Strong Runner Chick Radio – Megan Flanagan

SRC Radio by Strong Runner Chicks

Latest Episodes:

Episode 123: Obsie Birru on Being an American-Ethiopian, Finding the Why and Joy in Running, and Giving Back to the Community Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

Obsie Birru is an Ethiopian born American raised, enrollment adviser at university, graduate student, 5x NAIA National Champion, 18x All American, and part of team USA 2018 Pan American Cross-Country team.

You can connect with her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/obbirru/

Questions we ask Obsie Include…

How did you get your start in running?
What was the collegiate transition like? How did you make this choice?
You mentioned that your coach cared about you as a “person first, runner second.” Tell us a bit more about this and why it was important to you.
You mentioned that running is like a language that unites us. Can you speak more to this and how you see running as a way to bring us together?
What was the post-collegiate transition like for you, as well as your performance at CIM?
You have a passion for working with younger athletes. What do you enjoy about working with youth runners?
- What knowledge and lessons do you try to instill in them?
You write on your IG profile, “Different is beautiful. I rather be weird than be one of the herd. Ethiopian born American raised proud to be both.” How do you embrace both your Ethiopian roots and American life?
We noticed you are involved with ChildServe! Tell us a bit more about this, as well as any other organizations you are involved with.
- How do you find ways to give back to running?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?

Episode 122: Empowering Women Athletes Panel with Carolyn Su, Lucy Bartholomew, Natalie Mitchell, Shawanna White, and Tessa Chesser Jul 13, 2020

Show notes

This episode is part of our Summer 2020 Virtual Race Series, with the theme "Why I Run." Check out our virtual race series HERE.

Our incredible lineup of women panelists include:

Carolyn Su (creator of @diversewerun)

Lucy Bartholomew

Natalie Mitchell

Tessa Chesser

Shawanna White

Be sure to give each of them a follow!

Episode Partner:

This episode is brought to you in part by empowering women-brands, including plant-based protein, FEM Protein Powder. Give them a follow @femproteinpowder and use code "STRONGRUNNERCHICKS" for 15% off!

Episode 121: Cortney Berling, R.D., Military Spouse, Mom, and Owner of Eat Well Perform Better LLC. Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

Cortney Berling is a military spouse, mom to 8 month old Carly, and entrepreneur of Eat Well Perform Better LLC. She is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Certified Group Fitness Instructor. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics and a Masters in Public Health. Cortney ran track and cross country at The University of Cincinnati and has continued to run competitively for Prado Racing Team in San Diego and the Western Mass Distance Project. In addition to her own personal training, she has been a coach for the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School Girls Cross Country team, Girls on the Run, and Girls with Sole. When not running or working you can find Cortney hiking on the local trails with her Golden Retriever, Murphy, paddle boarding on the river, camping in the mountains, or spending time with her family.

Learn more about Courtney's upcoming nutrition group coaching program:

https://bit.ly/EatWellProgram

SRC listeners can receive a 15% discount with the code SRC15 (valid until 7/22)!

Episode 120: Ariane Hendrix on Running a sub-2:45 Virtual Marathon, Setting Big Goals, and Repping Altra Footwear Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Ariane's Bio:

"I’m originally from Ventura, CA but recently moved to Detroit, MI. I have a twin sister and my mom is a back-up singer for Barry Manilow. I went to high and junior college in California before spending 1 year at UNC Pembroke on a basketball scholarship and then transferring to Minot State in North Dakota to finish my career and become and all-American. I am a tech rep for Altra footwear. After trying out for the pros overseas and not making a team, I fell in love with running because my dad always thought I would be a runner and since his passing it’s a way I still feel connected to him. My PRs are for the marathon 2:44:30 which I just ran in the virtual Pittsburgh marathon May 3 2020, 1:22 half marathon, 36:56 10k and 17:32 5k."

Questions we ask Ariane include:

You have quite the background in athletics, having played basketball and an all-American in college! Tell us more about your experience growing up and getting involved in sports.
How has your family played a role in your life and/or running career?
What was your experience running a virtual marathon like?
Congrats on an amazing 10 minute PR in the virtual marathon. What shifts in your training and mindset do you believe helped you to accomplish that?
Having tried out several distances, what has been your favorite thus far?
What do you enjoy most about being a tech rep for Altra?
How does your life look outside of running? Is there anything you are currently most focused on and/or silver linings you've found during these challenging times?
What advice would you give your younger self?
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?

