Run This World with Nicole DeBoom

Meet the incredible Adelaide Perr. Apparently I met Adelaide many years ago, you’ll hear more about that in the interview, but I came to know about her as a woman who in 2014 suffered serious trauma due to a bike/car crash. Not only did Adelaide live to tell about it, but she has thrived. We hit on more than the crash that changed her life; we talk about the ensuing emotional trauma made more complicated by bipolar disorder that affects not only the victim but everyone in her life. And finally the fact that she became a pro athlete AFTER the crash which means she had to figure out not only how to get back on the bike, but how to race on the bike. Today we talk about: Riding a bike: Before & After a near death crash Making decisions & moving forward The crash that almost killed her Marriage proposal in the hospital Bipolar disorder PTSD Legal system: how Adelaide had to prove that she was in fact a victim Happiness is in our control Adelaide's final nugget is this, “If you’re not happy, Make the changes. Step outside the box. Do something different.” When we realize that we control our own happiness, that is power. To connect with Adelaide, visit her website Be the Beast Coaching. And as she mentioned, if you have bipolar disorder, she wants to be a resource for you. This is something she had trouble finding and she knows how important it is to support each other.  You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram at @realtricouple. This episode sponsored by Skirt Sports I started this company because I wanted something that didn’t exist at the time – I wanted to have it all. Performance, comfort and cuteness. I just didn’t understand why no one had done this yet, so I dreamed up my first product, a running skirt, got a prototype made, and then wore it in the 2004 Ironman Wisconsin, winning the race and effectively transitioning from one passion to the next in my life. My love and passion for helping women find happiness in their bodies is still going strong. You can literally feel it in every seam, every fabric selection, every feature and yes, all of the 5 million pockets we sell every year! So get over to skirtsports.com (or pop into our Boulder store) and take advantage of the 20% discount I’m giving you just because you listen to my podcast. use the code RUN20 at checkout. We are launching new styles, prints, colors and more very soon. Big notables this year are a new collection made for women who wear sizes 1X to 3X and a killer Swim collection landing very soon in February!

One of my early 2019 highlights was helping to coordinate the Skirt Sports spring studio shoot. This was basically the culmination of my creative vision for our brand and our new products, so while coordinating all the details of a shoot is not really in my wheelhouse, the energy, the fun, and the final product are worth going out of my comfort zone. One of the collections that we are very excited to launch is our new line for women who wear sizes 1x, 2x and 3x. Some companies refer to this as plus sizing or extended sizing. We prefer not to call it out but simply refer to the fact that we now offer sizes that include even more women. At the end of the shoot, four of us sat down and talked all things empowering. Over the past few years it has hit me that the old definition of a sponsored or featured athlete has changed dramatically. I should know – I used to be a sponsored athlete who made money because of my great race results. Today, brands are discovering that winning races is not necessarily the end-all. As the leader of Skirt Sports, I realized long ago that it is so much more powerful to showcase real women’s stories, from all the different places in the pack. Today’s podcast is about strong, empowered, imperfect women who are moving their lives forward in positive ways while learning from and supporting each other along the way. They are all featured women in the launch of our new Collection for women who wear sizes 1x to 3x. Get ready to meet Katie Kelly @rrockkelly , Jen Rockstar Szabo @rockstarszabo , Jill Angie @notyouraveragerunner , and in her 5th appearance on the pod in 3 years, the amazing Mirna Valerio @themirnavator. Check out the show notes for a 7 minute behind the scenes video too! Episode Sponsor: Skirt Sports! Please use this special 20% discount on the new collection, or anything else in the line. New styles are dropping almost everyday and they’re fantastic. Use the code RUN20. At skirtsports.com or in our Boulder store.

Today’s guest, Heather Caplan, is a dietitian, running coach, a woman who has struggled and overcome. She shares deeply and openly about our relationship with food, eating, body image and more. At one point she says, “I felt like my life was running me instead of me running my life.” That's the point when she flicked the switch and changed her life. And that’s what we focus on today. How we can take control of our lives. In Heather’s world, this is focused on our often difficult, emotional relationship with food and eating as it relates to our relationship with our bodies. Today we talk about: Diet culture - Being an anti-diet dietitian Intuitive eating What the scale?! Eating disorders - a broad spectrum Heather's personal struggles with orthorexia (preoccupation with food) The Female Triad which consists of energy imbalances (possibly tied to eating disorders), menstrual changes & loss of bone density Habits and how to retrain our brains Lane 9 Project - Heather's nonprofit that supports women Heather is also a podcast host – check out her show RD Real Talk – she gets down and dirty in every episode. If you're interested in her area of expertise, I encourage you to check out her show. I love Heather's final nugget “You do you. Don’t be afraid to do what’s best for yourself.” Because in the end, it’s often fear that holds us back from many incredible experiences we could have in this lifetime. When you let go of that fear and you sink into who you are, accepting and embracing yourself, you will find the gold! For more Heather Caplan, go here! Website: heathercaplan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealTalkRD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdcrd/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdcRD Lane 9 Project: https://lane9project.org/

Note: This episode has a few swear words so please be aware of your surroundings when listening out loud! I recently took a free self defense class at Way of the Crane in Boulder. It was hosted by Newton Running and the sensei, Melanie Murphy, was fantastic. She was strong and bold and in just one hour, she made us feel stronger and bolder. I knew immediately when she started talking that I needed to get her on the podcast. We recorded a couple weeks ago and I decided her message was the perfect way to start the new year. Today we talk about: Traumatic events that push us to find our power Melanie's philosophy on self-defense Dis-ease: turning someone else's disease into a weapon you can use to defend yourself Asshole repellant Tricks that predators use: intimidation, manipulation & more What we can do to help our kids develop their power and avoid being preyed upon Flipping the power switch I know this episode will resonate in some way with each of us. For more empowerment, Melanie offers free classes on the calendar every month and a 4-hour intensive class that will drive home what you learn so that it starts to become second nature. If you’re in Colorado, this is a great opportunity for you to gain strength and confidence. Check the calendar here for more info. In the very short term, she has a free intro class on Wed Jan 9 6-7PM and she’s taking enrollment for her 4 hour workshop on Jan 27 from 12-4. To further enhance your strength and empowerment this year, Skirt Sports is offering you 20% off your orders through March. Just use the code RUN20. If you aren’t familiar with Skirt Sports, I founded the company in 2004 because I wanted clothing that didn’t ride up or chafe, that fit my body, and that was cute! So I figured out how to start a clothing company and I did it. Over the years, we have grown and evolved. Today we offer a full line of women’s athletic apparel that fits our bodies and makes us feel good. So be sure to use the code RUN20 as we’re launching all sorts of incredible stuff this season. To close out, it’s Melanie's final nugget that you need to hold close as you enter this new year. “Speak from your heart. Believe your soul. And trust your body.” As always, thank you so much for giving me a very long 5k of your time. If you have any recommendations for guests, feedback, questions or more, let me know. I’m here for you. All right then, you know what time it is. It’s time to get out there and run this world. Have a great workout and I’ll see you next week!

Today’s guest is someone that might surprise you. Ten years ago it would have surprised me that I reached out to her. Her name is Sally Bergesen and she’s the founder of women’s athletic wear brand Oiselle. Turns out she is a naming expert and the more a name stands out the more people will remember it. I am not a naming expert which is why so many people call my company sport skirts! But that’s another story! Over the years, I have watched what Sally has done with her brand and I started to feel a kinship to her because she is relentless in her quest to do the right thing. Even if it makes her look a little wild or rash sometimes. Her underlying mission is to help women and she does it every single day through her work with Oiselle. Why would I want to help promote a woman who makes clothing that theoretically competes with Skirt? Why wouldn’t I is the question I now ask myself. If you fall in love with Oiselle or Skirt or any other brand that helps you get out the door and make your life happier, then I’m thrilled for you! For all the work we do in this world of online business, I will admit that we had a few technical challenges with our connection so don’t worry if there are a few extra long pauses. We didn’t get disconnected. I will also admit that when there are long pauses, I often talk more and I am sorry that I occasionally kept talking when Sally was trying to chime in! So the interview wasn’t technically perfect, but you know, that’s life. It’s not perfect. Sometimes we talk when we should shut up! When I confirmed that Sally wanted to come on the show, I thought about what I would like to learn about her. I’ve listened to countless interviews with Sally, most of which focus on the things she does, but few focus on how she became the person she is today. Strong, resolved, with a very clear and unflappable opinion of right and wrong. Willing to put herself on the line to defend that opinion. Driven to connect and create community. A very deep thinker who isn’t afraid to take on a challenge. So we dig into the foundation and build from there. I’m really happy to call Sally a friend. For a while, I thought of her as a threat, later a competitor, and now a peer. Our missions are not exactly the same but the drive behind them is aligned. We both want to help women find happiness through the transformative power of sport. Today we talk about: Sally's life buckets: Work, Family, Sport Sally's early years growing up a "free range" child in Berkeley, CA Smoking and Drinking and meeting her husband Running: How it saved her life Starting Oiselle Ego What being a mom means to her What Sally would do if Oiselle was gone tomorrow At the end of the interview, Sally mentions "the craft brewers." What you didn’t get to hear was our first attempt at an interview when we talked about why we haven’t nurtured a relationship with each other when there are so few peers in our athletic apparel world. I told her about some of my friends who started craft beer brands. Instead of ferociously competing against each other, they would organize bike rides from Boulder to Durango and then hang out and drink each other’s beer. We both decided that we want to be like the craft brewers, minus the drinking part. What you also don’t know is that after we stopped the recording we continued to talk about other more personal things like our tumultuous relationships with alcohol, dealing with petty lawsuits, challenges with manufacturers and more. We decided that we want to do a follow up interview called “the things we didn’t say the first time” – and we will next spring. So look out for that! In the meantime, check out Oiselle oiselle.com – they make running and athletic apparel for women. They have build an incredible community. They support women. And I support them because in the end, lifting and elevating women will help us all.

I first came across Tracey Hulick when I opened the front page of the Denver Post Sports section and there she was running an ultra. That's cool, but not that big of a deal, especially in Colorado where there are plenty of ultrarunners. What makes Tracey unique is that she was doing her first 50-miler ever. With one kidney. By choice. Tracey made the decision at an early age that she would donate a kidney someday. She literally just felt called to do it. What intrigues me is the why behind the calling? Why does someone decide to do something that most people consider crazy, and I am pretty sure that most people do not feel called to undergo surgery to give a part of their bodies to someone else that they don’t know. Or if they do, it might be when they’re older and they feel the need to give back to help someone else. Not when they’re 12. I think we get to the bottom of it, or at least we uncover part of the path to where Tracey is today. Like so many other people, she was healing one part of herself at the same time that she was tackling something else. I have a feeling that Tracey left some things unsaid, but I also think she shared more than she ever has before. And that’s all part of the process toward becoming the people we’re supposed to be. Today we hit on: Saying "I love you" for the first time Why we often say yes to things (like marriage proposals) even when our guts say no Growing up in an abusive household Manifesting optimism even during dark times Why Tracey was called to donate a kidney Kidney donation: specifically Donor Chains & how many people can be impacted by your decision Kidney Donor Athletes: A place athletes who donate can share stories and connect Running: You can do something as extreme as donating a kidney and come back better than ever before Holding the pen of your life Here’s what I love about this episode. It’s not what I was expecting. I thought Tracey would be a kidney donor evangelist – pretty much focused on sharing that experience and recruiting others. What we all found was a beautiful spirit, stumbling her way through this world like the rest of us, but someone who actually does what her soul pushes her to do! I love her quote, “I’m hard-wired for optimism” – I think we should all adopt this mentality, at least for one day. When you immediately go to the dark side, when you immediately say “No. I can’t.” Stop in your tracks and reroute. YES YOU CAN! You always could and you still can. If you are someone who generally sees the negative first, take a cue from our old friend George Costanza. Remember that Seinfeld episode where he did the exact opposite of what he usually does? Try it! And if you are like Tracey and you’re hard-wired for optimism, then don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with the world. Maybe that means more smiles; more hugs. Maybe it means giving a kidney. If that’s the case, be sure to get in touch with Tracey. This world is a better place because she’s in it. How to connect with Tracey: Facebook: Tracey Hulick Instagram: @radracer129 & @kidney_donor_athletes Her Blog: Leaving It Better Than I Found It Kidney Donor Athletes website

The first experience I had with Erin Weed was sitting in her office in Boulder for two days sharing the stories of my life with the goal of getting to the heart of who I am and what I was meant to do – in one word. One powerful word. Erin calls this process The Dig. She has administered countless DIGS in her professional life. I wouldn’t say I was lost when I did The Dig, but I was unsure of exactly where I was and where I should be going. I needed some clarity. I had created an identity as the founder of Skirt Sports, but I was SO TIED UP in my business that I couldn’t see myself outside of that beautiful thing I created. In fact I was at the point of resenting that beautiful thing I created and that’s the last thing I wanted. So I did The Dig. Erin has many magical gifts. One of which is to help people remember. This is no small feat as many of us want to push some of our often very important memories deep down into the darkness and pretend they didn’t happen. Erin helps us bring them out and then her next magical gift surfaces. She helps people see memories that are important – memories that we may discard as not formative or helpful. Basically over two days, she creates a storyline of your life’s important events illustrated by sticky notes on her wall. This storyline is whittled down to one word that forms the foundation for who you are. My word is Relationship. I went in thinking my word would be compassion or connection, these words support my final word. But in the end, it makes sense. I’m about Relationships – with my body, my family, my community, with people I don’t even know yet! It became more clear that whatever I did in the future, I needed to allow myself to sink into this word. Think about this podcast. This was a direct result of my Dig. I knew that I needed an outlet to connect and form relationships not only with my guests but to allow my listeners to also form this relationship. To help them grow from others’ stories. So we can thank Erin Weed for Run This World! Side note: Erin has helped nurture my love for the stage. It all came full circle when we sat side by side at eTown for the Truthtellers Tour (when I came out of the closet with my history with alcohol). Erin means a lot to me and I'm so honored to finally have her on the show. So now you have an understanding of the kind of work Erin does. Today you will not do a literal dig on the pod, but you will gain a new way to think about your purpose as we discuss the following: Girls Fight Back: the nonprofit Erin founded after her college roommate was raped and killed in her dorm room Divorce & Motherhood Confronting hard situations The PURGE Protecting your inner spirit Check out the Boulder Psychic Institute in Boulder if you're intrigued! Learning to tap into your innate gifts The Dig: ins & outs & more Challenge! Post your word! Or at least what you think your word is. Tag @nicoledeboom and @erinweed & then challenge yourself one step further. What’s on the other side of that word? If you think it’s one thing, push a little further to see if one final word surfaces. For more Erin Weed: I highly recommend that you check out Erin’s TEDx Boulder Talk – she mentioned it today – imagine the pressure of the speaking coach putting herself out there to speak. Her talk is everything she helps other people be. Open, honest, vulnerable, and powerful. You can find a link on the show notes. And finally, take a breath and absorb Erin’s final nugget: You have no idea how beautiful the most real version of you is. And if you don’t believe that, borrow her belief. Find and connect with Erin here! Website: https://www.thedig.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinweed77 Instagram: @erinweed Twitter: @erinweed

Dawn Miller was living what she thought was the perfect life. Mom of 4. Homeschooler. Happily married. Doing all the right things. Believing that her way was the best way. And admittedly judging people who didn’t subscribe to her way. Until one day when a car accident rattled her brain enough to cause a serious concussion and a warning from the doctor, “Don’t get another concussion in the next few months.” 19 days later, another more serious car accident sealed the deal. Dawn’s brain was rattled yet again, and this time, she was changed forever. It is now over 5 years since Dawn’s traumatic brain injury. She has been through hell and back; at her lowest point, Dawn simply felt that she had no value on this earth and the world would be better off without her. I’m so glad she turned it all around and today Dawn 2.0 is thriving. Today we talk about: Dawn 1.0: Who Dawn was before TBI Homeschooling What love really is Being perfect: what the hell does that really mean!? Two brain injuries in 19 days Recovering from TBI Wanting to quit. Wanting to give up. Wanting to leave this world because you feel like it would be better off without you. Dawn 2.0: Who Dawn is after TBI Lawsuits and how they really suck Running: How this supportive community helped Dawn truly is the best. Take it from her, "Be who you really truly are. Don’t shy away from it. Embrace who you truly are. You are worth it. You will be a better person when you take care of yourself." Dawn, I so appreciate you. This world is a better place because you are in it. Thank you for your vulnerability to talk about Dawn 1.0 with such honesty. I know so many people are relating to your story in so many ways. Keep telling it! And let’s also report on Dawn’s Blue Sky Trail Marathon experience – results are in and yes, she finished! Her mini race report: “The trail was a killer. I fell and got a cut on my knee. Running with friends is so amazing.” If you or someone you know is suffering from a TBI, traumatic brain injury, please reach out. There are many support networks for you to connect with. The toughest part is that this injury is invisible but causes so much pain and suffering in other ways. You can reach Dawn here: Blog: themendedone.com Facebook Instagram: @upbeforedawn13 See you next week! This episode sponsored by the amazing company I started back in 2004, Skirt Sports. Dawn understands the power and confidence that come through finding a brand that resonates with you – from a product perspective and a community perspective. Skirt Sports is a safe place for women to be exactly who they are. A few years ago we were doing a video to launch the Gotta Go Skirt on Kickstarter. I asked if anyone was willing to come on video and talk publicly about pee problems. Dawn signed right up! Talk about confidence! Today I have a new discount for you – 20% off. For anyone who has not yet tried Skirt Sports, we make head to toe outfits for women athletes to move their bodies all year round. Pause a sec and write this down - runthisworld20 – got that? 20% off through 12/24. This is for non-sale items only – the newest latest and greatest. If you aren’t sure what to get, just ask me.

Kristin Reihman is one of my favorite people on the planet and one of my longest-known guests. I met her in 1990 my first day of swim practice at Yale! I knew the minute I met her that she was special in ways I had never encountered. Kristin loves and accepts all people, despite their flaws and bullshit, and that love and acceptance shine through her physical being into the stratosphere. Not to mention she’s hard to miss. I called her and about 5 other women from her swim class, the amazons, they were these tall, glowing, robust, strong, insanely fast swimmers who you couldn’t’ take your eyes off. Kristin is here today not because she’s beautiful and talented (which she is - after college she became an MD now specializing in complex, chronic & medically mysterious illnesses) but because of the path her life has taken over the past few years. I’ll sum it up right here by saying she recently published her first book called “Life After Lyme: Revive your inner rock star and achieve a full recovery.” Yep – she is a lyme survivor and barely lived to tell about it. I’m so glad she did because I just can’t imagine a world without her beautiful spirit in it. And you won’t either after listening. Today we talk about: Toxic fatigue Chi and Jing Being a 6 foot tall blond American in China Our inherent gifts Becoming a family doctor Chronic disease: Mystery and frustration Kristin’s Lyme Journey “Are you trying to live or are you trying to die?” Constant fear states Kristin is truly one of the brightest lights in this world and I for one and grateful that she didn’t let that light go out. I think one of the stories she shares, the title of this podcast is based upon this question, “Are you trying to live or are you trying to die?” It’s your choice in the end. When she says it out loud, it takes my breath away. We do have a choice everyday on so many levels. Do we want to die or do we want to truly live? I’ll leave you with that today. And please – anyone listening who suffers from lyme, or has even the tiniest inkling that you might have lyme or someone you know does, please check out Kristin’s book at kristinreihmanmd.com – and pass this link along. Because there is hope when you are at your darkest hour, when you have no idea what is wrong and you think you may be going crazy. When you have absolutely nothing left to give and it’s finally time for you to take. Don’t give up. You're not crazy. Keep going. Okay friends, that’s it for today. And now you know what time it is, it’s time to get out and run this world. Have a great workout and I'll see you next week!

Mel Charbonneau believes that every single woman has a story & when she opens up and shares her story, the rest of the world benefits. Mel is the founder of Fellow Flowers, a global community of women who find strength in connecting with other women through the shared power of both running and sharing. Mel is a self-described light bringer, a dreamer. Her power is best shared through bringing women together. Today we go deep into how and why Mel started Fellow Flowers which happened because of a story, or rather a cracking open of one woman who shared her story and created a ripple effect of support and connection. Like so many amazing ideas, Mel's came to her on a run. Today we talk about that and more including: The story of when Mel almost lost her child How sharing your own story can help others open and find support and healing Power of a symbol: The FLOWER We have the power to decide What we believe is what we see Positive self talk is the key Thinking & writing prompts: "This is a woman who..." Figure out what matters to you and chase it This is an incredibly dynamic and deep conversation with Mel. I think you will feel the power. The connectedness. The fact that you get to decide what direction your life takes, even when you feel run over and out of control. It’s always up to you. Because at the end of the day, you can choose positivity. You can choose to love yourself first and best. And as Mel says, you are a story worth telling. Let me know what you think about today’s episode. Like it, love it, want to join Fellow Flowers immediately? Please do - go here! Other things you can do! Write a review on iTunes for me. Forward this episode to a friend. Let me know if you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes. I love hearing from you! Also, be sure to sign up to get my emails at nicoledeboom.com – you should get one of those popups that asks you to subscribe. I’m going to do my best to send out a weekly update when I launch new episodes. Nothing spammy, just to let you know what new awesome sauce is happening on the pod. Okay then you know what time it is. It’s time to get out and run this world. Have a great workout and I’ll see you next week!

I met Kriste Peoples on location at a Skirt Sports photo shoot a couple years ago. Within five minutes, I was asking her to change outfits, run around and be happy. You know what she said? Yes! Today's Mile Repeat is quite a bit longer than the 8-20 minutes I promised, but we couldn't help it! More on Kriste & her incredible journey here: Kriste is a Denver-based writer, producer, speaker, Skirt Sports ambassador, and women's trail running coach in search of the perfect sock. Her work in the field of equity and inclusion in nature combines speaking and facilitating transformational experiences for others. And as founder of Black Women’s Alliance of Denver she extends her passion for connecting underrepresented communities to new, empowering narratives of wellness.

I met Flora Duffy many years ago when she was a hot up and comer on the tri scene. Tim was working with Pearl Izumi at the end of his racing career and Flora was one of the younger sponsored athletes. And it’s funny, because I consistently ran into her at RallySport over the years, but I swear I always had trouble figuring out who she was. Every time I saw her, there was something just a little different. Now I think it’s because I literally watched her transform in slow motion from a pretty great triathlete to the best in the world. Flora has always been really nice, but when you’re a pro athlete and you’re at the gym, it’s not your social hour, so I never spent much time chatting with her. (Side note: When you’ve been retired from professional racing for 15 years and you’re at the gym, it often IS your social hour! But my point is that I try to respect people who need to get their workouts done because their careers depend on it.) Until a few weeks ago. I was splashing around in the outdoor pool with Wilder not getting a workout in (ha!) and I saw Flora jump into the adult pool with a water belt on. She was water running. This immediately triggered my old memories of water running torture – it was something I only ever did if I was totally injured or nervous about getting injured. In fact, Tim water ran so much for the last 10 years of his career, that I’m traumatized just from watching him do it! So anyway, I made the assumption that Flora may be injured. When she was done, we had our first meaningful conversation ever. She shared that she is in fact injured and it does in fact suck. I commiserated and told her she’s got lots of time and hang in there. Now, saying all of that is nice but I will tell you that it really doesn’t make a pro feel better! So I reached out and asked if she would come on the show and share more openly what’s going on. Being the most amazing person that she is, Flora agreed. So get ready – it’s not every day that we get to learn life lessons from the best. Especially from someone who is willing to open up and be vulnerable when she's not feeling her best. Today we talk about: Growing up a triathlete - in Bermuda When what you dream of being as a kid is what you actually become Injuries: they suck Listening to your body Finding love through sport: Flora got married to another pro triathlete last year The next big thing: 2020 Giving back: The Flora Fund handed out its first grants just a few days ago! This is a great episode with a great person who is going through tough stuff just like we all do sometimes. What I love about Flora is that she got injured - and then started a Foundation to give back. She is not someone who lingers in self-misery, but instead she pulls herself out and sees the bigger picture. On that note, check out the Flora Fund and consider donating to help people who otherwise don’t have a shot at getting out of their current situations to see just what their potential could be in this world. And let’s give a collective cheer for Flora to heal and get back on her path to world domination. All right then, you know what time it is. It’s time to get out there and run this world have a great workout and we’ll see you next week!

Kara Burns has the kind of inner energy that she just can’t contain as she touches on so many raw, personal topics today. If you’ve been a Run This World listener for a long time now, you will remember episode 24 “From Prison to 26.2” where we tackled her story from the bottom up as a former meth addict and felon. I remember trying to figure out how to ask some difficult questions, and I realized there’s no tactful way, so I literally said, “So how does one start doing meth?” Kara was a few years out of federal prison at that point and her calling was just becoming evident. Today we have an entirely different kind of conversation. Today’s podcast is all about being unwilling to fail. It’s all about taking a past full of shame and guilt and turning it into the most beautiful, authentic message of hope and love. Today Kara is all about going FORWARD and she’s taking so many others with her. Her story gives people hope that they CAN change their lives. They CAN start over. They CAN make good decisions. They CAN be happy. Kara inspires me and I know she will inspire you too. Please note, there are a few swear words and some sexual innuendos in this episode – in case little ears are listening. Today we talk about: Kara's relationship with her daughter today We weren't going to dig into her past life of drugs and prison, but we did anyway :) Head trash: the stories we tell ourselves Addiction: how important it is to know your triggers Making new associations: Dress for Success and Running Start Mentors: Creating your network Giving back: ReStart is helping others just like her Be unwilling to fail. This is Kara's 3rd appearance on the podcast and it is nothing short of spectacular. Kara is truly as dynamic as she sounds. This conversation is 100% authentic, just like she says. There is huge laughter, moments of awkward silence, and tearful, raw emotion as Kara grasps for what she feels compelled to convey. You feel like you’re in the room with her even through the airwaves and I believe that is the sign of someone who transcends. Kara is more than her past. She is more than whatever she will do in the future. She is like an authentic magical being who brings light and happiness to people. Okay the love fest is obviously full-on, from me and probably you too. If you want to connect with Kara, hit her up on Instagram at never.quit.trying – reach out to her for anything. I know! Hit her up to mentor you! Okay I’ll leave you all on a big huge high. Let’s get ourselves out there, let’s make Kara Burns proud and let’s go run this world! Have a great workout and I’ll see you next week!

Beth Shields woke up one day and realized that she needed to commit to herself or she would not be here much longer. She hit send on the Running Start application and showed up to the first meeting – barely. We often say showing up is the hardest part. I’m not sure I fully subscribe to that philosophy. I believe it’s important. It’s the first step. But you need to keep going. You need to shift your mindset, tell yourself that you CAN do it, and then you need to follow through – again and again and again. Today Beth Shields is just a year from her first 5k. She has a special magic quality about her. She is so much more of an inspiration for other women than she will ever let herself take credit for. Her journey is far from over; it takes time, determination and constant reminders that self-love must win. But she has momentum on her side. And it’s affecting not only her personal life but also her career. Beth has become the biggest single sponsor that Running Start has ever had in her commitment to give back to a program that helped change the trajectory of her life in such a positive way. So let me say that if you are looking to buy or sell a house in Colorado, call Beth because she is giving Running Start $500 for every closing so other women can find the courage to change their lives too. Today we talk about: Making the decision to change your life The shame and guilt that follow in the wake of sexual assault Having babies and losing your identity along the way Why judging others sucks #stopthejudging The importance of support: husbands, families, community Raising healthy kids who feel comfortable communicating openly with their parents. The magic pill? Spend time with them. Real life vs "your social media highlight reel" Running Start: How one program can truly change the trajectory of your life Giving back: Beth is the biggest sponsor to date of Running Start - donating $500 per real estate closing through ReMAX Nexus! Beth Shields is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. I could never have predicted when I met her that one day I would be interviewing her for my podcast and that she would be helping so many others who don’t believe that they can change their lives. Her message to you is this: You CAN change your life. It starts with believing in yourself. To reach Beth, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram. If you reach out, she will be there for you. And let’s commit right now to #stopthejudging - I love this new slogan. Did you hear what she said about her husband? He’s her best friend because he never judges her, no matter what is going through her head. This is when the magic happens. When we can create a world of no judgment, where we love and support each other’s journeys. And finally, don’t forget about Beth if you are moving here – if you work with her, you help other women who so deeply need support. I will leave you with this thought from Beth. You need to become your own non negotiable priority. You are valuable and you are worth it. Now let's get out there and Run This World!

I had you at coffee, didn't I? Something about coffee taps into a universal language for so many of us hard-chargers who reach for a caffeine kick instead of considering that we may just need to back off and recharge sometimes. Alex Hanifin is no stranger to the concept of hard-charging. She is scrappy. She is smart. She is accomplished well beyond her years. She is the 28 year old founder of a company that is changing the world. The world of coffee. You’ll get the sense immediately that I know Alex. I do. I met her through a CEO group I participate in and immediately sensed that I was in the presence of someone who was meant to do big things. Alex started her first real business in high school. She didn’t go to college, but it wasn’t because she wasn’t smart or driven. She is in fact one of the smartest and most driven women I know. She just struggled in school and that environment stifled her instead of helping her grow. So she trusted her gut and her heart to lead her down her path to happiness. Today we talk about: The importance of health: "If you're not healthy, your business is not healthy" How what our parents say and do matters Her unique path to entrepreneurship Starting a business in high school Talking your way into a job when you have no idea what you're doing! Listening to your gut Alpine Start coffee: How much love and care goes into her business And more Happiness is a brand that is kicking serious ass and completely blowing open a really old, crotchety category – instant coffee.  It's called Alpine Start and is making the most delicious, high quality coffee – it’s just such a great surprise when you have your first sip. Instant coffee doesn’t have to suck! Alex is offering you 50% off online at alpinestartfoods.com. Use code skirtsports. Definitely try their original Instant Coffee, the new dirty chai latte or coconut creamer latte – so good. If you are a supporter of women-led business ventures, forward this one. And if you want to actually SEE Alex in person, check out the Skirt Sports website. I talked her into modeling this season. She has such incredible energy I wanted to capture it! All right then, let’s chug some more coffee and get out and move your body because you know what time it is. It’s time to get out and run this world! Have a great workout and I’ll see you next week!