In this solo episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, Coach Kevin gets real about the role of discomfort in growth—on the run and in life. Sharing takeaways from a tough birthday run and the powerful ideas in The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter, Kevin unpacks how stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to real transformation.

He talks about why chasing big goals matters, how to avoid falling into the “arrival fallacy,” and the difference between pain that builds you up and stress that wears you down. You’ll also hear thoughts on recovery, resilience, and the underrated power of community support.

This episode isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about choosing challenges that mean something. Kevin closes with a personal call to action: reflect on where you might be holding back, and consider what discomfort you might need to lean into to grow stronger—not just as a runner, but as a person.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Discomfort

03:05 Pushing Boundaries: Is It Worth It?

05:18 The Arrival Fallacy

08:35 Training and Growth

14:42 Mental Strength and Support Networks

19:19 The Comfort Crisis

22:09 Practical Tips for Embracing Discomfort

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