What We’ve Learned From Running Ahrens (So Far)

Over the long (and much-needed) 4th of July weekend, we finally had some space to breathe. To slow down. To take a few deep, grilled-food-filled breaths and reflect on what this whole Running Ahrens journey has been so far.

The honest answer? It’s been really fun. Honestly, way more fun than we expected. And somehow more vulnerable, more stretching, and more rewarding, too.

This podcast started as a way for us to look back and talk through the mess and meaning of our story. It includes marriage, parenting, business, faith, failure, reinvention, and raising humans who don’t turn out to be jerks. We thought maybe a few people might listen. We didn’t expect the feedback, the laughter, or how many of you would say, “I thought I was the only one…”

We’re learning a lot. And we’re not just saying that to tie a bow on it. We really are.

1. Honesty resonates.

Every time we’ve hit publish on something that made our stomachs flip. Those moments where we told the harder or uncomfortable stories, admitted where we got it wrong, or talked about what we’re still trying to figure out, you showed up.

You sent messages like “That felt like my life,” or “I cried in the car,” or “My partner and I finally had the conversation we’ve been avoiding.”

We can’t even explain how meaningful that is.

Turns out, people don’t need or want perfect. They just need permission to be real.

2. You’re listening and we’re so grateful.

We never expected to build this kind of connection, and we definitely didn’t expect to make people laugh as much as we have. (Special thanks to the person who made a drinking game out of how often we say “for sure.” We see you.)

Whether it’s awkward stories from our early years, sideline parenting confessions, or a little sarcasm thrown in the mix, we’ve realized laughter is a gift. Especially when it shows up alongside real conversation.

If you’ve shared an episode with a friend, quoted something back to us, or just quietly listened while folding laundry or walking the dog, Thank you.

You make this worth doing.

3. We’re still learning. Every single episode.

We’re not coming to this with answers. That’s not our lane. We’re showing up with questions, with hindsight, and with a willingness to keep going.

And every time we sit down to record, we walk away a little more awake to something we didn’t know we needed to face.

We’ve seen the impact our upbringings had on our marriage and our kids. We’ve owned where we pushed too hard in parenting. We’ve gotten clearer about what we want this next chapter to look like. And we’re learning how to tell the truth without wrapping it in shame.

It’s been uncomfortable at times. But also deeply freeing.

4. The feedback, even the awkward stuff, makes us better.

You weren’t wrong. Our intro and outro needed help. We fixed them.

We’ve heard the vocal tics, the phrases we repeat, the moments we talk over each other. We cringe too. But the fact that you’re listening close enough to notice? That means something.

You’re not just tuning in. You’re in this with us. That’s more than we could’ve asked for.

We started this podcast so we could do something together and hoping it might create space for honest conversations. What it’s done is remind us that none of us are doing life alone. That we all need community. And that sometimes, sitting in the mess together is more healing than pretending we’ve got it figured out.

So thank you. For being here. For cheering us on. For letting us take this next step with you.

We’re just getting started and we’re so glad you’re running along with us.

If there’s a topic you’d love to hear us tackle, something real, something funny, something you’ve been chewing on, let us know. Message us, email us, or shout it out from the sidelines. We’d love to bring your questions, stories, and “oh man, same” moments into the conversation.

Big love,
Sarah and Justin