Liz McDonough embodies positive energy and the ability to get things done—especially hard things. Born and raised in upstate New York’s breathtaking Adirondack mountains, her surroundings cultivated her love for the outdoors from a young age.
After earning a bachelor’s in ceramic engineering and an MBA, she became certified in personal training, health coaching, TRX training, and Training for Warriors. She is the single mom of two amazing boys and loves anything the involves being outdoors; her favorite sports are biking (road and mountain), running, hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Liz’s passions are exercise, outdoors, adventure travel/sports with her boys, healthy cooking/baking, family, and reading. Among her many athletic achievements are six marathon finishes (including Boston), one Ironman (Lake Placid), placing third in the 2019 Sea to Summit race, and racing road bikes as a Cat 1 cyclist.
In this interview, we went deep and had a blast. I’ve known Liz since 2006; we met through triathlon and quickly became training buddies, logging tons of miles on the bike and many yards in the pool getting ready for Ironman Lake Placid. Even though we’ve been friends for years, I got to learn more about her during our chat, it was so much fun to go really deep with her. I felt really energized after our chat and I hope you feel the same way after you listen!
Using endurance sports for validation… and why it never really works
Taking a more minimalist approach to training/fitness
Divorce; We really get into the challenges, triumphs and lessons Liz experienced when she and her ex-husband split up; at that point, she had a toddler and was four months pregnant. We also talk about how she got her through the early days when her kids were tiny, she was working full-time, and adjusting to her new life.
Spirituality
The power of exercise and nature
Swimming as therapy
Mom guilt
Liz’s advice to other women going through a divorce
Energy healing work
Letting yourself feel your feelings (even when it’s not all “good vibes”!)
On not being heard in the workplace
Can acknowledging impostor syndrome be a form of gaslighting?
The challenges and joys of co-parenting with her ex-husband
The freedom that comes with letting go of a lie
Asking for help
How having pneumonia changed her life (for the better).
Self-care (and self-love… sounds cheesy but SO NECESSARY)
Letting go of perfectionism
Quotes
“[I realized] I didn’t have to prove my self-worth by accomplishing something in a race.” -LM
“I… could be healthier and more fit doing less and taking days off.” -LM
On discovering her husband was having an affair while she was pregnant: “It was pretty mind-blowing” -LM
“Church or no church, I believe the universe has a power over us and I believe things happen for a reason.” -LM
“Let yourself feel the feelings.” -LM
“Every day is not going to be a good day and it’s okay to say, ‘It’s not a good day.’” -LM
Make someone smile? Give them a book.
There's No Room For Fear in a Burley Trailer, chronicles my journey from single amateur triathlete to rookie mom- and all the hilarious mistakes I make along the way. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, your independent bookseller, or right here.
Want to read it with your book club? Let me know. I'd love to join you, whether in person or over Skype!
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