In this episode of The Real Life Runners Podcast, we’re diving into a real-life backyard issue—our deteriorating fence—and what it taught us about boundaries, both literal and personal. We use this everyday challenge as a powerful metaphor for the invisible structures that support our lives, our training, and our overall well-being.

How often do we let little things slide—like a creaky fence or a nagging ache—telling ourselves we’ll deal with it later? But that “later” rarely comes without consequences. In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of procrastination, the signals our bodies send when we’re under-recovering, and how ignoring those signs can chip away at our physical and mental strength.

We talk about what it really means to set healthy boundaries—both in our training and our personal lives—and how honoring those boundaries can lead to stronger results and greater resilience. From understanding your training load and recovery needs to navigating body changes and emotional stressors, we’re bringing it all together.

We also emphasize the value of community and support, because just like a fence, we weren’t meant to hold everything up on our own. Whether it’s a running coach, a trusted friend, or a team that truly gets you, support makes all the difference in staying strong, grounded, and moving forward.

So, if you’ve been ignoring a few creaky boards—metaphorically or literally—this episode will help you recognize what needs attention and give you the tools to start rebuilding with strength, intention, and support.

02:09 – A Fence Story with Bigger Meaning
05:22 – The Real Costs of Waiting Too Long
06:56 – What Overtraining and Under-Recovery Really Look Like
22:25 – Why Boundaries Matter
23:35 – Creating Smarter Training Limits
24:16 – Balancing Effort with Recovery
25:10 – Setting Boundaries in Life and Relationships
26:19 – Respecting How Your Body Changes Over Time
28:05 – Tuning Into Your Body’s Signals
38:40 – Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

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