In this solo episode of The Real Life Runners podcast, I’m diving into something so many of us struggle with after 40: why it feels harder to maintain a healthy weight, even when you’re exercising and eating right. Trust me, you’re not alone in this!

I’ll walk you through what’s really going on inside our bodies — how hormonal shifts, like drops in estrogen and progesterone, impact our metabolism and muscle mass. And more importantly, I’ll show you what we can do about it.

We’ll talk about why building muscle is key (it’s not just about losing weight anymore!), how much protein you actually need, and why proper recovery is just as important as training hard. I’ll also share how stress and nervous system regulation fit into the picture — because if we don’t manage those, it’s like swimming upstream.

I’m here to help you shift the focus from shrinking your body to building strength, energy, and vitality — because you deserve to feel powerful and alive at every age. I’ll wrap up with some practical tips you can start using today to rebuild muscle, boost your metabolism, and feel amazing again.

00:21 Understanding Metabolism Changes

01:52 Hormones and Their Impact

05:54 The Role of Stress and Cortisol

11:19 Importance of Muscle Building

16:37 Effective Training and Recovery

20:24 Shifting Focus: Strength Over Weight

22:23 Practical Tips for Building Muscle

Join the 30 Day Running 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

Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team

Thanks for Listening!!

Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one!

Come find us on Instagram 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.