298. Amanda Basham, Professional Ultra Runner

"You just have to keep going. Eventually things are going to be better."

You probably know exactly who Amanda Basham is, even if you don't realize you know who she is: She's the fiery-red-haired professional ultra runner and endurance coach who has raced all over the world at some of running's most prestigious and most grueling events, including Western States, the TransRockies Run, and World's Toughest Mudder. In 2015 — her first year as a pro — she won the 50-mile USATF Trail Championships race. Not a bad start to a pro career. (Amanda is currently sponsored by Rabbit and Altra.) Right now, Amanda is training for a different kind of endurance sport: She's 27 weeks pregnant! On this episode, Amanda talks about how pregnancy is going, and shares whether or not she always knew she wanted to be a mom. She talks about meeting now-boyfriend Justin Grunewald, and talks about love after loss — including how losing her brother two years ago to a drug overdose has shaped her life and her relationships.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Amanda talks about how she's feeling at 27 weeks pregnant (2:45)
• Amanda shares the story of how she and Justin Grunewald met (10:45)
• On navigating love after loss (16:30)
• Did Amanda always know she wanted to be a mom? (23:30)
• How Amanda found running (25:30)
• Amanda talks about her history with an eating disorder (29:30)
• On becoming a professional runner (36:45)

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• Instagram @amanda_basham
• Twitter @trainer_ab

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