In this episode of the Return to Run podcast, hosts Amanda Basham and Careth Christine share their personal journeys in running, motherhood, and the challenges of balancing athletic performance with family life. Amanda recounts her experience at the Broken Arrow Sky Race, while Careth reflects on her transition into running post-kids and the impact of the pandemic on her athletic pursuits. They discuss the importance of coaching, the thrill of stage racing, and the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of running and parenting. In this conversation, Careth Christine shares her journey as an ultra runner and mother, discussing her experiences at the Bandera race, living in a trailer, and balancing motherhood with her passion for running. She reflects on her unique home birth experience, the challenges of postpartum recovery, and the pressures of competition in the ultra running community. Careth emphasizes the importance of exploring her athletic identity while navigating the complexities of family life and the evolving landscape of the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Return to Run Podcast
01:33 Amanda's Experience at Broken Arrow Sky Race
06:39 The Thrill of Stage Racing
08:58 Balancing Family and Racing
10:58 Careth's Pre-Kid Running Journey
20:01 Careth's Transition into Running Post-Kids
24:45 Navigating Pregnancy and Running
27:27 Life Changes During the Pandemic
33:04 First Marathon Experience
37:08 Trail Racing and Overcoming Challenges
46:02 Coaching and Growth in Running
46:56 Journey to Bandera: A New Challenge
49:31 Living in a Trailer: Embracing the Adventure
51:41 Running as an Outlet: Balancing Motherhood and Passion
53:40 Navigating Time Constraints: The Stress of Parenthood
55:41 Life Changes: Moving and Family Dynamics
57:21 Pregnancy and Racing: A Unique Experience
01:00:33 The Birth of Shiloh: A Home Birth Story
01:09:27 Postpartum Recovery: Returning to Running
01:13:37 Exploring Athletic Identity: Finding My Place
01:19:16 The Pressure of Competition: Balancing Expectations
01:24:41 The Future of Running: Embracing the Unknown