Episode 119: Becky Hagedorn on the Joys of Coaching, Learning for Life, and Normalizing Mental Health Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

Becky Hagedorn is a 23-year old finishing her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Xavier University. In addition to her academics, Becky has the privilege of being an assistant cross country coach at her alma mater, Ursuline. Becky began running track and field her sophomore year at Ursuline and then expanded to run cross country as well. Recently, Becky paired her two passions, running and mental health, to plan a 5k race that centered around ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.

In this episode, Kelsey and Becky discuss all things coaching, learning for life, and normalizing mental health!

Episode 118: Randi Whitley on Finding Community in Trail Running, TransRockies, and Believing in Yourself Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

Randi is an adventurer at heart. Calling Colorado and the trails that wind through it home, Randi thrives exploring this great world with her own two feet. Ultra running is her primary discipline and she enjoys embracing the process of training - the countless hours exploring, getting lost, challenging herself, and seeking new adventures. While she spends the majority of her time running, she also enjoys traveling abroad with her husband, backpacking and skiing with their husky pup, and learning their newest hobby, mountain biking! An accountant by day, a true weekend warrior at heart, and an advocate for promoting women in trail running and the great outdoors in between; you can find her sipping on an IPA, and playing cribbage when her legs just can't go anymore.

Her race accomplishments include finishing first at TransRockies 6 day stage race in 2019 in the women’s open team category. She is excited to get back to racing in 2021. Some of her favorite places to run include Switzerland, The Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. She is excited to explore Zion National Park, Moab, and Arizona in the coming year.

You can find her on Instagram @randi_whitley and Facebook: Randi Whitley

Questions we ask Randi include:

Take us back to your early days. How did you get your start in running and/or athletics?

Tell us a little bit about your path into trail running and the ultra scene.

Congrats on finishing first at the TransRockies 6-day stage race in 2019 in the women’s open team category! What was this experience like?

You travel quite a bit! How have you navigated this time without many races and the ability to travel? What are some lessons you’ve learned from your experiences traveling and favorite places you’ve been / trails you’ve run?

During SRC, we talk a lot about embracing our strength, body image, and mental well-being. Is this something you have ever been challenged with, and if so, how have you found ways to help?

You’ve started a pretty awesome community / IG account (Women of Running) and speak to the role. Can you speak more on this, your group runs, and the role that community plays in running?

What does your life look like outside of running? And/or what is currently making you thrive?

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?

What does being “Strong” mean / look like to you?

Be sure to register for our Virtual Race Series, happening July-August 2020!

https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Portland/WhyIRunVirtualRaceSerieswithStrongRunnerChicks

Episode 117: Melody Fairchild on Empowering Girls Running, Standing Up For Yourself, and Keys to Longevity Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

Melody Fairchild, one of America’s fastest high school girl runners ever, has spent the last two decades empowering girls with tools and self-knowledge to remain healthy, happy runners.

Melody takes a comprehensive approach to life and running. She addresses the unique issues adolescent girls face in today’s culture, as well as the latest research on training and nutrition.

Her first book, co-authored With Elizabeth Carey, is due out in August. Titled “Girls Running,” it is a comprehensive and inspirational guide for girls who run. She and Elisabeth are proud to be the first to deliver such a guide to girls empowering them to trust their bodies and the physiological processes unique to females as they pursue their running journeys.

Melody also directs the Boulder Mountain Warriors youth running club in Boulder Colorado. Her teams perennially qualify for the national junior Olympic cross country championships while learning to have fun and honor the process as they do. She is currently pursuing a Masters in teaching English to 7th to 12th graders and is excited to continue her camp and coaching of youth.

Her four-year-old son Dakota is her greatest joy and teacher. She, Dakota and her husband Glen, live in Lyons Colorado.

Questions include:

How did you each get your start in running? What was your path like growing up and going off to high school and college?
What was the pre/post collegiate transition like for you?
How and when did you start coaching? How about your girls running camps?
You spoke at the SRC Retreat in 2018 about your experience as a female athlete and how important it is to be good to our bodies. Can you speak more to this message and your story of standing up for yourself and teammates?
We hear you’re working on a new book and speaking at the Wildwood Running Clinic in August! Can you tell us more about this and anything else you are currently working on?
What is your vision for female athletes in the future?
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?
Any coaches and/or people you’d like to nominate for the podcast?

Connect with Melody and learn more about her camps, as well as her book release at https://melodyfairchild.com/.

Purchase Your Copy of Girls Running:

Take 15% off Girls Running at velopress.com with code "GirlsRunningSRC"

This episode is also the week of our Summer Virtual Race Series!

Join us for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, vertical mile (or any combination!) throughout July-September. Every participant will have access to a series of virtual workshops, as well as be entered into a raffle for some giveaway prizes. Find out more information and register below:

https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Portland/WhyIRunVirtualRaceSerieswithStrongRunnerChicks

Episode 116: Black Girls Run CEO Jay Ell Alexander on Community Building, Breaking Down Barriers, and Bringing Women Together Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

This week we're featuring Jay Ell Alexander, CEO of Black Girls Run. You can find more information and visit their website at https://blackgirlsrun.com/

Mission: Black Girls RUN! wants to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of African-American women are overweight. BGR! wants to create a movement to lower that percentage and subsequently, lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

*BRG has over 70 clubs and 200,000 members throughout the globe; joining BGR is free!

Questions we ask Jay include:

What inspired you to start running? We know you’ve run all distances of races from marathons to 5ks.
How did you become involved with Black Girls Run? How did your involvement with the program grow?
With the recent COVID pandemic, BGR has shifted some programming via online and social media platforms. How has this programming and the check-ins you’ve been doing helped to continue to foster community and conversation during difficult times?
The role that the community plays for BGR is very evident. What are some challenges you/BGR has faced with such a large community and anything that has helped you get through them?
All women are encouraged to join and support BGR, what is a vision you have for the future with BGR and other female running communities across the globe?
Outside of BGR and running, what do you enjoy doing? We know you are a recent published author!
What does being a Strong Runner Chick mean to you?

How can others support BGR and/or become involved? (https://blackgirlsrun.com/pages/bgr-foundation)

Episode 115: Paige Carter from Usually on the Run talks Collegiate Running, Loving the Process, and Enjoying Every Moment Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

Bio:

From Paige: "I was born and raised in San Diego! I've always loved running from a young age and it was always something I did for fun growing up. My Dad and my brother were both runners and I looked up to them a lot so I think my interest for the sport started there. I competed in lots of track meets in elementary school but I started youth xc/track in 7th grade and that’s when I really fell in love with the competitive aspect of the sport. I ran xc/track at San Marcos High School where I learned a lot about discipline, dedication, and how to have fun with the sport. My teammates there are people who I consider my life long friends now and my memories running in high school are ones I will cherish forever. I was lucky enough to earn a spot on the UCLA xc/track team and am currently in my 3rd year here. I've run 21:10 across the 6k, 4:52 in the mile, and 2:13 in the 800. Here, I have learned the importance of consistency, loving the process, and rolling with the punches. I am so grateful for my time here at UCLA and am wishing that it will never end! Most recently I've started an Instagram account called Usually On The Run where I am working towards creating a community around distance running, as it’s played such a special role in my life. I love to be involved within the sport wherever I can whether that’s working youth track camps over summer, coaching kids, meeting up with runners from all around, or staying educated within the sport."

Highlights include:

“Everybody has a story" - 25 min~

Hardships/challenges - 27 min

Handling this time - 38 min

Advice to self -- enjoy every moment - 42 min

Loving the process, loving yourself at every moment in this process - 43 min

Episode 114: Jess Parker from Form in Focus on Identifying as a Runner, Getting Started, and Her Grit Coaching Guide May 25, 2020

Show notes

Bio:

Jess is a tooth nerd turned lover of movement. She’s a Pacific Northwest native who spends as much time as possible on trails with her two dogs and traveling, when the world isn’t on lockdown. She works as both a dental hygienist and a run and lifting coach. She lives to teaching fellow badass ladies how to run and lift their way to an empowered life.

Connect with Jess @forminfocus on Instagram or visit her website, www.forminfocus.com.

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