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

About your hosts:

• Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a 5-year injury cycle which included a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon, she is training to run faster as a master’s athlete. IG: @themotherrunners.
• Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids under 8, including twins. She returned to running in 2021 after an 11-year break, running most recently a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
• Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
• Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. She’s since cut more than an hour off her marathon time and gunning to break 3 hours. IG: ...