Juggling work-life balance can be a real three-ring circus, which Lauren & Jesse know first hand. Led by listener questions, the Work, Play, Love Podcast is all about sports, biz, and family. [ASK YOUR QUESTION]
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Last week, the athletic community was shaken by Mary Cain’s op-ed in the New York Times, I Was The Fastest Girl In America, Until I Joined Nike. The article outlined a culture of body shaming and abuse by one of the most elite running teams in the world. Lauren and Jesse discuss the article and how this story illustrates a far too common experience for athletes. They field questions about how you can create a safe and positive environment for athletes as a coach, parent, and teammate; and they offer advice for athletes about nutrition and performance, and what to look for in a coach, program, club or team when it comes to your health.
Lauren’s just back from a long weekend in NYC for the New York City Marathon. She spoke on a panel with Alysia Montaño and Lindsay Crouse for the New York Times and joined a group of amazing women athletes for a live taping of the Ali On The Run Show. Lauren shares the excitement of her time with women activists in the city, and talks about where the feminist movement is headed.
Jesse spent some pretty great time solo parenting while Lauren was away and reflects on the first year he has been home with the kids alone more than Lauren. On the Picky Bars front? Everyone’s pumped because we. are. back. in. stooocckkkk!!!! Want Picky Bars? You got it. All flavors are currently shipping J
Other links:
Ali On The Run Show: Why It’s An Exciting Time for Women’s Running LIVE Show
Alison Mariella Désir (founder of Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women)
17:05 - Is there anywhere online I can watch the New York Times talk that Lauren did with Alysia Montaño and Lindsay Crouse before the 2019 New York City Marathon?
We don’t think so!
17:43 - Do you have any plans to restock or roll out new Picky Bars hoodies or sweatshirts in the merch section? My Picky Points are burning a hole in my pocket!
Yes! Keep your eye on the merch store. We’ve got some really fun new stuff coming your way. And if you’re not into apparel? You can use your Picky Points to buy some Picky Bars and donate them to a high school sports team, or some other folks who might need a healthy snack.
18:46 - What are your thoughts on the New York Times article by Mary Cain, "I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike”?
Eating disorder culture and negative-body-image culture are pervasive in the world of sports. Mary Cain’s brave op-ed in the Times rightly calls this out as a system of abuse that’s perpetuated by coaches and institutions obsessed with winning performances at all costs. Lauren and Jesse reflect on the article and discuss the implications of the op-ed at length, touching on why the article is so important, why it’s the right time for this story to be shared by a platform like the New York Times, and the potential impact it will have on the sports industry.
Cain’s Op-Ed in the New York Times
Alberto Salazar’s response to Cain’s allegations.
38:41 - As a high-school coach, how can I start conversations about RED-S and nutrition with my athletes? I want our athletes to feel supported and have some nutritional guidance. What’s the best way to create a positive culture around nutrition, fueling, and body image on my team?
It’s not unreasonable to have your athletes learn about nutrition and fueling. In fact, it can be especially useful for young athletes who are easily swayed by diet culture that may have a negative impact on their health and their relationship with food. Here are some resources that can serve as conversation starters for your athletes and can arm you with information you need to foster a culture of positivity and support for your teams.
46:51 - In the wake of Mary Cain’s sad revelations, what should an athlete look for when deciding whether to join a college-level or elite-level athletics program?
Here are some things to check on when deciding to join a team, program, or coaching relationship.
49:24 - As a coach of female athletes, how do you make sure that weight obsession, eating disorders, and other unhealthy habits don’t arise for your athletes?
Having healthy athletes on your team means better immune systems, fewer stress fractures and other injuries, and more back-to-back seasons of building strength and making performance gains. Super important stuff! Here are some ways to maintain a culture of body-positivity and healthy nutrition as a coach:
As always, submit your work/play/love question at pickybars.com/workplaylove - Thanks for listening!
Gift ideas for athletes, how to fit in exercise in an already packed schedule, when to have kids, and lastly, why are age-groupers peeing on the bike during triathlons?