Zahra (@muslimactivemum) went from running ultras and racing on the world stage to being grounded by an unlikely fall at parkrun. The resulting injury sidelined her from the sport she loves for years, but her incredible positivity helped her come out stronger.

While recovering, Zahra became a mum. In this episode, she shares her struggles during those early days, how buggy running transformed her experience, and how it shaped the runner she is today.

She also discusses her mission to promote representation in the running world, what it feels like to be the only person who looks like her on the start line, and her hopes to inspire more women to confidently take up the sport.

If you've ever felt lost or lonely in motherhood, Zahra's story offers hope and reminds us that our biggest challenges can eventually lead to great things.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you sometimes lack in confidence in your running ability or wonder how to get out the door when you have zero motivation? Or perhaps you're battling with demons on your long run and struggling to keep going when you know you have more in your legs? Then this is the episode for you!

Dr Chloe Bedford is a counselling psychologist, runner and mum-of-two. She has been running for around 16 years, though becoming a parent has changed what running looks like for her and now she focuses on motivation, progress and fitting training into everyday life, rather than hitting certain paces.

Through her brilliant Instagram account, @The.Running.Psychologist, Chloe shares the psychology behind running and mental health, alongside the realities of trying to run when children, work and life have other plans. She encourages runners to pursue their goals with flexibility and self-compassion, and to remember that a missed run doesn’t mean the whole training plan needs to go in the bin.

In this week's episode, Chloe shares how you can become a more confident runner and be a little kinder to yourself, as ultimately pulling on your trainers and fitting in even a five minute run — while we're juggling kids, work and everything else life throws at us — is a win!

Hope you enjoy the episode x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Running Mums Podcast! I'm very excited to bring you series two, and delighted to be kicking off this series with the wonderful Shakira Akabusi.

The mum-of-four is a women's fitness expert and a specialist in postnatal exercise, as well as a presenter. Growing up as daughter to Olympian Kriss Akabusi, Shakira shares her early experiences of sport and how they evolved over the years.

We chatted all about how running and exercise helped Shakira through some really challenging times, as well as top tips for mums looking to get started running after having a baby, or returning to the sport after kids.

Shakira has inspired so many women to believe in themselves and invest in their all-round health through her Strong Like Mum network, and she shares some amazing advice on how we can feel good and run well for years to come.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.