Most runners love the feeling of a good workout — that endorphin rush, the sweat, the sense of accomplishment. But here’s the truth: your body doesn’t get stronger during the run. It gets stronger during recovery.

In this episode, Angie and Kevin kick off a brand-new series on the science of recovery — because if you want to make progress, stay healthy, and actually feel good while running, recovery isn’t optional. It’s essential.

They break down what recovery really means, why it’s often overlooked, and how you can start getting it right. You’ll learn:

🏃‍♀️ How training stress (and life stress) affect your recovery — especially for women over 40
😴 Why quality sleep, protein, and proper fueling matter more than you think
⚖️ The difference between under-recovering and being “just tired”
💪 Simple, practical ways to support recovery — from active recovery runs to mindset shifts

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re feeling more fatigued, sore, or unmotivated despite consistent training, this episode is your guide to finding balance, rebuilding stronger, and running for the long haul.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to make recovery your secret weapon for performance, progress, and longevity in running — and life.

00:28 The Importance of Recovery in Training

05:26 The Science of Stress and Adaptation

09:10 Understanding the Stress and Adaptation Cycle

15:12 The Role of Recovery in Training

15:26 The Exhaustion Phase and Its Implications

19:45 Balancing Stress and Recovery

27:15 Signs of Stress and Under-Recovery

30:34 The Critical Role of Sleep in Recovery

32:34 The Importance of Sleep for Muscle Recovery

33:53 Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality

37:14 The Role of Hormones in Recovery for Women Over 40

39:34 Optimizing Protein Intake for Muscle Recovery

43:03 Recognizing Signs of Under-Recovery

47:07 Effective Recovery Strategies

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!

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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.

In this week’s Real Life Runners podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Lyons — a nutrition and eating psychology coach who helps women heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Kelly opens up about her personal journey through binge eating, which began back in high school, and how she ultimately broke free by uncovering the root causes and learning to rewire her brain.

This conversation is honest, compassionate, and full of practical wisdom. We talk about the emotional patterns that often drive binge eating, why willpower alone isn’t the answer, and how to start building a sense of trust with your body again. Kelly and I also dive into the dangers of diet culture, how to reconnect with your true hunger and fullness cues, and the role that movement and self-compassion play in recovery.

Whether you’ve struggled with binge eating yourself, wrestled with food guilt, or just want to create a more peaceful relationship with eating and exercise — this episode will give you hope, understanding, and tools to start making real, lasting change.

Kelly Lyons is a certified nutrition and eating psychology coach who helps women overcome binge eating and create a healthy, peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Drawing from her own journey of recovery, Kelly combines science-based nutrition with mindset and emotional awareness to guide her clients toward lasting change. Her compassionate, practical approach empowers women to break free from diet culture, rebuild trust with their bodies, and find joy in both food and movement.

If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below! 

https://kellylyonscoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kellylyonscoaching/

🎧 Tune in to learn how to break the cycle, rebuild trust with your body, and find freedom in food and movement again.

00:28 Kelly's Background and Approach to Nutrition

01:27 Personal Struggles with Binge Eating

04:53 The Cycle of Dieting and Binge Eating

09:01 Understanding the Brain's Role in Binge Eating

12:21 Emotional and Restriction-Driven Eating

14:36 The Impact of Diet Culture and Exercise

17:44 Coping with Emotions and Boredom

22:55 App to Control Socia

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.

Teamwork isn’t just for cross-country teams, group runs, or the workplace—it’s a value that can shape every part of our running journey and our everyday lives.

In this episode, we wrap up our series on core values with one of the most powerful of them all: teamwork. We explore what it really means to be part of a team, even if you consider yourself a “solo runner,” and how cultivating teamwork can transform the way you approach challenges, celebrate wins, and stay consistent over time.

