Mental Training + Race Preparation with Dr. Erin Ayala

Another Mother Runner

Sarah Bowen Shea

Health & Fitness, Sports, Running

4.8 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 10 April 2026

⏱️ 52 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Whether you’re taking on your first 10K or about to run Boston, this episode offers practical, insightful advice from guest Erin Ayala, Ph.D., a Minneapolis-based sport psychologist and host of Feisty Women’s Performance podcast. Along with hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat, Erin shares:

the value of “scary, joyful, and new” challenges;
real-world suggestions for getting your brain on board w/ training;
a gut-wrenching tale of a recent race going sideways;
a 21st-century option for creating a vision board; and,
the importance of feeling all the feels post-race.

Before Erin hops on around 07:10, Coach Liz and Sarah reveal how they approach workouts while on vacation. Hydration bonus: Chug every time Erin includes a rhyme in a response!

Shop our sponsors:

Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/

Currex: Use code AMR15 for 15% off at https://currex.com/

Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/

Episode Resources

Erin Ayala: https://www.skadisportpsychology.com/

Feisty Women’s Performance podcast: https://feisty.co/podcasts/feisty-womens-performance/

Feisty Fest: Join us from September 18-20, 2026 - https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/

Join AMR at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code AMR20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/

Transcript

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0:00.0	I'm jumping into the Feisty sphere with both feet. This September, I'm heading to Lehigh Valley,
0:05.0	Pennsylvania for Feisty Fest. FiceFest is a three-day festival crafted specifically for women,
0:10.7	a weekend away from the noise of everyday life dedicated entirely to movement, learning, and community.
0:16.9	The vibe? Think less, intense fitness retreat more, the best weekend you've had in years.
0:22.5	Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started, there's something at Feisty Fest for you.
0:27.1	And I should know, as I'm helping plan the weekend's events, presenters, and special treats.
0:31.8	As an attendee, you can try activities you've never done before, things like track workouts, trail running, and barbells,
0:42.0	or spend the weekend doing the thing you already love surrounded by other women who get it.
0:46.8	In addition to running, I plan to be part of swim sessions, possibly elliptigo demo rides,
0:48.9	and pickleball games, and much more.
0:53.3	On the education side, you'll hear from legit experts, including running coaches,
0:54.4	gravel cycling aficionados, and a strength training coach, plus a live podcast recording of this show.
1:00.0	And built into all of it, real downtime, space to decompress, connect with other women,
1:05.4	and just be for a weekend. I'll be there, and I really hope you will be too. Learn more about FeistyFest by going
1:12.0	to Feisty.co. That's F-E-I-S-T-Y-Y dot CO. Welcome to another mother runner, your best running friend in podcast form.
1:30.3	We do all the talking, even on the uphills.
1:32.6	I'm your host, Sarah Bowen-Shay.
1:34.4	I'm joined today by Liz Waterstrot.
1:37.3	Hello, Liz.
1:38.1	Or should I say Aloha?
1:40.0	Aloha, Sarah.
1:42.9	So you are fresh off a big family trip to Hawaii for spring break.
	...

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