Moving forward, feeling strong, staying adventurous

Hello, fellow Moving Through travelers! I’m writing to you this Labor Day afternoon from New York City, where I am visiting Emma for a few days. Later in the week, I’m heading to a writers’ retreat in Madison, Connecticut. More to come on both of these experiences in an upcoming newsletter! Today, though, I’m excited to share a conversation I recently had for the occasional Moving Through podcast — a conversation I mentioned in my last newsletter about my cabin adventure up north and one that I know is going to resonate with you. My time talking with author and friend Dimity McDowell certainly is sticking with me, for many different reasons. Dimity is the author of several books she co-authored with Sarah Bowen Shea, her co-founder of the popular inclusive women’s running community Another Mother Runner. Her latest book, however, is a solo endeavor. The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years was released earlier this year, and it’s a book unlike any other out there. Here’s just one of many positive reviews Dimity’s book has received: "So many titles exist about the joy of running or how to become a runner, but rarely has there existed a book honoring the choice and/or necessity to take leave of the sport. Not only does she pay homage to all that the sport has done for her and her community, but Dimity also takes time and space to honor her own body and spirit, inviting other longtime runners to offer their stories as well. When you are ready to make that decision, make sure to read this first." --Mirna Valerio, runner, adventurer, and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress Here’s something important to know, too: The 27th Mile is about running, but it’ll touch you even if lacing up running shoes and hitting the pavement or trails haven’t been a huge part of your life. Dimity’s book “focuses on the time when running — or any other physical pursuit that anchored your daily life and self-identity — is no longer a healthy choice because of injury, chronic pain, or illness.” I knew Dimity and I would have so much to talk about — our running journeys, for sure, but also much more, like midlife transitions, making friends during this time of life and finding ways to reconnect with ourselves through movement. Dimity and I got to know each other when I started writing for Another Mother Runner in the early days of this website and women’s running community. (I first met Dimity’s business partner Sarah in Eugene, Ore. during an all-women’s half marathon I ran with a friend in 2010!) I, too, was early on in my days of Michigan Runner Girl, and eventually I would contribute an essay to their third book, an anthology called Tales from Another Mother Runner, and travel to Milwaukee for a book reading during which I read some of my essay in front of a crowd of women. Moving Through is a reader- and listener-supported publication and community. To receive conversations like this one and to support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. It was pure joy reconnecting with Dimity, who lives in Denver and is behind Many Happy Miles. Whether you’re a longtime runner, someone who once ran, or you’ve never identified as a runner, I believe you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Among the many things we talked about, we cover: * Letting go of something after many years of it being a major focus of your life. * Finding new passions, or unearthing things about yourself that have always been within you, and going down new paths. * Building off foundations you’ve created earlier in your life – experiences that help you discover new ways of thriving in life. * And why Dimity loves an 8 p.m. bedtime and how journaling in the morning has become an important part of her journey. Dimity has been an endurance athlete nearly her entire life. First as a competitive rower, then as a lifelong (non-competitive) runner with plenty of triathlon, cycling, swimming, and big hikes mixed in. After years of injury cycles (and a little nudge from menopause), she learned the hard way that endurance alone isn’t enough. Now, at 54, she’s passionate about helping active women stay strong, mobile, and adventure-ready—without burning out. She’s a certified personal trainer, running coach and fitness instructor, Girls Gone Strong Menopause Coaching Specialist and Chief Training Director at Another Mother Runner for 10 years. She is behind Many Happy Miles, which helps women in midlife move forward, feel strong, and stay adventurous. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation, and I’d love to hear what it brings up for you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for being here and for listening. I’ll be back soon! Just keep moving and exploring. XOHeather Get full access to Moving Through at movingthrough.substack.com/subscribe