Episodes
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Grace Norman is a four-time Paralympic medalist, once in track and field and three times in the sport of Paratriathlon. She is also, as of October 2024, a five-time world Paratriathlon champion.
This episode focuses on Norman's Paralympic journey which spans Rio, Tokyo, and this year's 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
For over a decade now, Norman's primary focus has been Paratriathlon, but before that, she was a competitive runner, and running is at the foundation of Grace's athletic life: she ran track and cross country in high school and college, racing able-bodied competitors. Grace was born with Congenital Constriction Band Syndrome, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg below the knee and her right big toe when she was young. Norman runs and races with a prosthetic.
Norman started racing Paratriathlon in her teens, and made her Paralympic debut in Rio, the same year Paratriathlon debuted at the Games. There, Norman surprised everyone, herself included, by winning gold.
Since then, Paratriathlon has continued to grow and the competition has intensified, and in turn, Norman has continued to develop as a world-class competitor. Starting with those Rio games when Norman was just graduating high school and heading into college through her collegiate years, which led to Tokyo, until now as a full-time professional athlete.
Over the past several years, Norman has been the athlete to beat in Paratriathlon, but it did take some time for that consistency to set in. She's gone through the highs of being the young, talented newcomer in Rio, to a time of learning and growth heading into the Tokyo Paralympics, where she and her coach had very high confidence that a repeat gold medal performance was within her abilities. And it probably was; Norman was certainly prepared to give her all in Tokyo.
What happened in Tokyo inspired Norman to double down on her preparation for Paris. In this story, Norman shares the whole journey, including the unwavering determination and dedication she carried all the way through the finish line at this past summer's 2024 Paralympic Games.
Keep Up with Grace Norman
Instagram: @gracenormantri
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS
Use the discount code WRS to receive $25 off any pillow! Through Dec. 2, 2024
YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com
Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Professional runner for Nike Emily Venters shares how it all went down at the 2024 USATF 5k National Championships, held Nov. 2 in New York City, as part of the New York City Marathon weekend of events.
Venters shares how she has overcome mental and emotional challenges to return to a state of health, and deliver an outstanding performance at this strongly contested race. In NYC, Venters earned her first podium spot as a professional runner at a national championship event.
Venters's recent challenges come on the heels of a bumpy but ultimately successful college career; her collegiate results were so outstanding in fact that she signed her pro contract upon graduation last year, in 2023.
But the pro life came with its share of anxieties and then depression. Having come out the other side of a dark time, Venters was ready to give her all come race day. In this episode, Venters gets into the whole journey, including some exciting new plans.
This episode is part of the WRS Race Report series. Each episode features a top 10 performer sharing her experience at one of the USATF Road Circuit series of races. And because a race is never just about what happens on race day, you will get to know a little bit more about each one of the runners featured and how this race figures into their larger running story.
The USATF Running Circuit championship series of races happen throughout the US all year long. Each race serves as a national championship for the distance or the type of race being run. The 5k National Championships was last race of the 2024 series. WRS will be back next year, covering the 2025 series. The action kicks off Jan. 11 in Lubbock, TX, with the USATF Cross Country National Championships.
You can catch up on all the Race Reports on our website or on your favorite podcast app.
Keep Up with Emily Venters
Instagram: @ventersemily
Photo Credits
Guilherme Guedes
Instagram: @guico.guedes
Previous Women's Running Stories Race Report Episodes: https://womensrunningstories.com/podcast/women-running-stories
Support Our Supporters
YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com
Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Missing episodes?
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A special episode from WRS host Cherie, in acknowledgement of this deeply challenging time, post-election 2024.This podcast doesn't exist in a vacuum; it is impacted and informed by the world at large. This is a moment to reflect and, for Cherie, a call to action. She shares thoughts on moving forward.Mentioned in This EpisodeJinghaun Liu Tervalon's newsletter Wings & Spikes, from Nov 10, 2024: sandychannel.substack.com/p/wings-and-spikesAlison Mariella Désir on Patreon: patreon.com/alisondesirToni Morrison's "No Place for Self-Pity, No Room for Fear," The Nation, Mar. 23, 2015: thenation.com/article/archive/no-place-self-pity-no-room-fear
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Naseemah Palmer had wanted to try running, but she didn't see it as a place for someone like herself. Until, as she recounts in her story, running found her. On the fateful day of May 4, 2014, a day when Palmer was deep in the depths of undiagnosed post-partum depression, she encountered the Broad Street 10-mile Run, and it changed her life.
Today, Palmer is a licensed clinical social worker, running coach, and entrepreneur. She owns and operates the running, wellness, and apparel brand Vivid Belle.
How Palmer's life changed, beginning on that May day, is what this story is all about.
Palmer's current running focus is coaching Girls on the Run, and one of the athletes she coaches is her daughter. She is training for the upcoming Philadelphia Half Marathon, Nov. 23, 2024, and a big goal is running the Chicago or New York City Marathon in 2025: she's entered in those lotteries once again. Palmer also recently completed the Game Changers program, which certifies women of color as run coaches.
Thank you to Kiera Smalls, executive director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, for connecting me to Palmer. I am grateful.
Keep Up with Naseemah Palmer
Instagram: @_naseemahp
Website: vividbelle.com
Mentioned in this episode
Running Industry Diversity Coalition: runningdiversity.com
Game Changers: vcpm.com/game-changers
Support Our Supporters
YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com
Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Stefanie Flippin is one of the fastest North American women to race the 100-mile distance. Her trajectory to get to that point is truly astonishing.
This episode, however, is focused on more recent occurrences.
In addition to her terrific success as an ultra runner, Flippin has experienced significant challenges. Illness, injuries, and grief have come one on top of the other in recent years. Navigating these hardships has put Flippin on a path to reaffirming why she runs and what she values most. She's coming out the other side of this difficult period more aligned with her values, more strongly in touch with her intuition, and with a renewed sense of appreciation for running and racing.
This episode is focused on these recent transformative years.
In addition to being an elite level racer, Flippin participates in the running community as a coach, podcast co-host, and writer. And, more and more, she is speaking our as an activist and advocate for diversity, especially in trail running.
Stefanie Flippin's story on the podcast highlights how running can be an integral part of healing and transformation. Be inspired.
Keep Up with Stefanie Flippin
Instagram: @stefanieannflippin
Website: stefanieflippin.com
Writing: stefanieflippin.com/writing
Podcasts: stefanieflippin.com/podcasts
Making Strides podcast ep. 12: Allyship, Intention and Impact
Mentioned in this episode
Carolyn Su on WRS: womensrunningstories.com/carolyn-su-her-first-trail-adventures-why-representation-matters
Support Our Supporters
YMR Track Club: ymrtrackclub.com
Use the discount code WRS20 for 20% off your purchase
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
This is a live recording from Saturday, October 13 at the Chicago Marathon Expo. WRS host Cherie Turner teamed up with Cindy Kuzma of the Starting Line 1928 podcast to co-host a conversation with members of the Native Women Run (NWR) running the 2024 Chicago Marathon—Angel Tadytin, Birdie Wermy, Jessica Louis, and Amber Henderson—along with NWR founder Verna Volker.
We heard the running stories of these women: why they run marathons, what inspired them to want to run as part of the NWR team, the importance of representation and community, and what their strategies and goals were for the 2024 Chicago Marathon. The conversation was thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring.
Verna Volker is from the Navajo Nation, and she is the founder of NWR. She grew up in the Blanca canyon area of New Mexico, but currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and four children. She founded NWR in January 2018 due to the lack of representation of native women in the running world; her aim is for NWR to create space for and elevate native women runners.
Jessica Louis is a Navajo woman from New Mexico. She is a stay-at-home educator, and the Chicago Marathon marks her second 26.2-mile journey.
Amber Henderson is from the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe in South Dakota, Henderson is a tenured associate professor of management and interim department chair of Finance, Banking and Financial Services, Accounting and Business Law at Northern State University. The 2024 Chicago Marathon was her debut in the distance.
Angel Tadytin is also from the Navajo Nation and works as a school social worker. She is also part of the NWR leadership team. The Chicago Marathon was her third marathon, after Boston and NYC.
