Athlete Next Door - Megan Flanagan

“One of my biggest fears in life is not reaching my full potential”

— Megan Flanagan

Megan Flanagan is a personal trainer, wellness consultant, and obstacle course racer. In 2015 she founded Strong Runner Chicks, an inclusive organization that seeks to connect and empower women runners, and has since founded her own personal training company, Meginspire. She has finished in the top 10 at numerous Spartan races and finished 8th among elite women at the 2018 US Spartan Mountain Series.

Building community and empowering others are big drivers for Megan, and we talked about how those ideals manifest in her projects and her approach to life.

We spoke in April, 2020 as Covid-19 was spreading around the globe, bringing with it a widespread uncertainty about the future. We had the chance to talk about how she’s handling uncertainty and adjusting to life under pandemic.

“I started Strong Runner Chicks back when I was a collegiate runner and noticed that there were stories that needed to be shared.”

“I think connection is key”

“I’m really passionate about helping others find their own path. You don’t have to have the white picket fence and the suburban life, you can do whatever you want.”

Photos Brian Van Peski

“Done is better than perfect”

— Jill Coleman

JT: You moved to Portland about a year ago, what was it like to make that leap and move to a place where you didn’t know anyone?

Megan: We moved a lot growing up, so I was pretty used to being thrown into new situations. It really excited me, actually, to move to a new place and I was really excited to try out the slew of running groups here.

JT: I've noticed that you’re active on instagram and do a good job of connecting people through social media, what are some of the ways you’ve found to use social media as a community-builder?

Megan: I’m working on this constantly, but rather than share things about me I try to share things about other people in the community. I try to do that through Strong Runner Chicks. Sharing the power of other people’s stories and letting people know that we’re all in this together.

JT: Tell us a little bit about Strong Runner Chicks.

Megan: Strong Runner Chicks started back when I was a collegiate runner and noticed that there were stories that needed to be shared, topics that weren’t being discussed. There was a lot of pressure and emphasis on the physical aspects of being a runner and doing the best you could in your sport, but people weren’t being recognized as human beings. I think identity outside of sport is really big.

We’ve grown to be even more than that and now we have retreats and other events. I see Strong Runner Chicks as a way for people to get to know one another online and a way to foster in-person connection. Eventually, I’d like Strong Runner Chicks to have chapters all over the country and someday the world.

JT: What do you seek to impart to the women who take part in Strong Runner Chicks events?

Megan: I think connection is key. Our goals are to build community, educate, and empower women to speak out against injustice in our communities.

JT: You also have your Meganspire Personal Training business, tell us a little bit about that.

Megan: My goal with Meginspire is to carry through the education, connection, and empowerment work that I started with SRC into my own business and be able to help clients recognize their full potential in movement and in life.

JT: How does movement and physical activity connect to other parts of life?

Megan: I think it’s key. Movement is an avenue for a lot of things. To process thoughts, connect to ourselves and to other people.

JT: You also have a day job, how to you balance all these projects?

Megan: I get asked that a lot. I try to block out times in my day to work on each project. There’s a lot of overlap. My day job is in worksite wellness, so what I learn at my job helps me help my clients better. At work I think about keeping groups of clients well, and with Meginspire and Strong Runner Chicks it’s more about the individual. I think about it as work-life integration.

JT: What are some of the things that drive you?

Megan: I’m really passionate about helping others find their own path. You don’t have to have the white picket fence and the suburban life, you can do whatever you want.

JT: What does it look like to support someone to find their own path?

Megan: I think getting curious about the other person. Asking questions and opening the floor for them to be there. You can provide resources and share your experiences but it’s their journey. You’re there to suggest and encourage, it’s their path.

JT: How has the Covid-19 changed the way you’ve connected with people?

Megan: I’ve been trying to connect with those I can online. Rather than meeting for run groups or meeting with clients in person I’ve taken those meetings online. I’ve done a couple of core and strength workouts and it’s been great to see people come together that way. Seeing the adaptability people have to make intentional connection is awesome.

JT: How have your goals changed as you’ve seen races get cancelled, and how do you plan with all the uncertainty right now?

Megan: I have to say right now I’m not really planning. Usually I'm a big planner and vision-setter, but right now I’m trying to accept where I am in the present and focusing on being and staying healthy. Health first and foremost and then athletic goals will come. I’ve been getting out for runs and finding social connection while keeping my distance with people.

JT: We have some unique open space and time now. Is that something that feels relaxing or stressful for you?

Megan: I’ve still found ways to fill the time I have to say, but it’s been really relaxing and rejuvenating to have this open time. It’s given me a lot of time to ponder the big questions.

JT: So…is that all figured out now?

Megan: It’s all figured out, I have a whole plan (laughing)

JT: I’m curious how you think about gear, do you have a gear philosophy?

Megan: What first came to mind is “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. I try to avoid sports with too much gear. It seems like one more thing to stress over. If I have something that’s good and functioning then I don’t see a need to upgrade. I recognize there’s a difference between high and low quality gear, but I don’t want gear to be the barrier to me getting out there and doing something.

JT: Is it difficult for you to take downtime and rest, or do you find it pretty easy?

Megan: One of my biggest fears in life is not reaching my full potential. I definitely struggle with taking downtime and I have to be intentional with scheduling it. I enlist the help of others to hold me accountable to take that downtime. Just like we need to enlist our support system for getting us out some days, I think it’s equally important to have that for our downtime.

JT: What are some ideas for those of us who are type-A and need some help taking downtime?

Megan: Scheduling downtime. Yoga, massage, foam rolling, journaling, going for walks and being in nature. I’ve also found Sam Harris’ Waking Up (meditation app) to be helpful.

JT: What does an average day in your life look like?

Megan: Going for a run in the morning gets me refreshed. I like slowing down and getting ready for the day by making a cup of coffee and having breakfast. Usually around lunchtime I’ll take a 10-15 minute walk around the block to reset. In the evening I break out the gratitude journal.

JT: What does that practice look like?

Megan: It’s a one line a day journal, and I usually write down three things I’m grateful for, a highlight from the day, or the biggest lesson from the day.

JT: You’ve introduced me to Brené Brown’s concept of ‘fucking first times’ which I understand as the idea that it’s ok to be bad at things when you first try it. What does that concept mean to you?

Megan: We expect a high level of perfection from ourselves, but people don’t necessarily expect that from us. One of my friends and mentors Jill Coleman says “Done is better than perfect" Too many of us let perfect be the enemy of good.

JT: One last question to close this out. In the last five years or so, has there been a belief, behavior, or habit that you’ve adopted that’s clearly improved your life?

Megan: I could pick one from each!

For a belief I’m thinking of ‘Don’t take anything personally’ from The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The way others perceive me is none of my business, it’s their doing and belief and I think by recognizing that you give yourself the power to share and put things out there before they feel truly ready.

For behavior - respond instead of react.

Habits are so good. Putting my phone in airplane mode and keeping it out of arms reach while I’m working. Running’s been a habit for 12 plus years. I’ve found habits to be really important as a foundation.