In A Skirt Podcast

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

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 Fac

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 Faceb

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 organiz

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    

Jessica Hofheimer is a mom, runner, coach, artist—so many things. You may know her on Instagram as Pace of Me. She has been running for 20 years, has three kids, and is a certified running coach through Road Runner Club of America. She is also a Pilates instructor. In this episode, we talk about her running—the how and the why. Jessica ran her first marathon in more than 5 hours and 30 minutes. She then got it down to about 4 and a half hours and hovered there for several years. She had this big goal to run a 4-hour marathon and at the time—it may have seemed a little out of reach to some people. But once Jessica really learned about running and took the time to educate herself on speed work and recovery runs, etc., not only did she meet her 4-hour goal, she actually has a personal best of 3:11. So, yeah—5:30 marathoner to 3:11. That’s pretty amazing.  There is a lot of beauty in Jessica’s story. She’s hit some rough patches in life, but running always brought her beauty. Beauty through achieving goals, makin

A little over a year ago, in Episode 21, I had Lisa on the podcast as a guest. At that time, Lisa was really busy with her Pilates studio in Israel, PURE Pilates. But she had this idea—she wanted to try out teaching virtual classes. Not long after that, she started offering online Pilates courses. I signed up for some of her starter courses and fell in love with Pilates. Listen, you runners with tight and sore muscles, this is for you! Actually, it’s for everyone. The breathing. The stretching. The slow but sure strengthening of the lower back. It does amazing things to a tired body. As the months went on, Lisa’s Pilates videos grew in number. Little did she—or any of us—know what 2020 would bring. Israel went on a complete shut-down for 10 weeks in the Spring and she was unable to open her studio. But by that time, she was ready to launch—as she calls it—her Netflix of Pilates. In this episode, we talk about her online membership program at pilatesinapencilskirt.com, her international audience, and being tha

Episode 71 – Running the Race There are so many quotes out there about life being like a race. Most of them are corny. But they’re true. And it’s not just any race. It’s a brutal ultra-marathon. It’s not that life is a competition. It’s not that type of race. It’s the type that most of us recreational runners run. We don’t care about the prizes. We just care about pushing ourselves and seeing what we can do; what we can endure. Am I strong enough? Do I have it in me?  This short episode is a recovery episode. As in, I’m needing some recovery! I have good shows planned for you all, so stick with me, but this week I’m behind in everything in my life! This podcast brings me a lot of joy, and I love doing it, but every once in a while, I’m in over my head in my world. For those who do not know me personally or haven’t followed me since I started this gig, I work full-time as a lawyer. And my lawyer job is the one that actually pays me, so it takes a much bigger position of priority in my life! Also, I have three

Last year, Kristen Doornbos was my Episode 28 guest. Kristen is a runner, triathlete, massage therapist, and a woman of many gifts and talents. She is also a lover of snail mail. So all of this—her running, passion for snail mail, and creative genius—combined and a few weeks ago, Kristen launched Paper Trails Greeting Company. This is a greeting card company that specializes in cards for runners. These cards are great! Want to let someone know how proud you are of them for accomplishing a running goal? She has a card for that. Want to sympathize with someone who is injured and bummed about not being able to run? She has a card for that. Want to motivate or encourage someone, thank a coach, compliment someone’s watch tan, tell your favorite runner “happy birthday”, celebrate someone’s first half marathon, marathon, or ultra—she has cards for ALL of that! In this episode, Kristen and I catch up and we talk about how and why she started Paper Trails Greeting Company. Listen to this episode to find out how to win

Exactly 97 years ago, a baby boy was born who would grow up to be a young man wrestling with decisions during an unsure time in our nation’s history. Ernie Andrus was just 18 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed and his generation was propelled into an international crisis. Ernie enlisted in the Navy the summer of 1942 and spent at least part of his time in the Navy aboard an LST.  It’s been 75 years since World War II ended. It’s been 75 years since Ernie Andrus stood on the deck of an LST as a young sailor in the midst of a war. But he’s never lost his love for those ships. At 97 years old, Ernie is running across America to raise money for the LST 325 Ship Memorial. About twenty years ago, when Ernie was a young 77-year old, he was one of several crewmembers who brought the LST 325 back from the Isle of Crete. The 325 is the only LST that is fully restored and operational. Ernie’s dream is to take this ship back to the beaches of Normandy for a D-Day Memorial.  Ernie is currently in East Texas and is mak

Tanya Khvitsko-Trimborn doesn’t just run. She flies. Nine years ago, Tanya strapped on running blades for the first time. The feeling of flying through the air as she ran for the first time in her life was like nothing she had ever felt before. She hasn’t looked back since. Marathons, half marathons, 5Ks—she’s run them all. She even stroller runs with her 18-month old son. And Tanya doesn’t stop there. She is also a motivational speaker, occasional model, and has even competed in a bikini fitness show.  Tanya is a native of Belaraus and now resides in Kansas. This episode reveals my ignorance because Tanya had to explain to me what “congenital amputee” means. She also helped me realize that while some may think blade running is less stressful on a person’s body because you can’t sprain an ankle or get shin splints, it’s actually more difficult because your hips and back are having to take the full force of each step.  I really enjoyed getting to know Tanya in this episode. I’ve been following her for some tim

My episode this week is a conversation with Azierdi Oxendine. I really wanted to get Azierdi on the show and talk to her for several reasons. First, I’ve been following Azierdi on Instagram and she is a creative person. I love the creative types. I’m not creative, so I admire those who are. Azierdi is really fit and she loves to strength train. But here’s the thing: she never goes to a gym. She is always on the lookout for unique places and ways to train without purchasing equipment. I think sometimes we make things more difficult than they need to be when we are on a fitness journey. We think we need to buy a bunch of equipment, or go out of our way to carve out gym time. But Azierdi shows others you don’t need all that to get the job done.   Azierdi is also a member of the Lumbee tribe, a large Native American tribe located in North Carolina. So we also spend a few minutes talking about the tribe.   Finally, this is what sealed the deal for me in getting Azierdi on the show: a few months ago, she posted a p

In the midst of everything going on, non-profits and charitable organizations are hurting right now. Large fundraising events that these organizations depend on are being canceled. I am on the board of East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope. In this episode, the Executive Director of the organization explains the hit canceling a fundraising gala is having on the organization and how virtual races can help ease the fallout from lost fundraising opportunities. The D’Feet Breast Cancer Virtual 10K will be held in October. You can run this race any time in the month of October and any place you want to run it! Once your run is verified, you’ll have a medal mailed to you. I have the link to the registration page in my show notes.    In this episode, Ashley also shares exciting news for East Texas cyclists. We’re bringing Purgatory back. Have a listen!   Show Notes:   Register for D’Feet Breast Cancer Virtual 10K   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twit

When in doubt, throw out. And order pizza instead.   Let me know what your fall running plans are. Let’s share ideas to stay motivated and keep running even if we can’t race.   Follow In A Skirt:   In A Skirt Website In A Skirt on Facebook In A Skirt on Instagram In A Skirt on Twitter

  Show Notes: Armando is the pride and joy of the Lufkin running community. He started running in his late 30s and quickly made progress. This past January, he ran his marathon PR of 3:04. Armando is encouraging and hard-working. Probably each runner in my community has a story of how he has encouraged and inspired them. In this episode, we talk about all things running, but especially the Boston Marathon. Armando ran Boston a few years ago and has a genuine joy about the race that makes me even more eager to run it one day.    Ucan (use code INASKIRT 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

Leah Brasher is a repeat guest. She was on my podcast last year, along with three other ultrarunners. I asked her to be back on the show because she’s been the queen of virtual races these last few months and I wanted to talk to her about that. Leah is a nurse and an avid runner. When races started getting canceled in March, Leah decided she wanted to find a way to support one of her favorite small racing companies—Trail Racing Over Texas, aka TROT. She did this by signing up for many of TROT’s virtual races. Since March 21st, Leah has completed about a dozen virtual races, including three 100Ks and four 50Ks. In this episode, we talk about her virtual racing adventures and how to support smaller racing companies. Also, Leah messaged me after the interview and asked me to share some information that she forgot to share while talking to me. TROT’s next virtual race will be the Trans-Texas Virtual Run. This is a virtual run across Texas…879 miles. You can run this distance by yourself or as part of a team. Regi