The Start Line Podcast We Run We Eat

When Carol and Donna lace up their running shoes, they're not just embarking on a physical journey, they're navigating the complex tides of menopause with every stride. Our heartwarming finale brings these incredible women from the ERC community  into the spotlight, sharing how they've turned running into a fortress of empowerment during a time that society often whispers about. As we wrap up our series of conversations with the Emancipated Run Crew community, we delve into the silent battles, the communal triumphs, and the undeniable strength found in the running community and beyond.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of conversation, and a rally cry for inclusion. We honor the strides made in menopause education, inspired by Karen Arthur, Davina McCall, and countless others who have reframed this natural transition from taboo to a shared, open experience. The stories of Carol and Donna underscore the importance of movement and community at every life stage, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by black and brown women, and the power of representation in sports.

Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the collective wisdom we've gained from the conversations we've shared throughout this journey. We're incredibly grateful to our guests and you, our listeners, for the richness you've brought to this series. Here's to finding our pace together, to the beauty of shared experiences, and to embracing every step of life's marathon with courage and heart.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com .  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

You can also follow our guests on Instagram:
Donna - @donsfitnessgram
Carol -  @thisisseajay64
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When the Emancipated Run Crew's Trojan Gordon, Lionel Mullin, and Greg Patmore joined us, we discovered a shared truth that many black men carry: the weight of unspoken struggles with mental health. Our conversation ventured into the transformative space where the discipline of running meets the vulnerability of mental wellness, revealing the profound impact of therapy and the creation of communities like ours that defy the age-old stoic masculine mold. We embraced not just the physical strides but also the emotional ones, as these runners helped unpack the societal pressures that often silence men's emotional voices.

This episode is a heartfelt tapestry woven with the threads of our guests' personal journeys, highlighting the importance of safe spaces where men—especially within the Black community—can find camaraderie and the strength to express their emotions fully. We delved into the challenges and triumphs of fostering openness, the patience it takes to build trust, and the surprising parallels between the vulnerability required in personal relationships and that which can lead to a security breach in a professional setting. It's clear that the path to mental wellness is not a solitary run but a group sprint, where each stride forward is supported by the empathy and understanding of our peers.

Finally, we steered the conversation towards the younger generation, discussing the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and the support that can sometimes come in conflict with personal gain. The insights shared by Trojan, Lionel, and Greg illuminated the essence of trust within friendships and familial bonds. Their stories serve as a gentle reminder of the power of listening, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the undeniable value of therapy in the everyday connections that shape our lives.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, X (akaTwitter) and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com .  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

You can also follow our guests on Instagram:
Trojan - TheBeardedRunner
Lionel - LionRoars
Greg - Greg Patmore
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In the first ever TSL Rewound, we gather around the memory of our beloved cousin Steph, whose laughter and courage echoed even as triple negative breast cancer sought to silence her, by revisiting an episode that captures her essence. Steph's legacy, woven through stories of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a relentless battle against cancer, resonates with a message of hope and the importance of cherishing every heartbeat. Her voice, a tender reminder of strength and love, takes center stage once more, inviting listeners to hold dear the wisdom of self-care and the power of dreams that defy life's darkest moments.

Imagine facing life's most profound challenges with a smile that never fades and a spirit that refuses to be dampened. Steph, our special guest  and guiding light in this episode from February 2021, did just that, painting a portrait of resilience that etches itself into the heart. Her journey through the trials of IVF, the joy of motherhood, and the rigors of managing a business while waging a war on cancer is a poignant narrative that inspires awe. It's a tale that touches the core of human perseverance, spotlighting the unshakeable love within a family and the laugh that lingers even in the silence.

Throughout our conversation with Steph, we unravel the complexities of a cancer journey amidst the loneliness of a pandemic, the support networks that become our lifelines, and the unvarnished truths of life and love in the shadow of illness. Her transformative approach to health—embracing an alkaline diet, meditation, and energy healing—not only showcases her indomitable will to live but also serves as a beacon for all navigating similar paths. We honor Steph's memory by sharing her story, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering belief in tomorrow's sunrise.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod and you can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or listen on our website! And don’t forget to rate and review us!

Theme music: Street Festival by Franco Eneiro. Used under licence.
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As a runner, nothing tests your spirit quite like an injury. In this heartfelt discussion with fellow runners, John and Michelle from ERC open up about their recovery journey, and how they each found a unique path through the trials of injury. From the shadows of frustration to the finish line triumphs, the share their inspiring stories that redefine what it means to be part of the running community, even when you're not the one pounding the pavement.

This episode is all about the gritty and often overlooked realities of getting back on your feet—literally. As we exchange experiences and advice, you'll absorb practical tips for training post-injury, understanding the need to tune into your body's cues, and why your warm-up might just be the most crucial part of your run. We also touch on the mental game, emphasizing the importance of setting new, achievable goals. Sure, the body might scream "halt," but we discuss how to keep the mind firmly on the "go."

And because every runner knows it's not just about the legs, we delve into the world of muscle maintenance and the critical role of shoe selection. Discover how regular massages, foam rollers, and the right pair of trainers can make all the difference. It's an episode crammed with personal touches, expert insights, and a whole lot of heart. Join us as we tie our laces for a journey through the peaks and valleys of running, with personal stories from Michelle and John that will leave you raring for your next run—whatever pace you're going at.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

You can check out our episode about The Race, Atlanta's biggest long distance race organised for and by the black community featuring Race Director Tes Sobomehin-Marshall here!
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Discover the grit and grace of running beyond the usual finish line as we journey with Tasnim Tudor and Dina Loufimpou into the realm of ultramarathons. Witness firsthand the transformation from ordinary strides to the extraordinary feat of covering distances that push the human spirit to its limits. This episode isn't just about running; it's about transcending barriers and embracing the diversity within the ultra-running community.

Step into the shoes of runners who have morphed from marathoners to ultra-marathoners, uncovering the profound mental and physical shifts required to conquer the solitude of long-distance trails. From the quiet determination needed to train before dawn to the inner resilience that turns 'penguin' runners into ultramarathon champions, our guests share their compelling tales. These narratives aren't solely about endurance; they're a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of representation in a sport that thrives on diversity and inclusion.

As we close this chapter of our running series, gratitude is the path we choose, with heartfelt thanks to Tasnim for her marathon wisdom, and Dina for her ultra insights that have enriched our understanding of what it means to run far. The advice and personal stories shared will fuel our community as we lace up for the races ahead. Stay with us as we continue to chart the course of these incredible journeys, running side by side in pursuit of our next endurance adventure.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod. You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com. We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

Follow Tasnim on Instagram: @challengetaz
Follow Dina on Instagram: @runwithdins
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When Rachel McCoy and Dr. Zandi Ndlovu laced up their running shoes during lockdown, little did they know that they'd cross marathon finish lines in their mid-40s and at 50, rewriting their own narratives and shattering age expectations. Our latest episode is a testament to their extraordinary journeys, packed with laughter, resilience, and the sheer joy of running that knows no age. These women, who once cheered from the sidelines, now inspire us as they share the transformative power of putting one foot in front of the other, and how support from loved ones has amplified their triumphs.

Our conversation flows into the mental tenacity that marathon training demands, and the personal victories beyond the physical feat. The stories shared here are about more than just running; they're about the mental fortitude it builds within us. Rachel and Zandi recount the visceral thrill of the crowd's energy at the London Marathon and how it catalyzed their own leap from spectators to participants. This episode celebrates the unexpected paths to empowerment and the remarkable realization that what seemed insurmountable can become a cherished part of our identity.

Lastly, we unfold the fabric of the running community, a network of support likened to a family that extends far beyond the track. To those contemplating their first stride, know that it is never too late to join this invigorating tribe. We delve into the practicalities and spiritual connections of group runs, and how virtual platforms have bolstered our bonds, especially in a world slowly emerging from isolation. Whether you're seeking advice on starting out or contemplating your next big race, let Rachel, Zandi, and The Start Line be your cheerleaders on this exhilarating journey of self-discovery and communal celebration.

We'd love to hear from you, so please follow us on Instagram or Facebook by searching for @thestartlinepod.  You can also follow the show on your favourite podcast provider or at our website thestartlinepod.com.  We'd also love to stay in touch, so don't forget to subscribe to our email list so that we can notify you when the latest episode is coming out!

Follow Rachel on Instagram -  @justrach2023
Follow Zandi on Instagram - @zandi__ndlovu


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