Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown

446: Faith Over Fear

Fear doesn’t always look obvious. Sometimes it shows up as overthinking, second-guessing, or feeling stuck and unsure of your next move. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to choose faith over fear — not just in running, but in everyday life. Inspired by a meaningful Christmas gift with the words “Faith Over Fear,” this conversation dives into how fear can quietly impact training, consistency, and confidence. We share personal stories and coaching insights on how fear often tries to pull us out of alignment with who we are and who we’re becoming. You’ll learn how to recognize fear when it’s disguising itself, simple tools like breath and awareness to reset your nervous system, and practical ways to move forward even when things feel uncertain. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure in your running or life, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need all the answers — just the willingness to take the next step with trust and support. 00:42 Recap of Kevin's Long Haul 100 Experience 02:36 Post-Race Recovery Insights 05:48 Understanding Fear and Its Disguises 14:16 The Impact of Stress on Our Lives and Running 23:27 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith 26:12 Challenging the Comfort Zone 26:29 Race Reflections and Lessons Learned 28:37 Balancing Fear and Faith in Running 40:14 Parenting: Faith Over Fear 43:52 Nutrition and Health: Evolving Beliefs 46:46 Practical Steps to Overcome Fear 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.

445: Long Haul 100 Recap - When Things Don't Go As Planned

In this episode, we share an honest recap of Kevin’s experience at the Long Haul 100. We dive into the emotional highs and lows of race day, the challenges Kevin faced along the way, and the mix of pride and disappointment that comes with tackling a 100-mile race. We also talk about what mattered most in the buildup and during the race—strength training, mobility, fueling, mindset, and the power of having a supportive crew. Kevin reflects on the lessons learned and how this experience will shape his future training and racing. This is a real, unfiltered look at endurance racing and the personal growth that comes from choosing hard things. 00:53 Kevin's Race Experience and Initial Reactions 01:37 Race Results and Initial Reflections 02:46 Positives and Challenges During the Race 04:06 Mental and Physical Struggles 09:13 Training Reflections and Future Plans 17:09 Crew Dynamics and Support 23:33 Lessons Learned 43:25 Jokes and Reflections on Race Position 44:17 Struggles in the Last Loop 44:48 Aid Station Experiences 46:14 Fueling and Music Challenges 47:33 Training and Family Involvement 51:30 Mindset and Mobility 53:30 Post-Race Reflections 55:46 Dark Thoughts and Perseverance 01:09:20 Silliness and Strength 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.

444: Kevin's Running 100 Miles...Again - Return to the Long Haul 100

Prepping for the Long Haul 100: Training, Mindset, and Fueling Strategies with Kevin With just two days to go before toeing the line at the Long Haul 100, Kevin takes us behind the scenes of his year-long build toward a 100-mile ultra marathon. In this episode, we dive into what really went into his preparation—from how his training evolved over time, to the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference, to the fueling strategies he’s using to go the distance. Kevin reflects on lessons learned from past ultras, the mistakes he didn’t repeat this time around, and how he’s learned to stay flexible when things don’t go according to plan (because in ultras… they never do). We also talk mental toughness, adapting in the moment, and why preparation is about more than just logging miles. We wrap up by sharing how you can follow Kevin’s race in real time and what to expect in our post-race recap episode once the dust (and miles) settle. 00:59 Kevin's Current State and Mindset 02:23 Kevin's Ultra Marathon Journey 09:38 Training Insights and Adjustments 24:45 Balancing Training with Life 28:27 Setting Ambitious Goals 31:29 Fueling Strategy for Ultra Running 34:54 Training the Stomach for Endurance 42:27 Mindset and Race Strategy 47:39 Final Preparations and Expectations 51:19 Follow the Race Live 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.

443: Skinny Is Back...And It's Not A Good Thing: 3 Mindset Shifts for Women Runners in 2026

Skinny culture is making a comeback… and honestly, it’s got me concerned. It’s not only back — it feels like it’s EVERYWHERE. And it’s not serving runners — especially women in their 40s and beyond. In this episode of the Real Life Runners Podcast, Kevin and I have a real, honest conversation about why chasing “skinny” is holding so many runners back — from stronger runs, better recovery, and long-term health. We dive into three powerful mindset shifts that can change how you train, fuel, and feel in your body: * Strong over skinny — because muscle is your superpower for performance, injury prevention, and aging well * Building over losing — shifting the focus from shrinking your body to building strength, confidence, and resilience * Fueling over restricting — learning how proper nutrition (and even eating more!) actually supports fat loss, hormone health, and better running If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to be lighter and wanting to be stronger… or if old diet rules are creeping back into your running life, this episode is for you. We talk about what actually supports sustainable running, why muscle matters more than the number on the scale, and how to move into 2026 focused on health, energy, and longevity — not deprivation. This is your reminder:  👉 You don’t need to be smaller to be a better runner.  👉 You need to be strong, fueled, and supported. Press play and let’s redefine what healthy running really looks like — together. 💪✨ 01:06 New Year Reflections and Upcoming Race 01:32 Kevin's Race Preparations 05:22 Angie's New Year and New Planner  10:59 The Skinny Culture Discussion 25:40 Owning Your Space and Voice 26:11 Building a Resilient Body 27:11 The Dangers of Rapid Weight Loss 30:17 The Importance of Muscle for Longevity 34:02 Strong Over Skinny 40:08 Fueling Over Restricting 48:49 Summing It All Up 53:14 Join the Movement Mentioned in the podcast Grab Angie's new favorite planner here [https://amzn.to/4qJywyr]. 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.

442: New Year, New You? Creating Identity-Based Resolutions That Stick

As a new year begins, it’s natural to feel the pull to set big goals for what’s ahead. In this episode, we’re diving into why so many New Year’s resolutions don’t last—and more importantly, how to set goals for 2026 that actually stick. We talk about the difference between outcome goals (like hitting a race time or distance) and process goals—the daily and weekly actions that truly move the needle. Because results don’t come from willpower alone… they come from consistency, and consistency comes from goals that fit your real life. From there, we explore something we see all the time with runners: setting goals that don’t align with who you are right now. When your goals clash with your identity, your nervous system, or your season of life, they often create pressure, burnout, or that familiar “I just can’t stick with this” feeling. We share why identity-based goals matter—and how shifting the way you see yourself as a runner can completely change the way you show up. We also talk honestly about extreme goals and all-or-nothing thinking—why going “all in” sounds motivating but often backfires. Instead, we encourage building goals that allow for flexibility, grace, and trust—especially when life inevitably throws curveballs. Throughout the episode, we share real-life examples from our own journeys, stories from runners we coach, and a few lighthearted moments (because yes, goal-setting doesn’t have to be so serious). We also touch on the often-overlooked role of the nervous system—how feeling safe, supported, and regulated is a key part of creating sustainable habits. If you’re heading into 2026 wanting to feel more grounded, consistent, and confident in your running (and your life), this episode will help you shift away from pressure-driven resolutions and toward small, meaningful steps that actually last. Because big goals aren’t built in January… They’re built in the everyday choices you make, over and over again. If you want support as you chase big goals this year, check out the Real Life Runners Team [https://www.realliferunners.com/team] — we’re here to guide you and support you to get there! 🎧 Tune in and let’s set goals that work with you—not against you. 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.