What propelled you to lead such an active/athletic lifestyle? My wonderful parents who gave me every opportunity growing up to try everything from tennis to softball, and even cheerleading. I have been able to discover and have choices to learn and do the things I enjoy — that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Tell us about the benefits of athletic endeavors spilling over into other areas of a woman’s life. I have been blessed to meet so many people all over the world and from all walks of life. I started my own company over 20 years ago called The Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club. It was a group of women that wanted to do something athletic. We started going on group hikes and it expanded from there with many who are still running races today and inspiring others! Bonding, sharing information and working together through the good, the bad and the ugly makes us better people. Better for ourselves, for our husbands, and for our children. I am better at everything because of my sport!
What is your typical training schedule when preparing for a race? How does it differ from you ‘everyday’ training routine? Now that I have two small children, it is very hard to follow a ‘training schedule’. I wake up each day and ask God to give me what he has in store for me. I may be able to get out and train for 1-4 hours depending on the schedule of my husband and children. I have found that being flexible gives me a great deal of freedom. When I go to bed at the end of the day I know what I have accomplished in a given day is enough. At my age, I am a very mentally and emotionally strong athlete and do my races for a purpose. Many times, I may feel that I have not been able to do the kind of training I would have liked to, but I am thankful for what I am able to do. Most days I either push or pull (or both) my two children as part of my training!
What “essentials” do you emphasize for training and avoiding injury? I cross train and I love to cross train. I have never been a real high mileage runner; it seems that less is better for me. If it is raining or storming, I have no problem using the spin bike, elliptical machine, stair master, rowing machine. I lift weights, jump rope and do fun exercises that I call my secret weapon to gain strength in all areas! I tell me coaching students that the only way they are going to learn my secrets is to come to one of our training camps!
Do you have any secrets or advice for a healthy diet or eating plan to stay in shape? Plan your meals in advance so you are not stuck to just grab whatever. As women age there is more we need and it is important. I tell all my athletes that the training, the racing, and the recovery all require the same amount of care when it comes to what you eat and how you take care of your body. I graze by having little bits of food several times throughout the day. I do eat three meals each day but they are not large meals. A typical day may look like this:
Morning: Oatmeal and fresh fruit
Snack: Raw almonds
Lunch: Large green salad with tons of other veggies on it and a scoop of tuna or cottage cheese
Snack: Apple with peanut butter
Dinner: Lean fish or chicken, broccoli or asparagus, brown rice and a small salad
I take my time to eat and always sit down if possible. I also drink a great deal of water and stay hydrated.
Tell us about your biggest success in your sport. In 2006, I ran 300 miles across Death Valley and was able to raise $294,000 for Aids Orphans. The success came in both ways for me with being able to complete the 300 miles and almost raise $1,000 per mile!
What is the longest race you’ve participated in? Eco Challenge Multi day adventure race, Marathon des Sables 150 miles through the Sahara desert, Badwater 135 miles through Death Valley.
What are you most inspired by? Other people who are trying to do something, anything to leave their mark on this earth.
Anything else you would like to share with us all? Find a dream and chase it down! Go slow to go fast!
ABOUT LISA: Lisa Smith-Batchen is an ultra-runner considered to be one of North America’s top endurance athletes. Stories about her athletic achievements have appeared on the covers of The NY Times, The Washington Post and other national and international publications. Her numerous accomplishments include completion of more than 30 ultra marathons (races that exceed 26.2 miles), 90 marathons, and 7 Ironman triathlons… {more}
It is wonderful how Lisa is not just about her sport. I like that she is focused on her life, family, and community. Running is just another important part of her life!
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Lisa has always been a wonderfully understanding coach. She has helped me train for several trail 100 mile events (Cascade Crest, Western States and Grand Tetons) plus several 24 hour events. Like Lisa, I have a limited time to train, given that I work full time in the Operating Room as a Registered Nurse First Assistant, am a Race Director (Bishop High Sierra Ultras), navigate a rally car for one of our surgeons in club Rally events, and try to keep the house clean with my husband and two English Mastiff puppies helping to mess it up again!
She understands that my time is limited, energy is also limited at almost 60 years of age, and motivation comes only from within, so she really encourages me with positive uplifting comments when I check in with the Boss to account for my training schedule!
She is a wonderful friend.
Marie.
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You could not ask for a better women, teacher, mentor, mother. To many qualities to list about this women Lisa.
Lisa has been in my life, our life for many year’s and it is about time the world knows more about her from the inside out. She is never without a dream of goal that has nothing to do with ego or herself. She is selfless in so many ways and it is because of her that I stood at the starting line of my first 5k race and it is because of her I will stand at the starting line of my first marathon.
Besides all of this, Lisa looks wonderful in your skorts.
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It’s great to read this article about Lisa! She has guided so many of us to finding balance within our lives. Whether competing or supporting other athletes, Lisa reflects endurance with every heartbeat and every smile.
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Lisa is so inspiring!! A strong woman who does an amazing job of balancing so many things and excelling in everything! Her inner strength and purpose shine so brightly that you can’t help but be motivated to chase your own dreams!
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How great to see you on Athleta! Lisa is an inspiration in every way and always looking for ways to help people live their dreams and live their life to the fullest. She makes you do things you never thought possible, dream bigger than you’ve ever dreamed before and inspires everyone to find ways to do good for others along the way. She is a remarkable combination of toughness, peace, balance, athlete, humanitarian and an intuitive, loving friend to everyone she meets.
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I have known Lisa all my life. She truely lives what she speaks. Her goals reflect her life and her life certainly reflects her goals. As a trainer, she always encourages others to not only set a goal but to also set a purpose for the goal. She has helped many work toward and achieve their goals by asking them to focus on the life’s purpose the goal ultimately has. It has a remarkably powerful motivating effect and is clearly proven by the remarkable success stories of her “students”. You rock girl!
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Love that picture Lisa! Lot’s of great memories as we rocked the Badwater course “our way” last year with the double relay! I loved being on that crew and I loved that we got to wear Althleta skirts. I still wear mine all the time. It has become one of my favorite things to wear!
Lisa is a very gifted athlete who possesses a genuine kindness always looking for ways to help another. Through her Dreamchaser Outdoor Adventure Club many people have made lasting life long friendships. She has a real special thing going!!!
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Lisa has been so important to me this past year. She helped me reach some special goals I had and now I am striving for a huge one next March. I am so excited to be working with her and I pass on her enthusiasm as I train new runners to reach their goals. I feel blessed to have her in my life as I know she touches all those who are around her. Thanks for helping me leave my mark Lisa!!
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I “met” (thru some fabulous quirk of serendipity after I googled online coaches) Lisa last year when I was looking for inspiration to train for an endurance event to celebrate turning 50. I am overwhelmed by the results that she has helped me to attain. One of the best things about Lisa is her balanced approach to life and training. It means a lot to me that she knows what is like to juggle family and work with training. I’ve attained a level of fitness, both mental and physical that I never thought possible. Through it all, Lisa has been my friend, guide, coach and inspiration.
I scrolled thru her pictures of Badwater on her blog and emailed her about the fantastic running skirts (see, life isn’t just about balance and training – looking great and cool on the run is fun, too!). She told me about Athleta. I love the site and just ordered some great things.
I’m excited about her upcoming adventures. I love that she combines physical challenge with raising money and educating folks about different worthy causes.
K
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I am very fortunate to be a part of Lisa and Jay’s Dreamchasers family. Lisa is always so encouraging and positive as a coach, an inspiration as a mother, and most of all a good friend. She makes me believe in myself and “dream big”, as she says. It’s no wonder she is loved by so many.
And….Lisa looks super in Athleta skorts!! I want to have one too!
I’ll see if I can them delivered to Bahrain!!
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Lisa sets the bar when it comes to life, coaching and inspiring others to realize what they may not necesssarily see in themselves…truly a gifted person!
Your friend always Lisa,
Aran
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Lisa has been a friend and inspriation for over 7 years. She and Jay are two of the most selfless people I know. Our family cherishes our relationship with them. Lisa is the kind of role model that people of all ages can admire. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors. Her encouragement to all of our family, runners and non-runners alike is so appreciated.
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Lisa is an amazing athlete and an even more amazing person. I feel very fortunate to have Lisa, Jay and their wonderful children as my friends. As an athlete she is one of a kind, as a friend she is the kindest.
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I have known Lisa for a little over 3 years and I have always been amazed by her kindness, her focus, and her selflessness. I have trained with Lisa and I have raced with Lisa and her enthusiasm and support for others is uplifiting. It is rare to find people like her who use their innate skills and abilities to make this world a better place, but more importantly to motivate others to do the same. She is a force multiplier on the side of all that is good!
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Lisa is an exceptional person in every way. She is an excellent role model for the youth of today who are getting over weight and obese from lack of exercise and bad eating habits. Look at what she can do because she is a disciplined person. WE all can take her life as a good example as how to stay fit and accomplish extraordinary athletic feats.
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Lisa smith is an outstanding person. I would love to know more about her future fundraising efforts and races she plans to conquer. Her story is so motivating- she’s absolutely incredible.
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Lisa coaches, mentors and inspires GUYS, too! She coached me for my first “ultra”, the 2005 Marathon des Sables, when I turned 60. She is doing the same for my first “Badwater” race this summer. (I couldn’t imagine running in Death Valley in July without her guidance!) Lisa is an inspirational leader and loving friend to all who know her–a truly extraordinary person and hugely gifted athlete, a woman who gives back far more than she gets. How lucky we are to know her, and work with her, and support her in her work whenever possible.
Bob Becker
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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We’ve got to work on that diet! Seriously, that is FAR TOO HEALTHY! I’ve got a list of fast-food items that I can share, if desired.
Okay, let me be serious: Lisa’s comment about mental /emotional strength is important and is something that I’ve started to learn working with her. There is a time in every race (as Lisa has pointed out) when things just don’t feel good. That’s the point at which one’s physical preparation has to give way to mental strength. That’s something that I hope to gain more of.
I wonder if, perhaps, that outfit helps Lisa? I’d have to choose different colors . . .
Ted Archer
San Jose, CA
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Lisa is amazing what a great attitide. Very inspiring you cant help but want to achieve your own goals when you hear what she has acomplished. great artical.
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Lisa is such an inspiration and a very wise runner, coach and mentor. She has been coaching me for a couple of years and it has been invaluable. My highlight of last year was running the Grand Teton 100 miler, which she is one of the race directors. It was one of the best races out there and her enthusiasm and support during those long miles of the race were endless and selfless. She is a beautiful person, inside and out!
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Does this website sell the skirt she is wearing? If so, which one is it?
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I have had the great gift of being a friend of Lisa’s and working side by side with her professionally. Simply stated she was put on this planet to motivate, facilitate and educate people in the fields of health, fitness and personal growth. She always brings an abundance of light and energy to whatever program and/or event lucky enough to have her participation!
Scott Smith
Jackson Hole, WY
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Lisa showed me a whole new way of thinking and running in an ultra event. I knew that if I followed her training schedule I could complete the MDS and I did! She is a great coach, one that inspired me to push myself to do my best. Can’t wait to see her run across the US.
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Lisa has an unbelievable ability to inspire others to stretch their limits and achieve new levels of joy, fulfillment, and giving through sport. She radiates positive energy, passion, and kindness in all that she says and does. These traits have reached people around the world and continue to rapidly expand and touch a network of Dream Chasers — wonderful people all tied together with Lisa as the common thread. I can think of no finer role model than Lisa Smith-Batchen!
