In S5Ep8 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with decades-long distance runner, decorated Wayne State alum, physical therapy powerhouse, multifaceted running coach and proud mama bear, Dr. Lauren Couls, who has been preparing for the Red Moon Trail 25K on August 9th, 2025. Jen Rock Buslepp, Wayne State hall of famer, Olympic Trials qualifier, mama bear extraordinaire and blossoming photographer joins the show to offer her take on running burnout, mom brain and of course, the Ninja Turtles.
Buckle up as the squad unpacks how Lauren’s PT and coaching approach has evolved—from prescribing fixes to fostering lightbulb moments. By guiding athletes to discover answers for themselves, she sparks lasting growth and resilience; shifting runners’ perspectives on body mechanics and training strategies in the long run (pun intended) instead of just slapping bandaids on injuries.
Things get vulnerable when the trio digs into the hard questions around coaching, healing, and stewardship. What happens when your body says pause but your identity screams run? How do you balance competitiveness with compassion—for yourself and others? And how can each of us support this community, even when we’re not the ones pinning on the bib?
For both Lauren & Jen, that journey has meant evolving from high-level competitors to coaches, healers, and now moms. Deconstructing their identities as runners, then slowly rebuilding them hasn’t always been easy, but that process has sharpened their perspective, deepened their empathy, and made them more attuned to what really matters. Together, the crew explores what it means to grow with the sport rather than against it: redefining success, embracing rest, finding identity beyond medals and splits, and guiding athletes to run not just stronger but smarter - all while cultivating a deeper relationship with the sport and, in turn, with themselves.
Ummm, triple stroller Guinness World Record?!? Hootie & the Blowfish singalongs??? Gilligan's Island & Andy Griffith (yeah we old)! Jesus, is that you? Tornadoes, Facebook pokes and bilateral FAI, oh my!
This and so much more in a laughter-filled, wisdom-packed, and deeply heartfelt running mama edition of the PRP.
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Up & Running Performance
Recorded Thursday August 7th @ 4:00PM EST