Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

In this episode, the last of Season 6  I'm sharing my personal journey. It has been a challenging season since the pandemic.  I faced various obstacles, including COVID-19, two knee surgeries, financial struggles, and my most recent surgery.   Many athletes find their identity in their sport, but it has been difficult to compete due to a plethora of reasons which I discuss.. It led me to reflect on who I am and the roles I play in life.I underwent another surgery recently. I share my fears surrounding the surgery and my desire to live without regrets. In this episode, I discuss the challenges athletes face and the importance of perseverance and self-discovery. Join me as I navigate the difficulties of being an athlete who has faced many obstacles to return to my sports.  How I am finding resilience, and discovering my path.    Episode Highlights: Athletes face many challenges in life Struggles with COVID-19, injury, finances, etc An Athlete's identity Importance of perseverance and self-discovery The Many Facets of Individuals  The Unique Challenges of the Female Athlete    Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter https://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Navy officer, college president, and entrepreneur are only a few of Tom Scheer's many accomplishments. In this inspiring episode. Tom shares his story of growing up in a racist neighborhood and finding acceptance through sports, leading to a passion for fitness and endurance races, including over 30 Ironman competitions. It all began at the Boy and Girls Club and he is passionate about giving back to the organization that gave him so much.   Tom shares his strategies for managing a busy life, emphasizing the value of discipline and time management. He discusses his military mindset, focus on organization, and reliance on good general managers. Tom also talks about his experiences at the Kona Ironman and the World Heavyweight Championship belt he created to celebrate his achievement.  Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes the importance of pursuing new hobbies and finding joy in life, encouraging listeners to move their bodies, get some sunlight, and engage with the world around them. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tom Scheer, and don't miss out on this episode. Subscribe now for more uplifting stories! Episode Highlights: Overcoming racism through sports and the Boys and Girls Club Managing a busy life with a military mindset and good general managers Discipline and time management in pursuing athletic goals Favorite Ironman races and completing all North American Ironman races Kona Ironman and the World Heavyweight Championship belt Racing in a kilt to honor Scottish heritage Bucket list of races and endurance tests Finding joy in life through pursuing new hobbies and passions.   Guest Bio Tom Scheer joined his local Boys & Girls Club on his seventh birthday and identifies his 12 years at the  Club as the most positive influence on his life, for this time fostered a sense of commitment, work ethic, entrepreneurial drive, and love of sports.  Tom began his career in the U.S. Navy; he served as a Damage Control Assistant, Assistant Operations Officer, and as the Navy's Right Whale Protection Officer. He was recognized for his fire fighting expertise, and was selected to lead training exercises for the Qatar Navy. Tom left active duty to take a position as an associate brand manager on Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. While at Kraft he led brand licensing, added colored noodles to the macaroni & cheese box, and spearheaded trade spending reductions. He subsequently worked as a brand manager for Rich Products and CibaVision, working on Farm Rich French Toast Sticks, Rich's Éclairs, SeaPak Shrimp, and FreshLook fashion contact lenses.  Tom has also been an owner and managing partner of several small businesses, among them T-Scheer Pizza Inc. (a Hungry Howie's franchisee), Knox Consulting Group (small business consulting) and the Steilacoom Group (apparel company). He is currently pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors while in business school, and is the founder of Move-In Box, a student launched consumer packaged goods based company. Tom earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the United States Naval Academy and is currently a Dean's Fellow at the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, earning an MBA with Emphasis in Entrepreneurship. While a member of the Boys & Girls Club, Tom won Junior Olympic Gold and Bronze medals in table tennis. In college, he fought to become an All-American Heavyweight Boxer. Tom is currently the captain and starting goalie of the Ross hockey team, despite having never ice skated prior to business school.  His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern MichiganAlumnus of the Year, Coast Guard Guiding Principles Award, and, as part of the Benjamin Banneker Society, President George H.W. Bush's 437th Daily Point of Light. He is the proud father of three children from a former marriage.   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Tom Scheer Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RahlowJenkins   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter https://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Do you find it difficult to define yourself beyond your sport? As athletes, we often identify ourselves with our sport and struggle to find our identity outside of it. In this episode, we sit down with psychotherapist Anna Marcolin to explore this topic and learn about her own journey in finding her identity beyond sports. Anna shares her love for sports and how she believes that athletes should enjoy every moment of their sport and be consistent while being easier on oneself. She emphasizes the importance of sports being fun and rewarding work for doing hard stuff. Anna talks about her favorite and worst races and shares her personal obstacle of getting divorced with three small children. The conversation also touches on the topic of eating disorders and how it is not about the food but the meaning attached to the way the body looks. Anna advises athletes to show themselves grace, slow down, and not always be so competitive. She tells her athletes to focus on their process and consistency, not the end goal, and to put blinders on, look straight ahead, and focus on themselves. Join us in this inspiring conversation with Anna Marcolin as she shares her insights on finding your identity beyond sports and how to overcome obstacles both in sports and life.   Episode Highlights: Anna emphasizes self-compassion in sports Encourages athletes to explore their identity beyond sport Shares her favorite and worst races Advises athletes to focus on process and consistency Works with many everyday people, especially women Practice changed due to Covid Highlights importance of having a support team Emphasizes availability of resources for everyone   Guest Bio As a psychotherapist and life coach, Anna Marcolin has built a thriving private practice over the past 25 years. Her specialties include supporting corporate and individual clients in the areas of anxiety and depressive disorders, leadership and team building, relationship challenges, imposter syndrome, and confidence.  Anna has helped hundreds of people heal from trauma, break through limiting beliefs and confidently go after the life they want through her evidence-based, holistic approach. She breaks through to her clients quickly with her unique ability to connect with authenticity, empathy, and humor. Anna's power comes from success in the world of triathlons, a sport that's been a constant in her adult life. As a medaled and sponsored triathlete with hundreds of races behind her, Anna has honed skills that make her an exceptional life coach and therapist including mental flexibility, focus, and endurance. This experience has given Anna insight into the presence of stress and self-doubt that many of us face in our high-pressured society. With an unwavering belief that every human being deserves a deeply fulfilling life, Anna meets clients where they are and gives them the tools they need to truly thrive. To invite Anna to speak to your team or work one-on-one, please contact hello@annamarcolin.com   Connect with Anna Marcolin Connect  with Anna Marcolin on Facebook. Connect with Anna Marcolin via email Connect on Anna Marcolin  on  Instagram Connect with Anna Marcolin via website  Listen to Anna Marcolin Podcast- Badass Confidence Coach   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

David Redmond started  his triathlon journey following his divorce. He has  a family history of high blood pressure. He knew he was at risk if he did not get off his couch and become active. Watching an IronMan World Championship on TV  was his  initial inspiration.   As a young man growing up in Indiana, David was very active in sports. He played basketball, football and even some baseball. After college, he did some boxing at the gym but pretty much remained inactive until his divorce in 2010.   David  relies on the triathlon community to stay inspired and get the training he needs.. Despite not having a dedicated coach, David has done well for himself completing for IronMan  70.3 races and two full ones 140.6 races. He says he owes this success to the Atlanta triathlon community. David is a  man who wears many hats. David is an actor, he picked up the guitar during Covid. David Redmond also considers himself a bit of an adrenaline junkie going as far as racing with the bulls in Spain for his 50th birthday.  Episode Highlights: The young David becomes involved in multiple sports. How David became interested in triathlons. David  talks about some memorable races, the good and the bad. David tells us how he relies on the community to train and race in the Ironman. Running with the bulls in Spain. What's in the future for David in his triathlon journey? David talks about his acting career and his hopes for the future. Injuries and their effect on performance. Some life lessons David has learnt from racing in the Ironman. Guest Bio David Redmond (51 yrs old) considers himself to be more of an athlete than a runner or triathlete. He has completed 6 Ironman distance races: (4) Half Ironman and (2) Full Ironman. He began his triathlon journey in 2011 after his divorce. He found himself unmotivated to go to the gym and was just going through the motions.. David has a family history of high blood pressure. David knew that he had to remain active and change certain eating habits. He is unsure when he will compete again but the Atlanta Triathlon Community provides plenty of opportunities to run, bike or swim in group settings. David played football and basketball growing up in Southern Indiana. After high school, he continued his football career at Murray State University, where he was a 3-year starter. He also completed his degree in Electrical Engineering and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc (Spring '91 Eta Beta). Academically he also completed his MBA - International Business and Master's in Information Systems at Georgia State University. He is currently an IT Portfolio Manager for Inspire Brands. Outside of training for triathlons, David dabbles in acting: Snake in the Grass -USA, Love Match Atlanta – Bravo and The Resident – Fox are some of his latest projects. He hopes to expand on his acting endeavors once his son graduates high school in 2024. David also picked up the guitar during COVID and has enjoyed the 2-year journey that he has experienced thus far. Lastly, David is a bit of an adrenaline junkie who recently ran with the bulls in Spain Connect with David Redmond Connect with David on Facebook Catch David on Instagram. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

On today's episode, we will hear from renowned wellness expert and distance running enthusiast, Dr. Nina Cherie Franklin. Also known as That Salad Lady across multiple media including YouTube and TikTok. Dr. Franklin will talk us through her journey of keeping fit since the age of 12 to date even through motherhood. Dr. Franklin has extensive knowledge about food and nutrition given that she has a plethora of academic degrees and certifications. She will talk to us about her passion with food and nutrition how she moved from academia to create the “That Salad Lady” brand. Why she feels like this way she has more impact on the world than she ever would have hoped to.    Besides sharing some of her recipes, she will teach us how to create our own salad bowls filled with foods we love and how to not feel guilty about certain foods.    Episode Highlights: Dr. Franklin  starts running prompted at age twelve. Dr. Franklin speak about her experience running marathons. She talks about remaining active even after a difficult pregnancy. Balancing running, motherhood and work. So, what motivates Dr. Franklin to keep active? Nutrition academia and gaps in research particularly with black women. Dr. Franklin drops academia to become That Salad Lady. Dr. Franklin shares some of her salad bowl recipes. Dr. Franklin shares some life lessons and words of wisdom for us. Guest Bio Nina Cherie Franklin, PhD is a healthy living coach, globally recognized wellness expert, and the woman behind the blog and brand “That Salad Lady” and “That Salad Lady University.”Leveraging her scientific knowledge, academic background and extensive experience in health, nutrition and fitness, Nina inspires healthy eating and living through practical hands-on experiences, and empowers lasting lifestyle change through continuing education offerings andlifelong learning opportunities.   As a commentator and regular contributor to scientific journals and national media publications, Nina influences and challenges the wellness industry and is a strong advocate for making healthy living more approachable, accessible and inclusive.   About “That Salad Lady” As That Salad Lady, Nina Cherie Franklin couples her advanced degrees and decades of experience in health, fitness and nutrition with her obsession for salad making. Leveraging her blog and brand and recently launched University, she educates and empowers everyday people by promoting small diet and lifestyle changes through salad making to, ultimately, cultivate healthier, happier relationships with food. By teaching people how to build their bowl. That Salad Lady helps people gain more confidence through a greater sense of control over their eating patterns, food choices, and overall ability to make healthy, satisfying meals. As Nina Cherie Franklin, PhD she remains active in contributions to scientific journals and national media publications in order to continue her efforts to influence the wellness industry and to advocate for making healthy living more approachable, accessible and inclusive. But That Salad Lady is here to prove that this can all start with a salad.   Credentials. Degrees. ·      PhD in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Rehabilitation; UIC. ·      MS in Movement Science (Clinical and Applied Exercise Physiology); UIC. ·      Diploma in Clinical Massage Therapy; Soma Institute, Chicago, IL. ·      BS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science, Fitness and Health Promotion); UIUC.   Certifications ·      Certified Group Exercise Instructor; ACSM ·      Certified Health Coach; ACE Fitness ·      Certified Exercise Physiologist; ACSM ·      Certified Clinical Massage Therapist; NCBTMB Connect with Dr. Nina Franklin ·      Connect with Nina Cherie Franklin on her website  Healthy Living Coach and Wellness Expert. ·      Connect with  That Salad Lady ·      Connect with Nina on Linkedin. ·      Connect with Nina on Facebook. ·      Watch That Salad Lady on TikTok. ·      Connect with Nina on Instagram. ·      Catch up with That Salad Lady on Twitter. ·      Connect with That Salad Lady on Pinterest. ·      Watch That Salad Lady on YouTube.   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Annette Melecio, an Ironman Triathlete, shares her journey of finding triathlons and how it saved her life.  Annette is  my very close friend and one of my favorite triathlon people. Annette has been on active military duty for over fifteen years and is currently serving as, a Military Police Officer in the army. She has four years of service left before she retires.   Annette  has always been a runner.  She always liked to run and wanted a challenge so she progressed to running half marathons.  She even made her unit run a half marathons while on deployment.  Following a really bad deployment where many people were lost, she was not in good headspace. She suffered from survivor's guilt and went through a rough patch mentally. Anette even contemplating taking her life.  It was then that she discovered triathlons. She liked the structure, and loved the group of people. Annette felt it was similar to the  military with a lot of camaraderie. Everyone motivated and pushed each other and encouraged each other. It was the first time that she ever felt welcomed and accepted in the civilian world.  Annette loves triathlons and is so dedicated. She has qualified for  the Legacy Program for the Ironman World Championship at Kona by competing in 12 Full Ironman Championships, and one extra one just for fun.  She has also competed in one half-Ironman 70.3 race,   two 55k ultra-marathons and a 50k ultra-marathon with hopes of competing in a 100k ultra-marathon.   Episode Highlights: Annette started running in high school. Annette joined the army and continues to run Annette started her endurance sports career to help cope with her depression. Annette  memorable races Endurance sports and mental health. The importance of finding the right coach How Annette committed to  Kona Legacy Program. Annette tells us how she does it all, being a mother, career, triathlons Dealing with injury. Annette life lessons and words of wisdom Guest Bio Annette Melecio is active duty Army as a Military Police Officer. She has been on active duty for over 15 years and has 4 years left to retire. She has always been a runner and being in the Army running and rucking has always been something she is used to. She has completed 13 full Ironman triathlons, 1 Ironman 70.3 triathlon, two 55k ultra marathons, and one 50k ultra marathon. She completed IronMan #12 in September for a chance to apply for a legacy spot for Kona Ironman World championship. Her goal is to complete a 50 Miler maybe next year and a 100 Miler once she has competed in Kona IronMan World Championship. Connect with Annette ·      Connect with Annette on Facebook. ·      Connect with Annette on Instagram. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Alex Torres, an Ironman Triathlete, shares his journey of overcoming challenges and realizing his potential to become an Ironman. Alex started his athletic journey as the "runt of the Torres family," but through hard work and determination, he proved everyone wrong and accomplished his goal of becoming an Ironman. One of the key pieces of advice that Alex shares is to never forget your "why." This is what will keep you motivated and inspired during the long and tedious moments of training. He also emphasizes that discipline and perseverance are essential in becoming an Ironman, but these qualities are anchored on your "why." Another important point that Alex mentions is that you don't have to have the most expensive equipment to participate in a triathlon. He was once embarrassed by his lack of fancy gear, but he was reminded that it's all about the "engine," meaning the person themselves. To sum it up, becoming an Ironman is achievable if you have the physical capability, financial means, and most importantly, the determination and commitment to see it through. Find your "why," stay committed, and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. The choice is yours to cross that finish line and hear your name being called as an Ironman.   Episode Highlights: Alex has completed multiple Iron Man races Dreams of writing a book Apologizes to younger self for past hurts Believes everything is possible with effort Encourages listeners to find their "why" and stay committed Iron Man requires grit, determination, perseverance and discipline Success depends on aligning all elements with your "why" You have the choice to cross the finish line, whatever the distance   Guest Bio Alexander Torres is a native of Gary, IN.  Alumnus of Indiana University. He is a former member of the Horace Mann High School track & cross-country teams.  He continued his running in the United States Army as a member of the Commander's Cup Team. Alex ran his first marathon in 2004, the Chicago Marathon.  He has  ran the Chicago Marathon every year it has been held since 2004.  Alex is currently registered for the 2023 Chicago Marathon which will be his 19th consecutive Chicago Marathon. Alex first official race as an adult post military was the marathon distance. In 2010, he decided to compete in his first Ironman race, Ironman Louisville.  His first triathlon was the full Ironman distance. To date Alex has completed 14 full Ironman races.  Alex is currently scheduled to race Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2023 and on tap to race in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI in 2024 after qualifying via the legacy program. Professionally Alex is in the pharmaceutical industry as an Executive Institutional Representative in Grand Rapids, MI in the area of surgical anesthesia and heart failure. He is a husband and father of 5 children.   Connect: Connect with Alex Torres via Facebook    Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove  

