 3. Teach yourself to be more patient One of the most difficult words in the vocabulary of a runner is patience. Progressing slowly, listening to your body, and realizing changes come slow is critical to long-term success. Take Action: Amanda discusses how her ability to stay patient after running her first marathon lead to continued and consistent success. Likewise, her dedication to a slow build-up to minimalist running has allowed her to train injury-free for years. This is an awesome interview, especially if you’re a parent struggling with how to balance your training or you’re interested in minimalist running. Get ready for some specific and actionable lessons you can apply to your training today!