Episode 14 | Amy Clark: Mom of Twins, Western States Finisher, Editor of Ultrarunning Magazine

by Nikki Parnell — June 26, 2020 — 📸: Joe McCladdie

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This week we had the opportunity to spend some time with Amy Clark – local Bendite, mom of twins, ultrarunner, and editor of Ultrarunning Magazine! We discuss all kinds of things ranging from IVF and pregnancy to her progression into ultras and her experience running Western States to what it’s really like to be an editor of a magazine. You will learn a lot in this episode, but maybe more importantly you will feel a lot from the stories Amy tells.

Amy shares her journey of having twins, beginning with an IVF process, a pregnancy where she was unable to run, and her eagerness to return to running postpartum. She ran marathons at the time, but grew bored with the distance and started dabbling in the ultra scene. 

Thanks to some friends’ encouragement and watching other runners she knew run the Western States 100 miler, she found something to get excited about; the carrot dangling in front of her. After many years of crewing people at States and growing her love for the event, it became her time to run it in 2019. It was her first hundred miler. She describes her training build up, the special energy that resides at the race and what it was like to actually be there running it. We catch a glimpse of the magic of a race like Western States and are reminded of how powerful big races like this are to us. It’s about so much more than just running. Amy begins by saying the race was perfect, but of course, during 100 miles a lot can happen and a lot can go wrong – ex: her play by play of when her stomach turned and she was trying to eat and trying to throw up and yet she kept going, kept enjoying it, and still stands by the race being a perfect experience. As she neared the finish line and knew she would reach it in the golden hour surrounded by her family and crew and all the amazing spectators, volunteers and race organizers we could feel the emotion of the day. Honestly, it made Stef and I want to cry. Those finish line feelings after such a big effort… there’s nothing like them.

And being a mom too, taking on a big feat like Western States or any 100 miler for that matter, is a big deal. As moms, we see the support that needs to happen in order for us to reach our goals. Amy had a support team, parents and husband watching the kids to help make these big training weeks and races possible. The sacrifice is always felt though and being away from the family for long hours while training can be hard. It can cause any of us mothers to break down a little bit and Amy talks about some of that while building up to Western States. 

As if mothering and running hundred milers isn’t enough, Amy is also the editor of Ultrarunning Magazine. We hear what life is like as an editor, what her job entails and the stepping-stones she took to get there. The magazine family sounds like the neatest, small group of people – her coworkers are her running buddies and crew squad and cheerleaders; it sounds like such a supportive environment. We loved hearing about her passion for capturing the voice of ultrarunning, how she aims to reflect the history of this sport and where it’s going. She loves being surrounded by inspiration from elites, from everyday runners, and from women doing big things who show her what she could potentially do in her own life.

Just to give you fair warning, you’re going to want to get out the door and start training for something after listening to this episode! You just might be pulled into the Western States vortex! To listen, click the podcast player below or search “Run Hard Mom Hard” wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share it with your mom tribe! 

Show Notes:

Nikki’s Favorite Thing this week: Skratch Labs Recovery Drink Mix

Stef’s Fave: Virtual Races:

• 100 Miles to Auburn (raced!)
• Beast Pacing (pick a distance to accomplish each month)
• UTMB For the Planet – Virtual Races (July 20-Aug 30 – pick your distance and elevation to complete! Free Entry, Donations go towards trail running and environmental impact projects)

Find Amy on Instagram

Amy is the editor for Ultrarunning Magazine – Subscribe here!

Her favorite race: Western States

Her favorite meal: A chili recipe from Eat & Run by Scott Jurek:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil;
• 2 garlic cloves;
• 1 cup onion; finely chopped;
• 1 cup red bell pepper; finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn 
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin;
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander;
• 2 tablespoon chili powder;
• 2 tsp sea salt or according to taste;
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper;
• 1 28oz can diced tomatoes;
• 1 6oz can tomato puree;
• 1 15oz can kidney beans;
• 1 15oz can black beans;
• 1 15oz can ointo beans;
• 2-1/2 cups water, depending on how much liquid from the beans you’re using;
• hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste
• fresh cilantro; minced- for garnish.

Step 1:

Add the oil to a large pot. Saute the vegetables and spices in the oil over medium to medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until tender. Add a few tablespoons of water if the veggies begin sticking to the pot.

Step 2:

Add the remaining ingredients except the cilantro and simmer over medium-low heat, covered, for 30 minutes. Stir and simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and, if more spice is desired, hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste. Serve, sprinkled with the cilantro.

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