Birdie Wermy is a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma now residing in Oregon. Wermy serves as a behavioral health project manager at the NW Portland Area Indian Health Board. The 2024 Chicago Marathon was her seventh marathon.
Starting Line 1928 is an oral history project dedicated to preserving the stories of women pioneers in distance running. Through longform interviews and profiles, the podcast chronicles their fight to break down barriers and achieve equality. It was founded in 2020 by Cindy Kuzma, Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka, Freddi Carlip, and Johanna Gretschel and is supported by the Theodore Corbitt Institute for Running History Research.
How to Keep Up with Native Women Run
Instagram: @native_women_run
Website: nativewomenrunning.com
How to Keep Up with Verna Volker
Instagram: @hozhorunner4
How to Keep Up with Amber Henderson
Instagram: @amber_amh
How to Keep Up with Birdie Wermy
Instagram: @redrace_oregon
How to Keep Up with Jessica Louis
Instagram: @_tso.lo_
How to Keep Up with Angel Tadytin
Instagram: @angels_ventures
How to Keep Up with Cindy Kuzma
Instagram: @cindykuzma
Ways to Connect with Starting Line 1928
Instagram: @startingline1928
Twitter: @startline1928
Website: startingline1928.com
Support Our Supporters
This episode is supported by Lagoon, maker of exceptional pillows: lagoonsleep.com. Use the code WRS15 for 15% off your first Lagoon order.
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Twitter: @WomenRunStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Running has been a steady presence in Vicki Hunter's life since she was an early teen. Running began as a way to find calm through the challenges of youth, and developed into an arena of competitive challenge, on the roads and then the trails. Among her many accomplishments as a competitive runner, Hunter qualified for the 1988 Olympic Trials Marathon. Running also became integral to Hunter's healing journey after a horrific accident, which happened when she was pregnant with her first child.
Now 63, Hunter continues to be fueled by competitive running, but her relationship to that pursuit has changed over time. Running pain free is a companion central focus, along with running fast.
Hunter tells her whole story on the podcast: the beautiful moments and terrific difficulties, the growth and the challenges. Her thoughtfulness and wisdom shine through, looking back over her decades in the sport.
Hunter also shares her running story embedded in her recently released memoir: Running and Returning: Seeking Balance in an Imperfect World.
Keep Up with Vicki Hunter
Instagram: @thevickihunter
Website: vforcepro.com
Link to Hunter's book, Running and Returning: vforcepro.com/books
Listen to Unexpected Curves, Hosted by Marielle Hall
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unexpected-curves/id1750120522
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3sx2j12qArDW5uJ9NoO9ks
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
This is part 7 of the Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project, where WRS host and producer Cherie Louise Turner is sharing her journey to break 20 minutes in the 5k, in her 50s, in real time.
Feel free to join the journey from here; it's not mandatory to listen to previous episodes in order to enjoy this one. Previous episodes will provide more context around this project and provide details about the many exciting lessons Cherie has learned so far.
This episode picks up where Cherie left off in late July: she'd set a new PR in the 5k and then taken a break from racing for 6 weeks.
During the 6-week break, Cherie put some longer distance races on her schedule so she could work on holding a challenging pace for a longer period of time. This is a skill that is a challenge to her, mostly mentally. She chose a 4-miler, 5-miler, and a 10k. One race a week for three weeks.
Cherie shares the successes and challenges she experienced with these three races. Then she dives into how she navigated running and racing during the huge life change of moving from Cork, Ireland, back to Boston, Massachusetts. Suffice to say, it wasn't easy.
This episode ends with a return to racing and training back in the US, shaking off the big move, and the exciting events Cherie has on the horizon.
About this project: In June of 2023, Women's Running Stories host and producer Cherie Louise Turner closed the chapter on running longer distance races (at least for now), like marathons and ultras, and turned her attention to the 5k. Her goal: break 20 minutes in the 5km. Cherie is currently 55 years old and she has never dipped under 20 minutes at this distance. The closest she's ever gotten was back over a decade ago, when she ran 20:19. Cherie's current day 5k PR is 21:01 (set June 2024).
This update spans late July to early October 2024. To catch up on all past episodes check out the links and publication dates below.
Come along for the journey.
Links and Publication Dates to Earlier Episodes in this Series
Find the whole series here.
Part 1, pub date (September 8, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-1/id1495427631?i=1000627157697
Part 2, pub date (October 27, 2023): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-the-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-2/id1495427631?i=1000632786362
Part 3, pub date (January 5, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-3-the-reset/id1495427631?i=1000640614612
Part 4, pub date (March 25, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part-4-the/id1495427631?i=1000650320154
Part 5, pub date (May 28, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000657010943
Part 6, pub date (July 23, 2024): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherie-louise-turner-over-50-sub-20-5k-project-part/id1495427631?i=1000663065105
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Professional runner for Brooks Erika Kemp shares how it all went down at the 2024 USATF 10k National Championships, held Sept. 21 in Northport, NY, at the Cow Harbor 10k. This is Kemp's second appearance on WRS, and I am so happy to have her back.
In this episode, Kemp shares what's been happening in her racing and training life this year, leading up to this 10k championship event. This includes training for and racing at two US Olympic Trials, in February and June; taking a much needed break; and returning to training in August. You'll hear how, even without yet being in peak racing fitness, Kemp was able to deliver an incredible 10k performance, and why training and racing with friends and teammates is always a welcome boost.
Erika is a two-time national champion, in the 20k (2021) and 15k (2019), and just last year raced her first marathon: the 2023 Boston Marathon in April. There she ran an incredible 2:33 which qualified her for the 2024 Olympic Trials and made her the fastest American-born Black women to ever run the marathon. With that, Kemp tops The List, an accounting of all the American-born Black women who've broken 3 hours in the marathon.
This story is all about how hard work, year after year, does pay off, and the power of having great support.
This episode is part of the WRS Race Report series. Each episode features a top 10 performer sharing her experience at one of the USATF Road Circuit series of races. And because a race is never just about what happens on race day, you will get to know a little bit more about each one of the runners featured and how this race figures into their larger running story.
The USATF Running Circuit championship series of races happen throughout the US all year long. Each race serves as a national championship for the distance or the type of race being run. The 5k National Championships, the last race of the 2024 series, is next: November 2.
You can catch up on all the Race Reports on our website or on your favorite podcast app.
Keep Up with Erika Kemp
Instagram: @imtinyrik
Erika Kemp's previous WRS episode (pub Mar 6, 2023): womensrunningstories.com/erika-kemp-championships-challenges-and-a-marathon-debut
Previous Women's Running Stories Race Report Episodes: https://womensrunningstories.com/podcast/women-running-stories
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Rockot, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
chillmore, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Wynonna Curely-Fulgham first discovered the life-changing impact running could have on her during her Kinaaldah, the Navajo puberty ceremony. She's carried the teaches from that transformative time into her adult life.
Wynonna has continued to be drawn to running, and specifically ultra trail running, as a way to test her own limits and also to process life's challenges and find her peace. It is a deep well of connection, discovery, and release: a physical endeavor that is also spiritual and healing.
In this episode, Wynonna shares the story of the pivotal moments she's experienced in ultra trail running, up through today. Her journey includes taking part in the Transrockies, a multi-day stage running race that takes place in Colorado, traveling through the mountains and over peaks, at altitude. Wynonna often runs as a member of the Native Women Run team.
Wynonna's story is powerful and beautiful. One women's incredible journey of self-discovery, evolution, and inspiration.
Keep Up with Wynonna Curely-Fulgham
Instagram: @blacksheep_running
Keep Up with Native Women Run
Instagram: @native_women_run
Website: nativewomenrunning.com
Information about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, MMIW
mmiwusa.org
Information about Native American Boarding Schools
boardingschoolhealing.org/education/us-indian-boarding-school-history
boardingschoolhealing.org
www.irsss.ca
nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/30/us/native-american-boarding-schools.html
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Katie Holmes started running in her 40s: she's since become a runner and racer of many distances over many types of terrain. She's also a women's running historian and she blogs about masters runners: see her writing on RunYoung50.co.uk.
Through running, Katie has discovered interests and abilities she never knew she had before. In short, the sport has been life changing.
And now, Katie is focused on an event that joins both her passion for running and her passion for women's running history.
In this episode, hear the whole story: how Katie first discovered her interest in running; how that led to her racing just about every type of race available in the sport; on to her starting a blog dedicated to stories of older women runners, and then women's running history; to today, when she's combining her passions for the sport after a period of grief and time away from running due to injury.
Katie Holmes's story clearly demonstrates it is truly never too late to discover new passions and new powerful parts of yourself.
Keep Up with Katie Holmes
Instagram: @runyoung50
Website: runyoung50.co.uk
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
chillmore, via Pixabay
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Professional distance and marathon racer for Asics Savannah Berry shares how it all went down for her at the 2024 USATF National Championships, which just took place in New Haven, CT, on Sept. 2.
Berry is having a stellar season this year, reaping the benefits of consistent, tough training, month after month, year after year. She's coming into her own on the national scene. It started in Feb. at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials, where she placed an incredible 12th place, just seconds off of her PR. Berry followed that up with a 4th place finish in May at the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.
This 20k Championships further emphasizes that Berry is now in a position to compete with the best.
Becoming a competitive marathon runner wasn't something Berry necessarily had in mind after graduating from Utah Valley University in 2018. But encouragement from her boyfriend to go after qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials revealed a talent for the distance and Berry's never looked back.
She's had an incredible progression ever since, learning and developing and gaining confidence all throughout the process. And, she's backed by a rock solid support crew, who she's quick to credit.
Hear the whole story of how Savannah Berry is becoming a racer to watch on the national scene. How her day-to-day commitment and hard work, supported by a team that believes in her, came to fruition at this championship event.
This episode is part of the WRS Race Report series. Each episode features a top 10 performer sharing her experience at one of the USATF Road Circuit series of races. And because a race is never just about what happens on race day, you will get to know a little bit more about each one of the runners featured and how this race figures into their larger running story.
The USATF Running Circuit championship series of races happen throughout the US all year long. Each race serves as a national championship for the distance or the type of race being run. The 10k National Championships is next: September 22.
You can catch up on all the Race Reports on our website or on your favorite podcast app.
Keep Up with Savannah Berry
Instagram: @savv_berry
Previous Women's Running Stories Race Report Episodes: https://womensrunningstories.com/podcast/women-running-stories
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Rockot, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Dakotah Lindwurm is a professional distance runner for the Minnesota Distance Elite Team, sponsored by Puma. Her specialty is the marathon.
Just a few short weeks ago, Lindwurm became an Olympian.
This is Dakotah Lindwurm's Olympic dream story. It begins with the moment that sparked this dream, way back in childhood. Lindwurm shares how, despite not showing obvious potential in her early running, she continued to dream big: through her walk-on DII collegiate running days; turning pro; the US Olympic Trials in Orlando, Florida, back on February 2, 2024, where she was considered a strong underdog; to making Team USA; and up through racing on the greatest stage of sports: The Olympics.
Lundwurm's story is all about big dreams that weathered big challenges, bolstered by the power of support and self-belief.
Lindwurm ran an incredible race at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 12th. She was the top American finisher, running 2:26:44.
And, she's already looking ahead: Lindwurm will be lining up at the 2024 NYC Marathon on November 3.
One fact is now clear, Lindwurm is no longer underdog: she is and will forever be an Olympian.
Keep Up with Dakotah Lindwurm
Instagram: @dakotahlindwurm
Keep Up with Minnesota Distance Elite Team
Instagram: @minnesotadistanceelite
Website: minnesotadistanceelite.org
Photo Credit
Clay Shaw, Runner's Gazette: @clay50sub4
Listen to Unexpected Curves, Hosted by Marielle Hall
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unexpected-curves/id1750120522
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3sx2j12qArDW5uJ9NoO9ks
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
This week Women's Running Stories is taking a break and bringing you Unexpected Curves. This is a terrific new podcast hosted and created by Olympian and professional runner Marielle Hall. Unexpected Curves is a topic-driven show that dives into women's sports in ways that, true to the show's name, are unexpected. In the most interesting ways.
Tune in to Unexpected Curves each week, where Hall interviews athletes and experts to explore women's sports from new angles.
To quote the show description: A unique listening experience for the next generation of sports fans to interact with the stories about the people, and the plays that make an industry. In each episode we will get into the culture of women’s sports. Breaking down what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s weird. We’ll hear from athletes and experts paving the way for the future, and sometimes we will go back in time to see how we got here in the first place.
This is the sports show where we give the girls some support.
In the episode highlighted here, Hall talks with Professor Amira Rose Davis about the high participation of Black American girls in track and field. They explore why this trend exists ,and how the cultural tradition of hand games shapes the sport we watch today. Rose Davis is also the co-host of the exceptional feminist podcast Burn It All Down, which is currently on hiatus.
Keep Up With Unexpected Curves
Instagram: @unexpectedcurves
Listen to Unexpected Curves
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unexpected-curves/id1750120522
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3sx2j12qArDW5uJ9NoO9ks
Keep Up With Marielle Hall
Instagram: @mariellehalll
Keep Up With Amira Rose Davis
Instagram: @mirarose06 -
Just this year, 2024, Sarah Pardus realized a goal that she'd been aiming toward for a decade: she ran the Boston Marathon. While her road to that finish line was full of twists and turns, it was also a full-circle moment. It both begins and ends with the terrific organization Girls on the Run (GOTR).
Sarah's first organized run training came at a young age, through being a part of GOTR. Throughout high school and into college, Sarah was a highly competitive swimmer, and running helped her stay fit. And when an injury ultimately ended her swimming career part-way through college, Sarah returned to running.
Intertwined in her athletic journey, Sarah developed an eating disorder. Over the years, as she mindfully surrounded herself with healthy role models and a strong support system, Sarah was able to establish a healthy relationship with her nutrition.
As part of her adult running life, Sarah reignited her involvement with GOTR, now as a volunteer. For her own running goals, Sarah found great joy in running longer distances on the road and set her sights on qualifying to run the Boston Marathon. Sarah both qualified for Boston and ran to support GOTR, the organization that first got her into the sport.
Hear the whole story of how it all came together in this episode.
A special thank you to Rochelle Solomon and Kate Yenrick for bringing me this story.
Keep Up with Sarah Pardus
Instagram: @sarahpardus
X: @sarahpardus
Girls On the Run, Boston
Instagram: @gotrboston
Facebook: facebook.com/GirlsontheRunGreaterBoston
Website: girlsontherunboston.org
WRS Roads to Boston series, featuring Rochelle Solomon
womensrunningstories.com/home-2/roads-to-boston-9-runners-1-finish-line
Support Our Supporters
Lagoon Pillows: lagoonsleep.com/WRS15
Use the discount code WRS15 for 15% off your first order
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Olympian, professional 400-meter runner for New Balance, and now author Micha Powell tells her running journey through a series of transformative racing stories.
Micha's first book, Sprinting through Setbacks: An Olympian's Guide to Overcoming Self Doubt and Imposture Syndrome, came out in July 2023. It highlights big racing and life lessons Micha has taken from her competitive career. Each chapter focuses on one race and one major takeaway. At the end of the chapter, there's a journaling section with journaling prompts for the reader to use, making this also a terrific personal growth workbook.
Among her many accomplishments in track, Micha Powell is an Olympian, having been named to the 2016 Canadian Olympic team for the 4x400-meter relay. She was also a member of the gold-medal-winning 4x400-meter team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Micha is the daughter of track superstars and Olympians. Her father is long jumper Mike Powell, who set the record in that event in 1991: that record still stands today. Micha's mother is three-time Olympian in the 400-meter hurdles and television personality Rosie Edah. Just recently, Micha switched coaches and now her mother is also her coach.
Despite her early exposure to elite level track and field, Micha came to the sport late, at 17. She intentionally followed her heart, and discovered her passion for the 400 meter. Micha raced collegiately for the University of Maryland, and set records in the 400, on both the indoor and outdoor track: those records both still stand. Post-graduation, she turned pro, with a single-minded focus on the 400 meter.
Mirroring the structure of her book, Micha's story on the podcast highlights some of her most poignant race experiences, and the lessons she learned. Lessons that you can take with you into your own running pursuits and life outside of running.
Keep Up with Micha Powell
Instagram: @michajadapowell
Strong Girl Publishing and where to purchase Sprinting through Setbacks
Website: stronggirlpublishing.com
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Mary McManus contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5. She recovered from the paralysis, but the disease had a lasting impact on her ability to move. This led to taunting and teasing from other children, especially when it came to physical activities.
In addition to experiencing the difficulties of polio, Mary experienced physical and sexual abuse from her father, who began to abuse alcohol when she was eight. She would also come to discover that her mother had an addiction to prescription pain medication. While Mary credits the love and support of adults outside of her family for helping her through these dark times, the traumatic experiences of polio and her home life took years to overcome.
And that is what Mary’s story is all about, overcoming and healing. Persevering through times of darkness and struggle, with a strong belief in her ability to heal. Which is where Mary focused her energies, becoming a social worker for the VA, a wife and a mother, and ultimately, a marathon runner.
Running entered Mary's life in her 50s, after a diagnosis of post-polio syndrome. And, she continues to go after running goals to this day, at the age of 70.
Mary's story is powerful: about healing and never giving up, and how it is never too late to start a running journey that just might change your life.
Keep Up with Mary McManus
Instagram: @mary_mcmanusrunnergirl
Facebook: facebook.com/mary.mcmanus.507
Website: marymcmanus.com
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Grand Project, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay
chillmore, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Professional runner for the BAA/Adidas, Annie Rodenfels shares how it all went down at the 2024 USATF 6k National Championships, held July 13 in Canton, OH. Rodenfels is a Dayton, OH, native now living in Boston, MA, so this is something of a "hometown race" for her. And, she has raced her twice before, coming in 2nd in 2022 and 3rd in 2023.
Rodenfels is also the reining 5k National Champion, having won that title in November 2023. Last year she also won her first 10k race, the prestigious Boston 10k for Women. Over the past year or so, Rodenfels has indeed been finding her groove in the pro ranks—the result of years of dedication and focus.
Annie Rodenfels is a competitor by nature, and that has shone through in her athletic life. She developed into a top performer during her collegiate running career, racing for the NCAA D3 school Center College in Danville, KY. While there, she became a three-time national champion, twice in the steeplechase and once in the 5000m.
Coming out of college, in 2019, with the D3 ranks being the less competitive of the collegiate ranks, even with this stellar record, Rodenfels wasn't a top prospect for a pro team. And indeed, most D3 runners don't turn pro after college. But Rodenfels had other ideas: she wanted to see where she could take her running career.
First she raced for the Asics Greenville Trek Club Elite out of South Carolina, and in 2021, Rodenfels signed with the BAA. All along the way, step by step, Rodenfels has developed her skill and ability and risen to the occasion, fueled by her strong competitive spirit.
It's that steady build and all-in determination that has gotten Rodenfels to where she is today: a contender to watch in the US pro field. This Race Report traces that progression—through ups and downs, including the recent Olympic Trials—and how it's playing out in Rodenfels's racing these days. This 6k performance exemplifies what a fierce combination hard work, experience, and an inherent drive for peak performance can be.
In this story, discover the journey of a born competitor coming into her own as a professional athlete; it's exciting!
This episode is part of the WRS Race Report series. Each episode features a top 10 performer sharing her experience at one of the USATF Road Circuit series of races. And because a race is never just about what happens on race day, you will get to know a little bit more about each one of the runners featured and how this race figures into their larger running story.
The USATF Running Circuit championship series of races happen throughout the US all year long. Each race serves as a national championship for the distance or the type of race being run. The 20k National Championships is next: September 2.
You can catch up on all the Race Reports on our website or on your favorite podcast app.