This episode features two athletes sharing their journeys, successes, and challenges. This mother-and-son duo in sports always finds a way to support each other!  Dr. Petriece  Culberson started her fitness journey while serving in the US Army. Her son Jullien “Jules” CulbersonJules was  exposed to sports even while in the womb. He was pushed in a stroller as his mom ran with her mom group.  Dr Culberson attributes her time in the armed forces and participating in sports in making her disciplined and driven. She uses this drive in competition, pushing herself to be the best she can be.  Jules has always played sports: basketball, football, soccer were his major sports when he was younger. Unfortunately an injury ended his football career in middle school.. He did not let his injury deter him. Taking an unfamiliar path, Jullien tried out for and made his high school swim team, and completed in his first triathlon at school. Recognizing the significant underrepresentation in the swim community, Jullien also accepted a position to give swim lessons to young children, making a personal commitment to ensure that African-American children were well trained in basic swim techniques.   Dr. Petriece  Culberson decided to compete in a triathlon and  her son joined her. Team Culberson was formed and their first event was an indoor triathlon together .Jules continued to accompany mom to her races  and it sparked a desire in him to do more and in Spring 2022 they completed a half distance 70.3 together.  Together,  triathlons  have created a stronger bond between this mother and son duo— they are truly an inspiration and prove that triathlon is a sport for all ages and that fitness can be a fun family affair.    Episode Highlights:   Dr. Culberson start in fitness Dr. Culberson first endurance race experience and what she learned from it  Jules started in fitness  The injury that could have ended Jules fitness journey  Jules pivot to become a swimmer Jules role in sharing his gift with the next generation  Dr. Culberson first triathlon after she resumed the sport Jules training for his first 70.3 Half distance Triathlon Team Culberson  Journey to complete Ironman North Carolina 70.3 as a Duo Guest Bios: Dr. Petriece Culberson At her first duty station, she joined a proud group of service men and women in her unit who exceeded the maximum points required to earn the infamous Army Badge for Physical Fitness Excellence. Her love for health and fitness resulted in a nomination and selection by her leadership to attend a newly developed health and fitness program for the US Army. Following extensive physical and academic training, Petriece earned the title of Master Fitness Trainer for the US Army. Throughout her military career, Petriece taught physical fitness training and oversaw Army Physical Fitness Testing at numerous military bases stateside, abroad, and while deployed. While stationed in Turkey, in support of Operation Northern Watch, Petriece completed her first half marathon at the age of 27. She was humbled by the experience and quickly realized that although she could run two-miles for the military fitness test effortlessly, 13.1 miles was hard, really hard. This humbling experience was the beginning of her distance running journey. Following her retirement, Petriece decided that she would not run again for a very long time. She was tired. She quickly realized that she missed running. She missed the time alone with her thoughts and the physical results that running produced. Petriece gradually returned to running and walking short distances (5k/10K). In 2010, less than two years after her retirement, Petriece tragically lost her mother. In search of holistic methods to help her manage grief and depression, Petriece turned to meditation and running. Running became her outlet, driving her to complete over 50 half marathons, a few marathons, 50k, and 50M distances within a few years. She found peace, solitude, and healing in her running journey. In 2017, Petriece re-entered the world of triathlon. It would be over 20 years since her first triathlon. She was a mediocre swimmer but had enough skills to prevent drowning. Her son, who was the Co-Captain of his high school swim team at the time, joined her. She recalls being lapped by her son while she walked the laps. At the time she could not swim 25 yards without holding on the lane line ropes. With determination, training, and support from her son, Petriece went on to complete numerous local sprint and olympic triathlons, often making the podium. Her new-found love for triathlons led her to successful completion of the Ironman 70.3 distance and Ironman 140.6 distance within two years of her return to triathlon. Most recently, Petriece completed Ironman North Carolina 70.3 with her son, Jullien.This was the highlight of her triathlon journey. The best proud mom moment ever! While she admits that age and injury have impacted her ability to be as quick as she used to be, she is committed to continuing her health and fitness journey, incorporating triathlon along the way. Dr. Petriece Culberson is a 20-year retired Army Veteran currently employed by the federal government. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Services/Psychology, a Master's degree in Education, and a Doctorate's degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. She is the owner of BloomPrint (Life) Coaching, an avid traveler, and a certified scuba diver. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering in support of the underserved in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.   Jullien “Jules” Culberson Jullien Culberson was born in Wiesbaden, Germany while his mother was serving in the US Army and his father played for an overseas basketball club. From birth, Jullien spent many days in the gym while his mother led fitness training for military service members and his father practiced basketball. Jullien began his love for sports at the age of five. For four years, he played basketball with a local basketball club while simultaneously playing soccer for a Southern California Soccer Club. At the age of ten, he relocated to Texas with his family where he was reintroduced to football. Jullien played several seasons with Plano Sports Authority until an injury brought his football future to an unfortunate end. Jullien did not let his injury prevent him from excelling in sports. Taking an unfamiliar path, Jullien tried out for and made his high school swim team. Recognizing the significant underrepresentation in the swim community, Jullien accepted a position to give swim lessons to young children, making a personal commitment to ensure that African-American children were well trained in basic swim techniques. In this capacity, Jullien also served as a Swim Team Coach for a local swim club in North Texas. While swimming could not replace his love for football, soccer, and basketball, Jullien was proud to make a presence in an under-represented sport, ultimately earning his position as the team Co-Captain. During his four-year stint on the swim team, Jullien played water polo and completed his first triathlon during the off season. In 2017, Jullien accompanied his mother for an Indoor Triathlon. The following years he supported his mother as a Sherpa as she trained for and competed in Ironman 70.3 and Ironman 140.6 distances. Witnessing the Ironman journey up close and personal sparked his curiosity. He competed in local triathlons and in Spring of 2022, he registered and committed to his first Ironman 70.3 alongside his mother. The mother-son team affectionately known as Team Culberson, successfully completed Ironman North Carolina 70.3 in October 2022. Connect with Team Culberson    Connect with Jullien “Jules” Culberson  on Instagram Connect with Dr. Petriece Culberson on Instagram  Connect with Dr. Petriece Culberson on Facebook Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Some of the most important lessons are the ones we learn from failure.  Lloyd Henry is  a 32-time Ironman & long-course finisher. He overcame the stigma of athletes losing their drive after a loss. He had no background in sports, but progressed  to become a sub-3-hour marathoner He has competed in numerous running events (5k to ultra-marathon) including the Boston Marathon and Comrades Marathon (South Africa). He has been running since 2002 and coaching triathletes since 2004.   He uses all his personal experiences to coach effectively.  Coach Lloyd Henry  takeaways, experiences, and lessons he took and it makes him an effective, compassionate coach. He enjoys seeing his clients as they progress and experience those “ah-ha” moments.    Listen to how an inspiring couch potato turned into the first African-American to finish an Ironman on six continents in 2016 and  make it to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Episode Highlights:   Coach Lloyd Start In Endurance Racing  The Challenge That Start Lloyd Henry Triathlon Journey  From Couch to Triathlons Learning How to Swim Competitively using Total Immersion  The Trials and Errors of Training and Racing What Lloyd Learned from His DNF (did not finish) Defining What Is Fun    Guest Bio:    Lloyd Henry is a 32-time Ironman & long course finisher and in 2016 became the first African-American to finish an Ironman on six continents plus the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In addition to the triathlon, Lloyd is a sub-3-hour marathoner and has competed in numerous running events (5k to ultra-marathon) including the Boston Marathon and Comrades Marathon (South Africa). He has been running since 2002 and coaching triathletes since 2004. Form and technique are the focal points of Lloyd's coaching style. As a coach, he enjoys seeing clients experience that “ah-ha” moment. Whether it is gliding through the water with ease, finally feeling like a fish in the water, the feel of gravity pulling them forward as they fall into a run, or the sudden outburst of “I‘m running, and it doesn‘t hurt.” He has helped clients learn to swim, improve their stroke, compete in a triathlon, move from the couch to a 5k, finish their first marathon, qualify for Boston and hear those famous words “You Are An Ironman.” A native of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Lloyd has a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Medical Science, PMP, and an MBA. He is also an avid scuba diver, snowboarder, gardener, and Crucian market basket weaver   Connect with Coach Lloyd Henry  Connect with Coach Lloyd Henry  on Facebook Connect with Coach Lloyd Henry  on Instagram Connect with Coach Lloyd on his webpage   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Pivoting can provide stress and uncertainty as it is changed from an original plan. Change can also be somewhat scary.  It can mean changing one's life, whether it's a job, a move, or a new journey.  Pivoting can be risky yet beneficial. Pivoting lets people follow their passions, although with a new or renewed focus. Pivoting can foster growth. Adapting to a new setting may help one grow and further find themselves. It may allow a new sense of purpose, and a renewed passion.  Changing one's life can initially be sad as you are in a sense saying goodbye or saying later to something that was initially planned. Life happens, and many times it is not as we planned it. We have to make adjustments.  My favorite spectator  sport football  is all about adjustments, and the best teams know how to do it well. Pivoting is far from  simple but in order to keep moving we have to learn to have peace in the process. Often the end is so much better than the initial plan.  In this episode, I will share my journey and experiences and how I am finding peace in my pivot.   Episode Highlights:    The Pivot Podcast one of my new favorite podcast How to continue once the newness wears off The Team Concept and how this concept helps in achieving goals Realizing that things are not always don't work out as plan  Sports used to convey key life lessons Knowing that consistent movement is key Update on my recovery, injuries, and future plan  The importance of living in the moment and being grateful  How I am pivoting    Episodes Mentioned:  New Year, New You!!! Ask The Doctor: What Is Microfracture Surgery?   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Today I am discussing a very interesting topic “ Homecoming: What Does It Mean to Come Home”. I stumbled across the topic during my Homecoming to my Alma Mater, Florida A & M University (FAMU) a few weeks ago. Those of you who know me, and/or are regular listeners know that I love FAMU. My mother helped spark my interest in physical therapy. FAMU A&M was one of two  Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that had physical therapy at the time. FAMU was within driving distance for me. After I went to a program called TOPS- early orientation I was sold and the rest is history.  I have very many fond memories of my years at Florida A&M. One thing in particular that stood out was my professors and how caring they were for the students. I met some of my lifelong friends/family- FAMUly.    Homecoming: What Does it Mean to Come Home.  You may be asking how does this relate to endurance sports? Well the feeling I get when I go to homecoming is one of rejuvenation, one of enlightenment. I get the same feeling when I go to race meetups with Fast Chix founded by Col. Yvonne Spencer or triathlons where there is a large presence of Black Triathletes Association ( BTA) such as Chicago Triathlon, and various other 70.3 and full distance IronMan races. Members of TeamThe National Black Marathon Association, National Brotherhood of Skiers, and Team Zoot are also included. The Race, various World Major Races, and the Reggae Marathon race are other road races with the same feel.. Members of these various groups are like family, and how can I not mention my first running group United Nations. I get that feeling  even if I don't or can't race for whatever reason.  The emotions attached to being among your tribe or crew is  priceless.  It was members of these various groups  that helped me move when my place caught on fire in Philly. Drove me to surgery and picked me up. Brought me food when I was recovering from surgery. Took me to doctor's appointments when I could not drive.    Running is Cheaper Than Therapy is not just a podcast about endurance sports, but also, it is  based on movement from a wholeness aspect. People participate in sports for many different reasons including, physical and mental well-being as well as the connections that come with associating with fellow athletes. Homecoming is about feeding your spirit and staying connected to people with whom you click. It is about finding joy in whatever you do and the people you do it with.   Episode Highlights:   Homecoming at Florida A&M University. Some fond memories at Florida A&M University. What community means to me What does in mean to come home and how it relates to endurance sports? How to feed your spirit and how the endurance sports community means so much    Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Aaron Hickman started his fitness journey at 15 years of age because the requirement to join the high school basketball team was also to be on the cross-country team. After high school, Aaron took an 8-year hiatus from running before emerging into running events in the Chicagoland area. Since then, Aaron has competed in 10 obstacle courses, 5 triathlons, and about 15 endurance running events.  Initially, Aaron did not take triathlons seriously, but his first Chicago Triathlon experience was an awakening experience.  He soon learned the dedication and training that is necessary to successfully  complete a race.  He progressed from the  Olympic distance. After he found success in the Olympic distance he sought the assistance of a coach  He is particularly proud of his completion of Ironman Louisville in 2015. He continued to race Full Distance IronMan 140.6 races but after his initial success he thought he could continue to successfully race without the actual intensity of training that he committed to for his first full distance race.  He learned the hard way that he had to respect each race. He recently completed IronMan Wisconsin for the second time in the worst conditions September 2022. He has learned that in order to successfully complete a race you need to train the body, you need to also train the mind as both are needed to be victorious.  ⁠ Episode Highlights: Aaron starts running in high school. After a long hiatus, Aaron returns to  endurance sports. Aaron love for obstacle course racing. How Aaron becomes a triathlete The 2015 Louisville Full Ironman 140.6 race. Racing an Ironman event in a  monsoon. Lessons about the body and mind connection during a race Aaron Hickman has some words of wisdom Guest Bio Aaron Hickman began his fitness journey at the young age of 15 while involved with his high school cross-country team. It was at that time that he embraced the moment of running free among his peers as a means to focus on his happiness and not worry about anything around mmm. Between high school and college, a long hiatus was taken. It wasn't until 8 years later that Aaron was exposed to the running events in the Chicagoland area. Since then, he has taken part in over 10 obstacle course races, 5 triathlons, and 15 running endurance events. His most inspiring accomplishment came in 2015 at Ironman Louisville. It was at that moment he realized the power of the mind. Through his accomplishments and tribulations, he hopes to motivate newcomers entering the endurance sport by letting them know it's a long, rugged journey, however, the reward is well worth it. Connect with Aaron Hickman  Connect with Aaron on Facebook   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Stacy Winters has had a more than 30-year running career. She's participated in countless 5k's, 10 k's, half marathons, marathons. Her longest distance race was a 50k trail distance. Starting with duathlons, Stacy ventured into multisports. She eventually started participating in triathlons after she learned how to swim at the age of forty-five.   Stacy's philosophy is that endurance sports are for everyone. She is a member of several groups, such as Mid Maryland Triathlon Club. She also enjoys volunteering, and has served as a marathon coach. She has won several age group awards, but considers herself as a “happy athlete.''   Unfortunately  Stacy was in a cycling accident a year ago and suffered several injuries that could have resulted in the lost of her arm. Her recovery continues and today she shares her story.   Episode Highlights: Stacy shares her thoughts on Psychology and endurance sports Suffering depression, Stacy starts running as a coping mechanism and to lose weight. From marathons to triathlons and learning to swim at 45. Some memorable races. Stacy's cycling accident and a horrifying 36 hours of waiting. Journey through three surgeries and recovery. Living and racing with the injury. Stacy Winters has some words of wisdom Guest Bio Ms. Stacy Winters graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Psychology. She received her Masters of Education in Psychological Counseling from Howard University. Stacy received her Bachelors of Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Her Masters of Nursing was granted by Drexel University. She is a certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Stacy has been certified as a health coach by the American Council on Exercise since 2016. Stacy's running career expands 30 years. She has participated in countless 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons, and marathons. Her longest distance race was a 50k trail distance. In the past 10 years, Ms. Winters has participated in multi-sports to include duathlon and triathlon. Stacy took her first swim lessons at age 45. She has won several age group awards, but considers herself as a “happy athlete.'' Her philosophy is that endurance sports is for everyone. Winters is a member of several groups including: Mid Maryland Triathlon Club, Black Triathlon Association, Fastchix and Coeur Sports. Ms. Winters enjoys volunteering. She has volunteered for the following organizations: End AIDS Campaign for Whitman Walker Center in Washington, DC as a marathon coach; Athletes Serving Athletes, an organization to support children with limiting ability in Frederick, and a medical volunteer at Ironman Maryland, Charm City Sports and the Annapolis, Maryland. Stacy Winters moderated a Facebook forum, Health-Chats Stay Well for from 2016-2020. Stacy is passionate about diversity and inclusion. She has written several articles on health disparities. Ms. Winters was in a cycling accident on 9/1//2021 while training for a half Ironman. Her recovery continues. Connect with Stacy Winters  Connect with Stacy on Instagram Read some of Stacy's blogs Connect  with Stacy on LinkedIn Connect with Stacy on Facebook  Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

