Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell, the dynamic force behind VCPM Inc and the Game Changers program, shares an invigorating journey that began with a simple promise to herself—taking the plunge into running after being inspired by a powerful documentary. Vanessa’s story is one of resilience, highlighting the transformative power of keeping promises.

Beyond the Finish Line, with Founder of Run Tri Bike, Jason Bahamundi Ep. 164

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Jason Bahamundi of Run Try Bike to the show. A Bronx-born Puerto Rican kid turned marketing guru and endurance sports aficionado, Jason's life is a mosaic of struggle, resilience, and triumph. He gives us a raw and engaging recount of his journey, underlining the profound impact that running has had on his life. Together, we venture into the significance of embracing our multifaceted experiences, especially when it comes to the health and fitness narratives that often go unheard.

Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike, is a passionate and accomplished endurance athlete dedicated to proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With a background deeply rooted in the world of triathlons, running, and cycling, Jason has not only excelled in his personal athletic endeavors but is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive world of endurance sports. This led him to establish Run Tri Bike, a platform that serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Jason's genuine enthusiasm for endurance sports, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and embrace the transformative power of an endurance sports lifestyle.

How Jersey Women Strong Fosters Community and Strength with Founder and Head Coach Dana Anello Ep. 163

Ever wondered how a leap of faith into the world of running could not only transform your own life but also ignite a vibrant community? Dana Anello, the founder of Jersey Women Strong, joins me, to unfurl her journey from competitive swimming to creating a sisterhood of runners and multi-sport enthusiasts who support each other and give back to their local Northern New Jersey community. Dana's story is more than just about fitness; it's a narrative of empowerment, endurance, and community.As we unpack the incredible strides made by Jersey Women Strong, we also zero in on practical advice for women over 40 who might be eyeing the track or trail with a mix of excitement and trepidation. From the significance of recovery to the myth-busting realities about age and running, this conversation is a treasure trove for both the novice and the seasoned runner. It's proof that with the right community and mindset, the race isn't just for the swift but for anyone who dares to lace up their shoes and aim for the finish line. So, whether you're looking to crush personal goals or simply find a tribe of inspiring women who run the world, this episode is your starting block.

Season 4 Episode 6 How To Run On Menopause With Coach Becky

Menopause ....How? Coach Becky Croft comes back to give us the basics on menopause and how runners can navigate through this glorious time in our lives. She discusses the types of changes women may notice in their running routines and how they can overcome the challenges and become the runner they've always wanted to be.

Coach Becky is a Running Coach, Athlete, and menopause advocate....more like a crusader. She owns Hustle Run Thrive where she provides workshops, coaching, and running plans. She most recently published a Menopausal Marathoner Guide for Masters and Menopausal Athletes to educate runners and coaches on menopause. Get ready to become more aware and talk about a topic that is not always talked about.

Meet Nikkia Young. Nikkia is breaking barriers as a runner!

She lives in Richmond, VA, where is part of a supportive running community. She coaches new walkers and runners in 5K., 8k, and half marathon distances. She has served as the President and Treasurer of the Richmond Road Runners Club where she is also a race director. Nikkia represents a myriad of amazing companies such as SaltStick, ProCompression, SPIBelt, and Fitness Protection Program.

To date she has completed 27 half marathons, and 4 full marathons. Her top accomplishments so far is PRing the Chicago Marathon in 2018. When she is not training for her next road race she is a financial analyst, an active volunteer for her beloved sorority (Alpha Sigma Alpha) and dog mom to a cute basset beagle mix named Ranger.

In this episode, we talk about how she is breaking barriers as a plus size runner and a woman of color. And her story on how she started running will surprise you. Lots of laughs in the episode.

Meet Sharon Mosley. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience and is a runner! We are going to talk about movement and how it impacts your mental health.

Meet Warrior Becky Croft! Yes, you read that correctly. And when you finish listening to this episode, that is exactly how you will see her. She is a runner and certified Chi Running instructor and RRCA run coach in Oklahoma.

After enduring several surgeries, 2 rounds of menopause, and eventually a full hysterectomy caused by Endometriosis, she searched for younger menopausal endurance athletes like herself. Unable to find anyone in a similar situation, she had to make her own way back to faster paces and longer distances in a new body without hormones. She now advocate for women in similar situations and have strived to create some sense of community to support them in their journeys so they don't feel alone.

In this episode, we get real talking about menopause and Becky's journey on how she had to advocate for herself through her journey.

Meet Sharon Mosley. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience and is a runner! We are going to talk about movement and how it impacts your mental health.

Sharon's educational background includes degrees in Agency Counseling (M.S.) and History (B.A) from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She is the owner of The Fit Talk PLLC and her approach to therapy is person centered combined with cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness practices. Sharon offers counseling and health coaching services to individuals and groups. She has experience providing individual, family and group therapy for those struggling with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety and depression. She also holds an A.C.E. health coach certification.

Sharon is committed to healthier living and believes one of the best ways to approach this is through walk and talk therapy. She encourages clients to move beyond the office setting and take their sessions outside for a walk when possible. Sharon enjoys giving back to her community and served 15 years as a volunteer Mental Health Disaster Therapist with the American Red Cross, assisting families and individuals in crisis. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming and participating in races including 5ks and half marathons.

Meet Alexandra Ellis. She is a Mobility Coach and wellness expert who helps active people move smarter, maintain their bodies, and maximize strength with customized wellness plans so they can enjoy life without pain. Everything a runner needs!!

She is the creator of AE Wellness and host of The Body Nerd Show. Her teaching and studies focus on injury prevention, rehabilitation and wellness, inspired by her studies at UC Davis where she earned a BS in Exercise Biology. Her programs have helped people worldwide get stronger and out of pain so they can step into their greatest potential.

Meet Kari-Ann Wanat. Kari-Ann is leveling up the running community by creating a space for all runners to meet, cheer, race, and train.

Kari-Ann has started running over ten years ago. She's ran in over 40 half marathons and 14 marathons. But it really started with Jamaica! Yes! Listen to how she started this running community where you can even find set up a cheer squad during a race. The community is predominantly in NYC but Kari-Ann is thinking BIG.

Listen to the episode and connect with Kari-Ann on her website Run-N-Race NYC

Meet Vicki Bentley-Condit. Vicki started running marathons at the age of 46 in 2003. Do the math!

She is a biological anthropologist and a college professor at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Her research has been on mother-infant relationships in baboons and baboon nutrition, conducted in Kenya. She is semi-retired but still actively teaching.

Her first race was the Peachtree 10k in the mid-90's while she was finishing grad school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Her first distance race was a half marathon in Des Moines, IA in 2003. Since then, she has completed over 108 marathons with 50 miles being the longest distance. She completed her first round of the 50 states in Hawaii in 2017 and finished the 50 States Sub-4 (a marathon in under 4 hrs in each state) in January of 2019 at age 61 in Mobile, AL. Vicki was the 24th female to complete the 50<4. She is also a Boston 50 Marathon Club 5-Star Finisher . This means she ran a Boston qualifying marathon in all 50 states. For Vicki, age is not a deterrent to be limitless!

CONNECT WITH VICKI:

BENTLEYC@grinnell.edu

Tes Sobomehin Marshall is a Race Director and Atlanta running community leader. Tes has been organizing group runs, training teams and road races since 2011 through runningnerds, LLC. An Indiana native and graduate of University of Virginia, she has been in Atlanta since 2010 and currently resides in Southwest Atlanta in the Cascade neighborhood with her husband and daughter.

Runningnerds offers a variety of road race experiences and distances and a weekly run group for all paces. Partnering with corporate, charity and community organizations since 2011, runningnerds has produced and directed over 200 races, large group runs, and training seasons.

Runningnerds, LLC continues to strive to be an excellent social forum, resource and service to the contemporary running community.