Women's Running Stories

Angel Tadytin shares the epic story of her first 50-mile trail race, and how it unfolded in unexpected and magical ways. Tadytin is a wife, mother, social worker, and ultra runner, and she is from the Navajo Nation. She and her family currently live in Mesa, Arizona, but she’s originally from Page, Arizona, and the surrounding area. Tadytin is also a lifelong hiker and outdoor explorer, and a longtime weightlifter. In addition, Tadytin is a community builder and currently is a board member of Native Women Run (NWR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting native women in running. The event that is at the center of this story is the Antelope Canyon Ultras 50 mile trail race, which goes through the land that Tadytin grew up on. The longest race Tadytin had ever run before was 55 km (34 miles), also at Antelope Canyon. Not only had Tadytin never run 50 miles before, she’d never wanted to run 50 miles. She didn’t even commit to this 50-miler until a month before the event. So, her training did not take a conventional path: most athletes would have started training for an event like this several months beforehand, and they’d have run several long runs of 20 or more miles in preparation. Tadytin’s longest run leading into the event was 16 miles, which she ran once. The reasons why Tadytin decided to run this 50 mile event, and the strength, support, connection, and experience that carried her through and to the end is what this story is all about. How to Keep Up with Angel Tadytin Instagram: @angels_ventures Mentioned in This Episode Native Women Run: @native_women_run To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631⁠ Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa⁠ Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of⁠ Playtoh⁠ ⁠Coma-Media⁠, via⁠ Pixabay⁠ ⁠RomanBelov⁠, via⁠ Pixabay⁠ SergePavkinMusic⁠, via⁠ Pixabay⁠ ⁠aidanpinsent⁠, via ⁠Pixabay ⁠penguinmusic⁠, via⁠ Pixabay⁠ ⁠⁠Rockot⁠, via⁠ Pixabay⁠ Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram:⁠ @over50sub20_5k_project⁠ WRS Instagram:⁠ @womensrunningstories⁠ Facebook:⁠ facebook.com/WomensRunningStories⁠ Website:⁠ womensrunningstories.com⁠ Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network:⁠ https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a live recording from Sunday, April 20 at the Boston Marathon Expo. Once again, WRS host Cherie Turner teamed up with Julie Sapper and Lisa Levin from the Run Farther and Faster podcast to co-host an excellent panel. This year's panel was titled Mental Strategies for Mastering the Marathon, and it featured exceptional masters marathoners Stephanie Bruce, Erica Stanley-Dottin, and Dot McMahon. These exception runners shares wisdom and experience on strategies for developing mental strength and resilience, mental approaches to the marathon, how to build confidence when you have self-doubt, and so much more! This is an episode to listen to again and again; it's so backed with helpful advice and useful takeaways. Stephanie Bruce, 41, has been racing professionally for over 15 years. Among her many racing accomplishments, she's placed 6th at the Chicago Marathon, and 10th at the London and NYC marathons. Bruce has also earned 3 national titles on the road, one in the half-marathon and twice in the 10k. Additionally, Bruce placed 6th at the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020. Bruce started a new chapter in her running career this year, signing on with Tracksmith. She now runs for them professionally and will be helping to mentor younger runners going after big goals. Erica Stanley-Dottin, 51, came to marathoning later in life, at age 35. In her early 40s, she began to train seriously and joined the Black Roses racing team. She then learned about The List: an accounting of all the American-born Black women who have broken 3 hours in the marathon. As she continued to get faster at the marathon, this became her goal. Erica met that goal with room to spare at the 2022 Berlin Marathon where she ran 2:52, at 48 years old. That came just six months after running 3:01 at Boston. This year, Stanley-Dottin ran the Boston Marathon as a member of Team Bevans, in honor of marathon pioneer Marilyn Bevans. Dot McMahan, 48, has been running marathons for 19 years and she’s run for the Hanson Brooks Original Distance Project team for 20. Among Dot’s many accomplishments over her long running career, she’s qualified for and run 5 Olympic trials marathons, and she has placed in the top 10 at two of them. Last year, she was the oldest woman to compete in the marathon trials, and she qualified for last year's trials by running 2:35 at the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Dot is also a running coach. She works with private athletes and as an assistant track coach for Oakland University. How to Keep Up with Stephanie Bruce Instagram: @stephrothstein How to Keep Up with Erica Stanley-Dottin Instagram: @estanleydott How to Keep Up with Dot McMahon Instagram: @dotmcmahon Ways to Connect with Run Farther and Faster Instagram: @runfartherandfaster Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunFartherFaster Twitter: @RunFartherfast Website: https://www.runfartherandfaster.com/ Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Instagram: @womensrunningstories Website: womensrunningstories.com Women's Running Stories is a member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features prolific marathon runner and internationally competitive masters racer Gwen Jacobson. Jacobson, who is 66, got started running in 2010, when she was in her 50s. She has run many distances, but without question she has the greatest affinity for the marathon: in the last 15 years, Jacobson has run over 120 marathons as well as one 50k. In addition to loving the 26.2 mile distance, Jacobson loves big challenges and she is very goal oriented. So, for instance, she has completed a marathon in every state, under 4 hours. She also wants to win her age category in a marathon in all 50 states, so where that hasn’t already been the case, she’s going after that goal, too. Jacobson has 7 states left in that challenge. She’s also chasing a sub-3 hour marathon on a downhill course, and she’s gotten very close. Her current downhill marathon PR is 3:04, which she set at the end of 2023. She has plans to better that time at the end of 2025. Jacobson has gone through her fair share of trial and error when it comes to staying injury free, and she’s learned a lot about bone health. She’s landed on healthy habits that work for her, and she shares that in her story, too. In this episode Jacobson shares so much: about her running progression, her goals and how she continues to run fast and far now in her mid-60s. How to Keep Up with Gwen Jacobson Instagram: @gwenjacobson To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Camila_Noir, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features Alia Qatarneh, whose running story is deeply infused with community and leadership, especially through the Boston area based TrailblazHers Run Co. Her story highlights the way the three forces of running, community, and leadership have coalesced to drive her running journey. And how that's led to her running the 2023 Boston Marathon—her first time running 26.2 miles—and then to running the 2024 Boston City 26.TRUE marathon, which she'll be running again this year, 2025: 26,TRUE happens this weekend, Saturday, April 19. Away from running Qatarneh is a doctoral candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education on her way to becoming a doctor of education leadership, and she has a background in science and science education. Qatarneh is a runner, as well as a LeadHer for the TrailblazHers, an organization that fosters diversity and creates a welcoming environment for all women, especially women of color. In her episode, Qatarneh traces how she started in the sport of running and how she's developed as a runner and leader throughout her journey. Get pumped up to cheer on Qatarneh and the rest of the runners this year at 26.TRUE! Mentioned in this Episode TrailblazHers: @trailblazhersrunco Pioneers Run Crew: @pioneersrc 29.TRUE: @26.truemarathon Liz Rock on WRS: womensrunningstories.com/liz-rock-a-trailblazhers-journey-running-the-boston-marathon-for-mile-21-joy To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special live recording featuring professional runner and 3x national champion Annie Rodenfels, in conversation with WRS host and producer Cherie; that's me. We sat down at the Tracksmith track house in Boston on Sat., March 22, with a wonderful crowd on a beautiful morning to have this fantastic conversation. Annie Rodenfels is a born competitor. We get into how Rodenfels progressed from being a high school soccer player who ran some track and field, to a top NCAA DIII runner, and then to one of the best distance racers in the US. This is not a common trajectory: most DIII runners don't turn pro, let alone become among the best in the pro field. Rodenfels has worked smart and hard to get here, developing her strength, skill, and ability. It's been a years long, step by step process, and all along the way, Rodenfels continues to rise to the occasion. Among her many professional career highlights, Rodenfels is the 2023 and 2024 5k National Champion, and the 2024 6k National Champion. And, she won the first 10k she ever raced, the prestigious Boston 10k for Women, in 2023. Through it all, Rodenfels's training, mental game, confidence, and racing style has evolved, and she gets into it all. How to Keep Up with Annie Rodenfels Instagram: @andrearodenfels Annie Rodenfels's Previous Appearance on WRS Race Report: Annie Rodenfels + USATF 6k National Championship To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features ultra trail runner and mom Mayra Garcia, who is originally from Honduras and now calls Maryland home. Garcia loves to run, and she loves to run very far: training for ultras is a big part of her life today. But not too long ago, Garcia wasn’t a runner at all. Not until one fateful day, when, instead of turning to coping with life's challenges in unhealthy ways, like using alcohol, Garcia decided to run. That run sparked a whole new life for Garcia. In this episode, Garcia tells the story of how she got from that moment to today, having run marathons and trail ultras, keeping a well-established running streak going, and just wanting more: more miles, more mountains, more challenges. In addition to her own running goals and passion, Garcia wants to inspire other women, especially women of color, to get out on the trails and discover the powerful world of ultra running. How to Keep Up with Mayra Garcia Instagram: @colocha.runs Mentioned in this Episode Running Industry Diversity Coalition, RIDC: runningdiversity.com Naseemah Palmer on WRS: womensrunningstories.com/naseemah-palmer-running-reminds-me-im-living To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features longtime professional runner, entrepreneur, mother of three, wife, and so much more, Stephanie Bruce. In this episode Bruce, who is 41, shares the purpose and passion that’s driving her these days, as she moves into a new chapter in her running career. It’s a time of transition and exciting new paths forward. As a professional runner in her early 40s, Bruce shares valuable experience and information about what it looks like to age as a elite athlete, and how she's processing it. She continues to explore what's possible as a professional athlete, and also how she's making that happen–how she's navigating the changes that come with getting older. Bruce has been racing professionally for over 15 years, and in that time she has accomplished so much as a runner, and she’s not done yet. Some of her many career achievements include 10th at the New York City and London marathons; 6th at the Chicago Marathon; 12th at the Boston Marathon; 3 national championship titles–once in the half marathon, and two times in the 10k; 6th at the 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon–and the list goes on. But the significance of Bruce's pro career goes way beyond times and places. She’s been very open about her running journey and how she’s navigating living a full life outside of running, including having her three children–Hudson, Riley and Sophia–while continuing to show up year after year ready to perform at her best. Bruce is known for being a tough, smart, gritty racer and a powerful supporter of teammates, as well as other runners in the field. Last year, 2024, was a big transition year for Bruce: for the past decade, Bruce was a member of the HOKA Northern Arizona Elite team, also known as NAZ Elite. She learned part-way through 2024 that her contract wouldn't be renewed, and her time with the team would be over at the end of year. In addition, Bruce had her third child, at age 39, in September 2023, which meant that 2024 would be a postpartum return to full time training and racing. This is all to say, 2024 was a tumultuous year for Bruce. And she gets into it all in this episode. She also shares the pivotal experiences in her life that have played a huge part in shaping how she shows up for running and for life. How to Keep Up with Stephanie Bruce Instagram: Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 9 of the Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project, where WRS host and producer Cherie Louise Turner is sharing her journey to break 20 minutes in the 5k, in her 50s, in real time. Feel free to join the journey from here; it's not mandatory to listen to previous episodes in order to enjoy this one. Previous episodes will provide more context around this project and provide details about the many lessons Cherie has learned so far. This episode picks up where Cherie left off in late December 2024: she'd set a mile PR in October and was navigating coaching herself once again. . In this episode, Cherie shares what's happened over the past few months. It's been a time of learning to race with joy, regardless of the outcome, and also a time of reflection and readjustment. It's led to a shift in Cherie's thinking around this project, and a big decision. Come along for the journey. About this project: In June of 2023, Women's Running Stories host and producer Cherie Louise Turner closed the chapter on running longer distance races (at least for now), like marathons and ultras, and turned her attention to the 5k. Her goal: break 20 minutes in the 5km. Cherie is currently 55 years old and she has never dipped under 20 minutes at this distance. The closest she's ever gotten was back over a decade ago, when she ran 20:18. Cherie's current day 5k PR is 21:01, set June 2024. This update spans late December 2024 to mid-March 2025. To catch up on all past episodes check out the links and publication dates below. Come along for the journey. Links and Publication Dates to Earlier Episodes in this Series Find the whole series here. Part 1, pub date (September 8, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-1/id1495427631?i=1000627157697 Part 2, pub date (October 27, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-2/id1495427631?i=1000632786362 Part 3, pub date (January 5, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-3-the-reset/id1495427631?i=1000640614612 Part 4, pub date (March 25, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-4-the/id1495427631?i=1000650320154 Part 5, pub date (May 28, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000657010943 Part 6, pub date (July 23, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000663065105 Part 7, pub date (October 8, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-part-7-over-50-sub-20-5k-project/id1495427631?i=1000672194951 Part 8, pub date (December 25, 2024): https://womensrunningstories.com/cherie-louise-turner-part-8-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-a-mile-pr-a-coaching-change Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the incredible, transformative running story of Samantha Powderhorn, who is from the Sayisi Dene First Nations community, in northern Manitoba, Canada. She currently lives in Winnipeg. Powderhorn’s story revolves around breaking cycles of addiction and healing trauma, for herself, her family, and her community. Today Powederhorn is the first Sayisi Dene woman to have ever run a marathon. She is also an inspiration to her six children, and to her community, that healing and change are possible. Hear how running was central to Powderhorn discovering new possibilities in life, creating a healthy path forward, for herself and those around her. This is an incredibly powerful journey. How to Keep Up with Samantha Powderhorn Instagram: @sayisitaurus To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therese Munthe, 48, has always been athletic, and she's always been competitive. But she did not like to run. She believed she wasn't good at it. That all changed in 2021. Munthe was looking for a way to connect with her father when he was facing the end of his life. This led Munthe on a journey that has changed her life and turned her into a serious marathon runner. Just over the past few years Munthe has discovered that she actually is a good runner, and more so, she loves it. Hear the whole story in her episode. Thank you to YMR Track Club for introducing me to Therese Munthe. Discover YMR Track Club's high performance running apparel, made in Sweden, at ymrtrackclub.com. Use WRS20 at checkout for 20% off your order. How to Keep Up with Therese Munthe Instagram: @tmunthe Facebook: facebook.com/therese.munthe To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Hurford knew she wanted to be a writer from a very young age. She also loved being active outdoors. But she had decided that, as a writer, she couldn’t possibly also be an athlete. That all changed in college. Today Hurford embodies many identities, including owner/founder of Strong Girl Publishing, writer, podcaster, and athlete, including being an ultra runner. This story is all about how Hurford developed into the athlete she is today, and how her combined passions of writing and sports have become a powerful force for change and inspiration for Hurford herself, as well as the girls and women she writes for and publishes books for. How to Keep Up with Molly Hurford Instagram: @mollyjhurford Website: stronggirlpublishing.com Mentioned in This Episode Micha Powell on WRS (from Aug 13, 2024): An Olympian's Transformative Race Experiences and Book: Sprinting through Setbacks Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Gunvalson had a calling: traverse the entirety of the 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail. This audacious goal was something Gunvalson's younger self would have never considered. But, it's exactly what she did. The PCT, true to its name, follows the crest of the mountain ranges between Canada and Mexico, going through Washington, Oregon, and California, along the Cascade Range, the Sierra Nevada, and the mountainous desert terrain to the US–Mexico border. And not only did Katie want to get from one end of the PCT to the other, she wanted to do it faster than any other woman ever had. She wanted to set a Fastest Known Time, an FKT, in the south bound direction. That record was set by Jessica Pekari: 63 days, 7 hours, 31 minutes. So that is what Gunvalson prepared to do, for years; and she was ready. But there