Today’s guest is my brother, Oscar Garcia, III. He just returned home on September 17th from a 9-month deployment aboard the USS Monterey. In this episode we talk about the Monterey, different ships he’s been on, a little about his Navy career, and about running on a ship—whether it was on a treadmill bobbing up and down in rough seas, or on the deck of the ship, which can be a little dangerous. So I hope you enjoy listening to us catch up. Warning, though, I love to make fun of my brother, so I hope that doesn’t offend you. I’m the little sister, so growing up with a brother who was older and stronger than I was, I resorted to making fun of him to get even. I still do that. He secretly loves it.   Show Notes:   Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

In A Skirt Podcast

Episode 95 – Oscar Garcia, III

This episode’s guest is Lucja Leonard. This is one of those conversations I didn’t want to end. Lucja is so much fun to talk to and I want to go run with her one day now.   This episode has it all—Lucja didn’t start running until about 2008. She was looking for a healthy lifestyle change and fell in love with running. She has words of wisdom about how we are all born to run.   Lucja’s love for running is shared by her husband, Dion. Together, they found the sport and became ultra-runners. Lucja and Dion have lived and run all over the world. Talking to her makes me want to jump on a plane and take a bunch of runcations! Currently, they are living in the U.S. and Lucja is about to take on the second leg of the Triple Crown of 200s. The triple crown includes three 200+ mile races with lots of elevation gain. All three races have time cutoffs and are within a period of nine weeks. So there is very little recovery between efforts. The second of the three races had to be canceled because of fires, so Lucja is running it virtually soon—she needs pacers, so if you’re interested, listen to the info she gives in this episode. In this episode, you’ll hear her say the second race is 10 days away, but I recorded this last week, so that’s coming up like right now. Also, you’ll hear me ask her if she knows how many steps she took at the first race and she said she’d check. Lucja messaged me later with that info—the total was 481,248 steps at one race!   Lucja also tells me the story of the dog her husband rescued during an ultra in the Gobi Desert in China. It’s a wonderful story about how this scraggly pup chose Dion to be his person and how Dion bonded with the dog during the race and did everything he could to get the pup home. They named the dog Gobi and there’s a great book out about the adventure and there will be a movie soon!   Check out my show notes. I have links to the organization Lucja is raising money for through the Triple Crown of 200s. I also have links to her Instragram profile as well as Gobi and Dion’s.   Show Notes:   Lucja Leonard’s site (Running Dutchie) Lucja on Instagram Gobi on Instagram Finding Gobi site Donate to Pink Ribbon Foundation Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter    

Episode 94 – Lucja Leonard

Mike is a repeat guest. I first had him on the show close to two years ago. At that point, Mike was new to his running journey. He’s progressed rather quickly in running endurance and distance, and we talk a little about that on this episode.   If you listened to the first episode with Mike, you’ll know that he made a number of lifestyle changes in the beginning of 2019 and by November of that year, had lost a significant amount of weight. As of the day of this second interview, Mike has lost 200 pounds since January of 2019.   Mike and I talked a little bit about how weight loss is not all fun and games. I’ve congratulated people on weight loss before, but over the last few months I’ve wondered if that’s the right thing to do. I think getting healthy, changing bad habits, feeling better about yourself are all GOOD things. But I think treating a person differently because they look different is a BAD thing. Mike was open and honest in this conversation about how hurtful it can be to be treated differently after you’ve lost weight—like you were invincible or worth less before you lost the weight. I would imagine that if I changed my appearance to fit society’s view of what is desirable or attractive, and suddenly people accepted me, my feelings would be hurt.   I’m impressed with all that Mike has done. I think he’s an amazing athlete. I’m happy he’s found a passion. And I will continue to congratulate him on all his accomplishments. And, yes, this will sound really corny, but it’s true regardless, I’m thankful Mike was honest in this interview and I hope we can value people without any regard to their physical appearance.   Show Notes:   Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Episode 93 – Mike McHaney

I’ve been wanting to talk to a dietitian on this podcast for about a year, so I’m glad I was finally able to get this episode together. Today’s guest is Danielle Morton. She is a registered dietitian and she works at Livewell Athletic Club in Lufkin. Food and nutrition are sensitive subjects for me. I think it’s common for people my age to have unhealthy relationships with food, and I’m a continuing work in progress in trying to change how I view and treat food. Danielle answers a lot of my questions on this episode and she was so gracious and easy to talk to. I now have a whole other list of questions for her, so I may have to ask her to be a recurring guest. In fact, if you have questions for her, let me know and I can do an episode where I ask her your questions. My favorite part of this conversation is the focus on not what you look like on the outside, but what food is doing to you on the inside. That’s probably a pretty good thing to think about in just about every area of life.   This episode with Danielle is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Livewell Athletic Club Danielle Morton Bio at Livwell Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter      

Episode 92 – Danielle Morton, Registered Dietitian

Episode 91 – Chris Field Today’s guest is Chris Field. I don’t even know where to start with Chris. He is so many things and fulfills so many roles. He’s a husband, father, runner, race director, author, non-profit director, and on and on. Basically, though, he’s a doer. He fills needs. He shows up. He takes action. In this episode, we talk about Chris’s new book: A Billion Hours of Good. I read the book right before it launched and it is a life changer. Chris explains how you do not need all your ducks in a row before you decide to do good and bring change to your community. You just need one percent of your day and whatever skills and resources you already have. With his book, you’ll learn how to grow compassion, find courage, and ignite your creativity.   When you’re done with this episode, I strongly encourage you to read A Billion Hours of Good. I have a link to the listing on Amazon in my show notes. I also have a link to Chris’s Facebook page and the non-profit he founded, the Mercy Project.   This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Buy A Billion Hours of Good Follow Chris Field on Facebook The Mercy Project Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 91 – Chris Field

My episode 90 guest is Liba Yoffe. Liba is the founder of Spirit Fit Life, a health program that is tailor-made for each female client. Liba tells me all about Spirit Fit Life on this episode. We also talk about her kids, how she is intentional about incorporating fun time into each day—I absolutely love that—and how she was on American Ninja Warrior…in a skirt. You’re going to love Liba. She inspires you to go outside and have fun!   This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Liba Yoffe on Instagram Liba Yoffe on Facebook Spirit Fit Life Website Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Episode 90 – Liba Yoffe

This episode is with Elizabeth Rosenblum, the CEO and co-founder of Street 2 Feet. Street 2 Feet is a 5K walking/running training program for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. My conversation with Elizabeth has to be one of my favorites so far. It was a big eye opener for me in so many ways. When you’re a runner, you discover that you feel better when you move your body. You can tell the difference it makes in your body AND your mind and your soul. And you also learn to love the community that you can build around running. Elizabeth has a background in recreational therapy and all the things we runners discover along the way, she explains how those actually fit together to help provide a real form of therapy. Elizabeth is also one of those people who gently teaches the lesson that helping others does not have to be complicated. We all have something to give and giving it can actually be a lot simpler than we realize. I have a link in the show notes to Street 2 Feet’s website and Instagram profile. In this episode, you’ll hear Elizabeth talk about how you can help support Street 2 Feet.   Show Notes:   Street 2 Feet Street 2 Feet Instagram Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 89 -- Street 2 Feet (Elizabeth Rosenblum)

If it scares you, run toward it. That’s the advice I received from today’s guest, Amanda Rasmussen. Amanda doesn’t just dish out this advice; she lives it. Amanda is a mom, hospice healthcare provider, runner, ultramarathoner, and an all-around inspiring individual. A few years ago, Amanda decided to make some changes in her life. She was on a mission to get healthy and in the process, she ignited a fire for running. She qualified for Boston at her first marathon, but her true love is on the trails and running ultras. Just a couple of weeks ago, she ran 151 miles on muddy and difficult terrain. I strongly recommend following Amanda on Instagram. She is @runnermomamanda and I have a link to that in my show notes. I spent quite some time looking at her posts and I found so many nuggets of wisdom. I also found a poem she wrote that I love—it’s about her feet! We may lose toenails, but as Amanda says, those feet carry us lots of miles.   This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Follow Amanda Rasmussen on Instagram Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 88 – Amanda Rasmussen

Today’s guest is Addison Hebert. She is 12-years old and in 6th grade. Last month, I noticed Addison at the first game of our 12U baseball season. I noticed her because she’s the only girl in the league! And at that first game where I saw her, she was pitching and she was striking everyone out. I talked to her coach’s wife and gave her my card and asked her to pass my info on to Addison’s parents. A few days ago, Addison and her mom sat down with me to talk about why Addison opted for baseball instead of softball this season. Addison has some wisdom that it takes other years to figure out. She goes after her dreams and makes them happen, ignoring the naysayers. I really enjoyed getting to know Addison and I think you will, too.   This episode is sponsored by Ucan. I love all the Ucan products, but today I’m going to talk about Hydrate because it’s starting to warm up outside—at least here in Texas – and every year when it gets warm, I’m brutally reminded of how important it is that I take in more fluids when I run. It can get gross running in the heat. Ucan’s Hydrate is the perfect product to take in on warmer days to keep from dehydrating or bonking. It also tastes good and goes down easy. I have a coupon code in my show notes – InASkirt2020 – and a link to Ucan’s site. Check it out.   Ok, here’s Addison.   Show Notes:   Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter    

Episode 87 – Addison Hebert (Student-Athlete Spotlight)

This is my second time having Willie on the show. He puts on great events and I was excited to talk to him about successfully holding The Woodlands Marathon last month. In this episode, we talk about how it can be frustrating for runners when events don’t go off as planned or get canceled, but there’s so much going on behind the scenes and so many pieces to the puzzle to consider that it’s not always someone’s fault when a race gets canceled or postponed. We also talk about the new—and even FASTER—Woodlands Marathon course, and how much fun the Texas 10 Series is.   Show Notes:   The Woodlands Marathon site Texas 10 Series site The Woodlands Marathon Facebook page Texas 10 Series Facebook page Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 86 – Willie Fowlkes (Race Director)

Today’s guest is Molly Fliearman. I’ve been following her on Instagram for some time. Molly is a runner—she’s been running for at least 38 years. (We try to do the math in this episode!) She is a mom to four boys—FOUR! They are quadruplets and are 18 years old. In 2019, Molly started knitting and selling beanies. I have two of them. One I have not worn yet. In fact, it’s still in the package. It is BEAUTIFUL. I want to give it away to someone listening, so message me or tag me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know something you liked about this episode and I’ll enter you in a drawing for the beautiful purple beanie that Molly handknitted.   Molly tells me why she started knitting beanies and where some of the beanie proceeds go. The story has a lot to do with two of her sons who are autistic. And we talk a lot about parenting in this episode. Running, parenting, raising boys—those are all endurance sports! I have included a link to Molly’s Instagram account in the show notes so you can follow her. And I’ll have her back on the show if she agrees because there’s still a lot I want to talk to her about. I saw that one of her sons recently joined the Marines and I forgot to ask her about that on this episode and I’d like to know more about his decision and if she’s added the Marine Corps Marathon to her list of need-to-do marathons!   This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Follow Molly Fliearman on Instagram Hilltop Lakes Rabbit Run 5K Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 85 – Molly Fliearman

Today’s episode is with Melissa Danehey. Melissa is a runner who lives in California. She’s run all sorts of races, but is mainly a trail and ultra runner now. If you follow her on Instragram, you’ll want to move out to California, too, and run trails. I love how Melissa talks about how she became a runner. She just went outside and started running. Over time, she got better at it. And she progressed from no running at all to an ultra runner!  In this episode, we also talk about how Melissa went from a family of one to a family of five. I love all the different ways a family can come together. Three years ago, Melissa dove head first into fostering, and a few weeks ago, she officially adopted her foster daughter. She’s also engaged and her fiancé has two children. Melissa’s daughter is part of her school’s wrestling team, so we also talk about how sports are expanding for girls. I love that girls are wrestling these days! This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   Follow Melissa Danehey on Instagram Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 84 – Melissa Danehey

Today’s guest is Sister Stephanie Baliga. I first had her on the podcast last March, and I encourage you to go back and listen to that episode if you haven’t heard it yet. It’s Episode 51. Sister Stephanie was a Division 1 runner in college and our previous episode dives deeper into her running and why and when she decided to dedicate her life to God as a religious sister. Every year since 2011, Sister Stephanie heads up Team Our Lady of the Angels, a team that fundraises for Mission of Our Lady of the Angels at the Chicago Marathon. This year, I am part of that team and I am so excited about raising money for the Mission and running the Chicago Marathon. If you want to donate, I have a link in the show notes. The donation link is set up by the Mission and all donations via the link go directly to the Mission. Also, all of the money raised is for the Mission—the Chicago Marathon does not take a cut, and the runners on the team do not use any of it for marathon expenses or travel. I paid my race registration fee and I’ll be paying my own travel expenses.  As Sister Stephanie explains in this episode, since Covid, needs have increased. The Mission now feeds 3,000 families a month—that’s triple the number they were feeding a year ago. So your donations are going to feed families. The Mission is also renovating and expanding facilities so when schools in Chicago open back up, they can re-start their after-school program helping at-risk kids. Your donations will help with that as well. Last year, when the Chicago Marathon was canceled, Sister Stephanie ran the 26.2 miles on a treadmill in the Mission’s basement. That treadmill run raised about $150,000 for the Mission and ended up bringing the Mission some pretty cool PR. Sister Stephanie tells me all about it in this episode, including Deena Kastor’s involvement and Sports Illustrated picking up the story.    Show Notes:   Donate to Team Our Lady of the Angels 2021 Episode 51 with Sister Stephanie Mission of Our Lady of the Angels website Chicago Tribune article on Sister Stephanie’s treadmill run ABC Chicago article on Sister Stephanie’s treadmill run UCAN (use code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off your order)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Episode 83 – Sister Stephanie Baliga

I feel like Bobbi doesn’t even need an introduction because she’s Bobbi Gibb—a legend. But I guess she really does need an introduction because, after spending time talking to her, I learned she is so much more than just the legendary runner. She’s a doer, a dreamer, a mom, a go-getter, a creator, a medical professional, a lawyer, a lover of life, a person who lives every day to the fullest and who sees the beauty of life.  I felt like I had found a kindred spirit in Bobbi. She has a thirst for knowledge that I love. And I am thankful that she was a pioneer for women in so many ways. I personally have reaped the benefits of Bobbi’s courage, and the courage of other women like Bobbi, who paved the way for my generation to live the life we want to live and fulfill the goals we want to fulfill. This episode is sponsored by Ucan.   Show Notes:   UCAN   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Episode 82 – Bobbi Gibb

Lupita is mom, a runner, she works with veterans through the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court, and she’s a former Marine. I have so much respect for Lupita. She joined the Marines when she was 19, served for six years, and then, as a new mom, utilized the GI Bill to get her bachelor’s degree in just two and half years. Later she went back for her master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She now works with veterans who are facing misdemeanor charges that may be attributed to substance abuse issues. And last year, she made a commitment to do even more to bring awareness to long-lasting PTSD issues many veterans face. She acted on that commitment by running 200 miles from San Antonio to Houston. This year, she’s upping the mileage and running 250 miles from Dallas to Houston. She’s hoping the run will bring awareness to the nation of how widespread PTSD is among our veterans. Every mile, she will plant a flag bearing the name of a veteran suffering from PTSD. If you’re traveling I-45 between Dallas and Houston over the next few days, you’ll see those flags on the side of the road. She is also using the run to raise money for the Travis Manion Foundation. The foundation helps veterans and the families of fallen heroes. I have a link to Lupita’s Facebook page – Run for Their Lives – 200 Mile PTSD Run – in my show notes. Follow her on her journey these next few days. I also have a link to the Travis Manion Foundation in my show notes if you want more information on the organization or if you want to donate.    This episode is sponsored by UCAN.   Show Notes:   Run for Their Lives – 200 Mile PTSD Run Travis Manion Foundation UCAN   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Episode 81 – Guadalupe “Lupita” Hernandez

A podcast that celebrates the unconventional athlete.

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In A Skirt Podcast

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