Running on Optimism

This episode goes out with a huge congratulations to all who finished the Boston Marathon just over a week ago. And with that said, I'm thrilled to have Shana Miller, creator of Stiletto Running, back to chat with me about her Boston Marathon experience. Shana had run the Boston Marathon two times prior to this year's, but this was the first time she ran it as a qualifier. And though a bought with COVID in January put a wrench in her training, she was going to make it to that start line come hell or high water. Shana has been running to 2012, with the Philadelphia Marathon being her first marathon at the time. Since then she's run several marathons and numerous half marathons, the half is her favorite distance in fact. She set her sights on a BQ shortly after undergoing a full hysterectomy. She decided that if she was going to get back to running, she was going to go all out and set big goals. In 2019 Shana ran a qualifying time for Boston at the Baystate Marathon, and her 26.2-mile victory lap through the Boston area took 2 years to come fruition. Shana shares with me what it was like to take five weeks off of her training due to COVID and what big plans she has in her crosshairs now that the Boston Marathon is all done. A for me personally, I'm so excited to get to meet Shana in person at the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 21. We love this exciting running community. Follow Shana on Instagram at @stilettorunning . Check out her shop of really unique running gear at www.stilettorunning.com And bonus: for more on the nail wrap Shana mentioned, check out @sarahmariedesignstudio on Instagram or visit her website at www.sarahmarie.run

In today's episode I speak with Denny Krahe, run coach and host of the podcast DizRuns Radio. Denny, I think like a lot of runners I've spoken to, kind of fell into running – or in his case, stumbled through a Disney marathon in 2012 incredibly under-trained swearing he would never do that again. He did find his way back to running and has made it his full-time job. Born and raised in Michigan, Denny made his way to Florida, where he calls home now with his wife and daughter, for college. From there he pursued his graduate degree in Tennessee where he was the athletic trainer. He would watch his athletes do their track workouts and that was when he became more interested in running. He would run some laps in between meets or between training sessions. He realized that he actually enjoyed running, though he didn't slap the “runner” label on himself until much later. He decided in 2012, after moving back to Florida, to sign up for the Disney Marathon because: why not? What he learned quickly during that race was how much he didn't know about marathon running – or at least not yet. Denny's first marathon story is one of my favorites because of its honesty and relatability so I won't spoil it for anyone, you'll just have to listen. Clearly, Denny has learned a lot since then and continues to learn and grow has his career as a coach progresses. He is still working on his “Road to 50” in hopes of running a marathon in each of the 50 states. Check out www.dizruns.comfor more on Denny's coaching and to listen to DizRuns Radio. You can also find Denny on Instagram @dizruns and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dizruns . As for me, you can let me know what you think at runningonoptimism@gmail.com

In today's episode Caroline Moyer and I talk about her long-standing relationship with running that took a brief hiatus as she recovered from a terrible bike accident. But she's working her way up to get back on that proverbial horse and is training for her first Iron Man this September all while beginning her new position as a pediatric oncology nurse. As they say, not all super heroes wear capes, and nurses are definitely included. Caroline has been running since middle school on her school's cross-country team. She's just fell in love with the freedom of running and kept that love through high school. Even when things got too competitive for her as she was seeking recruitment to college athletic departments. The competition dimmed her love of the sport but only slightly until she rediscovered running as a destressing tool rather than it being a competitive sport. She ran her first 26.2 in 2021, and she did it just for fun! (What? No medal?!) She then ran the Philly Marathon in November at a time to potentially qualify for Boston – she just has to wait a few months to see if she made the cut. In the meantime, she was hoping to begin her next adventure into completing an Iron Man as she is also an avid swimmer, when she got into a terrible bike accident in which she flipped over the handle bars of her bike and dislocated her shoulder; an injuring requiring surgery and a lot of rehab. She's now slowly working her confidence back to be able to return to bike riding and still has her hopes set on a September Iron Man event. Caroline also shared with me that this April, she will begin her position at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a pediatric oncology nurse, which if you know me, you know how much nurses hold a special place in my heart. Listen to her whole story in this episode and let me know what you think at runningonoptimism@gmail.com.

In today's episode, Chris Heimerman, host of the podcast 40,000 Steps Radio shares with us his deeply personal journey to sobriety. Chris is an incredible advocate and resource for those struggling with addiction. He and I really dive into a lot in this conversation and what running meant for him before and after deciding it was time for him to seek help in battling alcoholism. Chris was an accomplished journalist who had already run several marathons. He lived with his wife and two kids, and like many people was hiding a secret in nearly plain sight: he was battling with alcohol abuse. Chris often found it difficult to talk about his addiction because he was able to hide it so well. He would call them "Mickey Mouse" problems. He never hit what people would look at as rock bottom, but that's what his message is: there are so many people battling in silence, but you are not alone. Now Chris wants to help anyone battling addiction and mental health issues. He shares his story in hopes of making others feel less alone. If you are in a mental health crisis, immediately call 9-1-1 You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at: 800-273-8255 And Chris encourages anyone to reach out to him if they just need an ear. You can email him at: christopher@40000steps.com You can find more information about his podcast, his story, and his blog at: www.40000steps.com

In today's episode I talk with Jeffrey James Binney ultramarathoner, comedian and actor whose documentary film Once is Enough chronicles his journey to his first 100-mile race which also happens to be one of the most difficult, the Leadville Trail 100. Jeffrey and I talk about running, sure, but we get into a few stickier conversations like what health looks like at all sizes, veganism (if you can consider that a sticky topic), and diversity in the running community specifically trail running, and how an inclusive attitude doesn't automatically signify a diverse community. But back to running, Jeffrey grew up on a pig farm but never considered himself an outdoorsy person until he realized the immense peace he found running trails. He decided to give running a try after picking up a Trail Runner Mag in the waiting area while his mother was in the ICU. Jeffrey went to the shoe store and got his first running shoes to hit the trails and it was almost like love at first step. After running his first 20-mile trail race, he decided he wanted to take on a bigger challenge... a MUCH bigger challenge and signed up for the Leadville Trail 100, which was also the subject of his documentary. Spoiler alert: He did not complete that 100-mile race but often, as we all know too well, it's from our failures that we often learn the most. Jeffrey's story to completing his first 100 miles ultra is inspiring, but his general, day I say, optimism is really where it's at. You can watch "Once is Enough" on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Enough-Jeffrey-James-Binney/dp/B085GHM2CB Check out Jeffrey at www.jjb.life and find his amazing reels on Instagram @jeffreybinney

Today's conversation is a little different, but I'm really thankful to get to reinvite two guests back, powerlifter and endurance runner Jess of Everwild Performance and marathoner and registered dietitian nutritionist Jen Scott for a well-rounded conversation on nutrition and strength and their place in running and training. Jess and Jen are an absolute wealth of information and so it's an absolute honor and treat to get to pick their brains at the time time for a bit on why embracing nutrition and lifting is important to long life of running, which I don't know about you, but is definitely part of my plan to keep doing this thing I love for as long as my body allows. As a registered dietician nutritionist, Jen focuses on sports nutrition. Her deep understanding of the importance of fueling appropriately for training, Jen works with runners on developing individualized nutrition plans, emphasis on the individualized! She knows that no two runners are the same and needs vary person to person. Jess combines her love of running and heavy lifting to help others be their best, most injury-free running self. She began her power lifting journey in 2021 and continues to pursue new goals in lifting. Jess truly believes that knowledge is power so at the beginning of the pandemic, she developed her book "Grit" which is a runner's guide or really an incredible resource with detailed information on how to become you strongest running self with hours of research to back it up. In our conversation, we dive right into busting myths runner should maybe stop perpetuating on what is the best size for running performance, as well as talk about some things that Jen and Jess hope more people might talk about. I am always learning so much from them both! You can find Jess on Instagram at @everwild.performance and more information on how you can work with her at www.everywildperformance.com. Jen can be found on Instagram at @marathonmama_rd and find out how Jen can help you fuel your running goals at www.endurancehealthandnutrition.com

Today's conversation is with Nita Sweeney, ultramarathoner and award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. Nita's memoir personally helped me change my mindset to stay on course with my own marathon training, and so I'm just thrilled to get to share this conversation with all of you. Nita was facing a point in her life where she was in a deep depression and nearly suicidal when a friend posted on Facebook about her most recent run. Nita found her way to a couch to 5k plan that was the start of her running journey, even if conspicuous at first. She used her dog as a decoy when she stepped out of the house for her very first interval of running. What followed was Nita pushing her own limits and discovering the magic of running. Nita's always practiced meditation and so was able to channel that skill in running and she focused on her form through Chi Running method. She has since completed several marathons and an ultramarathon. You can purchase her memoir Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink at the following: https://www.amazon.com/Depression-Hates-Moving-Target-Running/dp/1642500135 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/depression-hates-a-moving-target-nita-sweeney/1130148744 You can also pre-order her new book coming out this August at: https://www.target.com/p/make-every-move-a-meditation-by-nita-sweeney-paperback/-/A-85661373 https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Every-Move-Meditation/dp/1642509892 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-every-move-a-meditation-nita-sweeney/1140921417 Check out Nita on Instagram and Twitter: @nitasweeney and her website www.nitasweeney.com Get in touch with me with questions, comments or an opportunity to chat with me by email runningonoptimism@gmail.com

Today's conversation is with Dr. Kim Rodriguez, founder of the running group Latinas Running and owner of the chiropractic practice Kirocare Family Wellness in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Rodriguez's own health journey ultimately led her to place where she's created, and hopes to maintain and grow spaces for athletes of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities to feel comfortable getting outdoors and enjoy moving their body. In college, Kim was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and struggled with the changes it brought to her body. But rather than hiding from challenges, Kim decided to turn this into a moment of empowerment and along the way found running. While on her running  the Disney Princess Half Marathon, she realized that there weren't many people who looked like her and took that opportunity to create a space for anyone else who feels underrepresented in the running community and so Latinas Running was born. In addition, in her chiropractic practice Kirocare Family Wellness she creates a body positive environment where she hopes her patients know that health does not have one size or look.  Dr. Rodriguez encourages people to set boundaries when it comes to comments about their physical appearance and to find their best self whatever that may look like. For more, follow her practice on Instagram: @kirocarefamilywellness  or visit https://kirocarefamilywellness.janeapp.com/ Check her personal IG: @dr.kimpossible And Latinas Running at @latinasrunning 

Today I have the absolute honor to share my conversation with Yulady Saluti second place winner of the Atlantic City half fighting through chronic pain with running. Yulady is a breast cancer survivor and person with an ostomy, but mostly she's an inspiration to those seeking representation in running while reaching incredible running goals. Yulady made the difficult decision a few years ago to have a permanent ostomy. She practiced yoga for many years to channel the pain and discomfort until she reach a point where many of the poses she loved were painful to her. She knew she needed to find another form of movement especially to get her through pandemic lockdown, but wasn't sure what that would look like until she saw an boy running laps through their neighborhood. That's when she decided to give running a try for the first time in August of 2020. What she's been able to accomplish since then is a combination of natural talent, and physical and mental fortitude. She hopes to help others going through the same or similar feel like they can also be part of the amazing running community and find their own way through their diagnoses. Follow Yulady on instagram at @yulady

Amanda Brooks, run coach, creator of Run to the Finish and author of the book Run to the Finish: The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock and Loving the Run shares why 10 years ago she made the life changing decision to shift from a journalism background and ecommerce to creating her Run to the Finish brand. She had already found a way to combine her love of research and running to find what worked best for her and to help others by developing her blog Run to the Finish (when blogging was the the thing to really get your brand out there). But while working full time and dedicating almost full time hours a week to Run to the Finish, Amanda found herself at a point where she needed to decide if this was where her career would take her. Amanda shares what that shift looked like for her. I was particularly excited to chat with Amanda because it was her out of the box "Couch to Marathon" plan that helped me return from a stress fracture in May and complete my first marathon this past November, and I do credit her 30 Day Core Challenge with keeping my ITB syndrome at bay for training. I just really really love how much Amanda loves running for the sake of running. She's turned it into a well-researched art that brings her joy and she shares that with her clients; there's not much better than that from your run coach. For more check out runtothefinish.com You can also purchase Amanda's book at your favorite bookseller or at my favorite, Better World Books, at: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Run-to-the-Finish--The-Everyday-Runner-s-Guide-to-Avoiding-Injury--Ignoring-the-Clock--and-Loving-the-Run-9780738285993 You can also follow Amanda on Instagram and get daily, dare I say, optimism for your running journey at @runtothefinish

Shana Miller, 9 time marathoner and 38 time half marathoner, shares what set the wheels in motion to achieve all these running goals after 40. She was never a runner before then but when her 40th birthday approached she decided to aim high and put a half marathon on her bucket list. At the time she wasn't sure where this would all go, much less could she have imagined that she would eventually combine her love of running and eye for fashion trends to build her own business. But when she completed that first half in just over two hours, she realized that there was room for more and she kept pushing for it and setting new goals. When she underwent a complete hysterectomy in her mid-40s she used that opportunity to prove that she wasn't about to let anything slow her down. So much so, that she set her sights on achieving a Boston Qualifying Time (spoiler alert: she's running Boston in 2022!!! Go Shana!) Her story is not just about finding her love of running later in life, but really about feeling good in her own skin and wanting to inspire other women to find that self love by whatever means (but running is definitely a great way to start). Her online shop Stiletto Running is completely unique. Shana designs all her leggings patterns with a partner designer, and puts together the designs for her tops on her own. She follows current trends and loves keep her fingers on the pulse on Pantone color of the year, which sets the colors trends for designers and I personally can really appreciate. And just for Running on Optimism listeners, Shana is offering 25% off to her shop www.stilettorunning.com using the code: OPTIMISM You can follow Shana on IG at @stilettorunning ****** Follow Running on Optimism IG @running_on_optimism Sonia's running journey IG @26.2forIzzy email me: runningonoptimism@gmail.com

We had an epic NYC Marathon weekend that started with our Izzy participating in a one-mile race through Central Park sponsored by New York Road Runners. A one-mile run can be a feat for any 8-year-old, but especially for Izzy who at 12 months old was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. As you may know, Izzy is my inspiration for running. She works hard every single day to rehab from what the tumor, surgery, and 14 months of chemotherapy did to her little body. But she fights every day to show that tumor who is really in control and this Run with Champions race was no different. What Izzy lacks in physical ability, she more than makes up for in heart and brilliance so I wanted to shine a spotlight on her major accomplishment as she completed the one-miler on her own in her walker. To make the race even more epic, Jenny Simpson and Meb Keflizighi were waiting for at the finish line despite her coming in dead last, to congratulate her. That image of her really gutting it out for 27 minutes to finish her miler was what carried me through 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York City just two days later. My IT band which has troubled me for years but took a break for the last few months decided that mile 4 of the marathon would be a great time to become terribly inflamed once again. From there the rest of the race was a suffer-fest, but I'm proud to say that I crossed that finish line hand-in-hand with Marco whose support was absolutely everything for those 5.5 hours it took to complete race. What's next for us? More marathons! NYC was my first but certainly not my last. But for our Izzy? Well, you'll just have to listen through the end to hear what she says. You can follow along with Izzy's journey on Instagram at @IzzyLivingHerBestLife

Live races have been back for a bit, but for my husband Marco and for myself we are thrilled to finally have been a part of a race. On Oct. 17 Marco completed the Atlantic City Marathon and I finished the half marathon. This race was a long time coming as it was originally meant to be the New Jersey Marathon of April 2020, but like all things that were supposed to happen that year it was canceled. It was postponed several times and eventually canceled altogether but with the opportunity to transfer our bibs to the Atlantic City race series. It was a beautiful day, the weather honestly couldn't have been any more perfect. Marco had set some lofty goals for himself including an "A" goal of finishing in less than three hours to ensure a Boston 2022 bid. You will have to just listen to the show to see how that all went. He goes into detail about training and fueling. As for me, after suffering a stress fracture back in May I knew I would not be ready to take on my first full marathon in October so I had already changed my race from the full marathon to the half, but not without then setting my sights on finishing the New York City Marathon with a charity bib from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (www.alexslemonade.org), and organization very near and dear to our hearts since our daugther was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor when she was 12 months old. We both went in to the race with ideas of what how we wanted it to go, but somehow managed getting more out of than anticipated. Now we have our eyes on finishing New York City and reaching our fundraising goals to help fund important childhood cancer research, specifically research on spinal cord tumors so that no child will go through what our Izzy endures, and someday no parent will hear "your child has cancer." To support our fundraising efforts, you can donate directly to our fundraising page at: https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/2564362 You can also get yourself some really awesome Running on Optimism apparel at the following link, and 100% of proceeds will benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: https://www.bonfire.com/team-lemon-fundraiser/ Check out this video from ALSF on Izzy's story for inspiration: https://youtu.be/7fhpK2G5mdE Comments, questions, want to talk running with me for the podcast? Email me: RunningOnOptimism@gmail.com

I really am so happy to share this conversation I had with Sara Moyer, runner and special events manager for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, an organization very near and dear to my family. Sara and I talk about how she rediscovered running at the very beginning of the pandemic, and how she found her dream job at Alex's lemonade that combines her love of athletic events and her desire to help end cancer. We also get into what about charity athletic events just generate so much excitement and enthusiasm, and dare I say optimism. Sara has always been involved in sports. Her favorite thing to do is to be out and active so it was natural for her to fall into step again with running when she found herself battling chest pains in March 2020 and the only cure was running; she's been run-streaking since! Sara coordinates Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's special fundraising events. When she was in college, Sara's friend lost his battle with glioblastoma. She ran a local race created in his honor and that helped shape and pave a way for her career when she later joined ALSF. We talk a lot about different athletic events that ALSF has to help fundraise research to fight childhood cancer, and help families with children battling cancer get the help and treatment they need for their children. Below are just some of the events, but please also visit www.alexslemonadestandfoundation.org Alex's Million Mile: https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/the-million-mile-2021 The Lemon Slice Golf Anywhere event: https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/lemon-slice-golf-anywhere-event The Virtual Lemon Climb: https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/virtual-lemon-climb

One of my favorite things about chatting with runners like me is making friends and getting to cheer them on whatever goals they set for themselves. My friend Jessie Baldwin set her sights on the Eagle up 50k, her first ultra marathon, just two weeks after her very first marathon. I spoke with Jessie in episode 10 where we talked about her running and fitness journey, and about crushing perceptions about what runners should look like. Jessie is absolutely inspiring me to push toward my goals and reminds me that the finish line is what you make it, as long as you get there. In the race recap she shares about her struggles to complete the 50k, both physical and mental. And the amazing thing to me was how getting to the finish line has empowered her to not only want to complete another 50k in the future, but push for other goals. She's starting to work on her speed to PR the upcoming Columbus Half Marathon. And yes, I am hoping for yet another race recap there! Follow her running journey on instagram at @run_jessifly_run

Run coach Jess Parker of Form in Focus joins me today to talk about her running journey and how she came to combine her love of running with heavy lifting to help others be their best, most injury-free running self. What I admire most about Jess is this positivity that she shines even when things are not always awesome -- not blind optimism, but a sense that we can all do hard things. Jess and I talk about letting go of the idea that runners should not be lifting heavy -- runner's can lift, be strong, and be even more badass and she is here to help guide you. Her hope is that she can show her athletes what to do and empower them with as much knowledge as she can so they can eventually say, "Hey Jess, thanks for your help but I can take it from here." She truly believes that knowledge is power and so at the beginning of the pandemic she developed her book titled "Grit," which is a runner's guide or really an incredible resource with detailed information on how to be your best, strongest running self with hours of research to back it up. She and a friend Laura Hall are also combining their efforts to develop a retreat later this summer called "Back of the Pack" that is geared toward, you guessed it, those of us who aren't the fastest but still love to run just for the love of movement. You can sign up for more information on back of the pack here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/605f65bde8d68d392eff209b Get yourself a copy of "Grit" here: https://www.forminfocus.co/grit/ And follow Jess on IG at @forminfocus and cheer her on as she shifts fitness goals and enters her first lifting competition on Aug. 21

Today I got to chat with Dave Scarpello, an 8 time marathoner with lots of halves under his belt. But his most incredible feat is his ability to share his battle with post traumatic stress disorder in order to help others going through the same or similar. After surviving an armed robbery, Dave was left with injuries to his back that required multiple surgeries. He suffered chronic pain afterward but managed to stay active. A few years later, though, he was hit by a drunk driver at a stop light and found himself looking through a wheelchair catalogue and feeling like he was back where he started in recovery. After years of chronic pain only subdued by Percocets that he would take like clockwork, he decided it was time to reclaim him life. He told doctors that he was done with pain medicine and was prepared for what was to come: withdrawals from pain and reinsertion into society. He never imagine he'd be back to such an active lifestyle, but he knew he was done with the life he was currently leading. And so he began exercising at the pool in his local YMCA. He found a sign up sheet for their 5k race and thought to himself, "Why not." (All great journeys begin with a 'why not,' don't you think?) After so many years of not running at all, Dave ran the entire 5k race. That was the moment he realized he was not a hostage to his injuries. He began running local 5k, and as many runners know, it's like the gateway to longer distance running. Dave's story is incredible and his perseverance is inspiring. But what's most amazing about Dave is his desire to help others. Through his ambassadorship with Still I Run, Dave hopes to help others by sharing his story. He knows there are so many people suffering with PTSD in silence and he hopes that by being a voice for PTSD he can help them find their's. If you want to reach out to Dave, he welcome emails at davescarpello@gmail.com or you can find him on Instagram at @davescarpello

Jocelyn Rivas joins me today to share her inspiring story – Seriously, Jocelyn is running on optimism embodied. Despite being born with broken bones and limited resources for therapy and rehabilitation, Jocelyn – also aptly known as Jocelyn the Warrior – is out to inspire DREAMERs to dream big and is well on her way to breaking two Guiness World Record titles for youngest person and youngest woman to run 100 marathons, and a world record for youngest Latina to 100 marathons. Jocelyn came to the United States from El Salvador with her mom when she was about 5 years old. Her mother calls her a miracle as she recovered from having a broken back, neck and legs at birth. But Jocelyn lived with chronic pain and so her mother was always cautious about her pursuing too many athletics. That all changed for Jocelyn in 2013 when she went to cheer on her friend at the L.A. Marathon -- that running bug a lot of people know so well definitely got her! She ran her first marathon in 2014 and a few years later was informed that she was on pace to be the youngest person, female, and Latina to run 100 marathons! In 2017, she was also faced with the uncertainty of being deported back to El Salvador and she decided that she had to pursue these records in hopes of inspiring other DREAMers and proving to the world their immense value to our society. Most recently, Jocelyn completed her 86th marathon and with just 14 more to go, you don't want to miss her journey. Follow her on instagram at @joselinthewarrior

This week I have the absolute honor and privilege to share John Floresca's journey to recovery from a surfing injury. Almost two years ago John, an avid runner and coach was told that he would not likely regain function in his legs after suffering what is known as Surfer's Myelopathy while surfing in Hawaii. But don't ever tell John what he is, or isn't, capable of unless you want him to completely dismantle those ideas. When John was first injured, his prognosis was not great -- that being an understatement. He was told he would remain in a wheelchair with grade A paraplegia: complete paralysis. John was unwilling to accept that as the end and chose to fight despite a lack of hope from physicians. He knew his body and his mental fortitude will get him to dig deep and reach beyond expectations for his diagnosis. He was quickly downgraded to grade C: incomplete motor function below injury level. He recently began riding a stationary bike, something that had he given into his prognosis would never have been in the cards for him. John not only continues to work hard through his therapies, he has also returned to work in the film industry and most recently finished working through an entire season on the set of Saturday Night Live. He's breaking boundaries and paving the way for others. And through all that, John continues to find joy in helping his friends (myself included) reach their running goals. John's ultimate goal is to be able to walk again with no definitive timeline, but that doesn't keep him from celebrating every single win until he gets there.

Today I spoke with Jessie Baldwin who just ran her very first marathon two days before we spoke, and is going for 50k two weeks later. I really appreciated Jessie's candor when it came to sharing her experiences as a bigger runner and in breaking perceptions about runner bodies. Jessie was very open in sharing about motherhood, her borderline personality disorder, gastric bypass surgery, and motivation to begin running despite apprehension and fear of judgement. Jessie runs and trains with Marathoner in Training (MIT) in Columbus, OH, a city with a very robust and vibrant running community. Through MIT, she found a safe space where she feels supported in any endeavor she takes on and off the trails. And now she's officially a marathoner! Follow Jessie's running journey on Instagram at @run_jessifly_run Like what you hear? Want to hear something different? Leave me an episode comment or shoot me a message on Instagram at @running_on_optimism

For today's episode I had a super fun conversation with Tiffany Underwood Holmes who exudes joy, love, and passion for running when you chat with her and when you check out her impressive current 400+ day run streak. Before her current streak, Tiffany had maintained a streak for more than 5 years until her first daughter was born and the support from her husband almost had her out of the hospital after having delivered a baby. I think you'll really enjoy hearing Tiffany's run story that embodies running on optimism. She began running shortly after Tiffany gave birth to her first daughter who is now 9 years old. Her mother signed her up for the Disney Princess race weekend, without Tiffany ever having run before. I feel like that's the moment that can either break or make your relationship with running. For Tiffany it absolutely created this passion for running and fire to do it right that she didn't know she had. And now Tiffany uses running as a tool for light, positivity and optimism in her life, as well as to demonstrate as a woman strength and perseverance to her daughters, which is something I absolutely relate to. We really had fun talking all things running and cross training, and future goals. To follow Tiffany's incredible run streak, check her out on Instagram at @tunderholmes.

In this episode I got the opportunity to speak with Genevieve Lyons, amateur runner and creator of The Runner's Report. Genevieve's running story almost has two beginnings and I'm so honored by her candor in our conversation where she really shares her “why “ for running 10 years ago, and how far she's come since then. Genevieve has run the Chicago marathon 4 times and Berlin as well, but her journey to marathoning for herself is truly inspiring. We talk about loss, and what it means to run for those who no longer can't. We also talk about our shared experiences with depression and what that means for perspective. Genevieve is an incredibly strong runner, but she is equally, if not more, a strong human of heart and soul. Follow Genevieve on Instagram at @vevelyons Follow The Runner's Report at @therunnersreport and sign up for The Runner's Report newsletter at: https://therunnersreport.com/ As always, please feel free to leave comments: What do you love about the show? Like? Maybe not so much? Wanna be featured on an episode, inbox @running_on_optimism.

had really such a wonderful time chatting with Kristen Doornbos and learning about her own running journey and pretty much life journey for today's episode. I really think that after listening to Kristen, you'll be as inspired as I am by her. Kristen's story of perseverance and basically choosing running as an outlet by making tough decisions for her health is inspiring. Her positive energy and love of humankind really shine in everything she puts out, whether it's in her miles, as a massage therapist or now as the creator of Paper Trails Greeting Co., a greeting card company that focuses on celebrating all runners' achievements. To order greeting cards for the runner in your life visit: https://www.papertrailsgreetingco.com/ Follow Kristen on Instagram at @kristendoorbos and Paper Trail Running Co. at @papertrailsgreetingco

Scott is a 7-time Boston Marathoner who has carried my very own childhood cancer warrior Izzy's name with him while completing his 26.2 through Boston. Inspired to fundraise in his dad's memory, Scott's impetus to run Boston came in 2013 when as a spectator he witnessed the Boston Marathon bombing. Scott ran his very first marathon on Patriot's Day the following year and has run Boston every year since. I had a really fun time catching up with Scott, talking all things running, and having that understanding of how transformative running can really become when you're training to push yourself beyond limits you thought you once had. Scott fundraises for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and draws inspiration for putting in the miles from stories like Izzy's of people, adult and children, fighting unimaginable battles with cancer. Dana Farber Cancer Institute is continuously on the cutting edge of cancer treatment and with fund-raisers like Scott, offers hope for a world without cancer. https://www.dana-farber.org/

Jen Scott is a registered dietician nutritionist whose focus is on sports nutrition. With a deep understanding of the importance of fueling appropriately for training, Jen works with runners on developing individualized nutrition plans to help them reach their individual goals. Jen's Instagram is not only full of information regarding nutrition, but she is so open with her own story and struggles that I know I've related to in many ways. IG: @marathonmama_rd www.endurancehealthandnutrition.com

Hollie has been running since she was 12 when she joined her school's cross country team with a friends. There's been plenty of times since then that she's wanted to hang up her shoes, but her son Jonah Keeps her going. Jonah, 10, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, loves his runs with his mom, and inspires Hollie to reach new goals with him as her running buddy in his Hoyt running chair (www.hoytrunningchairs.com). Hollie and I made an instant connection, and I am so thankful to have had this conversation with her. As moms of medically complex children, it is a blessing to have found each other through running -- in fact, it's incredible to share this optimism through our different challenges! For more on epilepsy and how you can help fund epilepsy research or spread epilepsy awareness visit: www.epilepsy.com www.cureepilepsy.org www.purpleday.org Hollie is also a partner with her cousin at BackRhodesDesigns on Etsy. Check out their shop for some really beautiful designs: www.etsy.com/shop/backrhodesdesigns

Hey everyone! I wanted to celebrate my 38th birthday with you by sharing a little bit more about me, my running journey and how my daughter Izzy, a childhood cancer survivor, inspires me to push through any of my own nagging running injuries to get to my first marathon this fall. This is my story of how a couch to 5k and a fundraiser for childhood cancer research got me started on running, which is now my coping mechanism for all things that ail me. Not only am I the host for this podcast, I also run a non-profit organization called Izzy's Infantry: @izzys_infantry.

Jhon Ramirez is a nutrition coach and founder of Beyond Gym Selfies. The name of his business speaks volumes to the energy he wants to put out into the world: love yourself and look beyond that typical gym selfie. In Jhon's life, women have played the most important roles in shaping who he is, from his grandmother in Columbia to his first boss, and so he wants to take that influence to lift up other women and help them live a life of not just physical health, but mental health, too. Jhon's own journey began with being diagnosed with pre-hypertension and deciding it was time to make a change, but what makes his journey so incredible is what he learned about himself when he really dug deep to truly transform his idea of health and wellness from within. Follow Jhon and learn more about Beyond Gym Selfies: Instagram: @Jhonb973 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/beyondgymselfies Website: BeyondGymSelfies.com Did you love what you heard on Running on Optimism? Want more, or would you rather something new and different? Please check out my website and leave me some feedback on my contact page: https://soniaerita.wixsite.com/runningonoptimism

For my first episode, it was a no brainer to sit with my own husband, Marco, to talk about his running accomplishments like his most recent 50k Ultra. Marco shares how witnessing our little girl's struggle with her spinal cord tumor and her rehabilitation push him through all the miles.

At a time when we could all use a little more humanity, and when some of us are pounding the pavement or putting in that treadmill time to find some sanity, I want us to connect through inspiration and optimism. So join me, Sonia Rita, amateur runner and mom, for conversations with fellow runners and friends in fitness on Running on Optimism.