⁠Colonel Yvonne Spencer is an eight time full distance Ironman finisher. She is a 2020 long course triathlon team member, and multi-year all world athlete. In addition to the numerous triathlon finishes in all distances, she's an avid runner. She  has completed 16 marathons and completed the Boston Marathon in 2021. She has also been coaching since 2017.  Colonel Yvonne Spencer has a 28-year military career serving in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded organizations ranging from 300 to 1,200 personnel. Building on her leadership talents, in 2015, Yvonne created a women empowerment and support network called Fast Chix. It is a national women's triathlon group, primarily women of color that strive to remove barriers by empowering and educating women in the sport of triathlon. Recently Colonel Yvoone Spencer was appointed as a General Director of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. Her term will end Dec. 31, 2025. “On behalf of my fellow triathletes, I am absolutely thrilled for this opportunity to serve as a General Director of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. I  look forward to helping USA Triathlon fortify its commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive triathlon community.” Colonel Spencer stated. Episode Highlights: Yvonne starts endurance sports. Some memorable marathons, the good and the bad. From marathons to triathlons Fast Chix is born and grows into a beautiful movement Yvonne's journey into coaching Yvonne reminisces on her favorite triathlons Why are women of color not taking up triathlons? Some honors and awards Yvonne has gotten for being an outspoken triathlete Yvonne shares some obstacles and wisdom in overcoming Guest Bio Colonel Yvonne Spencer is an 8-time Ironman and long course FINISHER. She is a 2020 USA Long Course Triathlon Team Member and multiple year All-World Athlete. In addition to numerous triathlon finishes in all distances, she's an avid runner who has completed 14 marathons and completed the 2021 Boston Marathon qualifier. She has been coaching since 2017 and is a USA Triathlon Level 1 Certified Coach and RRCA Certified Coach. In a 28-year military career, Yvonne has served in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded organizations ranging from 300 to 1,200 personnel. Despite living in 5 countries and relocating 14 times, triathlon has been a constant in her life. It has been key to her resiliency and work/life balance. In 2015, Yvonne translated her leadership talents into building a supportive, and empowering network of women known as the Fast Chix. It is a National Women's Triathlon Group, primarily women of color, that strives to Remove Barriers by Empowering and Educating women in the sport of triathlon. Fast Chix provides a safe environment for positive engagement, shared experiences, and support for athletes at all levels. Fast Chix efforts include annual race meetups, educational clinics, fitness panels, book clubs and monthly challenges. To date, Fast Chix has nearly 1,200 online members! Yvonne's story has been featured in multiple social mediums to include Triathlete Magazine, Run TriBike Magazine and Mid Strike Magazine. In recognition of her efforts to “Be the Change”, she received the 2020 Outspoken Women In Triathlon Social Media Impact Award and the 2021 USAT Women's Committee Diversity and Inclusion Award.Yvonne still serves in the U.S. Air Force and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia. DISCLAIMER: These are the speaker's/author's personal views and not necessarily those of the DoD or the United States Air Force. Connect with Yvonne Spencer Yvonne's profile on TeamUSA Check out Fast Chix website Connect with other Fast Chix women on Facebook Fast Chix is also on Instagram   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

This is a very special episode. Tomorrow is my two-year podcast anniversary. It is also the day my mother transitioned from this world due to breast cancer. I wanted to do something positive and meaningful during the midst of  COVID and I started this podcast. I thank you so much for listening, a special thank all of my past and future guests. Thanks for all the suggestions, the recommendations. I appreciate all the love. This week's guest I met shortly after I moved to Chicago. Thanks to Gabrielle Barber who I met in Berlin who told me about Men Run Deez Streets. They were the first group I ran after I moved to the city. Although they were lightning fast, and I am not they were welcoming all the same. Terrance Lyles is my guest this week.  Terrance L. Lyles AKA The Machine, AKA Optimus Prime, is a marathoner, triathlete, and the founder of Men Run Deez Street.. His father is  Bernard Lyles, a previous guest on this show. Terrance  has completed over 30 marathons,  50-mile ultra-marathon and more recently a half IornMan distance race, 70.3 triathlon.   After Terrance  witnessed so many women of Black Girls Run taking on the sport, he became inspired to recruit men from social media to start his own club. Terrance's goal was to bring more black men into marathons. He formed  Men Run Deez Streets (MRDS) in 2013. He uses every opportunity to promote health and fitness through running.   Episode Highlights: Terrance in the midst of a life crisis started running as a coping mechanism. Terrance pays tribute to his dad, Bernard Lyles, who inspired him to run. Some memorable marathons, the good and the bad. Terrance talks about his 50-mile ultra-marathon. How Men Run Deez Streets  (MRDS) came to be. Terrance's first triathlon . Terrance talks about some obstacles he's faced and what drives him. Terrance shares some final words of inspiration.   Guest Bio Terrance L. Lyles, “The Machine” AKA “OPTIMUS PRIME” was born and raised in the streets of Chicago. He attended Neal F. Simeon High School and later attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He returned to Chicago to pursue a career in engineering and has worked in state and city government for over 20 years. He is currently employed as a Senior Project Manager for the Chicago Transit Authority leading multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects. Terrance began his running experience in 2006 after having many personal and financial issues. He believed that he needed something to keep his mind off of stress and needed a positive outlet. Knowing that his father, Bernard Lyles, was an avid runner, he consulted him and was advised to join the Maxfitness Marathon Training Program led by Coach Rudy Christian. Terrance trained for his first Chicago Marathon that year and completed it with a time of 4:07:28. This is when he developed the passion for running. Terrance went on to complete over 30 marathons in various cities that includes Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, Little Rock, Atlanta, St. Louis, New Orleans, and overseas in Negril, Jamaica and Berlin, Germany. He has also completed a 50-mile Ultra-Marathon in Chicago, and most recently, an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. With many years of accomplishments and a continued passion for running, Terrance became inspired to help bring more men of color into the sport. After witnessing many women of Black Girls Run taking on the sport, he became inspired to recruit men from social media to start his own club. With the many urban and professional men that reached back to him, Men Run Deez Streets (MRDS) was born in 2013. From there, he has helped train many men, and even women, to become long-distance runners and half marathon/marathon finishers. Terrance is a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Certified Adult Distance Running Coach. He is also an avid cyclist and swimmer. Terrance believes in helping people become their best selves. He is passionate about volunteering in the community for charity events and he is an advocate for social justice. He is dedicated to bringing about change to the community and helping others become healthier by running.  He lives by and adheres to a famous quote: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” – Harriet Tubman.   Connect with Terrance Lyles  Connect with Terrance on Facebook Connect with Terrance on Instagram Men Run Deez Streets on Facebook Send Terrance an email. MRDS got featured on Block Club Chicago   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Valerie Tyler is one of my former coaches. She taught me how to swim and how to overcome my fear of the deep end of the pool. A self-proclaimed tomboy, Valerie has been active all her life but she only got to into Marathons at 50 on a dare. Over the next 20 years, Valerie has run 35 marathons qualifying for the Boston Marathon four times. She also got into triathlons, also on a dare, and after she taught herself how to swim, she started with sprints, Olympics, half-marathons and finally the full ironman. Currently, Valerie focuses on coaching other athletes wanting to promote good health to the next generation. Her business partner is Coach Mo, who was a previous guest here. She also helped start the Southside CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association).     Episode Highlights: Valerie the tomboy since childhood. Her motivation to remain active and help others. Valerie becomes a marathoner on a dare and her first marathon. Some memorable marathons, the good and the bad. She becomes involved in CARA Valerie becomes a triathlon athlete, again, on a dare. Some memories and tips from her experience with triathlons. Valerie is challenging herself to go to Big Shoulders. She talks about her coaching journey. Valerie shares some final words of inspiration. Guest Bio Growing up as a tomboy competing with her older brother, Valerie was always active physically. From baseball to climbing trees, to tag races, to monkey bars, to long jumps, and on and on. Then mud biking! Then she transitioned to African dance, ballet, and jazz. In between, tennis, roller skating, skiing, and aerobic classes. Whew!!!! Always active, always competing, and always challenging herself. Fast forward, she was dared to run a marathon at the age of 50. Why did that happen? Valerie really found her groove….so for the next 20 years, she ran 35 marathons all over the world and more ½ marathons than she can count. During that period, she also was approached by Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) to build a south side base leaving from LaRabida Hospital, so under pressure, Valerie founded that running group and built it up to 60 plus marathon members. During those 5 years of being the ‘Site Coordinator' for CARA South Side, she qualified for the Boston Marathon 4 times, and lead the 9:30 and 10-minute Pace Groups. Valerie was dared to race in Triathlons at the age of 52. Why did that happen? Over the years, she has participated in many, many Sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman, and 1 Full Ironman. She learned to swim, earned her Life Savers Certification, and began coaching swim lessons with Chicago Blue Dolphins. Her first Ironman at the age of 67 was in Chattanooga, and she placed 2nd in her age group behind a woman that had done 9 and this was her 10th competition. What a proud moment to be on the Podium and invited to Kona!!!!! However, she was one and done. Ironman training was by far the most difficult, challenging, and mentally draining experience she had ever done. She was exhausted but exhilarated enough for a lifetime. In the past few years, Valerie has retired from Corporate America and earned certifications in Yoga, Personal Training, Fitness Training, and Nutritional Training. (She primarily follows a vegetarian diet with an emphasis on protein). She founded her own company, VTFit, 7 years ago and now teaches 40 minutes of strength training on Zoom 5X a week with a base of approximately 60 students, most of whom have been with her for more than 3 years. She has received numerous first and second-place age group awards and hundreds of medals from racing events of all types. As she moves into her senior years, Valerie feels the desire to extend herself and her energies into motivating and training the next generation. She was blessed to have an amazing racing career, and she wants to see more ‘people of color' pushing the envelope and representing the US in marathons and triathlons around the world. So, she continues to train – coaching swimming and track under the guidance of her stellar coach, Mo Wills, of Infinity Multisport. This game is about ‘getting comfortable with being uncomfortable' – his favorite saying. Her favorite mantras are;  (1) Keep It Moving and stay active.  (2) If I can set an example for a healthy lifestyle, my work is done!  (3) Be bold and live life to the fullest in love, health, spirit, family, and friends!!!!  (4) You can choose to be healthy and fit…it's a choice! Connect with Valerie Tyler Connect with Valerie on Facebook Connect with Valerie on Instagram         Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter        

