Podcast: Episode 194 with Amy Leedham

Mario Fraioli | February 14, 2022

“There were many times where I genuinely didn’t think I was ever going to run even like three miles again. And so, there was this period where I was trying to let go of it because I didn’t think that I was going to be able to do it and that was really hard, like grieving, and then it started to come back and the possibility of it came back and now it makes me feel alive. I’m a better partner now that I’m able to run again, I’m much better at my job, I’m much more efficient and present and all of that just because I’m able to both release when I’m running and fill up my tank. It’s been a tough road but it’s here to stay, I hope, and it’s such a fundamental part of me. I really need it to be there in some form for the long haul—and that’s my only goal, really. Yes, I want to compete, and it’s fun, but I won’t do anything that puts the ability to run for a long time into jeopardy because I’ve seen what that’s like and my life without running is very tough.”

Amy Leedham is my friend, she’s one of my athletes, she’s a wife and a mom, and a badass runner to boot. We recorded this conversation in-person a couple weeks ago and I’m excited to share it with you. Amy told me about her nickname, The Punisher, and how it came to be, we dig into different elements of her personality and how they manifest in various aspects of her life, and we discuss how her relationship to running has evolved over the years, in particular the past two. Amy also describes the challenges she faced in returning to running after giving birth to her daughter Aila, she shares her best advice for other mothers who might find themselves in a similar situation, she told me how she’s developed a renewed sense of gratitude for being able to run, and a lot more.

Amy Leedham: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Strava

the morning shakeout: Instagram | Twitter

Mario Fraioli: Website | Strava

This episode is brought to you by:

— Tracksmith. Tracksmith is a brand for committed runners like you and me. They aim to celebrate, support and contribute to running’s distinct culture in everything that they do, from offering considered and original products for training, racing, and recovery, to creating experiences that make running more rewarding, more connected, and more meaningful. When you shop at tracksmith.com/mario and/or if you use the code Mario22 when you check out, you’ll get free shipping on your order and 5% of your purchase will go to the Tracksmith Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to give more people the opportunity to participate in Track & Field.

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Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford.