Welcome to The Mother Runners
I’m Whitney Heins, the founder of The Mother Runners, a VDOT-O2 certified running coach, 2:54 marathoner, 1:20 half-marathoner, freelance writer, a former award-winning TV news journalist…and most importantly, a mom of two beautiful, crazy kids. I’ve been featured in Runner’s World, The Huffington Post, US News and World Report, and more. I’m thrilled to share all I learn with you so you can be your best selves on and off the roads. After all, running makes us better mothers, and vice versa.
Running is such an individual sport but when you become a mother, it can require a whole team of people and major schedule finessing to help you get out the door. It can require countless times of crying babies being pulled off you and pre-pre-dawn wake-ups to ensure it happens before the day’s craziness sets in.
At The Mother Runners, you’ll find information for all things at the intersection of running and motherhood brought to you by my personal experiences and research, and conversations with other Mother Runners and experts.
The Passionate Runner Podcast
I have the pure pleasure of hosting a podcast ABOUT RUNNING for RunnerClick called The Passionate Runner podcast. On the podcast, I speak with experts and running pros to share insider knowledge and inspiration so you can run your best and BE your best in the time that you have.
Testimonials
The Blog
The Latest
Should I Drink Coffee Before Running?
One scroll through Instagram and you’ll likely be barraged by coffee alternatives to replace caffeine….
The Importance of a Down Week in Running
One of my close running friends got a new running coach. She was training at…
How to Pace Yourself When Running
How to pace yourself when running is a learned skill that seasoned runners learn over…
MUD/WTR vs. Coffee? What’s Better for Runners
Back in 2018, I got some horrific news—I was allergic to coffee. Maybe I am…
Do Carbon Plated Shoes Make a Difference?
Do carbon plated shoes make you run faster? The answer is a resounding yes! This…
How to Carry Energy Gels During a Marathon
It’s a conundrum only marathoners will understand: how to carry energy gels during a marathon….
Motherhood Running
Should I Drink Coffee Before Running?
One scroll through Instagram and you’ll likely be barraged by coffee alternatives to replace caffeine….
MUD/WTR vs. Coffee? What’s Better for Runners
Back in 2018, I got some horrific news—I was allergic to coffee. Maybe I am…
How to Have Proper Stroller Running Form
Running with a stroller is hard work and a big part is because it feels…
What Is Intuitive Running? (& Why You Should Try It)
I must admit something. I am terrible at being an intuitive runner. You know, someone…
12 Genius Tips for Stroller Running
UPDATED August 15, 2023: Running with a jogging stroller is hard work! But it is…
Running and Menopause: A Survival Guide
In the not-so-distant future, I will be dealing with running and menopause. I am in…
Run Training
Should I Drink Coffee Before Running?
One scroll through Instagram and you’ll likely be barraged by coffee alternatives to replace caffeine….
The Importance of a Down Week in Running
One of my close running friends got a new running coach. She was training at…
How to Pace Yourself When Running
How to pace yourself when running is a learned skill that seasoned runners learn over…
Do Carbon Plated Shoes Make a Difference?
Do carbon plated shoes make you run faster? The answer is a resounding yes! This…
How to Carry Energy Gels During a Marathon
It’s a conundrum only marathoners will understand: how to carry energy gels during a marathon….
The 3 Best Joint Supplement for Runners
You don’t really start thinking about joint problems as a runner until you pass the…
Weather-Related Running Tips
8 Tips to Make Running in Humidity Easier
Summer has arrived and for many of us that means that the humidity has arrived,…
8 Best Electrolyte Drinks for Runners
Most long-distance runners know that they need to fuel their long runs with energy gels….
Can You Go Running with Allergies?
Where I live Knoxville, Tennessee in a mountain valley, most everyone struggles with it—allergies. And…
10 Expert Tips for Running with Asthma
I am writing this article in hopes of trying to help runners like some of…
12 Must-Have Spring Running Gear
It’s finally that time of year most runners yearn for—spring running! The temps warm. The…
Best Running Rain Jackets of 2023
Updated February 19, 2023: Last weekend I had a 20-mile long run with a 10-mile tempo…
Motivation
What Is Intuitive Running? (& Why You Should Try It)
I must admit something. I am terrible at being an intuitive runner. You know, someone…
9 Steps to Return to Running After Injury
(Updated August 21, 2023): Oh, the roller coaster ride that comes with running injuries and…
Answers to Every Runner’s Question: WHY Am I Doing This?
Every runner faces it: the dreaded alarm clock. It rings, you open and close your…
Best Running Books to Read This Summer
Three running books from highly respected elite female distance runners have been released this year….
New Year’s Resolutions Every Runner Should Have
Ahh, it’s almost the new year. This means so many of us are setting fitness…
How Do You Stay Motivated to Run in the Winter?
I have always loved running no matter the odds–however, my motivation to get out the…
Gear
Do Carbon Plated Shoes Make a Difference?
Do carbon plated shoes make you run faster? The answer is a resounding yes! This…
The 7 Best Running Insoles for Runners
In the summer of 2021, I was hit with what I thought was a bad…
Can Your Running Shoe Wear Pattern Predict Running Injuries?
I have a close running friend who is a running shoe expert. I sent her…
12 Genius Tips for Stroller Running
UPDATED August 15, 2023: Running with a jogging stroller is hard work! But it is…
10 Best Women’s Running Shorts with Pockets
I cannot run without a phone—for safety reasons, attachment to my kids reasons, and personal…
6 Best Running Socks That Prevent Blisters
The other week I wrote an article on what to do if you have a…
Most Popular
The Ultimate Running Injury Prevention Guide
UPDATED September 6, 2023: Almost as certain as death and taxes are running-related injuries for…
How to Cope with a Running Injury
Last week I learned something I already knew: I have a labral tear in my…
Top 10 Best Running Dog Breeds
Our furry friends not only can make the perfect running partner but can also be…
12 Genius Tips for Stroller Running
UPDATED August 15, 2023: Running with a jogging stroller is hard work! But it is…
Marathon Fueling 101: What to Eat Before, During, & After Running
UPDATED Aug. 12, 2023: One of the major perks of being a marathon runner is…
The 10 Best Strength Training Apps for Runners
The other day my husband said he thought he could beat me in a mile…
Health and Wellness
Should I Drink Coffee Before Running?
One scroll through Instagram and you’ll likely be barraged by coffee alternatives to replace caffeine….
MUD/WTR vs. Coffee? What’s Better for Runners
Back in 2018, I got some horrific news—I was allergic to coffee. Maybe I am…
How to Have Proper Stroller Running Form
Running with a stroller is hard work and a big part is because it feels…
What Is Intuitive Running? (& Why You Should Try It)
I must admit something. I am terrible at being an intuitive runner. You know, someone…
12 Genius Tips for Stroller Running
UPDATED August 15, 2023: Running with a jogging stroller is hard work! But it is…
Running and Menopause: A Survival Guide
In the not-so-distant future, I will be dealing with running and menopause. I am in…
Reviews
Do Carbon Plated Shoes Make a Difference?
Do carbon plated shoes make you run faster? The answer is a resounding yes! This…
The 7 Best Running Insoles for Runners
In the summer of 2021, I was hit with what I thought was a bad…
Can Your Running Shoe Wear Pattern Predict Running Injuries?
I have a close running friend who is a running shoe expert. I sent her…
12 Genius Tips for Stroller Running
UPDATED August 15, 2023: Running with a jogging stroller is hard work! But it is…
10 Best Women’s Running Shorts with Pockets
I cannot run without a phone—for safety reasons, attachment to my kids reasons, and personal…
6 Best Running Socks That Prevent Blisters
The other week I wrote an article on what to do if you have a…