About this episode
Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the challenges of finding time to run as busy mothers. The conversation delves into the balance of family life and running, strategies for training, and the importance of flexibility in managing workouts around kids' schedules. We emphasize the need for a mindset shift from perfection to progress in both running and parenting. We also talk about the ever-changing nature of parenting, the challenges of balancing personal goals with societal expectations, and the impact of social media on mental health. We share personal anecdotes about their experiences with online trolls, the pressures of parenting responsibilities, and the struggle to find time for running amidst busy schedules. This discussion highlights the importance of community support and the need for open conversations about the realities of motherhood and personal aspirations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 01:13 The Challenge of Finding Time to Run 05:09 Tricia's Insane Ultra Running Experience 09:43 Balancing Family Life and Running 10:11 Training for an Ultra: Strategies and Mindset 14:57 The Importance of Flexibility in Training 18:47 Finding Time to Run as a Parent 22:58 Prioritizing Self-Care and Running 27:08 Adjusting to New Seasons of Life 30:01 The Importance of Supportive Partnerships 34:20 Flexibility in Training 40:19 Embracing Change and Patience in Parenting 41:42 Embracing the Seasons of Parenting 42:44 The Ventilator: Sharing Our Weekly Struggles 55:30 Finding Time for Running in Busy Lives Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com . When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs. www.themotherrunners.com Instagram: @themotherrunners YouTube: The Mother Runners whitney@themotherrunners.com