Today the focus will not be on post-race recovery, but on post-surgery and post-injury recovery. I have received many questions regarding rehab and physical therapy related to my latest surgery and I will attempt to answer them in this episode as well as give an update on my own  recovery journey.  I have had a plethora of injuries in my running and triathlon career as well as some from ski racing.  I have had plantar fasciitis, meniscal tear, tendonitis,  iliotibial friction band syndrome  etc. I have had surgeries as a result of some of  these injuries and the most recent one was in April 2022. It was a microfracture surgery to address a cartilage knee injury. I am still recovering from this injury.  I had another knee surgery in 2020 on my knee for a partial ACL tear, cartilage injury and a meniscus tear.  I found that I still could not get back to running at full force as there was still some pain. I got a second opinion and the MRI showed a cartilage  defect. I took the risk to have another surgery to address the  defect in my cartilage in 2022. Surgery is always a risk and one should do a thorough risk benefit ratio before proceeding.  I decided to take the risk  because I love running for so many reasons. One is the high I get from it, another is the health benefits of running, and last but not least is the community of people.  After the surgery, I had to be on crutches for six weeks. I was lucky that the injury was on a part of my knee that is not load-bearing and so I could put some weight on my toes versus being non-weight bearing. I have learned that rehab is not a linear progression. Everyday is not necessarily better than the day before the goal is steady and progressive improvement.  Episode Highlights:   Some of my past injuries. My most recent injury and surgery. Why I took the risk and had a second surgery on my knee. My journey of rehab and recovery. Some lessons from my journey. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Shauna Anderson is a Mechanical engineer and mathematician who has taught for 25 years in the United States, Ethiopia and Taiwan.  She is a a graduate of an HBCU, Howard University. She obtained  a master's degree from Harvard University. Shauna considers herself a citizen of the world having visited forty-seven countries and with the full intention of seeing more. Not only has Shauna completed all of the six major world marathons, but also, run a marathon on all seven continents. She has also completed a triathlon, actually with only four days of training.  She has run twenty full marathons, thirty-one  half marathons, bungee jumped in New Zealand, and driven herself 10,000 miles across the United States among many other adventures. Her motto in life is a quote by Eric Thomas: "When you die, die on "E"...leave no dream left behind...leave no opportunity behind! Accomplish everything you can." Episode Highlights: How Shauna started running . Shauna's first marathon - Boston Marathon. Some memorable marathons, the best and worst of her experience. The Antarctica marathon. Shauna experience bungee jumping  Shauna shares her bucket list. Shauna shares some of her wisdom she has obtained over the years. Guest Bio Shauna Anderson is a mathematics teacher of 25 years who has taught in the U.S., Ethiopia, and Thailand. She has completed the world marathon majors and a full marathon on all seven continents. She did her first ever triathlon with four days' notice just last year and spontaneously bungee jumped while in New Zealand, one of the 47 countries she has visited. She considers herself to be a citizen of the world. Her motto in life is a quote by Eric Thomas: "When you die, die on "E"...leave no dream left behind...leave no opportunity behind! Accomplish everything you can." Connect with Shauna Anderson  Shauna Anderson got featured on the Runner's Magazine. Catch Shauna on Instagram. Catch Shauna's blog. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter     

Liz Yerly has been my physical therapist since 2014. I initially saw her with plantar fasciitis but she has since seen me for a plethora of other injuries as well as post-surgery. She sees many endurance athletes and has a world-class facility. I enjoy working with her because she challenges me and keeps me from getting bored.  She also uses a variety of methods to help me reach my goals.  Besides being a physical therapist, Liz also is a certified athletic trainer and massage therapist. She teaches her clients the best ways to avoid injuries. She sees many common orthopedic injuries, including overuse injuries, and post-surgery patients. Liz has a vast knowledge of biomechanics, which allows her to examine athletes' movement patterns and resolve dysfunction to help decrease injury and improve performance.   Liz developed the Chicago recovery room. In order to be seen there, clients don't need a prescription. The recovery room has compression boots, and ice baths, and they do a lot of education for athletes at all levels. She tries to work with clients who may not be able to afford therapy due to no insurance and those that may have issues with insurance. Her goal is to provide access to as many people as she can.   Episode Highlights: What sparked Liz's Interest in physical therapy. Some of Liz's  certifications Liz's experience with endurance athletes. Liz's tips to run injury-free.. Why Liz started the Chicago Recovery Room Liz talks some more about The Chicago Recovery Room.   Guest Bio "I believe as physical therapists we have the unique ability to provide a missing piece in the healthcare spectrum. I want to be a resource for athletes and patients during all aspects of their care, whether for injury rehabilitation, preventative maintenance, or performance enhancements. We offer a skill set that should be utilized on a continuum that will ultimately result in overall improved function and continued wellness over time,” Liz Yerly Education Marquette University, Bachelor of Psychology Marquette University, Masters of Physical Therapy Certifications Certified Athletic Trainer Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Full Body Certified in Active Release Technique Licensed Massage Therapist Certified Graston Technique Professional Interests A licensed practitioner in physical therapy, athletic training, massage therapy and personal training, Liz offers a unique perspective on injury prevention, maintenance, and rehabilitation of her patients and athletes. Liz has experience treating everyone from the collegiate athlete to the weekend warrior. She also sees many common orthopaedic injuries, including post-surgical patients and overuse injuries common in endurance sports. She has a vast knowledge of biomechanics which allows her to examine patient/athlete movement patterns and resolve dysfunctions to help decrease injury and improve performance. Liz provides individualized, hands-on patient care with a focus on soft tissue dysfunction. She completed her full body Active Release Certification in 2008; she is trained in administering intramuscular trigger point dry needling and also administers Graston Techniques which utilizes an instrument to detect and treat soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation and restore range of motion. She has volunteered at numerous triathlon and marathon races, including the Madison, WI Ironman. She is also part of the medical staff for the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) and Broadway in Chicago Performing Arts team. Liz also developed the Chicago Recovery Room concept, which is an open-to-the-public athletic training room providing access to state-of-the-art recovery tools and services for athletes. The Chicago Recovery Room provides athletes of all levels with affordable access to cutting-edge technology and treatment options to help speed up recovery, prevent injuries, and continue to train like the pros. Specialties Active Release Techniques Graston Technique Trigger Point Dry Needling Athletic Taping,  FMS Runner's Analysis    Bike Fitting  Pose Certified Licensed Massage Therapist Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,  Licensed Athletic Trainer   Connect with Liz Yerly  See Liz's profile at Impact Physical Therapy Catch Liz's website Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter        

Coach Maurice (Mo) Wills is the man who is responsible for getting to the start and finish line of all my major races minus my one DNF ( did not finish). Mo, taught me to swim and believed I could do more than I ever thought possible. I also told him he was the first coach that didn't fire me- long story.   Mo  is a USA Triathlon, a level two coach, certified total immersion swim instructor, certified Chi running instructor, and master trainer for heart zones. He is a two-time Boston Marathon finisher, ultra-marathoner and 11-time full-distance Ironman finisher. He had more than 25 years of race experience and over 20 years of coaching experience at all levels and distances. He has coached hundreds of athletes in person and remotely to their finish lines.He always says “hate me now, love me race day”. He ran competitively in high school and college. He burned out and took a hiatus after college until his mother told him he was fat. He then started running again. It was from there his passion grew and grew. He went from running, cycling, to triathlon racing and  coaching.  When winter comes, Coach Mo likes to play in the snow being an accomplished snowboarder and skier. He is a certified Tier 1 snowboard instructor. Besides being a coach, Maurice Wills is also an active CPA and holds a BS in accounting from North Carolina A&T State University.  Episode Highlights: Mo  running  history in high school along with other sports. After a long hiatus in college, Mo takes up running again after his mother calls him fat. His first triathlon race. Coach Mo gives us his take on triathlons. He gets hoodwinked into becoming a coach. How he connected with his present business partner  Mo shares some words of wisdom Guest Bio Maurice (Mo) holds a BS in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University, where he ran Track & Field and Cross-Country. He is a USA Triathlon Level II Coach, certified Total Immersion instructor, certified ChiRunning Instructor and Master Trainer for Heart Zones. Mo is a two-time Boston Marathon finisher, Ultra-marathoner and 11-time Ironman finisher on 5 of the 7 continents. He has completed 10+ marathons and numerous triathlons around the world. Mo has 25+ years of race experience and over 20 years of coaching experience at all levels and distances. He had coached hundreds of athletes (in person and remote) to their finish line goals from 5K to Ultramarathon, including 100+ ironman finishes. Mo started coaching a competitive swim team in 2017 and is now a certified lifeguard instructor. He also likes to play in the snow. He is an avid snowboarder, skier, and snowmobile enthusiast. He is also a Level 1 certified snowboard instructor. Mo is a  CPA, so not only will he coach you through a successful triathlon season, but he can find you some good tax deductions on your next return. Mo co-owner of Infinity Multisport with business partner Lara Mele.    Connect with Coach Maurice (Mo) Wills  Connect with Coach Mo on Facebook. Connect with Coach Mo on Twitter Catch the coach's website Contact Coach Mo on email at train@infinityeffect.com or maurice@infinityeffect.com Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email Runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form.   Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Many people who lead active lives, particularly athletes, are guilty of sacrificing sleep in pursuit of other responsibilities. It's not just athletes who fail to get enough sleep. Life is hectic and it's hard to get everything done within the right amount of time available in a day. I  personally have been sleep-deprived for years. From college balancing schooling with a social life, to medical school, residency, etc. Now with work, training six days a week, this passion project of hosting this podcast, and trying to have a social life.  However, in the last few weeks, I have been trying to achieve at least seven hours of sleep every day. It is very hard because as mentioned earlier, trying to balance everything. . I can feel the difference between when I get a full night's sleep versus when I am sleep deprevied.  Sleep is important, especially for an endurance athlete. Your body needs to recover from all the training and it can only do it while you sleep. Sleep is very important, not only for recovery but also warding off cravings, boosting the body's immunity and mood balance. Several scientific studies on different categories of athletes have shown definitive improvement in athletic performance with adequate sleep. Episode Highlights:   Affirmation of the importance of sleep My own history of sleep deprivation Why sleep is important and what happens to your body when you deprive it of sleep. Some notable studies on athletes regarding performance and sleep Some tips on ensuring you get sufficient sleep Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book; Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

McKenley Mason is an old friend of mine whom I met back in 2015 at the Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon..  He is a marathoner turned triathlete.  He used to casually run up to the age of 50. At the age of 50 he decided to quit smoking and drinking and become a more serious runner having prayed on it. Hoping to outlive his parents who had both died in their early 50s, his casual runs became longer and longer and soon found himself running 3 hours straight. His goal at first was to run only one marathon a year but his running family pressured him into doing more. His brother bought him a Walmart bike which was not properly assembled at the store. Mason took it to a local bike shop for repairs and met triathletes who got him to consider participating in triathlons. Although he swam at an early age he was only able to swim 8 feet when he returned to the pool.  After looking around for a group of people to train with, decided to train himself using videos, his GoPro, and seeking the advice of various member of the Black Triathlete Association. In 2021, McKenley  completed  his first Ironman in 14 hours 52 minutes and has plans to do more. Episode Highlights: How McKenley initially  started running  How McKenley quit smoking and drinking McKenley start as a long distance runner  McKenley's first marathon  Getting a bike and  joining the world of triathlons. How McKenley advanced in swimming  McKenley's future in triathlons A look into how McKenley plays to his strengths  McKenley Mason shares some words of wisdom Guest Bio McKenley Mason is a Runner/Triathlete. Up until age 50, he would have called himself a casual jogger, only running one local 10K race a year.  Both of his parents died in their early 50s; they drank and smoked a lot, and so did he. It became a dream to outlive his parents and he prayed about it. During the year of his 48th birthday, he had a testimonial event occur in his life, and on the year of his 50th birthday, he was forced to stop drinking and smoking. At this point, his casual runs became longer and longer and after a year Mason found himself running up to 3 to 4 hours non-stop. In 2010 at the age of 52, he ran his first marathon in Richmond Va. In the beginning, his goal was to run at least a marathon a year, but once he met other runners and joined several run groups that quickly changed. From 2010 to 2017 he was a marathoner but was given a Walmart bike by his brother and that changed his focus. The bike had many loose screws and parts, so he took it to the local bike shop, and it was there that he met some triathletes. Running over these years has taken Mason to places that he thought he would never see and has met people who today are his Run Family. He has run marathons in 24 states, and 5 continents and completed 4 of the 6 major races of the world. He is surprised when he looks back and sees that he has completed 24 Marathons, 51 Half Marathons. 1 Ultra, 3 Ironman 70.3's and Ironman 140.6……all this after 50. Running has been Mason's love, but becoming a Triathlete has been amazing. When it came to the world of multisport, he could run and cycle and obtain podiums at duathlons, but his swimming was sub-par. He learned to swim in college, but went 37 years without "swimming". He signed up for his first Tri at 59 years old and literally ran all parts of the pools if his feet touched the bottom. There were frustrations learning to swim, but he never gave up. He went to numerous swim and open water clinics and 95% of the time he was the only Black person there. He can't explain, but he never felt comfortable, so he taught himself using videos and advice from fellow triathletes from the Black Triathletes Association, BTA. March 2020, The Pandemic, our world changed and he was happy with his athletic resume. Mason still trained during the pandemic with no race in sight and found himself after a year trained up for the 140.6 distance. He entered Ironman Maryland (IMMD) as a 63-year-old Black man and in 2021 he finished with a time of 14:52:34. In 2 months, Mason will be 64 and sometimes he feels like he started late in this game, but sometimes we are not ready for God's blessings until we have experienced some things. It took me 50 years to prepare for the great things going forward and he wants to thank God and all those he sent his way that is part of his testimony. Connect with McKenley Mason  Connect  with McKenley Mason on Facebook. Connect on McKenley Mason on   Instagram Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Dr. Tiencia James is a physician, a wife, mom, marathoner, and a triathlete. This mother of three started running as a child to spend time with her  father who was a runner. She eventually fell in love with the sport. She ran track in  high school and in her early college days but left the college team to concentrate on her medical studies. She however kept running for her own pleasure. After the birth of her first child, she decided to start racing. Her first marathon was Disney, she ran so well she qualified for the  Boston Marathon. This was quite an impressive feat, as runners have to qualify for Boston and Disney is usually a slower race due to all the turns and characters along the race course.  She kept running marathons but after her third child she decided to challenge herself and started her triathlon career.. Despite a busy career as a doctor, being a wife and mom of three  Dr. Tiencia James not only races but she strives to be the best.  She is passionate about the sport and  has often neglected sleep to train as she ever wanted to take away from her family. Dr. Tiencia James is the  first black woman to qualify for the Ironman World Championship on merit.  Following the death of her brother, she has decided to take a sabbatical from medicine to focus on family, training, and other career endeavors. She even hopes to start a business inspired by her passion for running and triathlons. She is currently training for the Ironman World Championships to be held in October. Episode Highlights: Getting started as a runner to stay and spend time  with her  father. Running through high school and college. Dr. Tiencia James's  experience at her first marathon. The new challenge of triathlons. Qualifying for Kona Balancing work, family and racing . Dr. Tiencia James shares some life lessons from triathlons   Guest Bio Dr. Tiencia James is the youngest of four kids and spent her childhood in Georgia. Her father was an obsessive competitive age group runner growing up. In fact, she is pretty sure that his divorce from her mother stems from how this took him away from his family at times. Somewhere around the age of 8-10, she started running with him. It was never because she had any strong desire to run at first, however, she figured out that if she ran, she would get to spend more time with him. Instead of just seeing him every other weekend like her siblings, she would see him for morning runs or weekend road trips to races. Eventually, however, she began to really love running and got very good at it. By the time she was in high school she was placed in the top three-four girls in the state in cross country and track/field 1600m/3200m. James never considered herself to be a talented runner, but because of her work ethic, love for the sport and support of her dad, she was able to outperform kids with more natural abilities. When she graduated from high school, she decided that she wanted to go to medical school so running took a back seat. It was no longer about her racing and competing, but it continued to be something that kept her grounded and helped her deal with the academic stress. She did compete as a walk-on at Stanford for two years before quitting the team to focus on her studies. She kept running most days really just for her sanity to decompress. She graduated from Stanford University and then went to Duke University to complete her medical doctorate while also getting a master's in public health from UNC. Eventually, she returned to Georgia and did her Emergency Medicine residency at Emory. After getting married, being an emergency medicine physician, and having her first 2 children Dr. Tiencia James began to miss the competitive side of running. It was in 2010 that she got back into racing and decided to train seriously for a marathon. She did her first marathon at Disney in a time of 3:22 qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The following year, at age 33, she finished the Boston Marathon in 3:11. Over the next few years, she continued to race long distances. After having the third child, she was looking for a differentthe challenge, something new. Somehow, she decided that she wanted to try long-distance triathlons. She hired a coach and after completing The Great Floridian and then Ironman Chattanooga soon after was hooked. Since then, James has qualified for many Ironman World Championship races in the 70.3 distance. She has been determined to use sports and athletics to get closer to her family and not allow it to push them apart. She often will find ways to involve all her kids in her training and for most races, they travel together as a family. It has been a great way to see the world together and to show her kids that life has no limits. Life has gotten a bit crazy, especially over the past two years, being a wife, mom of three kids and an ER doctor in the middle of Covid while also trying to keep up her training. She reached a major personal goal this past year. After more than 6 years of trying, she finally qualified for the Ironman World Championships in the 140.6 distance at the age of 44. She has been told that she is the first black female to qualify based on finishing place in a qualifying race (as opposed to legacy or slots awarded for charity). When she started giving away her ER shifts so she could go for a bike ride, she knew that she had to find a way to follow her heart.After losing her 45year old brother unexpectedly this past December, she really had to rethink her priorities. We only have one life so why not take chances and go “all in” on your dreams? This May, she decided after 15 years, to step away from the ED so that she can train for Kona, spend more time with her family as well as starting two entrepreneurial businesses-one in real estate and the other in high-performance endurance athletic consulting where she hopes to combine her knowledge of sports physiology, nutrition, and medicine in order to figure how to make endurance athletes better. She is not sure what the result of this will be for her, but she is very excited about this next chapter of her life. Connect with Dr. Tiencia James Connect to her personally on Facebook.   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter      

TJ Bryan is a career educator, an author and a runner who continues to run well into her seventies. TJ is a member of a small group of women over 70 who run in marathons. She is a rare African American woman competing at this distance. After TJ  retired from a 30-year career in higher education, she became a runner. She was 64 years old at the time--hardly the point at which most people embrace a demanding sport. No one was more surprised than she was when she demonstrated ability as a runner at a wide range of distances. At 78, she has completed 53 races. Even more impressive are her ten marathons and qualifying for the Boston Marathon on eight of these marathons. She is the author of two books, Saving Myself One Step at a Time: A Running Memoir and Black Girl in Red, White, and Blue America. She is currently working on a third one. Prior to retiring, TJ served as a professor, academic administrator, and university chancellor. She has a bachelor's, master's and a PhD in English, Language and Literature.   Episode Highlights: How TJ started running at 64. Dealing with injuries and how they tried to  derail her running. TJ speaks about  her most  memorable races. What's on TJ's bucket list? What motivates TJ to run, and some of her fears. Some wise words from TJ.   Guest Bio Born on August 21, 1945, T. J. Bryan is a member of a small group of women over 70 who run in marathons. She is a rare African American woman competing at this distance. After T. J. retired from a 30-year career in higher education, she became a runner. She was 64years old at the time--hardly the point at which most people embrace a demanding sport. No one was more surprised than she was when she demonstrated ability as a runner at a wide range of distances. From 2009 to 2019, T. J. completed 53 races. Regularly, she won age-group awards irrespective of the distances—in 5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, half marathons, and marathons. Of her races, ten were marathons—eight of which she ran fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This marathon is one of the most prestigious 26.2-mile races in the world because competitors must qualify by running fast times in earlier marathons and must be accepted before they may register. Initially, T. J. planned to run in the Boston Marathon only once. She changed her mind and registered five times. She ran the race three times. Injury prevented her from competing in the April 2013 and October 2021 versions of the race. T. J. has written about running in two books. In Saving Myself: A Running Memoir, she captures her running journey. The memoir is available through Amazon. Readers praise this book, citing its honesty and its inspirational qualities. In her five-star novel titled Black Girl in Red, White, and Blue America, T. J. devotes several chapters to her main character's late-life running experiences; these sections are based on her own adventures. Before retiring and becoming a runner, T. J. served as a professor, academic administrator, and university chancellor. Her academic credentials include bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees in English language and literature. Connect with TJ Bryan Send TJ Bryan an email through tjanebryan@gmail.com and at authortjbryan@gmail.com. Connect to TJ personally on Facebook. Connect with TJ the author on Facebook. Read about TJ Bryan on Wikipedia. Catch TJ Bryan on Instagram. Read her book Black Girl in Red, White, and Blue America. Read her other book Saving Myself One Step at a Time: A Running Memoir.   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter  

Bernard Lyles is the founder and director of Tri-Masters Chicago and is better known in the sporting community as the ambassador of the sport of triathlons. He has been instrumental in inspiring hundreds of African Americans to compete in triathlons over the last three decades. Bernard founded Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and began a program to train youth on fitness through triathlons in 1992 dubbed the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative training over 2800 youths as at the time of this interview. He also had a hand in the foundation of Team Dream in 1987 aimed at training women of color in triathlons. Today we look at the ambassador's journey in triathlons, through his coaching career and what legacy he hopes to leave behind. We dive into the triumphs of seeing his students thrive and the challenges of getting funding for his organization. Episode Highlights: A brief overview of Bernard's illustrious career. Losing his job, and using running as a coping mechanism for the resulting depression. The first marathon and reminiscing on the marathons of the 80's and 90's. Running 40 marathons, some of the most memorable. From marathons to triathlons and getting leptospirosis. Starting Tri-Masters Chicago and some success stories. Obstacles keeping the black community from Triathlons The challenge of funding the Tri-Masters program. What legacy does Bernard want to leave behind.  Guest Bio Program Founder and Executive Director, Tri-Masters Chicago Bernard Lyles is known internationally as an ambassador of the sport of Triathlon. Bernard has been instrumental in hundreds of African Americans taking up the sport of Triathlon. His passion for the sport of Triathlon and his interest in teaching the sport to African-American youth athletes led him to found Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs a youth program focused on promoting fitness through Triathlon training in 1992. Now into year #31 (2022) Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs have trained over 2800 youth in physical fitness and competition of the sport of Triathlon. In 1998 Bernard co-founded Team Dream, an adult organization that introduces women of color to the sport of Triathlon. The most recent initiative developed and coached by Bernard is a learn to swim in open water group named “Seals Team”. Created in 2020 to keep team members active during the Covid-19 pandemic Seals Team members learn the fundamentals of open water swimming, safety and advanced training needed to compete in open water competitions including Triathlons. Bernard has years of experience in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer working for establishments such as Hyde Park Athletic Club, Bally Total Fitness and L A Fitness. Bernard also served as the Intramural and Recreation Coordinator for Chicago State University. His formal education background includes an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree in Automotive Technology from Kennedy King College, and Bachelor of Arts in Health Physical Education & Recreation from Chicago State University. As a First Choice Fitness Leader (an at-risk youth fitness intervention training program sponsored by the Chicago Department of Public Health) Bernard is an active member of the community volunteering numerous hours with youth organizations throughout the city for over three decades. These organizations include Chicago Public Schools, Inner Visions Youth Mentoring Program, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and the Chicago South Swim Club. Bernard is also associated with several professional associations and teams. USA Triathlon Association. US Lifeguard Association. Professional Association of Diving Instructors. (PADI). Major Taylor Cycle Club Chicago. Men Run Deez Streets / Running Chicago Bernard Lyles' sports and recreation accomplishments include: First Amateur to appear on the cover of American TRI – a worldwide publication in 2002. Competing in and completing over 200 Triathlons from sprint distance to the Ironman. An accomplished Triathlete and Marathon runner Bernard Lyles was invited to and competed in Triathlon's premiere event consisting of a 2.4- mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run, the IronMan World. Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 3, 1998. (15:01:42) IronMan Wisconsin 2002 (14:36:26). Completing 40 Marathons, including 9 Boston Marathons: Personal Record is 2:54:21(Chicago 1985). Power Bar Elite Team Member in 1997. 1998-2000 Saucony Sports Team Member.  Invitation and participation in the 1995 Dave Scott Triathlon TrainingClinic, Vail Colorado. USA Triathlon Certified Race Director 2009. President of the Rainbow Road Runners Club 1984 – 1993.  Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor.  PADI Certified Rescue Diver. AWARDS 2016 President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Community Leadership Award Person of the Year in 1993- Windy City Sports Magazine The Jamaican Consulate's Leadership Award for Commitment to Excellence (promoting youth sports in Jamaica) Chicago Marathon 2016 “Pat Rhodes Award” for Volunteer Excellence 2001 International Olympic Committee Diploma (for remarkable contribution, as a Volunteer, to the development of sport and Olympics and to the promotion of friendship and solidarity among people). Numerous Features on TV, magazine, books, social and newspaper media Numerous Peer Awards, Running Club, Cycling Club and Community -Awards Connect with Bernard Lyles Catch Bernard on his website. Donate to the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

