Ali on the Run Show Episode 161: Lauren Fleshman & Jesse Thomas

Recommendation

Recommended for a long easy pace run, recovery run or downtime doing chores, driving etc.

Podcast Info

In this episode Ali interviews Lauren Fleshman (US 5K Champion in 2006 & 2010 and marathoner) and Jesse Thomas (NCAA 3K Steeplechase All-American, six-time Wildflower Triathlon Champion and winner of the 2014 Mont Tremblant 70.3). They are married, have two young children and run a startup business together – Picky Bars.

This conversation is less about training, strategy, recovery, mindset… and more about a topic many runners, triathletes and other endurance athletes struggle with – balancing a marriage, children and a business with athletic goals and identity.

Lauren and Jesse talk candidly about the following topics:

How having a baby affected her body and set back her running career
Finding ways to communicate your needs and frustrations to your partner
Figuring out how to balance childcare responsibilities and traditional gender roles
The stress of running a business together while also raising small children
Peaks and valleys of child-rearing, times it was tough and when it feels easier
The evolution of a romantic relationship
What they love and admire about each other

It’s a great conversation to listen to if you have kids, work/life balance challenges; and if you run or are thinking of starting a business.