457: The Hidden Cost of Always Trying to Be Better

459: What's Really Possible: The Truth About Limitations and Possibilities

In this episode, we talk about how breakthroughs like the recent sub-two-hour marathon moment shift what we believe is possible—and why those shifts matter for every runner, not just elites. We explore how past milestones like the four-minute mile and Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour attempt show that limits are often more mental than physical, shaped by what we’ve seen and experienced. We also dig into why your brain naturally tries to keep goals “safe,” and how that can quietly shrink what you believe you’re capable of. Then we break down three practical ways to expand your sense of possibility: * Build your evidence file of small wins and consistency * Reverse-engineer big “lighthouse” goals into simple daily habits * Step into your runner identity now, not later And we close with a reminder: expanding possibility is powerful—but it also comes with comparison traps and pressure if you’re not careful. Progress is still built one small step at a time. If this resonated, share your biggest takeaway with us via review or DM. 01:45 London Marathon Breakdown 03:16 Four Minute Myth 06:01 Why We Self Limit 08:43 Innovation Mindset 19:01 Breaking Barriers Effect 22:37 Build Your Evidence File 26:16 Proof Beyond Running 27:14 Build Your Evidence File 28:32 Reverse Engineer Big Goals 32:54 Identity Before Achievement 36:55 Kipchoge And Breaking Two 38:51 Possibility Vs Comparison 42:38 Balance Dreams With Reality 46:09 Desire Makes It Possible 49:21 Try Anyway And Learn Join the 30 Day Running Reset [https://www.realliferunners.com/reset] and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you. Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secret [https://www.realliferunners.com/secret] Join the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team]  Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], or your favorite podcast player  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30]. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/realliferunners] and say hi!   Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

458: Stop Eating Stupid Sh*t (And Start Fueling Like a Runner)

If you’ve ever finished a run feeling drained, ravenous, or wondering why your body isn’t responding the way you want it to… this episode is for you. We’re taking a page from our rescue dog Jasper—who eats everything—to highlight how many runners fuel in ways that don’t actually support their training.  And we’re not talking about cutting things out or going on another diet. It’s the opposite actually. A lot of runners are training like athletes… but eating like dieters. And that disconnect? It’s costing you. This isn’t about food rules or perfection. It’s about giving your body what it actually needs. We break down how underfueling, diet culture, and relying on quick fixes lead to low energy, cravings, inconsistent training, and frustrating results—especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. Then we simplify what works: eat enough, prioritize protein and carbs, fuel your runs, and build real meals first—using supplements only when needed. You don’t need more willpower. You need better fuel. 06:35 Undereating Backfires 13:25 Diet Culture Trap 20:10 Eat For Training 21:33 Fuel Before And After 26:13 Supplements Aren't Meals 29:40 Performance And Cravings 31:50 Underfueling Warning Signs 34:12 Dieting Versus Fueling 38:51 Nervous System And Food 40:38 Four Fueling Basics 41:37 Protein And Carbs 46:42 Supplements That Matter Join the 30 Day Running Reset [https://www.realliferunners.com/reset] and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you. Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secret [https://www.realliferunners.com/secret] Join the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team]  Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], or your favorite podcast player  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30]. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/realliferunners] and say hi!   Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

457: The Hidden Cost of Always Trying to Be Better

Ever feel like no matter what you do in your running… it’s never quite enough? In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between healthy growth and the kind of chronic self-pressure that so many runners are quietly carrying. We see it all the time—constantly moving the goalpost, comparing yourself to others (or a younger or more “ideal” version of you), adding more to the plan even when your body is asking for less… and still feeling behind. We talk about how this pressure can start to shape your entire experience as a runner. Your runs turn into tests. Your workouts become something to analyze instead of experience. And over time, that leads to mental exhaustion, inconsistency from burnout, and a disconnect from what your body is actually telling you. It’s tricky…because it often hides behind the idea of “just wanting to improve.” We also dive into the hidden cost of tying your self-worth to your performance—and how that slowly strips away the joy that brought you to running in the first place. You’ve probably heard the advice: “Get 1% better every day.” But we break down why that can create unrealistic expectations. Growth isn’t linear. It’s more like laying bricks or planting seeds—there are phases where things look still on the surface, but real progress is happening underneath. In this conversation, we invite you to shift your focus—away from constant pressure and toward a more sustainable approach rooted in process, curiosity, consistency, and identity-based training. We also share some exciting updates, including what’s coming in May and a new way we’ll be supporting you inside the app 👀 If you’ve been feeling the pressure lately, you’re not alone—and this episode will help you take a different approach. 01:33 Growth Versus Pressure 04:34 Signs Of Self Pressure 10:16 Cost One Mental Exhaustion 13:56 Cost Two Inconsistency 15:37 Cost Three Body Disconnect 18:27 Cost Four Joy Loss 21:05 Cost Five Worth Trap 23:06 One Percent Better Myth 29:11 Brick Wall Mindset 29:38 Plateaus Are Normal 30:42 Training Cycle Blueprint 34:57 Overwatering Your Training 36:59 Progress Versus Process 39:44 Identity And Curiosity 44:56 Basics And Effort Training Join the 30 Day Running Reset [https://www.realliferunners.com/reset] and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you. Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secret [https://www.realliferunners.com/secret] Join the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team]  Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], or your favorite podcast player  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30]. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/realliferunners] and say hi!   Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

456: Do It Before You're Ready?

In this episode, we’re unpacking the paradox behind the advice of “Just do it before you’re ready”. Because yes—taking action before you feel fully ready can be powerful. It helps you move through hesitation, build momentum, and start building the confidence you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s getting back into running, starting strength training, signing up for a race, or making a big life decision… sometimes you do just need to go. But here’s where we see people get tripped up—and honestly, where a lot of runners end up frustrated or hurt. Doing it before you’re ready doesn’t mean skipping the process. It doesn’t mean jumping into advanced training without a base, rushing your timeline, or expecting your body to perform at a level it hasn’t been prepared for yet. That’s where burnout, disappointment, and injury start creeping in. And a lot of this is fueled by what you see online—highlight reels, fast transformations, and people who seem to “just do it” successfully… without seeing the years of foundation, support, or advantages behind the scenes. So in this episode, we’re inviting you to zoom out. Respect the process. Give your body the time it needs—especially if you’re over 40. Be honest about your starting point. And most importantly, get clear on why you’re doing this in the first place. Is this about growth? Or are you just trying to check a box? Because those are two very different paths—and they require two very different approaches. 02:20 Readiness Mindset 06:05 Marathon Excuse Loop 06:42 Two Truths Paradox 07:27 Start Versus Skip 08:03 Timeline And Motivation 09:35 Fail For Experience 11:03 Starting Energy Wins 13:12 Action Creates Motivation 21:54 Where Transformation Happens 29:59 Over 40 Recovery And Resilience 31:52 Mental Vs Physical Readiness 39:09 Box Checking Vs Growth Join the 30 Day Running Reset [https://www.realliferunners.com/reset] and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you. Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secret [https://www.realliferunners.com/secret] Join the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team]  Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], or your favorite podcast player  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30]. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/realliferunners] and say hi!   Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.

455: Choose Your Hard… But Not Like You Think

We hear it all the time: “choose your hard.” But here’s the truth—not all “hard” is created equal. In this episode, I break down the difference between aligned hard (the kind that builds you) and misaligned hard (the kind that leads to burnout, injury, and disconnection). Because constantly pushing isn’t discipline—it’s often your body being ignored. Aligned hard looks like showing up when you don’t feel like it, staying consistent, and being patient. Misaligned hard looks like pushing through exhaustion, running hard every day, or ignoring pain. We also reframe “easy” as intentional recovery—and a necessary part of progress, not a step backward. Think of your training like a volume knob, not an on/off switch. You can adjust based on what your body needs. I’ll also walk you through four simple questions to help you decide when to push and when to pull back—plus a quick story that highlights why restraint matters just as much as effort. Because the goal isn’t to choose hard all the time. It’s to choose what actually helps you grow. 00:38 Why Hard Matters 04:31 Aligned Hard Growth 05:56 Misaligned Hard Burnout 10:01 Intentional Easy Recovery 15:10 Volume Knob Balance 17:17 Lent Purposeful Sacrifice 22:59 Four Discernment Questions 29:02 Safety Story Bench Press Join the 30 Day Running Reset [https://www.realliferunners.com/reset] and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you. Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secret [https://www.realliferunners.com/secret] Join the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team]  Thanks for Listening!! Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30], or your favorite podcast player  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/4eGgcWP4ZQzvcHHzt6ryUH?si=ff81c468aa114b30]. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Come find us on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/realliferunners] and say hi!   Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.