I was heartbroken to learn that my friend and fellow triathlete, Darrell Freeman Sr. had passed on the evening of June 28 2022. This episode was very difficult for me to record. I only ever met him twice but we kept in touch on social media. I wanted to connect him with my nephew who has aspirations of becoming a pilot. I also wanted to interview him for the podcast. We never could schedule a time. Darrell was the first person in his family to graduate from college and through hard work and determination  he became a self-made millionaire, a pilot, and a two-term chair of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and so much more. After achieving a GPA of 1.234, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and ultimately graduated with a master's degree. Armed with his $2,000, and his wife's credit card, he built an IT business from an office the size of a closet and the company grew to 38 million in revenues.  Darrell eventually sold his company for twenty million dollars. He has invested and mentored in many other businesses and hosted an airborne YouTube series of interviews Cockpit Conversations. In triathlons, I knew him as a member of the Tennessee crew so called because they always travel as a pack. He has completed 10 full Ironman races and used sports as an analogy to life. He believed that business is about perseverance just as it is with completing an Ironman races.   After achieving a GPA of 1.234, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and ultimately graduated with a master's degree. Armed with his $2,000, and his wife's credit card, he built an IT business from an office the size of a closet and the company grew to 38 million in revenues.  Darrell eventually sold his company for twenty million dollars. He has invested and mentored in many other businesses and hosted an airborne YouTube series of interviews Cockpit Conversations. In triathlons, I knew him as a member of the Tennessee crew so called because they always travel as a pack. He has completed 10 full Ironman races and used sports as an analogy to life. He believed that business is about perseverance just as it is with completing  Ironman 140.6 races.    Episode Highlights:   First meeting Darrell at Ironman Chattanooga. Second Meeting at  Ironman Louisville with the Tennessee crew Keeping up with Darrell on social media A look at Darrell, the man and how he came to be. Some wise words from Darrell himself. Farewell Darrell, we miss you and you will live on  Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review if you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Zsa Zsa Porter is an exceptional friend, an avid runner, member of Black Girls Run,  vegan restaurant owner, Iron Man Triathlete, military wife, mom of three. Her mission is to encourage women, young girls to dream big, her story reminds us that anything is possible.   Zsa-Zsa has made it her life's work to impact her community which has led her from the financial services industry to opening the Exposed Vegan Restaurant. Through the restaurant she has created some of the best plant-based cuisines proving that a vegan diet can, not only be very delicious, but also fuel the highest fitness performance levels.   We discuss in-depth her journey from her youth, injuries, through struggles with weight gain and  overcoming her fears and self-doubt into life  as a runner, triathlete and so much more.    I would like to dedicate this episode to Zsa Zsa's mother  Kim Williams who passed away since the recording of this episode.    Episode Highlights:       How ZsaZsa got her name and the fearless mentality behind it. Zsa Zsa  school days and becoming a swimmer. A major injury during a  bicycle crash and lessons learnt from the experience. How Zsa started  running  Her 1st major race Zsa-Zsa with her husband  How Team Porter inspires each other aFull distance iron-man. The challenges and the thrills of Triathlons The reason behind opening her vegan restaurant    Guest Bio:   Zsa Zsa Porter went from someone held down by personal insecurities and weight gain to becoming an avid runner, triathlete, and restaurateur. Zsa Zsa is on a mission to encourage women and young girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Zsa Zsa's story reminds us that Anything is Possible. She is always willing to share her failures and lessons learned. It's this burning desire to positively impact her community which led her to open Exposed Vegan Restaurant. As a restaurateur, Zsa Zsa created a West Charlotte hotspot, serving fresh and nourishing plant-based cuisine. From smoothies, to bowls loaded with sweet potatoes, and even cookies she's exposing how delicious vegan food can be when done correctly. Her goal is to show how a well-planned vegan diet can fuel the highest performance fitness levels, while reducing risks of injury and chronic diseases. Zsa-Zsa leverages her unique experiences as an African American female entrepreneur, restaurant owner, digital executive, and Ironman triathlete to motivate and activate her community. She is also a proud military spouse and mother of 3 children, she truly understands the importance of balancing family and life.   Connect with Zsa-Zsa Porter Read Zsa Zsa's  inspiring book Running For My Life Visit her restaurant or preorder your meal at  Exposed Vegan Follow Zsa Zsa on Instagram Catch her on Facebook Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Sabrina Slocum has been active in sports since high school. She ran hurdles, ran 100m, played basketball and even participated in bodybuilding.   Sabrina has an  MBA, she is a marathoner, an ultra-marathoner, a triathlete. She unfortunately sustained an ankle fracture and had to work her way back. She is now back to running, biking, and swimming. The road  was not easy Sabrina is also a podcast host, she's the co-host of Sole Sistas On The Run. This podcast is based on live conversations that she's had while running. The ultimate goal is to encourage uplift, inspire, and bring awareness to  issues that many face and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  We discuss in-depth her journey as an athlete, her approach to nutrition and fitness, among many other things. Episode Highlights:   How Sabrina started running and her journey with Black Girls Run. Jump back in history to her high-school days. Her experience in bodybuilding. Her preparation for her first  marathon. We discuss Sabrina's greatest weakness in regards to multi-sports Sabrina's bucket list. Sustaining an ankle injury and the challenge of living with a temporary disability. Starting her own podcast and some words of advice. Guest Bio: Sabrina Slocum began her fitness journey in 2012 when she began running with Black Girls run. She was active in track and basketball while in high school, however, she also participated in two body-building competitions in her early thirties. It did not take long for Sabrina to progress in her running. She started running in 2012 and progressed to her first marathon in 2012. She has completed seven marathons, several half-marathons, 10k's, 5k's. She started her multi-sport journey in 2015. She has completed several sprints, Olympics and two 70.3 triathlons. She is a fellow HBCU graduate, graduating from Tuskegee University with a B.S in Marketing. She also my Soror, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated. She has an MBA and worked for over 20 years in the mortgage industry. She changed careers and has served twelve years in higher education currently in the role as an Academic Advisor. She is also a Podcast Co-Host of : Sole Sistas On the Run. ​​This podcast is based on live conversations she has while running. The ultimate goal is to encourage, uplift, inspire, and bring awareness to the issues that many face and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.   Connect with Sabrina Catch Sabrina's inspiring podcast Connect with Sabrina on Instagram Connect with Sabrina on Facebook Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Ronnie Fields Jr. is one of the younger athletes that you will find in a typical triathlon  race. A star athlete in his school days, Ronnie found himself becoming a couch potato after leaving college and was inspired to start  racing triathlons after  watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Having played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, and was on the swim team, in school, Ronnie figured that the triathlons couldn't be too hard and signed up without really training.. The challenge of placing dead last in his category inspired him to train and we join  him on his journey to one day finish first in his age group. Episode Highlights:    Who is Ronnie Fields Jr.  Ronnie's early life How Ironman World Championship inspired Ronnie to make a change  How he started his triathlon journey Trial and error and how he is learning to become a better athlete   Ronnie's goals for his upcoming races   Guest Bio: Ronnie Fields Jr. is from Haynesville, Louisiana, but currently is  living in Nashville Tennessee. Throughout his childhood and high school, he was very active in sports (football, basketball, baseball, track, summer swim team). HIs team actually won State in football his senior year Ronnie graduated high school in 2010, and attended Louisiana Tech University; majoring in Construction Engineering Technology. He still had the urge to play sports so he ended up walking on the football team. He graduated with a degree in construction engineering technology in May, 2014 After college, he began working for a company that builds manufacturing plants all over the United States. Once Ronnie entered the real world, he wasn't working out like he had done his entire life and ended up gaining weight. One day in 2015, he was sitting on his couch watching TV, and the Ironman World Championships came on. He thought to himself, “I can do that”. So, he bought a cheap bike from Walmart and entered his first sprint triathlon without doing any training. He had no idea it would be so hard. He  loved it because it challenged him. This was a way that he could continue to compete in sports like he had done his entire life. After that race, his job relocated him a couple times which made training a little bit difficult, so he wasn't able to do any races  the year of 2016. 2017 was the year Ronnie became dedicated to triathlon. He bought a road bike, and even ended up qualifying for Nationals somehow. Nationals had to be one of the worst races of his career. It was his first Olympic distance and he barely made it through the swim. Ronnie completed the race but finished dead last of all the finishers in his age group. But this was motivation for him to get better. The ultimate goal for him is to one day win his  age group at Nationals!! Since then, he has competed in countless sprints and Olympic distance triathlons; along with one 70.3, and one Full Distance Ironman. Ronnie does this sport for the following reasons: -It keeps him active and healthy. -It gives him something to look forward to. -His family has terrible health histories (cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, etc) He's trying to break that chain. -He loves competing. Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

As we go into a new season, let me start by thanking everyone who has taken even a minute of their time to listen to my podcast. It has been a challenging journey balancing podcasting with a full-time job and other adventures and I have learned a lot along the way.  I am a strong black woman who may act as if nothing bothers me, but life sometimes sucks and we all need inspiration. My podcast is called Running is Cheaper Than Therapy. It features runners, triathletes, other athletes, and others who have overcome obstacles to make it to their finish lines. This episode I will talk about inspiration.  The pandemic is prayerfully  largely behind us and life is slowly getting back to normal. Although COVID is still here.  A few weeks ago I thought I caught COVID again. It ended up being a sinus infection.  I'm still in rehab following my surgery. It is such a slow process.  I am feeling rather frustrated as I want to be doing my usual summer activities as it has been three years since we had a normal summer in Chicago. I would love to go cycling with my cycling club and triathlon club, and to go running on the lakefront.  Amid all these stresses, I've found myself thinking of my mother Mae Robinson Brown.. She was the best mom one could hope for and she pushed me to excel in everything I put my mind to. She was a selfless pillar of the community, a legend in my hometown of Brookhaven Mississippi.  My mother always inspired me to excel in  everything, and her health challenges motivated me to always strive to be healthy and be active.  Episode Highlights:   Note of thanks for the continued support of the podcast Some of the stresses I have been facing lately My continued inspiration; my mother. My early life with my mom and her community work My vow to always promote health and wellness  Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google 

As an avid runner for over 20 year Uche has tons of stories to inspire you to start running. After you hear this episode you will begin to learn how I became a marathon addict, it is more than just running. Uche speaks to the fact that marathons expose you to confront your limits and what you're capable of. Setting your next goal progresses you, inspires you and humbles you at the same time. Even more so when you start running with friends!   Episode Highlights:  How Uche started running marathons Marathons keeps you on your toes and has you constantly setting your next goal How running alongside a bunch of friends gets and keeps you motivated Understanding the beauty of a marathon How marathons can give you access to seeing different sites and gives you a reason to explore the world on foot.  Uche's advice for first time runners Guest Bio: Uche Anusionw who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a corporate banker, and a real estate investor. He has been an avid runner for over 20 years. In that time, he has run several marathons, half marathons, ten milers, 10ks, and 5ks. He was the leader of Team United Nations, my first  run club, and is now a co-leader for the Winfield track club in Philadelphia. In both instances, he marshaled and continues to marshal runners of all abilities to get out of bed, at ungodly hours in the morning. He is the ultimate run ambassador, and if it wasn't for him I may never have become addicted to running.    Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Following my knee injury, I had to have two major surgeries that have put me out of service for weeks. The latest one will have me on crutches for six  plus weeks. In this episode, I explore how these two episodes of  temporary disability have impacted my life and opened my eyes to the challenges of living with a disability. As a black woman, the issue of diversity and inclusion is something I deal with all the time. I struggle with issues in my work, in my career as an orthopedic surgeon is dominated by white men, and in most of my hobbies: triathlons, skiing, etc.   Though most places  have handicap parking  spots, many are not in the most ideal places. The spots are sometimes far from the entrance; it requires  going over hurdles to access the building.  I was listening  to a podcast by fellow triathletes, Unphased.  There was a triathlon and the handicapped parking was placed where adaptive athletes in wheelchairs had to go over a mud field to get to race. Many couldn't and needed assistance to get to the start. And it's not just the parking spots, other amenities such as  toilets, safety equipment , building and transport access ways, fire equipment and so on must also be considered. Sometimes, where the parking spots are appropriately placed close to the building, other people without handicaps take advantage of such spots leaving the deserving people to suffer and so your consideration is asked. Organizers and managers of events need adaptive athletes in the planning process. Disabled people are not looking for handouts. They want to be as productive and independent as they can. Having these considerations for them will help them become highly productive members of the community, inspiring athletes, and such much more.  Episode Highlights:   Note of thanks for the continued support of the podcast The importance of  diversity and inclusion People with disabilities My experience living with a temporary disability Inspiring athletes with disabilities- adaptive athletes  How you can be more sensitive to people living with disabilities Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

From the boardroom to the pavement Kimberle Smith is an accomplished coach. Who has helped many businesses thrive and also trained many people to achieve their athletic and fitness goals.  She is also a  published author of the book Millions of Possibilities; Taking your Ideas from Inspiration to Monetization.   She believes that business coaching and fitness/health coaching are basically the same thing with the only difference being the product. She is an accomplished marathoner, ultramarathoner, triathlete, conquering many personal feats. We discuss in-depth her journey into coaching, her journey as an athlete, her approach to nutrition and fitness, among many other things.

Roy Wood Jr. is a man who made a mistake early in his life. He knows first hand that believing in people even after a mistake can be life changing. As a comedian and philanthropist, Roy Wood Jr. has learned not to dismiss anyone. He has used his platform to provide entertainment,  to promote awareness in many areas, and to lend a helping hand to those in need.  Roy is not a runner but has a profound love of baseball. He also has overcome obstacles to make it to his finish line. He is a world -renowned comedian and producer of documentaries and TV shows. His story is one of inspiration and provides that everyone desires a second chance for greatness. Our conversation covers his unique journey. Episode Highlights:   How Roy discovered his talent for comedy Roy in college balancing  his career in comedy and education Early years as a standup comedian Dealing with failing at a comedy show Getting into radio The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Roy's college mishap and how a probation officer and other comedians still believed in him. Roy as a philanthropist  The future for Roy Wood Jr. Guest Bio: Roy Wood Jr. joined The Best News Team in 2015 as a correspondent on Comedy Central's Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. In 2021, Comedy Central continued its long-standing relationship with the talented comedian and actor collaborating on two podcasts–Roy's Job Fair and Beyond the Scenes–as well as his third hour-long stand-up special, Imperfect Messenger, which is now streaming on Paramount. As an Executive Producer, his credits include the PBS documentary The Neutral Ground, an HBO Max project 1% Happy and an untitled medical field comedy for NBC. Wood will executive produce, write, and star in an untitled single-camera comedy about the National Guard in the works at FOX. Wood will also star alongside Jon Hamm in the long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess.   Wood's first Comedy Central one-hour stand-up special, Father Figure, debuted in 2017, the same year he was named the new host of Comedy Central's storytelling series, This is Not Happening. His second Comedy Central one-hour stand-up special, Roy Wood Jr.: No One Loves You, which debuted in 2019, remains the network's highest-rated original stand-up premiere. Wood has entertained millions across stage, television, and radio. Forbes declared he is “One of comedy's best journalists,” Entertainment Weekly has described his thought-provoking comedy as “. . . charismatic crankiness. . .” and Variety Magazine named him “One of 10 Comics to Watch in 2016.” Before The Daily Show, Roy co-starred for three seasons on TBS's Sullivan & Son, and he remains a regular guest on various ESPN shows and the MLB Network. Wood began his comedy career in 1998 at the age of 19 while attending Florida A&M University. In 2006, he debuted on network television on The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2008, he appeared on HBO's historic Def Comedy Jam and was selected by America as one of the top three finalists on Last Comic Standing on NBC. He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines.  Throughout the global pandemic, Roy  spent time raising money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. In his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, his philanthropic endeavors include supporting Workshops, Inc., which enriches lives by helping people with disabilities and other employment barriers achieve their vocational potential. The DUBS Baseball Academy is an investment in sports to change lives. STAIR of Birmingham, where tutoring empowers students to read better and dream bigger. Also, I See Me, Inc., where the mission is to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by increasing the literacy rates in children of color by engaging them in literature that reflects their culture and image.   Connect with Roy Wood Jr. Roy Wood JR  site Connect with Roy on Instagram Connect with Roy on  Facebook Listen to Roy on his Podcasts Roy's Job fair  andThe Daily Show's Beyond the Scenes Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Tony Drees is  a Purple Heart  Desert Storm Veteran; as well as an adaptive athlete who uses skiing as a vehicle to serve  the community. He survived the deadliest scud missile  attack of the Iraq war thirty year ago.  Twenty-eight  members of his unit lost their lives.  Tony survived but his right leg was severely  injured.  He endured over seventy surgeries to save his right leg. He actually was able to function and live for a while with his injured leg, a feat that he doctors called a miracle He was successful in a sales job. He got married and became a father. He unfortunately struggled with alcohol and opioid addiction, and then got sober. All the while, he was living with an open wound in his leg that just wouldn't heal. In 2017 severe blood and bone infections left him with a choice: amputate his leg or die. Just a couple days before the surgery, right around Tony's  50th birthday, he was talking with his son Quincy about skiing,  something he did in the past. After surgery  his rehab was to be a year long. It only took four months. It was because skiing was on his  mind.  The feelings of guilt for living always drove him to achieve high goals  So in 2018, he took up skiing on one leg and has achieved remarkable feats on the mountain. He uses his skiing to inspire, to serve, and to promote diversity.  Episode Highlights:   Serving  his country and almost losing his leg.  Struggling with survivor's guilt, depression and destructive behavior Breaking from his career, moving to focus on being  an athlete How Tony Drees  starting skiing again after his amputation  What's next for Tony Drees in the coming season Tony Drees sharing  some powerful life lessons Guest Bio: Thirty  years ago Tony's story became public when he survived the deadliest scud of the Iraq War.  Twenty-eight  soldiers perished, fifty-four of sixty-eight  of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's 14TH Quartermaster Army Reserve Unit were lost or wounded. He felt guilty for living.  This always drove him to achieve incredibly high goals in anything that mattered to him. A lifetime of that and it seems he's amassed a tremendous amount of opportunities to succeed. He  lost his war-wounded leg after 74 Surgeries and a couple of bouts with cancer. In 2018, he took up skiing on one leg. He  turned out to be pretty good. He also transformed literally overnight from a 200lb pro baller looking-body to a 140 one-legged man.  Even with his  leg gone, he still had a duty to serve. He is progressing rapidly in skiing. He is an adaptive champion and motivational speaker. He is continually seeking to inspire across a diverse audience. After people see him people always internally (and often externally) compare themselves to the one-legged person- everyone. That's equity. Many of these folks are then moved to do something. That's his influence and he uses it inclusively for positive representation of many groups that may otherwise go underserved. That's his service. His next challenge is to do a backflip on one ski! He calls it BackFlips4Access!   Connect with Tony Catch Tony Drees on his  site Connect with Tony on  Instagram Connect with Tony on  Facebook Connect with Tony on Twitter Watch Tony on YouTube Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

I've been running since 2010. I sustained my major first knee injury following three marathons in three months in 2012. I wanted to be a marathon maniac.  My right knee never got better despite conservative treatment, which consisted of therapy, cortisone injection, hyaluronic acid or gel injections, so I ultimately had surgery in 2013.  Following that knee surgery, my right knee returned to its  pre-injury status. I was able to return to running and since have run three marathons, and a plethora of other races.  In March 2020, I was ski racing and I was a little too aggressive and fell and injured my left knee. After months of conservative treatment which consisted of the same treatment I did on my right knee it never got better. I finally got an MRI. The MRI revealed a partial ACL tear, a lateral meniscus tear and a cartilage injury. In December 2020 I underwent surgery to repair my ACL, address my meniscus tear and cartilage injury. My knee never was 100 percent but I did progress to running intervals. In 2021 during my college homecoming  my knee really started bothering me again. I sought another opinion as I couldn't run and I had races to do. . I was found to have a  full thickness cartilage lesion following another MRI.. In order to return to running I would need to have another surgery. Tune in to learn the type of knee t surgery I underwent- microfracture.   Episode Highlights:   Various knee injuries  Treatments for knee injuries  When to see a specialists following an injury  Various surgeries for knee injuries What exactly is microfracture surgery? What restrictions are required following microfracture surgery? Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

As a woman who has walked in the same steps as many of her clients, Lisa Tanker lives and breathes spreading wellness education to help women improve their lives.  She had a health scare in 2008 where stress and burnout caused her serious respiratory issues. She learned  that, as women, we need to prioritize rest and create self-care routines in our everyday lives.. Lisa's 20+ years of healthcare and wellness experience have come full circle and allows  her to truly understand the needs of women. Including how different bodies respond to different foods, and diets and how this, in turn, affects the weight loss journey.  Our conversation covers how Lisa got into the fitness industry, understanding women and their needs, getting into wellness coaching and writing her book.   Episode Highlights:   How Lisa started her fitness journey How her career journey has brought her into the wellness industry Starting her  fitness studio Shifting into wellness coaching for women Challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur Lisa's advice on getting started and saying consistent with fitness Her book, The Shift From Shame To Empowerment How to look at challenges in your life from a lens of empowerment Guest Bio: Lisa Tanker is the Founder of Soul Beautifully Fit and lives and breathes spreading wellness education to help women improve their lives. Soul Beautifully Fit was birthed from Lisa's eight years in Pharmaceutical sales, ten years of coaching clients as the founder of a boutique studio in Atlanta, Georgia and as the former VP of Sales at a wellness tech startup. Lisa's 20 plus years of healthcare and wellness experience has come full circle and allows her to truly understand the needs of women. As a woman who has walked in the same steps as many of her clients, Lisa's ability to empower women to achieve weight loss came from teaching them life changing tools to manage stress and make themselves a priority in their lives. Lisa has personally coached over 2,000 women to achieve better health, fitness and wellness. Lisa's passion, personal experience and ability to truly help women connect the dots in wellness is the foundation of Soul Beautifully Fit. Lisa has also opened up in her book The Shift: From Shame to Empowerment to further inspire women to own their story and be open, shameless and fearless on their wellness journey.     Connect with Lisa Tanker Soul Beautifully Fit  site Connect with Lisa on  Instagram Soul Beautifully Fit on  Instagram Get Lisa's book here Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Dominique and Ken are creators of Lean In With The Kings and The Grow Up Wild Podcast. Lean In With The Kings is a platform focused on Marriage, Family and Fitness. Grow Up Wild is about the experience of others from a range of physical fitness, marriage, family, mental health, and individual growth. Dominique is a return guest on the show and today she is joined by her husband Ken. The couple's goal is to reach people who are looking for a platform that deals with everyday issues of relationships, family,  fitness while holding on to their individual growth. They created these platforms to share experiences, advice while offering support, a shoulder and an ear. This is their passion.  Join us for a stimulating talk on how they met, how they got into running and fitness, raising their three kids, their platforms together and how running has shaped their lives.   Episode Highlights:   How Dominque and Ken met How their blog was born  Positive aspects of running together How to motivate your partner to get into running and/or other forms of fitness Safety tips for  runners Vulnerability and communication in relationships Podcasting as a couple and the conversations they share on their show Connecting with your passion every day   Guest Bio: Dominique and Ken are the creators of Lean In With The Kings, and The Grow Up Wild Podcast. Lean In With The Kings is a platform focused on Marriage, Family and Fitness. Grow Up Wild is about the experience of others from a range of physical fitness, marriage, family, mental health, and individual growth. Dominique and Ken King are from Northern California, and have three children. Dominique and Ken's goal is to reach people who are looking for a platform that deals with everyday issues of marriage, family, relationships, fitness while trying to hold onto their individual growth. They created these platforms to share experiences, advice while offering support, a shoulder and an ear. This is their true passion. Dominique has always been a runner. Running has intertwined itself in her life at various stages. Growing up she used running as a way to escape her home environment. She used to run and walk between towns trying to make sense of why things shook out the way they did for her. In her older years running was my way of maintaining an unhealthy view of what I thought her body should be. Dominique and I connected via Clubhouse- The Runner's Lounge where she and her husband talk about all things running. She is my second return guest, and today she is with her husband Ken. Ken has always been athletic but not a runner in the true sense. He did run as part of his training but it was not a primary focus. Because it is Dominique's passion and Ken wanted to spend more time with his wife, he decided to join her and now they never miss a Couple's Run Friday   Connect with Dominique and Ken Lean In With The Kings site Connect on Instagram Grow Up Wild podcast Listen to Dominique's earlier podcast episode:  Dominique King: A Lesson On Running, Marriage and Family Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

We discuss in-depth her journey into coaching, her recent award nominations, creating her legacy strategy, working with less represented women in sports and how cancer has impacted  her life. "Sometimes we have no choice but to be  first." Khadijah Diggs is back on the podcast to talk about her recent award nominations and notable achievements. She created the Diversity Infusion Syndicate ( DISK) to promote excellence and sisterhood as well as promote a positive image of Muslim women and Islam in general, and to diversify the landscape of triathlon.  She is the first African-American woman to be a member of the U.S. Long Course Triathlon Team and the first women wearing a Hijabi to represent the U.S. in any Multisport event.  We discuss in-depth her journey into coaching, her recent award nominations, creating her legacy strategy, working with less represented women in sports and how cancer has impacted  her life. Episode Highlights:   Getting nominated for several awards as a triathlete and a trailblazer Getting certified as a USAT Certified Coach Creating the Diversity Infusion Syndicate- DISK The remarkable women who have joined Khadijah's program Candidate assessment to join DISK. Partnerships and sponsorships for her brand Losing her loved ones to cancer and why she races to raise cancer awareness Various races: Completing Iron Man races, her first international race in Cuba Guest Bio: Khadijah is a Mother, Project Manager and a Team USA and Silver Ironman All-World Triathlete.  Her MISSION is to Promote a Positive Image of Women and Islam in General through Sports. "Training and racing started off as my therapy to recover from a failing marriage and the loss of loved ones due to cancer. It has remained that but has also become how I express myself and share who I am as Muslim, a Mother and a Woman." Her GOAL is to open dialogue and connect women of all backgrounds on a personal level by sharing common experiences, joys and struggles through healthy living, group training and healthy competition. "I have learned traveling all over the country and the World to race, that at the core, we are more the same than different.  The struggles of motherhood and just being female are universal and it binds us as women." During the pandemic Khadijah started organizing  Get-Togethers open to everyone, to discuss common and not so common endurance athlete topics. "It was an  amazing opportunity for experienced triathletes to share experiences with new triathletes. It's like having everyone over, just online. These webinars are located on  YouTube Channel or on Google Podcasts and are very informative. Connect with Khadijah Learn more about Khadijah on her site Connect with Khadijah on Instagram Connect with Khadijah on Twitter Connect with Khadijah on Facebook Listen to Khadijah earlier podcast episode:  Changing The World One Race At a Time  Resources Mentioned Outspoken: Women in Triathlon Summit Diversity Infusion Syndicate Women in Triathlon Awards Tri Serena American Cancer Society Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

I am a perfectionist.  I try to be perfect in everything I do. No one is perfect, it is impossible. It causes me undue stress, and I do way too much. Oftentimes, I feel like I am not good enough. I don't show myself enough grace.    When Covid hit in 2020, I found myself having to shift. Just like most of us. Work was not the same. The world was not the same. All my races were cancelled. We had no organized bike rides, no group swim classes. My community was no more.  My finances took a hit, I lost one of my favourite uncles to COVID. I found myself isolated at home. At first, I had contact with a positive person on a ski trip so I had to be quarantined and could not go back to the hospital. I ended up getting COVID following that same ski trip.  Living isolated away from friends, family, and my normal activities took a toll on me.  Then I had to have surgery had to recover and try to get back to skiing, racing, travelling, life.  The last two years have been challenging. I've been tested. Listen in to learn how I'm working on being kinder to myself in life, my athletic endeavours and in my personal life.   Episode Highlights:   The pandemic and having to shift  My experience at The National Brotherhood of Skiers summit in 2020 The need to keep going without taking a break Getting stuck on what should have been instead of what is How to extend grace and kindness to yourself  Resources Mentioned: The National Brotherhood of Skiers  Episode 58: Failures and How We Can Learn and Grow From Them   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Andrew Williams  was very active in sports as a child.  As he grew older he was more focused on academics.  After he got married, and with the birth of his first child he gained weight. It was at that time that he started focusing on running to lose weight . His inspiration to complete a Full Distance Ironman race was born after watching Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) on ESPN. Andrew refers to himself as an unconventional triathlete. He will not miss a family event for training nor is he attached to any training programs. He believes racing is about showing his family that you can set goals and achieve them. All it takes is discipline and dedication. Listen and learn about how Andrew stays disciplined in this sport and how he became comfortable with being uncomfortable.   Episode Highlights:   All the sports Andrew enjoyed playing as a child Building his physical endurance by running How he progressed to longer races Completing his first Ironman 70.3  race in Augusta What new triathletes can learn on discipline and commitment Staying committed to his family and to the sport Guest Bio:  Andrew was born and raised in Racine, WI. Throughout his childhood, he was very active in sports  with a primary focus on Basketball. After freshman year he decided to concentrate on academics. During college and early in marriage fitness was not his primary focus either.  He got up to 250 lbs during his wife's pregnancy in 2002 and decided to join a gym at that time. His inspiration to complete a Full Distance Ironman race was struck after watching Triathletes Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) on ESPN.   After moving to Atlanta, his friend Reggie mentioned that he did some short distance triathlon races and he just completed IM Augusta 70.3 and suggested that it was a great race for newer triathletes. After completing Augusta, he felt ready to take on his bucket list item and signed up for Ironman Chattanooga in 2016. Fast forward to 2022, Andrew has completed 7 Full Distance Ironman Races and multiple 70.3.  It is a lifestyle for him. He shares this journey with his wife and kids. They come to most of his races and are very proud and excited to see him race. He is an unconventional triathlete who's never had a coach and any training plan. His family always comes first. Andrew has mastered the discipline of being able to stay out on a Friday night, drink and enjoy life and get up Saturday morning at 5:00 am for a 6-hour bike ride.  He coaches little league baseball, volunteers at his kids' school and manages a Global Team and travels for work. This is what "Anything is Possible'' means for Andrew.   Connect with Andrew Connect with Andrew on Instagram  Connect with Andrew Facebook   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Eric Carson has been living an active lifestyle since the 90s that most of us would be happy to emulate. He started cycling just to get to campus and back. A friend of his asked him to do a 25-mile bike ride. He thought it was a long way back then. Today, riding and cycling is part of his lifestyle. Carson says his greatest joy out of cycling is camaraderie. He enjoys having a great time outdoors with his tribe. Episode Highlights:   How Eric got into cycling How he moved from solo rides to cycling with groups Getting his motorcycle in 2001 How a sports group changes as members change with time Struggling to stay active when Covid hit in 2020 Cycling again for the pleasure of meeting friends and having a great time How to get into cycling and find your cycling tribe Guest Bio: Eric was  borned and  raised in Stamford Ct. He  has one brother. Played all three major sports in high school (football, baseball, & basketball) He received my BS in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. While there, he had my first introduction to casual biking. He commuted  back and forth to campus and work. He did one 25 mile ride at a request of a friend. and thought that was crazy. He started taking it a little more seriously in the early 90s and did a few multiple sclerosis rides from Richmond to Williamsburg (160 miles over 2 days). That stretch in the 90s culminated in doing one of the Aids Bike Rides in 1997.....a 4 day 365 mile ride from Raleigh NC to Washington DC. He found it very fulfilling. The COVID-19 pandemic brought him back to cycling, and it became a good addiction and a lifestyle.   Connect with Eric Connect with Eric on Instagram ConnectWith Eric on Facebook    Resources Mentioned City Bikes in DC Area DMV Adventure Crew Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

