Don’t let anyone tell you “You can’t”! The Stephanies collide in this fun, free-spirited episode where they chat about women and running. Stephanie shares her first race memory (Throo the Zoo 5K), the moment when she felt like she was truly a runner, and how running has positively impacted her life. When she started running she never imagined not only would her fitness level evolve, but she would gain wonderful friendships as a result. From her adventures with her “Goonies” ladies to her first marathon experience, Stephanie has some great stories and insight for listeners! Enjoy getting to know her and get her pep talk- don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.  Show Notes  Couch to 5K Program --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

I am excited to introduce Ashley Shutts to all the listeners out there this week. She is a mom, hiker, wife, barber, and ultrarunner here in the Louisville area.  In this episode, she describes to us how her love for the outdoors as a kid helped create the runner she is today.  Ashley describes falling ill with an autoimmune disease after having her first child.  Experiencing Guillain-Barre Syndrome greatly impacted the way Ashley approached life after going through therapy and re-learning how to walk.  She started chasing distances and times after her first 5K and progressed to finishing her first 100-mile race at The Falls 100 in 2019.  Ashley states her gratitude to the running community is overwhelming and her best piece of advice is that while bad things can happen to us in life, "don't look back", just keep moving forward and persevere. Show Notes Learn about Guillain-Barre Syndrome The Falls 100  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

Stephanie interviews her friend and NYC marathon travel mate, Rhonda Braden in this episode. They talk about the start of Rhonda’s running journey and how she’s made her dream of running Boston come true-more than once! Rhonda & Stephanie also share some fun stories including their adventures during the 2018 NYC Marathon as well as Ragnar Trail Relay.  Lastly, Rhonda offers some great suggestions to keep healthy and motivated during your training.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

Season 2 of the Bluegrass BAMR podcast kicks off with Kim sharing her story of returning to running. She shares her feelings about running later in life and provides insight to those who want to run but are not sure where to start. Kim also talks about her love of trail running and training her first 50K, The Knobstone Knockout! I hope you glean some life wisdom from this episode as Kim reminds us we are all works in progress. The Knobstone Knockout --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

Can you guess if Bluegrass BAMR is Team Road or Team Trail?   She has been thinking a lot about her running journey...not only the past but what the future will look like, including race goals for next year. In talking with other people about their 2020 goals, she notices that many runners tend to identify as road runners or trail runners. Sometimes the conversation turns to if/why a person can love one over the other; can they love both the same etc....so, Stephanie came up with a list of pros/cons for both trail and road running as she explores her own running "identity".  You will also hear why other listeners might prefer one over the other (thanks to everyone who called in to share their thoughts)!  At the end of the episode, you'll find out is the Bluegrass BAMR prefers roads or trails.  Enjoy this fun bonus episode and don't forget to leave her a message on whether you love road or trail running more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

Stephanie sits down to chat with April Castle, mom, wife and OCR athlete.  April shares how she started running later in life and describes when she fell in love with obstacle course races.  She also explains how she overcame an OCR injury and is subsequently training for her next race: another 50K.  April explains the importance of believing in yourself and to treat life as an obstacle course by just continuing to move forward, despite the obstacles! Show Notes Find April on Instagram @AprilCastle --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

Stephanie invites her first yoga instructor (and runner) to the show this week! Joyce tells us how she got into running (an Ironman inspired her) and her amazing transformation - physically, mentally and spiritually.  She talks about her love for trail running and how it connects her to something "bigger than me".  She also shares why yoga can be a helpful practice for runners.  Most importantly, Joyce tells her story to help encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and to never give up.   So sit back and hear more of Joyce's wonderful sense of humor, but most of all her love for life and her positive spirit!  Show Notes  Follow Joyce on Instagram  Learn about Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

It is Urban Bourbon race week here in Louisville!  In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Kristi Roach, a fellow Urban Bourbonite to talk about her running journey, which she found "accidentally" after a break-up.  She found running was a great way to claim time for herself and then found a running community with Fleet Feet Louisville.  Now, she runs because she was told she would not be able to do it by the medical community.  What most people don't realize is that Kristi was diagnosed with Gastroparesis and subsequently, Dysautonomia at a young age.  These diagnoses require Kristi to approach running in a completely different way than most runners, which includes a permanent IV and TPN nutrition solution.  Despite these challenges, Kristi maintains a positive attitude and supports so many other runners in the local running community.  Her story will definitely inspire you to live life with no excuses!  Show Notes Fleet Feet Louisville Urban Bourbon Half Marathon Learn more about Dysautonomia at Dysautonomia International  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support

In this episode, Jeanette Dunlap, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), sits down to talk with Stephanie about her running adventures, from her first half marathon to her first 100-mile trail race. She talks about the importance of finding a mentor and building your mental toolbox.  You will also hear how she overcame salivary cancer in 2016 as she explains how it made her stronger (literally).  Jeanette is sure to bring you great wisdom and a positive attitude in this podcast.   Show Notes LiveStrong at the YMCA - https://www.ymcalouisville.org/healthy-living/health-well-being-fitness/livestrong.html --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bluegrassbamr/support