How We Got FASTER

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we share how we got faster—something we have been asked about a lot. But this conversation comes with many caveats: running is not just about being fast or getting faster. And we don’t know everything there is about running & getting faster. But we do know what helped us shaved time off our PRs—so we are sharing that. In this episode, Whitney, Olivia & Shanna (Tricia had to work) talk about how we improved our marathon performances over time. We share insights on difference training methods, the importance of fueling, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with running—and also just being a woman with hormonal shifts. We share what hurt and helped our training, & hope this gives you some helpful info on what to do to go after your goals (whatever they may be). We urge you to run your own race, put on your blinders, and enjoy the process (without comparison!). Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context07:06 Personal Journeys in Running20:38 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth23:00 Embracing the Journey of Motherhood and Running24:09 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Training25:38 The Importance of Coaching in Running27:31 Understanding Heart Rate Training29:53 The Balance of Pace and Effort in Workouts31:58 Adapting Training to Life Changes34:31 Finding Your Own Path in Running35:40 The Role of Self-Belief in Running37:06 Reality Checks and Learning from Experiences39:45 The Importance of Coaching and Training Plans42:04 Evaluating Fitness Through Marathons44:54 Learning to Enjoy the Process of Running46:43 Finding What Works for You48:32 The Need for Flexibility in Training50:57 Encouragement and Community in RunningWhitney 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.comInstagram: @themotherrunnersYouTube: The Mother [email protected]