161. Lauren Fleshman & Jesse Thomas

"As an entrepreneur, just like an athlete, you have to be almost psychotically optimistic. You have to believe, ‘We can do this, we can make it back.’ You have to have that belief because there’s so much headwind." Husband-and-wife team Lauren Fleshman and Jesse Thomas are the co-founders of Picky Bars and hosts of the Work, Play, Love podcast. Lauren is a former professional middle-distance and marathon runner who spent 13 years competing and is now a coach for Little Wing Athletics, and Jesse is a professional triathlete. On this episode, they get "really real" about parenthood (they have two children, Jude and Zadie) and the realities of trying to grow a business and a family simultaneously. They talk about resentment, balance, entrepreneurship, work challenges, and "the dark days." And hey, Picky Bars are awesome! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 30 percent off your order, plus an extra 30 percent off your first delivery of the Picky Club! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Why Jesse is having an identity crisis right now (4:30) On being able to laugh through the hard moments of parenting (12:40) On resentment (20:00) Lauren and Jesse share their take on the idea of balance (22:50) On bringing home work stress when you’re an entrepreneur (28:40) What Jesse remembers about the earliest weeks and months after becoming a dad (39:45) On deciding to have a second child, and how Lauren and Jesse’s marriage changed after having children (48:00) Lauren and Jesse answer a few listener questions (1:05:35) What we mention on this episode: Lauren on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Challenge Roth Range by David Epstein Car Talk Dear Sugars Mel Lawrence Follow Lauren: Instagram @fleshmanflyer Twitter @laurenfleshman Facebook Work, Play, Love podcast Strava Follow Jesse: Instagram @jessemthomas Twitter @jessemthomas Work, Play, Love podcast Strava Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!