Keep Up with Annie Rodenfels
Instagram: @andrearodenfels
Previous Women's Running Stories Race Report Episodes: https://womensrunningstories.com/podcast/women-running-stories
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
Rockot, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
RomanBelov, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
In this, part 6 of this series, WRS host and producer Cherie Louise Turner shares how she set a new time milestone, getting 10 seconds closer to her goal of breaking 20 minutes in the 5k, and how this ushered in a time of focusing on training.
At the close of the previous episode, Cherie was addressing some 5k and racing burnout, but she also knew she was fit and ready for a great performance. So, she took advantage of a local flat, fast race and let it rip. Race magic was in full effect.
Post-race, it was time to regroup and focus on training. Cherie also decided to freshen things up and set her sites on some longer races, with a 5 miler and 10k on the schedule for August. In training, Cherie was focused on getting pacing dialed in, and not relying on the watch. She's begun to recognize and feel the freedom this brings to her running and racing.
Cherie continues to fully enjoy the process of getting faster and racing better. To wrap up the episode, coming off of some solid weeks of training, Cherie notes the need to balance hard work with rest, especially to keep injuries at bay. And, she is looking forward to getting back to racing.
In June of 2023, Women's Running Stories host and producer Cherie Turner closed the chapter on running longer distance races (at least for now), like marathons and ultras, and turned her attention to the 5k. Her goal: break 20 minutes in the 5km. Cherie is currently 54 years old and she has never dipped under 20 minutes at this distance. The closest she's ever gotten was back over a decade ago, when she ran 20:19.
This update spans late May to late July 2024. Part 1 of this series concluded with Cherie setting a baseline time of 21:10 on August 30. Part 2 ended with Cherie learning more about how to train well and some of the lessons she's continuing to work on. In part 3, Cherie discusses how she experienced a non-running injury that took her out of structured training and workouts for 8 weeks but ended up being a healthy reset. Part 4 traces Cherie's return to training and racing, and how she realizes the need to address race anxiety and develop belief in herself. It's not a prerequisite to this episode to listen to the previous episodes in this series, but they do provide valuable details and context.
In part 5, Cherie shares that she is focused on getting away from being so reliant on the GPS watch and committing to learn how to run and pace by feel. Cherie also addressed race anxiety and confidence and how these are challenges that take time to overcome. The journey is not linear. And she got into how expectation can lead to frustration and burnout, and how applying the well-known advice of breaking a big goal into smaller pieces is really important.
Find the series here.
Come along for the journey.
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Over 50, Sub 20, 5k Project Instagram account: @over50sub20_5k_project
WRS Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ -
Angelina Ellis is a professional steeplechaser for the Mission Run Dark Sky Distance team, and 2024 marks her first year running as a professional. And what an incredible year it's been.
Becoming a professional runner has been a dream for Ellis since she was in high school. But back then, that's what she thought it would always be: a dream.
Ellis did not have the kind of high school running career that screamed out, "Pro runner in the making." And she had some difficult and unpleasant experiences with racing in high school that made her question whether or not she wanted to continue in college.
But she did ultimately decide to race for NCAA D1 school Butler University, and there her running transformed. And that transformation just keeps progressing.
In this episode, Ellis tells the whole story up to today, coming off of her first experience at a US Olympic Trials. Ellis’s trajectory has been both uncertain and astonishing, and her Trials story is dramatic!
This is the story of what it looks like for a developing athlete with big dreams to establish herself as a force to watch.
Keep Up with Angelina Ellis
Instagram: @angelina.ellis
Keep Up with team Mission Run Dark Sky Distance team
Instagram: @missionrun_darksky
Photo Credits
Noble Boutin
Instagram: @mr.nono500
To support WRS, please rate and review the show
iTunes/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa
Music Credits
Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh
penguinmusic, via Pixabay
Coma-Media, via Pixabay
Rockot, via Pixabay
RoyaltyFreeMusic, via Pixabay
Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories
Instagram: @womensrunningstories
Instagram: @over50sub20_5k_project
Facebook: facebook.com/WomensRunningStories
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/444164966663627
Website: womensrunningstories.com
Email host Cherie: [email protected]
Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/ - Show more