You’ll hear us dive into:

• Why teamwork matters even outside of traditional team settings
• How to show up for others (and yourself) in meaningful ways
• The role of sharing struggles, celebrating wins, and building support systems
• How gratitude and communication strengthen both running and life relationships

Plus—we’re celebrating 8 years of the Real Life Runners Podcast! 🎉

To mark the occasion, we’re kicking off our Eight Days of Giveaways. Each day, we’ll be giving away prizes to thank you for being part of this community. Enter by replying to our emails or joining the fun on social media—you don’t want to miss it!

Be sure to follow us @realliferunners on Instagram for the daily contests and prizes!

Because at the end of the day, running is better (and life is richer) when we don’t go it alone.

00:28 The Importance of Teamwork in Running

00:52 Teamwork in High School Cross Country

02:44 Personal Stories of Teamwork

05:04 Celebrating 8 Years of Podcasting

07:34 The Role of Support Systems in Running

12:59 Finding Your Running Community

24:24 The Power of Support in Running

24:59 Encouragement from Fellow Runners

26:10 Understanding Non-Runners' Perspectives

29:46 Teamwork in Family Life

33:41 The Importance of Communication

38:56 Celebrating Wins and Overcoming Struggles

47:09 Practical Tips for Cultivating Teamwork

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.

In this week’s episode, we’re continuing our Core Values series by diving into one of the most powerful values for runners and for life: resilience.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about bouncing back, learning, and growing stronger with every setback. We’ll share stories from our own running and coaching journeys, along with practical strategies you can use to build your own resilience on the run and beyond.

From tough races and challenging workouts to the curveballs life throws your way, resilience is what helps you keep moving forward. We’ll talk about how recovery, gratitude, and the support of a strong community all play a role in helping you rise, reset, and run with strength.

If you’ve ever faced a setback (and let’s be honest—we all have), this episode will remind you that resilience is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, growing, and finding the strength to keep going.

00:11 Defining Resilience in Running

01:10 Race Recap and Goal Setting

03:54 Integrity and Accountability

14:51 Resilience in Training

19:34 Resilience in Races and Competitions

21:31 Embracing Discomfort in Shorter Races

23:35 Mental Toughness and Adaptability in Racing

25:23 The Importance of Flexibility in Training Plans

27:54 Building Resilience Through Adapting Workouts

32:10 Reflecting on Wins and Learning Opportunities

40:24 The Role of Recovery in Building Resilience

41:16 Gratitude and Community Support in Resilience

44:35 The Essence of Resilience

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.

In episode 427 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we continue our Core Values series with one of the most powerful keys to lasting success in running—and life: commitment.

Motivation comes and goes. Some mornings you’ll wake up ready to run, other days… not so much. That’s why commitment matters more. It’s the steady anchor that carries you through the days when motivation fades.

In this episode, we dive into Core Value #3: Commitment. We share how staying committed—to yourself, the process, your goals, and even the people around you—creates the kind of consistency that builds strong, resilient runners.

Drawing from our own experiences as runners and as high school cross country coaches, we talk about how commitment shows up on the good days and the hard ones, how it shapes your mindset, and how it ultimately fuels your growth on and off the run.

You’ll hear personal stories, practical insights, and a few challenges to help you reflect on your own running journey:

• What does it really mean to commit to yourself?
• How do you keep showing up when motivation is low?
• Where do commitment and recovery meet?
• And how can commitment to others (and even competition) make you stronger?

By the end of this episode, you’ll see why commitment is the foundation for real transformation—and how deepening your own commitment can help you reach your next level as a runner and as a person.

03:07 Commitment vs. Motivation

05:20 Commitment to Yourself

20:09 Commitment to the Process

24:33 Running Routine and Commitment

26:03 Commitment to Goals and Process

27:26 Balancing Commitment and Recovery

29:20 Commitment to Others

30:04 Morning Motivation Story

34:51 Commitment in Competition

39:46 Mental and Physical Discomfort in Racing

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.

We’re kicking off a brand-new series on the podcast all about core values—the guiding principles that shape not just how we run, but how we live.

In this episode, we’re diving into respect:

• Respect for yourself, your training, and your recovery
• Respect for your teammates, competitors, and the sport itself
• Respect in how you handle challenges, setbacks, and successes

You’ll hear how we teach this value to our cross-country athletes, how it shows up in training and racing, and some personal stories from our own running journey—especially how we’ve had to adjust and lean into respect during emotional challenges lately.

Running is more than just workouts and finish lines. It’s about showing up with integrity and living your values every step of the way.

👉 Tune in, reflect on your own core values, and ask yourself: How am I practicing respect in my running and in my life?

00:00 Introduction to Respect and Core Values

00:13 Defining Core Values for the Team

02:51 The Importance of Integrity

03:38 Exploring Respect in Running

04:31 Respect for Self and Potential

11:38 Respect for the Sport and the Process

20:40 Respect for the Competition

24:11 Healthy vs. Toxic Competition

24:45 Team Spirit and Camaraderie

26:34 Using Competition to Push Yourself

31:29 Respecting Your Body and Limitations

33:29 Emotional Challenges and Running

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.

In this empowering episode, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Vong, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women’s thyroid health, especially hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

We dive into the connection between thyroid function, perimenopause, and weight loss—exploring why so many women struggle with fatigue, weight gain, and hormonal shifts even when they’re “doing everything right.”

Dr. Vong breaks down the importance of optimal lab testing, the dangers of chronic dieting, the role of inflammation, and how sustainable lifestyle changes can restore health and resilience. You’ll leave with practical takeaways, a fresh perspective on weight gain, and the encouragement to advocate for yourself on your health journey.

Dr. Rachel Vong is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, Canada with a passion and clinical focus on thyroid disorders, specifically hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. She runs a successful 4 month comprehensive thyroid program called the Thyroid Reset System that has helped hundreds of women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s reclaim their energy, lose weight effortlessly and get back to feeling like themselves again.

Having struggled with debilitating anxiety, burnout, and a myriad of gut issues herself for several years, it has become her mission in life to help guide and empower other women to take charge of their own health so that they can live a life that they love.

If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below! 

[email protected]
https://www.drvongnd.com/thyroidresetsystem
https://www.instagram.com/drvongnd
https://www.facebook.com/groups/244653034411113

 00:22 Meet Dr. Rachel Vong
 01:03 Thyroid 101: Role in Health & Energy
 01:44 Signs of Hypothyroidism
 02:28 Perimenopause vs. Thyroid Symptoms
 05:17 Why Testing & Family History Matter
 07:54 Beyond Thyroid: Other Key Markers
 09:30 Normal vs. Optimal Lab Ranges
 12:01 Thyroid, Metabolism & Weight Gain
 17:39 Reframing Weight Gain as Protection
 20:23 Case Study: Reducing Inflammation
 24:23 Nutrition, Inflammation & Resiliency
 27:14 The Risks of Chronic Rest

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.

In this week’s solo episode, I’m diving into a concept that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves—integrity. Not just in the big, moral sense we usually think of, but in the everyday choices we make as runners and humans.

At a recent business retreat, I had some big “aha” moments about how keeping (or breaking) small promises to myself connects directly to integrity. And honestly? I realized I had some breakdowns in this area that were holding me back. Maybe you’ve felt that too.

Here’s the truth: integrity is the foundation for progress. When we follow through on the little things—showing up for an easy run, fueling well, going to bed on time—it builds trust with ourselves. That trust turns into momentum, which turns into results.

In this episode, I’ll share:
 ✨ Why integrity is so much more than just “doing the right thing.”
 ✨ How those tiny promises we make (and often dismiss) are shaping our running journey.
 ✨ My own struggles with integrity and what I’ve learned from them.
 ✨ Practical ways to strengthen integrity—like practicing radical awareness, starting small, and quickly recommitting when you fall off track.
 ✨ How to celebrate the wins (big and small) while still being honest about where you need to grow.

My hope is that this conversation helps you see integrity not as pressure or perfection, but as an empowering tool you can use to create the results you want—both on the run and in your life.

Because when you live and run with integrity, you build confidence, consistency, and joy that lasts. 💙

01:22 Defining Integrity in Running

02:29 Personal Stories and Realizations

04:19 Integrity in Training Plans

05:15 Practical Examples of Integrity Breakdowns

06:56 The Impact of Small Breakdowns

08:50 Reframing Integrity and Shame

15:23 Applying Integrity to Running and Life

23:47 Handling Unexpected Delays

24:36 Staying True to Your Training Plan

25:59 Balancing Integrity and Flexibility

28:30 Personal Anecdotes and Life Challenges

31:50 Radical Awareness and Self-Audit

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.

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

How to Enjoy Running More: Overcoming Pain, Letting Go of Judgment, and Finding the Fun in Every Run

In this week’s episode, Kevin and I dive into something every runner wants more of—joy in running. Because let’s be real, not every run feels amazing. Some days are light and fun, and others feel like a grind. But with the right approach, running can be something you actually look forward to.

We share some of our own stories (the good, the tough, and the funny!) and talk through practical ways you can bring more enjoyment into your miles. Here’s a little sneak peek of what we cover:

•  Eliminating pain – Strength training and mobility aren’t just “extras”—they’re the keys to feeling good in your runs.
• Letting go of judgment – You are not “too slow.” You’re a runner, exactly as you are.
• Creating a plan that fits you – Adjusting speed work, long runs, and strength sessions so that training feels sustainable and fun.

At the end of the day, running doesn’t have to feel like punishment—it should build you up, body and mind.

We also share some exciting resources to help you along the way, including our new secret podcast (yep, you heard that right!) and our 30-Day Strong Runner Challenge—a simple way to start combining running and strength so you can enjoy running more, with less pain and more confidence.

👉 Tune in now and let’s make running something you truly love again.

02:25 The Reality of Enjoying Running

05:26 The Inconsistency and Injury Cycle

12:20 The Hamster Wheel of Chasing PRs

20:18 Consistency is Key: Health and Running

27:43 Making Running More Enjoyable

29:45 Understanding Discomfort vs. Pain in Running

30:42 The Importance of Strength Training

32:22 Letting Go of Judgment

37:39 Finding Enjoyment in Running

42:18 Creating a Personalized Running Plan

46:08 The Non-Negotiable Need for Strength Training

50:15 Listening to Your Body's Signals

51:45 Making Running Fun and Enjoyable

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.

In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Tara Welling — a former professional runner who raced for Nike and Skechers — to hear her powerful story of grit, growth, and finding joy again in the sport she loves.

Tara takes us back to her first miles in elementary school, through her rise to the professional circuit, and into the realities most people never see — the burnout, the pressure, and the struggles with body image that came with competing at the highest level. She shares how stepping away from the sport allowed her to rebuild a healthier relationship with running, one rooted in balance, joy, and self-respect.

We also talk about what it’s like to run during pregnancy, the transition into motherhood, and how she’s now pouring her experience into coaching. Through her work with RunDoyen, Tara helps runners of all abilities tap into personalized training, the right mindset, and the power of community support.

This conversation will remind you that running is not just about chasing times — it’s about chasing what lights you up inside. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply trying to fall in love with running again, Tara’s story will leave you inspired to run your own race.

Tara Welling is a former professional runner for Nike and Skechers, a 2x National Champion in the Half Marathon and 15k, and a 4x U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier (2012 – 10k & 5k track, 2016 – 10k & 5k track, 2020 – marathon, 2024 – marathon).

Now a coach with RunDoyen and a mom of two, Tara combines her elite-level experience with a personalized, supportive approach to help runners of all levels reach their goals — whether that’s chasing a PR, building consistency, or finding joy in the process.

If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below!

[email protected]

https://www.rundoyen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tara_welling/

00:21 Tara's Early Running Journey

02:41 Choosing Running Over Soccer

05:54 College Running Experience

07:11 Body Image and Nutrition in Running

12:20 Training and Motherhood

19:16 Professional Running Career

22:02 Burnout and Rediscovering Joy in Running

26:23 Training with Sketchers

28:57 Finding Joy in Running

29:44 Running During Pregnancy

33:2

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.