#310: Running Through Grief

Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin have heart-to-heart conversations with four women runners who have suffered losses—and used running to help process their emotions and heal. A heavy topic, for sure, but the ladies still share some smiles + laughs. Marge Schupe shares the story of her two miscarriages, explaining how running helped her get back in touch with her body and see it as something other than “a complete failure.” Proof positive: Since last summer, she’s PR’d in 5K, 10K, and 13.1-mile races. Marge gives advice for dealing with a miscarriage. Next is Patti Cruz, who suffered numerous losses, including a one-two punch: the death of her father from cancer, then her mother being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. As a mom of two young sons, Patti defines herself as part of the “ultimate sandwich generation.” She discusses how running is a “coping skill” for her; Patti stresses the importance of taking time for exercise when dealing with the weight of grief or caring for a family member, saying it is a “luxury” to have that protected time to let out sadness and grief. Susan Heard, the third guest, opens up about why the podcast-recording date is bittersweet for her. Now a mere 10 days out from her first marathon, Susan tells the story of how witnessing a cousin run 100 miles helped her become a runner 4+ years after the death of her son from cancer. She talks movingly about how running and cycling outdoors helps her see and hear her son, as well as how running solo allows herself to “take out the grief pieces that are hard to look at.” The episode culminates with Gina Ebbeling, an AMR BAMRbassador whose husband, Jason, died suddenly in January 2017. She tells of running a special Mother’s Day half-marathon in honor of her husband. A mother of a 7-year-old daughter, Gina delves into a broader definition of self-care. Marvel along with SBS and Amanda at Gina’s process of self-discovery in the aftermath of her profound loss. And learn a new word—“rawity”—along the way. In the introduction, Sarah shares the delight of witnessing unbridled joy + talent in three school dance performances. Then Amanda and Sarah discuss their own recent losses and how exercise provides a welcome chance to feel close to a departed loved one. The first guest is introduced at 11:14. Get $20 when you subscribe to StoryWorth at StoryWorth.com/AMR Visit nuunlife.com to receive 20% off your order when you use promo code AMRHYDRATE Save $50 off select mattresses by visiting casper.com/AMR and using promo code AMR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices