As runners set off into the new year of 2025, many find themselves evaluating goals established during the previous year—especially after the holiday season. In the latest episode of the Running Channel podcast, hosts Sarah Hartley, Andy Badley, and Rick Kelsey discuss the challenges of balancing running with life's myriad commitments and how to maintain motivation as routines shift back into gear.
Everyone has experienced those chaotic weeks that follow the holidays, filled with returning kids to school and reacquainting with the demands of work. The reality sets in quickly that finding time for a run can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this episode, the team reflects on their own struggles with finding balance—something many listeners can surely relate to.
There’s a lighthearted moment as Sarah describes her adorable dog Herbert, briefly interrupting the conversation but serving as a reminder of the joys that family life brings—even if it occasionally derails running plans.
The hosts share their personal running experiences over the holiday break. Sarah opens up about adjusting her plans after a trying week, while Rick talks about a dramatic few weeks post-holiday. He highlights how illness can set back training goals, something he and many others have faced during the season's transition. The camaraderie of runners struggling with similar issues adds a sense of community.
Andy suggests tackling the typical post-holiday slump by simply focusing on warm-up routines before runs, encouraging listeners to ease back into their fitness. However, Rick humorously relays a tale of not swapping his bed for running shoes during the downtime.
As tension mounts with the thought of missed goals from the past year, the hosts delve into how to set realistic targets for 2025. Sarah grapples with the idea of not feeling pressure to pursue ambitious goals while balancing family and work obligations. Instead, they stress that choice is significant: Sometimes, putting running on hold is what’s best for personal peace and health.
A recurring theme is that running should enhance life, not feel like an additional burden. This sentiment plays a crucial part in establishing a healthier relationship with running. Understanding that it's okay to take breaks and acknowledge one's limits is vital—especially when juggling multiple responsibilities.
As the dialogue progresses, the podcast transitions to discussing strategies for approaching runs, particularly when engaging in park runs. The hosts illustrate their different ways of dealing with the competitive spirit that arises in a running environment and how it can lead to needing better strategies for overtaking fellow runners without exhausting oneself. Andy stresses the importance of not allowing others to latch on during overtakes, championing a stronger racing strategy that could be informative for listeners eager to improve their performance.
The podcast emphasizes that talking about running—whether with friends or through community forums—can alleviate feelings of inadequacy when the going gets tough. Sharing experiences, frustrations, and victories not only strengthens community ties but also provides support during challenging moments. Rick also highlights the Running Channel Club as a great resource for those looking to connect with fellow runners.
The excitement of new beginnings is anchored in upcoming events, such as the National Running Show in Birmingham. The team invites listeners to participate, share experiences, and engage in a community that nurtures passion for running. The podcast hints at larger running events on the horizon and the prospect of covering the inaugural season of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam track series slated for 2025, providing insights into elite-level competition.
An interesting highlight is the conversation around Beatrice Chepkoech's groundbreaking achievement of running a 5K in under 14 minutes—the first woman to do so. This moment is positioned as a testament to the ongoing evolution of records in women's athletics, reflecting positively on the growth and visibility of women's sports.
Closing Thoughts
As the podcast wraps up, it reinforces a critical message of compassion for oneself during times of struggle. It reminds listeners to not rush their progress and to embrace the process of running as a journey worth celebrating, regardless of immediate results. This emphasis on kindness—to oneself and others—encapsulates the heart of running while encouraging a balanced approach to fitness within a busy life.
In summary, the latest episode of the Running Channel podcast stands as a guide for those looking to reconcile their love for running with the realities of day-to-day life. The hosts' candid sharing of their experiences fosters a sense of relatability and hope—encouraging listeners that it's not only about the finish line but the journey along the way.
Part 1/9:
Balancing Running with Life Goals in 2025
As runners set off into the new year of 2025, many find themselves evaluating goals established during the previous year—especially after the holiday season. In the latest episode of the Running Channel podcast, hosts Sarah Hartley, Andy Badley, and Rick Kelsey discuss the challenges of balancing running with life's myriad commitments and how to maintain motivation as routines shift back into gear.
Navigating Life's Chaos
Part 2/9:
Everyone has experienced those chaotic weeks that follow the holidays, filled with returning kids to school and reacquainting with the demands of work. The reality sets in quickly that finding time for a run can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this episode, the team reflects on their own struggles with finding balance—something many listeners can surely relate to.
There’s a lighthearted moment as Sarah describes her adorable dog Herbert, briefly interrupting the conversation but serving as a reminder of the joys that family life brings—even if it occasionally derails running plans.
Recent Running Experiences
Part 3/9:
The hosts share their personal running experiences over the holiday break. Sarah opens up about adjusting her plans after a trying week, while Rick talks about a dramatic few weeks post-holiday. He highlights how illness can set back training goals, something he and many others have faced during the season's transition. The camaraderie of runners struggling with similar issues adds a sense of community.
Andy suggests tackling the typical post-holiday slump by simply focusing on warm-up routines before runs, encouraging listeners to ease back into their fitness. However, Rick humorously relays a tale of not swapping his bed for running shoes during the downtime.
Reassessing Goals
Part 4/9:
As tension mounts with the thought of missed goals from the past year, the hosts delve into how to set realistic targets for 2025. Sarah grapples with the idea of not feeling pressure to pursue ambitious goals while balancing family and work obligations. Instead, they stress that choice is significant: Sometimes, putting running on hold is what’s best for personal peace and health.
A recurring theme is that running should enhance life, not feel like an additional burden. This sentiment plays a crucial part in establishing a healthier relationship with running. Understanding that it's okay to take breaks and acknowledge one's limits is vital—especially when juggling multiple responsibilities.
Strategic Running
Part 5/9:
As the dialogue progresses, the podcast transitions to discussing strategies for approaching runs, particularly when engaging in park runs. The hosts illustrate their different ways of dealing with the competitive spirit that arises in a running environment and how it can lead to needing better strategies for overtaking fellow runners without exhausting oneself. Andy stresses the importance of not allowing others to latch on during overtakes, championing a stronger racing strategy that could be informative for listeners eager to improve their performance.
Connecting with the Running Community
Part 6/9:
The podcast emphasizes that talking about running—whether with friends or through community forums—can alleviate feelings of inadequacy when the going gets tough. Sharing experiences, frustrations, and victories not only strengthens community ties but also provides support during challenging moments. Rick also highlights the Running Channel Club as a great resource for those looking to connect with fellow runners.
Upcoming Events
Part 7/9:
The excitement of new beginnings is anchored in upcoming events, such as the National Running Show in Birmingham. The team invites listeners to participate, share experiences, and engage in a community that nurtures passion for running. The podcast hints at larger running events on the horizon and the prospect of covering the inaugural season of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam track series slated for 2025, providing insights into elite-level competition.
Breaking Barriers in Women's Sports
Part 8/9:
An interesting highlight is the conversation around Beatrice Chepkoech's groundbreaking achievement of running a 5K in under 14 minutes—the first woman to do so. This moment is positioned as a testament to the ongoing evolution of records in women's athletics, reflecting positively on the growth and visibility of women's sports.
Closing Thoughts
As the podcast wraps up, it reinforces a critical message of compassion for oneself during times of struggle. It reminds listeners to not rush their progress and to embrace the process of running as a journey worth celebrating, regardless of immediate results. This emphasis on kindness—to oneself and others—encapsulates the heart of running while encouraging a balanced approach to fitness within a busy life.
Part 9/9:
In summary, the latest episode of the Running Channel podcast stands as a guide for those looking to reconcile their love for running with the realities of day-to-day life. The hosts' candid sharing of their experiences fosters a sense of relatability and hope—encouraging listeners that it's not only about the finish line but the journey along the way.