What merely started as a desire to get active after two ACL surgeries and subsequent weight gain, turned into attaining goals beyond Yolanda's wildest dreams. What started as a few steps around the block led the Florida native to one of her many adventures. The greatest lesson for her has been building up mental toughness.    There was a time when she didn't believe that she could do this, but each race pushed her limits. She believes that anything is possible and we can do hard things. To date, she has completed 17 marathons and 33 half marathons, along 3 half Ironman  triathlon races, 2021 USAT National Championship-Olympic Distance Triathlon and  an IronMan Triathlon.   You will learn that anything is possible in this episode Episode Highlights:   How she started a 3-mile route around the neighborhood Running her first 10k and feeling motivated Racing in her first marathon in Disney Her greatest running adventure, the White Continent Marathon Taking swimming classes for her first triathlon Her bucket list to race in all 7 continents Guest Bio:  Yolanda Holloway Stevens began her journey into endurance sports in 2012. What merely started as a desire to get active after two ACL surgeries and subsequent weight gain, turned into attaining goals beyond her wildest dreams. In April 2012, Yolanda completed her goal of finishing a 5k race. The feeling of accomplishment sparked a fire that led her to register for her first half marathon in December later that year. Since 2012, she has completed 17 marathons and 33 half marathons. Her greatest marathon adventure occurred in January of 2020, where she traveled to Antarctica to run 26.2 miles on the White Continent. In 2016, Yolanda set out to conquer a new challenge…triathlon! There was just one problem. She didn't know how to swim. She registered for her first race, then set out to find a coach to teach her how to swim. Yolanda finished her first sprint triathlon in 2017, and has since completed in 3 half Ironman races, 2021 USAT National Championship-Olympic Distance, and crossed the finish line of her first full Ironman race in Cozumel, Mexico in November 2021. Yolanda is a mother of two, and works as a Senior Director of Human Resources for a multimedia publishing company, and is a 4th year brand ambassador for Betty Designs.   Connect with Yolanda Connect with Yolanda on Instagram  Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

We all in this life have goals, aspirations, things we're trying to improve on, whether it be relationships, whether it be professionally, whether it be an athletic endeavor, we all have goals.    We all are in a process of learning, evolving, trying to be a better version each and every day. In this process of this journey, called life, we all will fail at something. Though I hate to fail, I learned the most from my failures. I learn the most when I'm down, I learn in the process of failing  how to succeed. I learn to be humble. In order to succeed, we all need help,  we all learn from those who come before us. We  need to learn from those who paved the way. It is in this process that we grow. This episode is an appreciation of how failures shape us.   Episode Highlights:  My journey into medical school Tough seasons in medical school and failing tests Getting into Orthopedics  Surviving the loss of my parents Seeking professional help for my depression Lessons you need as you get into endurance sports My biggest lesson as a recovering perfectionist Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Listen to your body because your body is always talking to you. The day Dawn paid attention to stubborn chest pain is the day she saved her life. That's why she is still here today.   80% of heart disease can be prevented.    Eating right and exercising often is not enough. Dawn advocates for a regular check-up. As an athlete, she was a most unlikely candidate for heart disease. By knowing and understanding her body, she was determined to know the root cause of her chest pain.   Listen to learn more about her running experience, surviving her heart condition, advocating for your body and how to find the right doctor.      Episode Highlights:  Her running experience since middle school Her favorite race How she got into coaching and race management Her health scare in 2019 Why her persistence saved her life Knowing your body and advocating for your body Guest Bio:  Dawn Angelique Roberts is an energetic detail-oriented team player and an award-winning communication professional with over 25 years of experience in journalism, media relations, sports marketing and event management. Roberts is the owner of Elite Access Running, a full-service race management and wellness company that specializes in event management, public relations, social media and wellness for athletes, organizations, and premier races. As a USATF certified coach Roberts provides one-on-one and group coaching for runners, pace team coordination for races and her company Elite Access Travel organizes destination races for athletes and organizations. A native of Philadelphia, Roberts is passionate about running and traveling, and enjoys encouraging and teaching youth and adults the values of healthy living and active lifestyles.   Connect with Dawn Learn more about Dawn's work on her site Connect with Dawn on Instagram Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

What does it take to be a great coach? What do you need to find a coach? As Tammy Whyte explains, it takes more than just feeding an existing need. Compatibility is different to everyone and the longer you stay in the game, the easier it becomes to identify your ideal client.   After working in education for 12 years, Tammy chose to follow her passion for coaching and fitness and started her own coaching business, TW Training and Wellness. Her business is different from others in that she focuses on running smarter. She focuses on injury prevention, strength training, and building a welcoming community for all runners. While she loves coaching runners of all levels, she has found a particular fondness for coaching runners who consider themselves middle to back of the packers.      Episode Highlights:  Why she stopped teaching to follow her passion for coaching What drives her to coach each day Coach-client compatibility Business lessons from running a coaching business Being a first-generation college student Accepting help as an independent woman Guest Bio:  After working in the education field for 12 years, Tammy chose to follow her passion for coaching and fitness in 2017 and start her own run coaching business, TW Training and Wellness. She puts a strong focus on running smarter, injury prevention, strength training, and building a welcoming community for runners. While she loves coaching runners of all levels, she has a particular fondness for coaching runners who consider themselves mid-to-back of the pack runners. In addition to the run coaching and strength training services she provides through TW Training and Wellness, she's also a Group Fitness Instructor at Equinox in Chicago. Personally, she has a goal of running a half or full marathon in all 50 states, with 27 completed thus far. Tammy is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, attended University of Michigan for college and had stops in NC and DC before making her way back to the midwest in 2020.   Connect with Tammy Learn more about Tammy's work on her site Connect with Tammy on Instagram Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Where did the fun go? Have you ever felt that you did not fit in when participating in a triathlon or other  sporting event? You are not alone. Camille Baptiste  Chief Race Architect and Fun Director the brains  behind Swim, Bike, Run Fun Events. When  Camile no longer had joy in  training for the races, she knew something had to change. As she looked to bring her love of triathlons back, she began planning  fun races for women where community overrides competition. She created  a safe space for women who love endurance sports and need fun with friends too! Something that is much needed. She is a mother, wife, entrepreneur and all-around fun person who loves to laugh, dance, swim, bike, run, hike, and mentor those to achieve their goals in entrepreneurship, multi-sports and cycling.  We discuss how she started running, why she started her business, her life-changing injury and the importance of injecting fun in all  events. Episode Highlights:  Playing Double Dutch  How she got into endurance sports What triathlons and sports mean to her Learning to ride the bike past the age of 30 Falling out of love with triathlons How Swim, Bike, Run Fun Events was born A life-changing injury  Her favorite races and future plans Guest Bio  Camile Baptistse is the Chief Race Architect  Fun Director behind Swim, Bike, Run Fun Events. She is a  wife, mother, and all-around person who loves to laugh, dance, swim, bike, run, hike, and mentor those around me to achieve their goals in entrepreneurship, multisport, and cycling. Camile fell in love with triathlons. She  had to learn to ride a bike in the backyard with bubble wrap and swim with floaties. Every training session, every race - they all prepared her to be a better athlete, a better professional, a better mentor, a better parent and an overall better person. Triathlon and endurance racing progressed  from a hobby to a way of life. Camile has competed in hundreds of races and events ranging from obstacle courses to running, triathlon, cycling, duathlons, and aquabikes, and she enjoyed all distances up to 70.3. The rush of crossing the finish line of a triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, or splash and dash is real! Unlike any other.   Suffering from an injury necessitating major surgery in 2020, as well as two years of rehab and limited full use of her legs, she found herself on the couch rehabbing and designing races, planning cycling routes for clubs, and making sure that at the finish lines athletes  enjoy and have fun at local events. Her secret powers are derived from gloss, gum and gratitude. Connect with Camille Follow Camille on Instagram Check out Swim, Bike, Run Fun Events here Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

You can concentrate on being perfect so much until it takes the joy out of the process. Life is hard. We all have struggles, but if you stress out about being perfect all the time, you never have joy because nothing you do will ever be good enough.   Growing up, my mother was the epitome of excellence in everything that she did. I did not realize the pressure that I had put upon myself to be perfect, until I was diagnosed with peptic ulcers in 8th Grade. I had been seriously stressing myself. Listen in to learn the things that I've had to unlearn as a child, medical student, physician, athlete, triathlete … each phase of my life!

Mirna Valerio has made it her life's purpose to live and experience the fullness of humanity each day. She is a Brooklyn native with many talents. Her recognition as a runner has grown after a viral post from her blog, FatGirlRunning. Since then, she has appeared in various publications and was chosen as 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. We discuss how she started running, her growth as a running, writing, singing and advocating for kindness. This is a great episode that will motivate you to keep pursuing your deepest passions.   Episode Highlights:  How Mirna started running at the age of 13 Growing up in Brooklyn, New York  The importance of humans being out in nature Running 11 marathons, countless half-marathons & ultra-marathons Why she loves gravel biking Her passion for writing and how her blog was born Publishing her memoir, A Beautiful Work In Progress Singing, performing arts and joining The Juilliard School Guest Bio Mirna Valerio is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator, cross-country coach, ultrarunner, obstacle course enthusiast, and author of the recently published memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress. Although she began running in high school, she recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008. It was then that her love for running and all its attendant benefits were reignited. She soon started her blog Fatgirlrunning, about her experiences as a larger woman. Mirna's athletic story was featured in the Wall Street Journey, Runner's World, NBC Nightly News, CNN,  CW Network, and in the viral REI-produced documentary short, The Mirnavator. Her writing has been featured in Women's Running Magazine, Self Magazine Online, Outside Online, and Runner's World Magazine. Most recently, she was chosen as a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Connect with Mirna Order her book, A Beautiful Work In Progress here Follow Mirna on Instagram Read her website and publications here  Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

If you run, you're a runner. One of the  favorite mantras shared by this week's guest. India Cook started running to lose weight in 2008 and running has become so much to her since she started her journey.  Since her beginning she has identified and addressed gaps in visibility and representation for women of color. She coaches independently and also coaches with a non-profit organization, Active Resolute Connected (ARC) . Through content creation, she inspires and empowers runners on her YouTube channel and her podcast. We discuss how she started running, her growth and various opportunities that have been presented to her.  This episode with India will motivate you whatever your running goals are for the new year.  Episode Highlights:  How India started running  Her background as a cheerleader Her favorite marathon How she got into coaching What running has taught her The focus behind her YouTube channel and podcast What's on her running bucket list Guest Bio Meet Coach India Hello! I am India Cook, an avid Atlanta based runner, YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA certified run coach. I have a love for running and racing, but I also have a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. I coach independently and I am also a run coach with a non-profit organization A.R.C., Active Resolute Connected. This organization empowers women through running and helps to break mental and physical barriers. A.R.C. aligns with my belief that if you run, you are a runner. My running journey started in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 2008 I have completed distances from 5K to marathons. Throughout my running journey, I observed that there were limited running resources created by women of color to help individuals get into running or resources for those already engaged in the sport. Therefore, I developed a vlog “Miles From India” on YouTube. The vlog's purpose is to educate, inspire, and motivate runners. Viewers can find tips and how-to videos that aid in helping runners navigate running effectively. Within the running community I also find it important to ensure diverse running experiences and stories are highlighted. In 2018, I became a podcast host of, The Run Duo Podcast, with my co-host, Tommy Mitchell. On our bi-weekly podcast we talk about all things  running as we educate and entertain our listeners and also interview casual to elite runners. With a focus on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their run journey, my background in mental health not only allows me to have a positive and healthy relationship with running, but it also enables me to help athletes build a similar relationship as well. I find it essential to make the sport of running less intimidating and relatable for all levels. I will continue to use my training, experience and voice to guide others in the community of running through coaching. I take the approach that everyone's journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride and mile. I believe that running not only boosts physical health, but it also rejuvenates your mind and fuels confidence.   Connect with India Follow India on Instagram Watch the Miles from India on  YouTube Listen to The Run Duo podcast here   Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness

Welcome to Season 4 of Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast. Happy New Year, I pray you all have a blessed and prosperous year. Let's dive into the benefits of staying focused this new year. I have found that with goal setting, less is more. The problem we can face each January is creating plans that we are not ready for. Whatever goal you set it is not going to magically  happen because it's January of a new year. I'm going to share with you some of the things that I will be working on in 2022. Take a listen. I pray that this will motivate you no matter what your goals or aspirations are.     Episode Highlights:  My goals related to fitness, health, and racing  How I plan to stay consistent with reaching these goals How I start each new year How to not be overwhelmed and burn out in regards to reaching your goals.  Why consistency is the key  Why it helps to have tribe in regards to goal setting  Past episodes mentioned The Doctor Is The Patient  Saddle Sores- What Are They? How to Prevent Them? How to Treat Them? Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness