PEAC- Train Like a Girl: enhancing performance & wellbeing of GIRLS IN SPORT

More Than an Athlete: Paige Picher Giddings on Emotional Safety and the Central Nervous System for GIRLS in Sport

Guest: Paige Picher Giddings – Former high school basketball player and advocate for social and emotional safety for girls in sports.
 
Overview: In this episode, Paige Picher Giddings shares her personal journey of navigating the pressures of elite sports from a young age, starting in USA Swim with intense two-a-day practices by the age of seven. Her transition to high school basketball at a prestigious private school further solidified her identity as a high performer, which brought both emotional praise and verbal abuse from coaches. Paige reflects on how her self-worth became tied to her athletic achievements, leaving little room for life outside of sports.
 
Through her story, Paige advocates for a shift in coaching approaches, emphasizing the importance of coaches "pouring into" their athletes rather than imposing their will. She calls for a focus on teaching life skills, particularly the ability to reset and calm the central nervous system after intense competition.
 
Key Discussion Points:
 
Early Pressure in Youth Sports:
 
Paige’s experience of high-stakes sports from a very young age.
The anxiety and lack of balance caused by constant performance demands.
The Emotional Impact of Performance-Based Praise:
 
How receiving praise only for athletic performance led to emotional abuse.
The negative effects of tying self-worth to success in sports.
Rethinking Coaching:
 
Paige’s belief that coaches should empower athletes rather than control them.
The importance of teaching girls life skills that extend beyond sports.
Resetting the Nervous System:
 
Techniques Paige recommends, such as belly breathing, box breathing, and simple meditation practices.
The significance of helping athletes shift from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system for recovery and well-being.
The Importance of Connection with Our Bodies:
 
How sports can sometimes lead to disassociation from the body.
Encouraging girls to reconnect with their bodies, recognizing they are more than their physical abilities or appearance.
Takeaway Message: Girls need more than just physical training to thrive in sports—they need emotional resilience, tools for mental recovery, and the ability to separate their self-worth from athletic performance. Paige’s story highlights the importance of fostering a supportive, holistic environment for young athletes, where mental and emotional health is prioritized.
 
Practical Tips for Athletes:
 
Belly breathing for stress relief.
Box breathing for focus and calm.
Legs up the wall for relaxation and recovery.
Meditation, even for just 5 minutes a day, to reset the nervous system.
Tune in to learn how we can reshape the culture of sports for girls to promote not just athletic success, but overall well-being and emotional safety.
 
Available On: 
https://sampsonannemarie.podbean.com/
 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Wjk0S2axR58Qu0nMCcENB
 
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-peac-train-like-a-girl-en-182787629/
 
Follow Paige Picher Giddings:
https://www.instagram.com/healwith_paige/
 
https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
 
https://www.instagram.com/sustainablelife.live/

Fueling for Performance: Breaking Down Diet Culture & Body Image with Sports Dietitian Heidi Strickler

In this episode, I sit down with Heidi Strickler, a registered sports dietitian (RD, RSD), for a candid conversation about fuel, food, and the culture of diet and body image in sports. Heidi and I first connected at the WILDWOOD conference, and I knew right away that her experience and insights would resonate with our listeners.
 
Heidi grew up outside of Salt Lake City, where her love for soccer and the outdoors began. After a positive youth soccer career, she faced challenges with the culture in college athletics—dealing with body image pressures, a me-centered team environment, and a lack of positive leadership. This led her to discover a new passion: cross-country running.
 
Heidi's personal struggle with body image, the quest for the "perfect sports body," and misinformation about fueling for performance and recovery led her down a difficult path. Like many athletes, she dealt with under-fueling, over-exercising, and eventually, an eating disorder. Now, as a sports dietitian, she empowers athletes to understand the importance of proper fueling for performance and recovery.
 
In this episode, Heidi talks about key topics including:
 
Relative Energy Deficiency (RED-S): How under-fueling can impact performance and overall health.
 
Menstrual Cycles & Body Changes: Normalizing the conversation around body changes as athletes grow and develop.
 
Caregivers' Responsibility with Food & Body Image: How parents' negative self-talk, food labeling (good vs. bad foods), and their own diet behaviors can impact young athletes.
 
Best Foods to Fuel & Recover: No food is inherently good or bad, but Heidi explains the importance of timing in fueling for optimal performance and recovery.
 
The Pop Tart vs. Nature's Made Granola Bar Debate: Hold on tight for Heidi’s comparison, challenging common perceptions about "healthy" snacks.
 
Join us for this informative and eye-opening discussion on how to fuel not just for sport, but for life, with a healthy relationship to food and body image.
 
LINKS:
 
Heidi Strickler
https://www.instagram.com/hkstrickler_sportsrd/
 
Wildwood
https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodrunningpdx/
 
PEAC-train like a girl 
https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
 
https://www.instagram.com/usa_womens_soccer1/
 
https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/
 
Website:
https://sustainablelifelive.com/information-podcast

Table Talk: Conversations on All Things Girls In Sport

Description:Join Mia, Megan, and Annemarie for the inaugural episode of Table Talk. In this episode, our hosts dive into a variety of topics, giving you an insider's perspective on girls in sport.Topics Covered:Paris Olympics:What we loved about Paris Olympics and the exceptional coverage!Social Media Insights:How TikTok and other social media platforms provide a glimpse into the daily lives of athletes.The best TikToks, including a fun discussion about the best chocolate muffins.Athlete Seasons:The length and intensity of college seasons, Olympic trials, and the Olympics for athletes.Social Media and NIL Impact:The pressures of being "always on" for athletes due to social media and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.The issue of toxic positivity and the need to talk about the challenges and isolation athletes face.Parker Valby's candid discussion about the difficulties of college athletics.Nike's Responsibility:The role of Nike in ensuring safe sports environments.Criticism of Nike prioritizing profits over people.Kara Goucher's book, "The Longest Run," shedding light on the Nike Oregon Project.
Summer Updates:Megan and Mia share highlights from their summer.Mia talks about recovering from an ankle injury and the challenges of the healing process.Updates on their upcoming seasons with Iowa swimming and Georgetown running.Megan's insights on building connections with incoming freshmen during her senior season.Follow Us!Stay tuned as we follow Mia and Megan throughout their seasons, providing more engaging conversations and behind-the-scenes looks at their journeys in sport.Hawkeye Swim and Dive IG: https://www.instagram.com/hawkeyeswimdive/Georgetown Track/XC IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoyastrack/?hl=enPEAC-train like a girl: https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/?hl=enParker Valbey IG: https://www.instagram.com/parkervalby/?hl=enPEAC-train like a girl website: https://sustainablelifelive.com/information-podcast

Beyond the Field: Sophie Lee on Body Image, Health, and Advocacy

Guest: Sophie Lee, High School Lacrosse Player
 
Background:
Early Sports Journey: Sophie began her athletic journey as a dancer, engaging in all types of dance including ballet.
Challenges in Ballet: The physical and emotional toll of ballet, coupled with body shame stigma, left Sophie feeling emotionally challenged.
Transition to Lacrosse: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophie picked up lacrosse. Her coordination, cardio training, and strength helped her quickly develop stick skills and excel in the game.
Cross Country Running: In addition to lacrosse, Sophie runs cross country. She experienced a loss of her period for months during the season.
Health and Nutrition: Sophie worked hard to increase her nutritional intake to protect her long-term health, prioritizing period health.
Advocacy and Writing:
Drops of Ink: Sophie writes for the publication "Drops of Ink," where she openly discusses issues related to girls in sports, equity, periods and performance, and providing social and emotional support.
Period Health Advocacy: Sophie advocates for bringing conversations about periods out of the shadows and into locker rooms, making discussions around period health less awkward.
Role with PEAC:
Mentorship and Advocacy: Sophie will be one of PEAC's mentors, serving as a role model, advocate, and ally. She will introduce PEAC and its concepts to her teammates and coaches.
Key Themes:
Emotional and Physical Challenges in Sports
Body Image and Stigma
Importance of Period Health
Advocacy for Girls in Sports
Mentorship and Leadership
Tune in to hear Sophie Lee's inspiring journey and her dedication to supporting girls in sports through advocacy and mentorship.
 
Websites
https://www.lhsdoi.com/staff_name/sophie-lee/
https://sustainablelifelive.com/information-podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Wjk0S2axR58Qu0nMCcENB
https://sampsonannemarie.podbean.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
https://www.instagram.com/ssophieleee/
 

Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women in Sport with Christine Yu

Join us as we dive into an eye-opening conversation with journalist and author Christine Yu, discussing her latest book, "Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women in Sport." This essential read is exactly what the world of girls' sports needs today. Christine shares her journey of discovering the lack of education and accurate information regarding the menstrual cycle and how it impacts women in sports.
Menstrual Cycle and Sports: Christine explores the emerging science on periods, hormones, breasts, and body shame, and how these factors affect female athletes.
Normalizing Conversations: The importance of breaking the taboo, stigma, and shame around women's health and performance in sports.
Long-Term Health: How understanding these aspects is crucial for keeping sports safe, helping girls thrive, and reducing the dropout rate in sports.
Statistics: The Women's Sports Foundation reports that 40% of teen girls are not actively participating in a sport, and boys have 1.3 million more sport opportunities than girls.
Christine’s personal story and curiosity about women's health in sports.
The necessity of educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the menstrual cycle and its effects on performance.
Strategies for creating a supportive environment for female athletes.
Stay tuned until the end when Christine shares the five people she would invite to her dream dinner party, including Simone Biles, Kara Goucher, and Allyson Felix.
Don’t miss this insightful episode that’s set to revolutionize how we understand and support women in sports. Subscribe now, and let’s normalize these crucial conversations together!
 
LINKS:
Instagram
Christine Yu https://www.instagram.com/cyu888/
Kara Goucher https://www.instagram.com/karagoucher/
PEAC-train like a girl https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
Alison Felix https://www.instagram.com/felix_alison/
Simone Biles https://www.instagram.com/simonebiles/?hl=en
 

Kelly Keefe: Embracing the Mind-Body Connection Through Yoga

In this episode of PEAC: Train Like a Girl, we welcome Kelly Keefe, a certified yoga instructor with a powerful story of resilience and determination. Here's a glimpse into Kelly's journey and the wisdom she shares:
Background:
Certified yoga instructor
Former high school basketball player and cross-country runner
Diagnosed at age 8 with Scoliosis and Spina Bifida
Underwent major spinal fusion surgery during her high school years
Kelly's Journey:
Basketball and Cross-Country:
Basketball was her first love, shared with her twin sister
Her basketball career came to an abrupt halt during a tournament when she experienced severe mobility issues
Post-surgery, Kelly's recovery was long and painful, but she tackled it head-on with the support of her family
Personal Training and Cross-Country Running:
Kelly began personal training, which eventually led her to cross-country running. Found a supportive community, faced both physical and mental challenges, and built positive connections with her coaches
College Years:
Served as the student manager of the women's basketball team at DePauw University, where her twin sister continued to excel in basketball
Kelly's involvement in sports extended beyond her own participation, fostering community and connection.
Re-discovering Yoga:
After a car accident, a coworker recommended yoga to Kelly. Kelly found MELT Hot Yoga, where she experienced a profound connection between mind, body, and breath. Yoga helped her feel whole while simultaneously building strength
Philosophy and Advice:
Kelly believes that all girls in sports can benefit from the mind-body connection fostered by yoga and breathwork, even in as little as five minutes a day. Emphasizes the importance of becoming comfortable with discomfort. Shares her worst coaching advice experience: being told to ignore pain

Overcoming Hurdles: Brenna Detra’s Athletic Evolution

Take a listen as we talk with Brenna Detra’s story from multi-sport athlete to Professional Runner. Brenna shares her incredible journey from excelling in 300 hurdles, volleyball, and softball in high school to competing in 400 hurdles at the University of Wisconsin. Go Badgers! Now a pro in the 800m, Brenna credits her multi-sport background for helping her avoid burnout and strengthen her body.
Brenna opens up about the challenges she faced transitioning from high school to college, especially the pressure of being a scholarship athlete. She discusses the financial importance of her scholarship in easing the burden on her single mom. Brenna also reflects on a difficult conversation with three male coaches after a rocky freshman year, highlighting the need for more female representation in coaching staff and a shift towards seeing athletes as people, not commodities.
Proudly graduating from Wisconsin, Brenna talks about the mental shift that helped her succeed and expresses gratitude for the resources available at the university. She also delves into the challenges of transitioning to professional running while working full-time at Oracle and self-funding her career until she secured sponsorship with Oiselle, A BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN BRAND!
Tune in to Episode 1 of this two-part series to hear Brenna’s inspiring story of perseverance, growth, and triumph.

PEAC Power: Voices of Girls in Sport- our WHY! #7

"RE-LISTEN" episode #1,  our introduction- take a listen to our WHY!
website: https://sustainablelifelive.com/what-is-peac
IG: https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
Annemarie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablelife.live/
 
Welcome to PEAC- train like a girl, a podcast by GIRLS IN SPORT for GIRLS and coaches in sport. We’re here to amplify your voice- it deserves to be heard. At PEAC, we are a SAFE place for GIRLS to hang out, learn, grow, and build community. We empower GIRLS IN SPORT and coaches with the knowledge, resources, and support we think is necessary in todays athletic environments to thrive. Join us for bold conversations about the experiences of GIRLS IN SPORT. Our discussions will make you laugh, cry, cheer, get frustrated, and rethink the future of girls in sports for generations to come. Whether you’re walking, commuting, or cleaning your bedroom, take us with you. Follow us, check out our website, consider making a donation and share with a female athlete or coach you love!

Strong Together: Mia's journey from collegiate recruitment to building bonds #6

Welcome to PEAC- train like a girl, a podcast by GIRLS IN SPORT for GIRLS and coaches in sport. We’re here to amplify your voice- it deserves to be heard. At PEAC, we are a SAFE place for GIRLS to hang out, learn, grow, and build community. We empower GIRLS IN SPORT and coaches with the knowledge, resources, and support we think is necessary in todays athletic environments to thrive. Join us for bold conversations about the experiences of GIRLS IN SPORT. Our discussions will make you laugh, cry, cheer, get frustrated, and rethink the future of girls in sports for generations to come. Whether you’re walking, commuting, or cleaning your bedroom, take us with you. Follow us, check out our website, consider making a donation and share with a female athlete or coach you love!
 
Follow on IG:
Georgetown Track & Field: https://www.instagram.com/hoyastrack/
Mia Pashaa: https://www.instagram.com/miapashaa/
Personal Recruiting Coach: https://www.instagram.com/anovelli_rightontrack/

Mia's story: Social and Emotional Safety for girls in sport #6

Mia's unique journey into cross country, which began through the soccer pipeline. As a passionate athlete in middle and high school, Mia's love for sports extended to horseback riding, skating, and soccer. She started her freshman year as a dedicated runner, despite lacking speed, and embraced the joy of running. Supported by great teammates who valued period health and proper nutrition, Mia thrived and discovered her natural talent for running.
Mia's high school experience included running with the boys' team to face tougher competition, which sometimes strained her relationships with her female teammates. This decision led to mixed feelings, as it provided certain benefits but also posed social challenges. Mia also faced psychological struggles, particularly when she didn't receive the support she expected from those close to her, including her first romantic relationship.
Despite these challenges, Mia remained determined to excel in her sport. Mia wants girls to understand the complexities of being a girl in sports and underscores the importance of women supporting each other in positions of power. 
 
PEAC-train like a girl! LIKE, FOLLOW, GIVE US A 5 STAR REVIEW! 
Follow:
Mia Pashaa: https://www.instagram.com/miapashaa/
PEAC-train like a girl: https://www.instagram.com/peac_train_like_a_girl/
Annemarie: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablelife.live/
 
visit our website: https://sustainablelifelive.com/what-is-peac