was one challenge that ultimately presented itself that Gunvalson really hadn't anticipated, and it would cause her to very deeply consider the real purpose of this journey. Katie Gunvalson shares her whole epic story on the podcast. From her difficult and unlikely path to becoming a runner, to discovering and following a calling to cover the entire PCT, and the wild ride of getting from Canada to Mexico. Mentioned in This Episode Liz Derstine on WRS: Her Appalachian Trail FKT Story Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay aidanpinsent, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special live recording featuring 8x masters world record holder Sue McDonald, 61, in conversation with WRS host and producer Cherie; that's me. We sat down the Tracksmith track house in Boston on Sat., Feb 1, to a wonderful group who braved snowy weather for this terrific conversation. We get into how McDonald has stayed healthy and competitive over her 40-plus career as a highly competitive athlete--in many sports. And how, at age 59, she looked over the record books and set to raising the bar for what's possible for women athletes her age. She targeted not one, but many world bests. In her training and preparation McDonald left no stone unturned, and she talks about it all. Plus what she's doing today to remain fast, and work to get faster. This conversation, and the terrific Q&A that followed, provides many useful tips and takeaways to use in your own training and racing. Whether you're a masters racer, or you aspire to be one someday, there's a lot here for you. Sue McDonald currently holds 8 world records: 400m and 800m indoor and outdoor; 1 mile indoor; 300m hurdles; steeplechase, and heptathlon. She was a heptathlete through college, and became a nationally competitive pole vaulter in her post-collegiate years. She has also competed as a triathlete, and in 2018, she ran the Boston Marathon (the storm year!). In 2023 McDonald set 9 world records for 60-64 masters women and was named the USATF Masters Track and Field Athlete of the Year. To put her records in a different context, McDonald set or reset 15 world records over a 16 month period. How to Keep Up with Jennifer Sandoval Instagram: @thatgirljenny Sue McDonald's Previous Appearance on WRS Sue McDonald: 9 Times a Masters World Record Setter To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Sandoval is the 2022 NCAA DII 10,000 national champion, and now running as a post-collegiate elite/pro, she is focused on discovering her full potential in the sport. It's been a time of big ups and downs, as Sandoval navigates life as an elite runner, with a full time job. Her performance at the recent USATF cross country national championships, held on January 11 in Lubbock, Texas, was a high point, after a period of serious injury. Sandoval shares how it all went down at the national championships, from her point of view. And she shares the details of what running life has looked like over the past few years, including another surprise incredible performance, in her debut marathon: it was both a heartbreaker and a performance beyond expectation. Hear the whole story in this episode. This episode is part of the WRS Race Report series. Each episode features a top 10 performer sharing her experience at one of the USATF National Championship races (the year-long series aspect of these races is apparently no more). Next up on the calendar is the USATF half-marathon national championship, March 2 in Atlanta, GA. There will be a WRS race report episode shortly thereafter. You can catch up on all the Race Reports on our website or on your favorite podcast app. How to Keep Up with Jennifer Sandoval Instagram: @thatgirljenny Mentioned in This Episode Renegade Running: renegade-running.com Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weini Kelati is a professional road and long distance track racer for the Mission Run Dark Sky Distance team sponsored by Under Armour. Kelati is one of the best US racers in the 10k, 5k, and, more recently, half marathon. In this episode, Kelati shares how she got to this point in her running career, with a particular focus on the transformation her racing went through over the past year. This involves hard training, of course. But Kelati also had to improve her physical and mental skills when it came to races that did not suit her preferred style of racing. And, she needed to overcome times of wavering self confidence as well as learn how to process difficult emotions; emotions linked to Kelati's decision to leave her home and family in Eritrea when she was 17 and start a new life in the US. Hear the whole story of how Kelati became the champion runner she is today: the risks she's taken to get to this place, the sacrifices she's made, for herself and her family, and the focused, diligent work she's put in to reach the