In A Skirt Podcast

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    

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

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

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

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

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  

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  

This episode is a little different than some of the other episodes I’ve done. Today’s episode is with Abbey Hailey, a skirt girl who rides horses. Abbey started riding a few years ago and I learned so much about horses, barrel racing, and rodeos talking to her. I love that Abbey decided to try something that was new to her and now she found a new passion. But what I love the most is Abbey’s attitude and approach to her new passion—she is placing no pressure on herself and instead focusing on having fun and enjoying the moments she gets to spend on her horse. Abbey also explains in this episode that she rides in a skirt and, until I talked to her, it hadn’t occurred to me that my do-it-all active skirts may not be the best fit for horse riding. So if anyone listening has any suggestions about a type of skirt that may work for her, let me know and I’ll get that info to Abbey!   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

This episode is with one of my real-life friends, Justin Garcia. I have known Justin my whole life. And that’s not an exaggeration. I was born one day after he was born…at the same hospital in Harlingen, Texas. We grew up in the same small town, Sebastian, and went to school together from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. Justin was one of my closest friends through school. When we were still quite young—in our early to mid-20s—Justin adopted four boys. He involved all four boys in sports and has been a great dad—hauling them to practices, showing up at games and meets. In this episode, Justin talks about his decision to adopt his sons and how sports, especially cross country, plugged his kids in and gave them confidence and taught them how to work hard and achieve goals. If you have ever doubted the importance of youth and school sports, listen to this episode. It will change your mind.   Show Notes:   UCAN – use code INASKIRT2020   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Kenneth lives in San Antonio and is a runner. He is also going to school right now to become a social worker and is helping change lives at a shelter in San Antonio.  In a few days, Kenneth is going to run from Austin to Corpus Christi. The route is normally known as the Capitol to Coast relay, but Kenneth is running the entire 223-mile distance solo.  Kenneth is using the run to raise money for Child Safe, an organization that assists children, as well as their families, who have suffered from abuse.  In this episode, Kenneth explains why this organization is important to him. He also tells me about his own life and tough times he was able to overcome.  I loved listening to Kenneth tell his story. He’s the type of person who lives in gratitude and shows that gratitude by giving back. Kenneth, thank you so much for talking to me. And thank you so much for all you’re doing to make a difference. Also a special thank you to my previous guest, Aaron Davis, for telling me about Kenneth and introducing us via Facebook. This episode is sponsored by Ucan.    Show Notes:   Kenneth Anderlitch on Facebook Road 2 Healing – Kenneth’s Website Donate now to Kenneth’s run for Child Safe! Road 2 Healing Facebook Group UCAN – use code INASKIRT2020   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

I’m interrupting our regular programming to bring you important news. Next week, I will bring you another interview. But today, I’m asking to have your ear for a few minutes to tell you something else.  On any given day in the U.S., there are about 400,000 to 500,000 children in foster care. About a quarter of those children are eligible for adoption. This means that right now, there are about 100,000 children in this country whose parents’ rights have been terminated and they are waiting—hoping, praying, wishing—for someone to become their family.    Show Notes:   Wendy’s Wonderful Kids America’s Kids Belong CASA   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

I’m interrupting our regular programming to bring you important news. Next week, I will bring you another interview. But today, I’m asking to have your ear for a few minutes to tell you something else.  On any given day in the U.S., there are about 400,000 to 500,000 children in foster care. About a quarter of those children are eligible for adoption. This means that right now, there are about 100,000 children in this country whose parents’ rights have been terminated and they are waiting—hoping, praying, wishing—for someone to become their family.    Show Notes:   Wendy’s Wonderful Kids America’s Kids Belong CASA   Follow In A Skirt Podcast:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

Three years ago this month, I was getting ready for some big things in my life. I was training for my first marathon and, as a family, we were getting ready for our first foster placement. And I was scared of both.  There were times I thought of backing out of both the marathon and fostering. But I have this question that is always in my head – how do you know? If you’ve never done something before, how do you know you’re not going to like it?  So I couldn’t back out because although it was going to be hard, it could also be wonderful.  And although it was going to hurt, it could be worth it.  Isn’t everything in life that is ultimately beautiful also hard or painful at some point?   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

This week’s guest is Angela Pohl. Angela is one of those people who makes you feel happy and joyous when you’re talking to her. I’ve never met her in person, but after spending an hour chatting with her for this podcast, I get the impression she is a doer. I talk about doers a lot and when I do, I mean people who fill needs, who take action, who see problems and try to solve them.   I first read about Angela on Diverse We Run, an Instagram account that highlights and celebrates multiethnicity in running. I loved Angela’s feature on that account, so I started following her on Instagram and asked her to be on the show.   Angela is a runner. She is currently training for her 12th marathon. She’s also run an ultra. It was a 24-hour race and she had a goal of completing 100 kilometers during that race, but she hilariously tells me how that turned into several more miles.   We also talk about Good Running, an organization that Angela helped co-found. I wish I would have had more time to talk more about that organization and I’ll have to have her back on the podcast to talk about it more. Good Running supports non-profits in Angela’s area, but because of the way it’s set up, it also supports local businesses and running. You’ll have to listen to the episode, but it is the neatest concept. If you opt in one month, all you do is make a donation—maybe $20 or $25—to the non-profit of the month and log miles. You accumulate “tickets” for each mile you run and those tickets make you eligible for a prize drawing that month. I love simple, doable ideas for supporting non-profits and communities.   Show Notes:   Angela Pohl on Instagram Diverse We Run Good Running Ucan (use code code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter  

Episode 74 – Eric Esposito Eric Esposito is a triathlete who lives in Atlanta. He got hooked on triathlons in 2014 and has completed a couple dozen of them, including a few Ironman events. His preferred distance is the half Ironman.  Three years ago—this month is the third anniversary—Eric was hit by a car while cycling to work. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. Eric was really open in this episode about the struggles he’s faced because of the injury. He was an architect before the accident, but as he explains in this episode, that was taken away from him because of his injury. But his identity as a triathlete never left him. Although he suffered some PTSD about getting back on a bike on the road, Eric clung to triathlon and continued competing.    Show Notes:   Eric Esposito on Instagram Eric Esposito’s Website and Blog Ucan (use code code INASKIRT2020 for 15% off)   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter