Anyone contemplating their first run, their return to running, or how to improve their runs needs to listen to this clever, inspiring episode with Coach Chris Bennett, author of the just-released This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running., voice of the Nike Run Club app, and podcast host. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Coach Bennett talks about:-how (+ why) to see yourself as a runner-the power of honesty and humility-the myriad ways to define running success-his intriguing differentiate between a PR and a PB-what a run and a mixtape have in commonBefore Coach Bennett joins around 12:00, Sarah shares the joy of her son recently singing and dancing with two Broadway legends on stage in New Jersey.FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Anyone looking to shake things up should start by listening to this episode, in which Coach Liz Waterstraat details to host Sarah Bowen Shea how small changes can make a big difference. (Call it the Lilliputian Effect!) Detailing two books—Tiny Experiments and Tiny Habits—Coach Liz details how to make your own pocket-sized experiment, as well as highlighting the power of the pivot. She also talks up small-scale, low-effort initiatives and other ways to make lasting habit change. The hosts think, after listening, you’ll agree: Tiny is transformative!This episode originally aired on July 15, 2025.FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This is the episode for everyone who has ever been tormented by self-doubt on a run or felt like an imposter in a race: It’s a thought-provoking round-table discussion with two sport psychologists who get where you’re coming from: Dr. Eryn Ayala and Dr. Tess Kilwein. With hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Amanda Loudin, the sport psych docs discuss:-the importance of fostering self-awareness-how (+ why!) to get over any aversion to self-compassion-naming and understanding the comparison game-the heartbreaking power of perfectionism-ways to shrug (and laugh) off self-criticism, let it go, and resetBefore the guests join around 6:00, Sarah and Amanda excitedly talk about the return of AMR running training plans. (Amanda was an OG AMR coach!)FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Something for everyone: This episode serves up an array of new novels! Host Sarah Bowen Shea kicks things off with praise for an engaging mystery set in 1950s England, then co-host Ellison Weist gives the lowdown on the final installment of Colson Whitehead’s finely crafted Harlem Trilogy. The host duo can’t say enough good things about a gorgeous graphic novel that will stay with them for years, leading into a broader convo about some of their favorite graphic novels. Ellison wraps things up with a contemporary novel with a don’t-be-misled retro cover. The books discussed:Murder at the Spirit Lounge: Jess KiddCool Machine: Colson WhiteheadThe Nightingales: Emil WilsonEverything That Is Beautiful: Louise NealonFeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

If you’ve ever struggled to get in a groove with working out, you owe it to yourself to listen to this episode. The guest is Lynda Rowan, a longtime endurance coach, prolific triathlete, and the coach of Feisty Fit. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Tish Hamilton, Coach Lynda covers:-the power of just giving something a try-the importance of setting realistic goals-how to remove internal barriers-why you need to celebrate the “small” victories-“gray” workouts: what they are + how to avoid themAfter Tish tells of a recent trip to the Boston area (her first time there without running the Boston Marathon!), the guest hops on around 13:30.FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This episode will resonate powerfully with anyone striving to live a richer, deeper life: Coach Liz Waterstraat tells host Sarah Bowen Shea about Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle. With a few random LOL detours along the way, Coach Liz details the power of softening your grip to forge more meaningful connections and how to find “presence” on runs and in races. She emphasizes that feeling fully alive in a moment (even the final miles of a race!) is a skill that can be practiced. And find out what the Four H’s are—and how they can spark meaningful conversations with running partners, Masters swim teammates, and more.FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Anyone stepping up to a marathon—or considering 26.2—owes it to themselves to listen to this informative episode. The guests are Angie Spencer (a veteran of 70+ marathons!) and her husband, Trevor, founders of Marathon Training Academy. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, the MTA duo details:-knowing when it’s the right time to take on marathon training-understanding and alleviating training anxiety-the importance of being a “fed” runner-pacing advice for training and on race day-the transformative power of training for a marathonThe guests join around 7:14 after Sarah shares some stories from her 25-hour road trip with her son.

Lovers of thrillers will especially enjoy this episode, which kicks off with the hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist discussing the recent New Yorks Times list of The 50 Best Thrillers of the 21st Century. Then they transition to a thriller disguised as a memoir by a talented writer who (to their surprise) didn’t make the list. Two debut novels entranced Ellison, especially a tense, atmospheric one set in rural Wales. The host duo concludes with two DNF books for which they had high hopes. The books reviewed:The Amateur: Chris BohjalianThe Great Wherever: Shannan SandersThe House of Boleyn: Tracy BormanThe Hill in the Dark Grove: Liam HigginsonFeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

Calling all runners: This episode answers all your “but how do I run and strength train?!?” questions. Ann Chisholm, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and ultrarunner based in British Columbia, talks with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams (also a trainer) about all sorts of weighty matters, including:-the injury-prevention benefits of strength training-the most-bang-for-your-buck strength moves for runners-to lift or not to lift during the taper-nutritional guidance for fueling your active pursuits-how to “season your year” to achieve the best resultsBefore the guest joins around 7:35, Britany shares some very, very happy news.FeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121

This episode is for every active person who understands that the mental side of training is not a one-and-done conversation. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz pulls three books off the shelf, plus one new one, to discuss how pre-race fear affects athletes of every pace; how expectation dictates performance; how excellence is about incremental growth and commitment over time, not perfection; and more. A must-listen episode regardless of if you have a race on your calendar or not. The books discussed:Winning the Mental Game: Dr. Amber SelkingBuilt to Finish: Theresa SeitzInner Excellence: Jim MurphyElite Minds: Dr. Stan BeechamFeistyFest Info: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Register for our Feisty Fit Training Program: https://livefeisty.com/training/running/feistyfitfall/Feisty Running Retreat, Feb. 5-8, 2027 in Austin: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-womens-running-retreat/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Support our Partners:JAMBAR: Use code AMR20 to get 20% off at http://jambar.com/Previnex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off your first purchase at https://www.previnex.com/Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/ PLUS: Register to win a Free Pair of Sunglasses: https://feistymedia.activehosted.com/f/121