very high goals she sets for herself. Weini Kelati's story is truly exceptional. How to Keep Up with Weini Kelati Instagram: @weini_kelati Mentioned in This Episode Mission Run Dark Sky Distance Team: @missionrun_darksky Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Caplan's running story spans many seasons of her life. And through those seasons, she has discovered how wins in her running life can show up in many different ways. These days, Caplan is a runner, a run coach, a dietician, the mother of three children, and she is also well known for being the co-founder of the Lane 9 Project, with Alexis Fairbanks. To quote Caplan, "Lane 9 is a community of athletes and a directory of clinicians and coaches that work with female athletes. And we're all trying to improve menstrual health and reduce REDs across various levels of sport." You can discover Lane 9 through its website, podcast, and newsletter. These days, running looks very different than it did earlier in her life. Caplan first started running in college, a time marked by disordered eating and amenorrhea. Caplan discuses the intersection between her running pursuits and these health challenges, and how running has changed over time, through her early adulthood, and then through becoming the mom of three, in addition to navigating the rest of life, which has included several long-distance moves. Caplan's journey through it all, to where she is today, finding a renewed sense of belonging and joy in her running life, is what her episode is all about. How to Keep Up with Heather Caplan Instagram: @heatherdcrd Website: heathercaplan.com Mentioned in This Episode Lane 9 Project: lane9project.org Women’s Running Stories Newsletter: womensrunningstories.substack.com Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Chantel Erickson is an ultra trail runner and, as she says, a multipreneur, in addition to being a wife and the mother of two children. Erickson runs her business Be Well Chantel, and under the umbrella of that business, she has many offerings. One of them is Baby Mama, where she offers pre- and postnatal fitness services; she is a running coach. Additionally, Erickson is a financial advisor focused on helping women with financial literacy. She is also a freelance writer, and one of her primary outlets is Canadian Running Magazine. And, Erickson is a recurring co-host on the Community Trail Running podcast, with Adam Lee. So today, Erickson is thriving in many ways, but things for her were definitely not always like this. A little background here, Erickson was raised by her grandmother and her mom who had Erickson just as she was finishing high school. Erickson did not connect with her father until much later in life, and she talks about that in her story. Over the course of her life, Chantel has experienced many traumas and her upbringing and early adulthood were chaotic. And then running came into her life and it provided a steady foundation for many positive changes. What Erickson discovered through her running journey and how it all unfolded is what her story is all about. How to Keep Up with Chantelle Erickson Instagram: @runningmama85 Website: bewellchantelle.com Mentioned in This Episode Community Trail Running podcast: communitytrailrunning.substack.com/podcast Cherie Louise Turner on the Community Trail Running podcast: communitytrailrunning.substack.com/p/ep-119-the-womens-running-podcast Women’s Running Stories Newsletter: womensrunningstories.substack.com Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay penguinmusic, via Pixabay Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell was inspired to start running after learning how hard women had fought to just participate in sports. That moment of inspiration would eventually change her life, setting Peralta-Mitchell on a path to change the running industry. How that all unfolded is what this episode is all about. Peralta-Mitchell is a runner, business owner, running coach, and mother of three children. She's well known for being the founder of Game Changers, an organization that supports women of color to become run coaches and leaders in the running industry. Game Changers started in 2020, and in October of 2024 accepted its fifth cohort of women into the program: like those who came before them, these 24 new women from 12 states will become certified run coaches, and receive mentoring and business development support. This adds to the over 80 women who've already gone through the program. Just last year, Peralta-Mitchell also launched PWRher'd. This is a program, powered by Game Changers, that partners with races and gives entrants an opportunity to sign up for online coaching services that get them ready for that specific race, so they can be well prepared to have a successful experience. Additionally, when PWRher'd partners with a race, they make a contribution to the local community on behalf of the partnership. Peralta-Mitchell's story demonstrates what can happen when we see our potential as limitless. How to Keep Up with Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell Instagram: @vcpmitchell Website: vcpm.com Game Changers: vcpm.com/game-changers How to Keep Up with PWRher'd Instagram: @pwrherd Website: pwrherd.com Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay Grand Project, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this episode, I chose a variety of clips from 10 episodes published in 2024 that have stuck with me and made an impact. This isn't a "best of" so much as a celebration of the huge variety of experiences and motivations women have in this sport. I hope you'll find something in here to motivate and inspire you, and perhaps spark a new interest for 2025. It's incredible how much this sport brings to so many people and the myriad ways it can show up in our lives. Enjoy! Clips were pulled from these 10 episodes Katie Holmes: The Life-Changing Power of Running, After 40, published Sep 17 Sister Liz Sjoberg: Becoming a Sister on the Run, published Jan 19 Alison Mariella Désir: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, published Jul 9 Emily Halnon: An Epic Trail Run to the Gorge, Her Book, Her Mother, Her Return to Living Big and Bold, published May 6 Rebecca Mehra: Professional Track Racer, On a Season of Inspired Change, published Mar 8 Race Report: Rachel McArthur + USATF One-Mile National Championships, published May 20 Anita Cardinal: Don't Stop Unless You're Proud, published Jan 11 Micha Powell: An Olympian's Transformative Race Experiences and Book: Sprinting through Setbacks, published Aug 12 Carmen Graves: Professional Track Racer and Steeplechaser, published May 13 Naseemah Palmer: "Running Reminds Me I'm Living," published Nov 4 Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 8 of the Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project, where WRS host and producer Cherie Louise Turner is sharing her journey to break 20 minutes in the 5k, in her 50s, in real time. Feel free to join the journey from here; it's not mandatory to listen to previous episodes in order to enjoy this one. Previous episodes will provide more context around this project and provide details about the many lessons Cherie has learned so far. This episode picks up where Cherie left off in early October: she'd made the big move from Cork, Ireland, back to Boston, Mass., and had returned to racing. She ran a 10k to get back in the groove of running fast, and she had a great time, racing with her US team the Tracksmith Boston Hares. In this episode, Cherie shares what's happened over the past few months, including a mile PR and a coaching change. Through it all, Cherie continues to learn and grow, as an athlete and a competitor. And she's having a lot of fun along the way. About this project: In June of 2023, Women's Running Stories host and producer Cherie Louise Turner closed the chapter on running longer distance races (at least for now), like marathons and ultras, and turned her attention to the 5k. Her goal: break 20 minutes in the 5km. Cherie is currently 55 years old and she has never dipped under 20 minutes at this distance. The closest she's ever gotten was back over a decade ago, when she ran 20:19. Cherie's current day 5k PR is 21:01 (set June 2024). This update spans early October to the latter part of December 2024. To catch up on all past episodes check out the links and publication dates below. Come along for the journey. Links and Publication Dates to Earlier Episodes in this Series Find the whole series here. Part 1, pub date (September 8, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-1/id1495427631?i=1000627157697 Part 2, pub date (October 27, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-2/id1495427631?i=1000632786362 Part 3, pub date (January 5, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-3-the-reset/id1495427631?i=1000640614612 Part 4, pub date (March 25, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-4-the/id1495427631?i=1000650320154 Part 5, pub date (May 28, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000657010943 Part 6, pub date (July 23, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000663065105 Part 7, pub date (October 8, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-part-7-over-50-sub-20-5k-project/id1495427631?i=1000672194951 Support Our Supporters Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15 Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh Coma-Media, via Pixabay Rockot, via Pixabay RomanBelov, via Pixabay chillmore, via Pixabay Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories Website: womensrunningstories.com Email host Cherie: clouiseturner@gmail.com Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices