Episode 600: Behind the Mic with Podcaster Tina Muir

Welcome to the running podcaster series! I’m bringing you a collection of conversations with fellow podcasters in the running space—people I know you already love and maybe a few new voices you’ll be excited to discover. My hope is to link arms with these wonderful humans and share their stories and perspectives with you. You might listen to some of them every week, but don’t often get to hear them on the other side of the mic. I think that’s going to be a fun shift for you. We’re kicking things off with my friend Tina Muir, host of the Running for Real podcast. If you’ve followed her over the last few years—really since around 2021—you’ve probably noticed the way she’s used her platform as a vehicle for social change, especially in advocating for the health of our environment. Tina has raised the bar for major races across the country, including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the AJC Peachtree Road Race, helping these events improve their sustainability efforts. She serves on the board of directors for both Running USA and Earth Day 365. Tina is also the co-author of Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet , which she wrote with Zoë Rom. If you’re interested in using running as a force for good, I highly recommend checking it out. She’s a former elite runner, a mom of two, and someone I’ve known since the early days of my own podcasting journey. When I first started, she was hosting the Run to the Top podcast. In 2017, she launched Running for Real , and we’ve kind of grown up in this industry together. It’s been so fun to watch her lean more and more into the things she cares deeply about. She’s still so connected—if not more than ever—to the running community, and she’s carved out a powerful space around sustainability and advocacy within that. Tina always brings a call to action when she speaks—not because it’s rehearsed, but because that’s who she is. She leads with her heart and shares what matters to her. More than anything, I hope you enjoy this conversation and that it kicks off this series in the best possible way—with someone who cares just as much about running as you and I do. Want to listen to this show ad-free? Head over to patreon.com/lindseyhein to support the show for as little as $3 a month and get all episodes without any ad interuptions. All right friends, please enjoy my conversation with Tina Muir. What we talked about: 6:30- Tina’s journey in the podcast space 12:00- Finding her voice to speak about sustainability 20:00- Who is Tina Muir 26:00- Making change without making judgements 37:00- What running looks like in Tina’s life these days 43:45- What Tina has learned over the years in the podcast and running industry 48:00- The World Half Marathon Championships no longer being in San Diego and Tina’s role in that 55:00- End of podcast questions Show notes: What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix Connect with Lindsey: Lindsey on Instagram Lindsey on Twitter Support our sponsors: Boulderthon Use the code “hein20” for $20 off the marathon or half marathon Previnex Use code “LindseySuperfoods” for 15% off if you purchase the Gut and Greens Superfood Use the code “another” for 15% off OR use code “LindseyStrength” for 15% off if you purchase their new Muscle Health Plus