Jeff Grant
Zürich, Switzerland
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Thanks for the healthy eating tips! Such information is always welcome in my life! I love Athleta clothes, too – and am so glad they have offer such great apparel…both for on the run and after the run. I mean, for years there has been ski and apres-ski clothes – glad that running is catching up to this trend! :-)
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I never in my life expected to do anything beyond the routine big city marathons, but Lisa inspired me to train for several off-road ultras with the coup de grace of completing the Marathon des Sables in 2007. Lisa connected me to what I just expected to be a compatible training partner in London, UK and since our training for our first MDS and sharing the experience of the desert together, we’ve become the best of friends. I’ve stayed with Lisa after the MDS as she’s so helpful at keeping you focused while always striving for that stretch goal.
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I have known Lisa for close to 20 years. She inspired me to run the Boston Marathon in 1991 BUT she also encouraged me to raise money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. So I ran not just for my own cause but for those fighting cancer. Leave it to Lisa to have me run for a good cause :-)
She is very unselfish and giving in a way that inspires you to want to become a better person in life. She is a gifted athlete with a strong mental constitution who has chosen to use her gifts for God. And because she is so unassuming and humble, you are inspired to do more than you thought you could on and off the competitive athletic field. She trul is a gift from God, and those who know her know she is really impacting lives in a very positive way whether you are running ultra marathons or running 1 mile…she inpires all of us…thank you, Lisa!
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Lisa–you are a star! Thank you for being a great coach, friend and mentor! You inspire me :)
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Lisa Smith-Batchen as a coach shows you so many things, trains your body to limits foreign and unknown. Most of all she trains your heart to be open and giving. Lisa is a tremendous source of light and selflessness. She is a force!
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Lisa is without question one of the most inspiring and supportive people I’ve ever met. She has been coaching me for nearly 2 years now, and I could spend tons of time telling you how that has helped me with my running (MDS 2x, Ultras, etc.). But I find that I am now learning even more from Lisa because of her humanitarian efforts. And of course, these are even more important than all of the wonderful help she’s given me to improve my physical wellness. Lisa has worked closely with Sister Mary Beth Lloyd of Villa Walsh Academy for many years–now they are teaming up to raise funds for Aids Orphans. I am really looking forward to the experience, as well as getting the chance to meet Sister Mary Beth who will be part of the crew as well.
Thank you Lisa, for the guidance and the support. And now for the inspiration you are providing to do something for others.
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I am thrilled to be part of this amazing compan Athleta!! I wear the beautiful clothing, support them in any way I can for I so believe in who and what they are doing. It is an honor to be part of the growing and sharing with all the amazing women and the men who have helped me with my own dreams along the way. Athleta is one of them.
I have my dear friend Colleen to thank for contacting Athleta for me, seeing that we would be a good fit.
I am so honored by all the comments, so touched and have such gratitude and love for all of you.
Thank you for helping us all dream big and the support it takes along the way.
Lisa Smith-Batchen
A very proud Athleta athlete:)
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Lisa is one of my gratest role models.In fact I think she is one of the worlds best examples of excellence ,achievment and high purpose
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Lisa is an amazing person. After meeting her at The Grand Tetons 100 Miler last year she became one of my major inspirations for getting into Ultra Running.
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As a woman and another mom, Lisa has been an inspiration as a person, athlete, and friend. I feel honored to know her and support all of her work to raise money and awareness for the children across the world. She definitely runs for a cause.
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I can’t say enough about Lisa and her wonderful coaching, friendship, and pure inspiration. Through her efforts, she has helped transform me from a couch potato staring mid life in the face and perfunctorily going through the motions of day to day, to an individual that now pushes the limits of life itself, whether it is running a 50 mile ultramarathon, sharing quality time with my family, or committing to helping the less fortunate in this world! I am proud to call her and her family, my family!! Bravas to Lisa and Athleta!!!
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Hi there
Someone was asking about Skorts up above. If your still looking, here’s our Skort category on the website.
http://www.athleta.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=482&LeftNavToExpandID=304
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Lisa has saved my life.A true friend for the rest of my life.I would never be where I am now if it was not for her.
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If there world had more people like Lisa, it would be a much better place.
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Lisa was the inspiration for me to fulfill a dream of a lifetime. Ive been a runner since my teens but a simple recreational runner because I love to tie my running shoes on and run anywhere and everywhere I can. I have made friends in parts of and seen parts of the world I could never have imagined seeing while running. Through Lisa I have made several of whom are now my dearest and I know lifelong friends. Lisa coached me to complete what I hope will be my first in a line of ultras having completed the Marathon des Sables last year. And along the way i was able to raise money for charity and to make friends with some of the most passionate inspirational people I have ever met. Lisa is one of those! She teaches people to believe in themselves and to go out in the world and challenge themselves. And she teaches humility and compassion and humanitarianism through her efforts on behalf of Aids orphans.
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Lisa puts her life and her love into everything that she does. There is no one who meets her who is not a little changed from the experience. I am in awe always of her dedication and her constant ambition. Your daughters will be “Superwomen” with you as a role model Lisa! Thank you for inspiring so many people to reach for the stars!
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Lisa is my big Sister and I love her very much. I am so proud of the wonderful person she has become. Lisa not only inspires peple to be more active and to live better, she inspires us all to love our neighbors and those in the world who are less fortunate. Lisa practices what she preaches! She truly has a love for all mankind and is making her dent in the world by serving others and caring for those forgotten children in Africa. I say to you Lisa, God Bless ya! I am thrilled that a company like Athleta is highlighting your career and your expertise. I pray they are also interested in your causes as well. I know we have a lot more to learn from Lisa and we will see great things to come. Can’t wait to see you on Orah one day. Love ya Sis! Julie
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Lisa has been absolutely awesome to work with. She guided me through the training and completion of my first 100 mile race. She was there every step of the way with her insight, guidance, and encouragement. My confidence in running and completing ultras has risen dramatically since I started working with her. I look forward to many more accomplishments that can be directly attributed to her incredible coaching abilities and wonderful spirit. I am so thankful to her for her passion in helping me reach my goals and dreams. You’re the best Lisa!!!
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The more I learn about Lisa, the more I marvel at the depth and complexity of this woman.
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Lisa is one of the most extraordinary people I’ve met. She believes anything is possible and then proves it with her vision and seemingly limitless energy and tenacity. Lisa is an amazing athlete but I am even more impressed with who she is as a person. Lisa is indefatigueable in pursuing a better life for her family, those she coaches and mentors, and the orphaned children for whom she runs. It is a privilege to have Lisa as my very good friend.
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Lisa has been my friend, confidant, and trainer for a number of years now, since Jay introduced her to me when I signed up for the Marathon des Sables in Morocco. I began pestering him with so many questions that he gently suggested I speak to his wife who happened to be a trainer, and the rest as they say is history! During this entire I have been continuously inspired by the person that Lisa is. Besides this the most important lesson I have gleaned from her is that ‘no matter what, to never give up’.
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What an incredible inspiration Lisa is…. the more I watch her the more I’m amazed. I am so impressed at how far she’ll go (literally.. how FAR she’ll go) to help someone out. I wonder how many miles Lisa has run on behalf of philanthropy over her lifetime?
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Wow – what everyone is saying about Lisa is 110% true!! I have been fortunate enough to be a Dreamchaser and my confidence with running has grown by leaps and bounds and miles thanks to Lisa’s consistent and patient coaching. Lisa writes a great blog too! Good luck on your 100 miler this coming weekend Lisa!
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Through Lisa’s wonderful insights and examples, I too have been able to reach for the stars. (MdS Training Camp 2007, Death Valley)
Thanks for all that you do for everyone!!!!
You have touched so many lives in so many ways…thank you for blazing the trail for all of us!
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