Summary:

• In this episode, Laura introduces Stephanie, a remarkable individual with a multifaceted life story that includes being an army veteran, a nurse, a cancer survivor, and a passionate runner with ADHD. Stephanie shares her journey of resilience, detailing her experiences in the military, her struggles with ADHD, and her battle with breast cancer. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, revealing how these traits have shaped her approach to life and running. Throughout the conversation, Stephanie's humor and grit shine through as she recounts her challenges and triumphs, including her unique approach to running and her determination to not let her diagnoses define her.

• As the discussion unfolds, Stephanie reflects on her experiences in the army and how they influenced her discipline and resilience. She shares her journey through cancer treatment, including her decision to participate in running events shortly after her mastectomy and through radiation. The episode highlights the power of community, the importance of mental health, and the strength found in vulnerability. Stephanie's story serves as an inspiration to listeners, encouraging them to embrace their challenges and pursue their passions with determination and heart. In this episode, Laura and Stephanie dive deep into Stephanie's inspiring journey as an ADHD runner and cancer survivor. They discuss her incredible dedication to fitness, including walking over 100 miles in March and participating in various runDisney events, despite facing significant health challenges. Stephanie shares her humorous take on her experiences, including her unique costume choices for races and the resilience she has developed through her medical journey. The conversation highlights the importance of humor, support from friends and family, and the mental strength required to overcome obstacles in both running and life.

• As they reflect on their running experiences, they touch on the emotional aspects of dealing with setbacks, such as DNFs (Did Not Finish) and the courage it takes to adjust race goals. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding that one’s best can look different each day. The episode concludes with a recap of Laura’s 1st Dopey Challenge which completed with Stephanie by her side and they discuss both their future running goals, the significance of community support, and the lessons learned from their running journeys, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their own challenges with resilience and humor.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stephanie's Journey

01:47 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

03:09 Military Service and Health Challenges

19:20 Resilience Through Cancer

41:08 Running as a Form of Healing

01:00:11 Pacing and Supporting Others in Running

01:17:31 Conclusion and Reflections on Strength

If this episode impacted reminded you that you’re not the only runner whose brain sprints faster than their legs, spread the word! Share it with a friend, post it to your stories or send us a message at laceup@wiredtorun.com. We’re building the ADHD/neurodivergent running/walking community that should’ve existed ages ago, and you’re helping to bring us all together! Welcome to the Wired Family!

In this episode, Laura and Will discuss how to effectively plan running goals for the new year, especially for those with ADHD. They emphasize the importance of setting realistic and flexible goals, defining personal motivations, and creating a supportive environment. The conversation covers strategies for choosing races, maintaining motivation, and embracing the journey of running, highlighting the significance of community and personal transformation along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage for 2026 Running Goals

01:15 Understanding ADHD and Running Challenges

03:39 Defining Your Why: The Anchor Goals

07:39 Establishing the Big Three Goals

13:06 Choosing Races Wisely

19:08 Creating a Flexible Training Plan

22:39 Externalizing Memory for Success

29:14 Building a Reset Plan for Slumps

32:18 Normalizing Goal Adjustments

34:46 Facing the Dopey Challenge

38:28 Personal Transformation Through Running

Takeaways

• Plan your running goals to avoid burnout.
• Define your 'why' to stay motivated.
• Set a main goal, a supporting goal, and a joy goal.
• Choose races that align with your life circumstances.
• Flexibility in planning is key to success.
• Build a support system to keep you accountable.
• Create a reset plan for motivation dips.
• Adjusting goals is not a sign of failure.
• Find joy in the running experience.
• Community support enhances the running journey.

If this episode reminded you that you’re not the only runner whose brain sprints faster than their legs, spread the word! Share it with a friend, post it to your stories or send us a message at laceup@wiredtorun.com. We’re building the ADHD/neurodivergent running/walking community that should’ve existed ages ago, and you’re helping to bring us all together! Welcome to the Wired Family!

In this episode of Wired to Run, hosts Laura and Will delve into the significance of their podcast, sharing personal stories and insights about living with ADHD as runners. They discuss Laura's journey to her ADHD diagnosis, the emotional complexities surrounding it, and the strengths that come with having ADHD. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, support, and reframing the narrative around ADHD and running, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique wiring and pursue their passion for running without fear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wired to Run Podcast

01:14 The Purpose Behind the Podcast

02:28 Laura's ADHD Diagnosis Journey

04:33 Embracing ADHD: Relief and Understanding

06:52 Grieving the Past: Reflections on Childhood

09:01 Recognizing Strengths in ADHD

12:17 The Duality of Big Picture and Detail Orientation

14:35 Overcoming Fear of Running

16:57 The Mental Tug-of-War in Running

19:24 Addressing Challenges with ADHD and Running

21:10 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Its Impact

24:06 Building a Supportive Community

28:31 The Emotional Benefits of Running

30:29 Running as a Home for ADHD Minds

32:37 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Running with ADHD

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to inspire runners with ADHD through real stories.
• Laura's ADHD diagnosis brought relief and understanding of her struggles.
• Grieving for the past is a common experience for those diagnosed later in life.
• ADHD comes with unique strengths that can be celebrated.
• Running can provide clarity and a sense of belonging.
• Fear of running often stems from self-doubt and societal pressures.
• Building a supportive community is crucial for ADHD runners.
• Emotional self-defense can prevent individuals from pursuing their passions.
• Running can improve emotional regulation and mental health.
• Embracing one's unique wiring can lead to a fulfilling running journey.

email: laceup@wiredtorun.com