Plucky Not Perfect Podcast

#6 Normalizing Failure: a Barefoot DNF with Rebecca Roache

Rebecca Roache is associate professor of philosophy at the University of London, and host of The Academic Imperfectionist podcast. Her book,”For F*ck's Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude, and Fun” will be published by Oxford University Press in November 2023.
You’ll hear her fascinating story about a later-in-life start to running and why she runs without shoes. Plus, insights on how swearing can help your running! 
In this conversation we talk about failure–how it sucks and most of us avoid it.  But, Rebecca says you should look failure square in the face and learn from it. She shares lessons from a recent failure: 20 miles into running a marathon barefoot she opted for a DNF (did not finish). 
This was one of many chats I’ve had with Rebecca, and I love each one. She’s witty and wise, plus that British accent! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. 
Favorite quotes: 
* Take it easy and go slowly is good advice. I found that the hard way. 
* Being a perfectionist is being afraid of failure, and we’re seeing failure as anything that’s not perfect. 
* We constantly fail to meet our expectations…but it’s not killing us. 
* It’s not like we fail and fall apart, it’s just part of life. 
* It’s not the end of the story. Think past failure. 
 
Links: 
Rebecca’s book: For F*ck's Sake
Her website: The Academic Imperfectionist
Rebecca’s Facebook
Product mentions: 
Rainbows & Sprinkles | Funky Feel-Good Activewear Clothing 
Llama Leisure - Leggings and Leisurewear
The UK's Award Winning Running Light | Million Mile Light
 
Connect with your host: 
Coach Carrie @carriejobradley
 

#3: Negative Thoughts are Helping You

Did you know that your negative thoughts can help you and your running?
This is a follow-up to the episode with Courtney McQueen, founder of Run Like a Girl. We talked about having negative thoughts and the importance of writing them down.
Negative thoughts are completely normal.  It’s learning how to reframe these thoughts that can help contribute to a more positive and productive running experience.
So, if you’re struggling with negativity at the moment, I have a question you can ask yourself for a bit of self-coaching and reflection. This episode provides some examples to get you thinking, including: weather, perfectionism, injury. 
JOURNAL EXERCISE: 
First, write down all the negative thoughts you have. Don’t edit or censor yourself. 
Next, here’s the question you can ask yourself about these negative thoughts:
What is this giving me? In other words, what are the benefits of holding this thought/belief? Finally, the follow-up question:  is that working for you?
Notice what thoughts you’re having and just write them down. Refer back to your journal after a day or two, or however much time you need, and see what comes up for you. 
 
Want support working through your negative thoughts? Reach out and connect with Coach Carrie
or send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook. 

#4: Benefits of Being a Beginner Runner with Becky VanDrunen

Becky VanDrunen's path from non-runner to half-marathoner will encourage you to lean into the unexpected joy of "being the worst in the room." It may also spark motivation to build the communities you need. 
Favorite quotes: 
"When you’re a beginner, it is hard. And it’s not more hard for you than it is for anyone else starting. And because it’s hard, it’s not a reason to stop.”
"Being a beginner takes practice. So if you’re a beginner and you just want to give up, know that if you keep flexing that beginner muscle, that it will be easier to keep going.”
“Running, is just like everything else .. you have to start somewhere and then have a plan and then you’ll get somewhere.” 
Click play to hear all of this, and...
[00:26:15] Be someone who helps the next person be a beginner 
[00:33:18] Why running slow is "goals" 
[00:45] Learn the best life hack for nervousness 
Links: 
Becky's Instagram
Becky's Spotify playlist
Playlistrunclub.com (coming Spring 2024)
momBabes podcast episode 
 
 
 

#2: Being Practically Positive Despite a Running Injury with Courtney McQueen

Courtney McQueen is the owner, director and co-founder of Run Like a Girl (RLAG). She’s a mom of two and an ultra-runner who is currently not able to run the long distances she craves. In this episode Courtney talks about how she got started running, why she founded RLAG, and how she copes with negative thoughts and injury. This episode will encourage you to think positively regardless of your circumstance. 
Follow along: 
[00:1:24] If running is a relationship, what stage are you in? 
[00:4:20] Courtney describes her early days of running (hear more detailed version here) up until her first 50k
[00:10:00] Why a 50k is too short for her
[00:12:00] Running with mom guilt
[00:13:49] Courtney discusses the Frosty 70-mile, a race she described in her chapter in the MomBabes book 
[00:16:30]  “We have to fight to keep who we are alive,” quote explained
[00:19:14] The local motivational mommas Courtney looks up to
[00:2:19] Did Courtney intend to inspire others when starting RLAG? 
[00:23:30] What RLAG is and offers
[00:26:35] origins of RLAG
[00:28:20] the first local race Courtney organized
[00:30:34] how to be a “jump in” type of person
[00:32:14] how to get over the fear of starting new things
[00:33:25] what NOT to think about during a run or race
[00:34:00] have you failed?
[00:35:31] drawbacks to the 1% better every day philosophy
[00:36:00] What motivates Courtney to keep going
[00:38:30] Rapid fire questions
  Including book on nightstand: The Hard Thing About Hard Things  
  Courtney’s most-listened to podcast: Choose Strong
[00:46:21] give yourself permission to do hard things and get started
[00:46:24] practical ways to focus on the positive
[00:49:15] tips for journaling and dealing with negative thoughts
Links: 
Run Like a Girl website, Instagram, Facebook Global Community
 

#5: Doubt as Part of the Process: Reflections on my first Ironman 70.3 triathlon

I'm peeling back the curtain on my journey to 70.3. Be encouraged as you hear that on the other side of my shiny medal was a messy middle. 
Learn about a fail, a mindset shift, a life-threatening condition, and other obstacles that had to be overcome along the way. 
PLUCKY thinking is that You can have plenty of doubts and worries along the way and still have a desirable end result. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Keep moving forward–one imperfect step at a time. Confidence follows courage. 
Want support being plucky? Reach out and connect with Coach Carrie  or send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook. 

#1: Why Plucky Not Perfect?

In this episode you'll learn who this podcast is for. It's for you if you: 
Feel “not good enough:
Wonder if you’re “too much”
Suspect you’re “not a real runner”
You used to run and you’re not sure you can get back into it
Feel a little ashamed you’re not more consistent, or you don’t always love running
Doubt you’ll ever get to that goal you dream about
Being plucky is all about determined courage. You will feel less alone as I vulnerably share what I'm afraid of and need courage for. 
You'll also get a picture of how running is a metaphor for life and how this can be a resource to help you with both. 
This podcast is for you, so please share with me your takeaways, what you want to hear more about, or any questions you want me to answer or topics you’d like to explore.
A big thank you to Courtney and RLAG for being such a big part in getting this going. 
Reach out and connect with Coach Carrie or send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook.