In episode 378 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we introduce 'The Gap and the Gain,' a powerful concept derived from the book of the same name by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. This episode delves into how focusing on the gains rather than the gaps can dramatically improve not only your running performance but also your overall satisfaction in life. We discuss the mental shifts required to appreciate how far you've come rather than how far you have to go. We offer insights from personal experiences, relating this framework to various aspects of life, including relationships and personal goals. The episode emphasizes the importance of gratitude, positive thinking, and mental resilience in achieving long-term success and happiness.

00:41 Discovering the Gap and the Gain

03:21 Understanding the Gap

07:35 Living in the Gap

11:22 Shifting Focus to the Gain

18:16 Applying the Gain in Life and Running

20:41 Personal Reflections on Gap and Gain

27:50 Mindset and Practical Applications

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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 episode 377 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we delve into the concept of voluntary suffering in running and debate whether it's a necessary component of our sport. We share our unique perspectives on what constitutes voluntary suffering and how it varies among runners. Our discussion includes personal anecdotes about training for different distances, from miles to marathons, and even ultra-marathons, highlighting individual preferences for short vs. long-distance running. We also talk about how our willingness to endure suffering can shape our performance, including the differences between running and racing and how external goals like the Boston Marathon can influence motivation. Additionally, we address the expectations and actual experiences of both new and seasoned runners, including high school athletes, and stress how mindsets can evolve. Towards the end, we touch on unnecessary suffering and how it can be counterproductive if not balanced well. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of aligning training and goals with the level of discomfort you're willing to endure.

02:03 Defining Voluntary Suffering in Running

03:31 Personal Experiences with Suffering in Running

06:14 The Role of Discomfort in Growth and Performance

08:57 Coaching and Observations on Suffering

23:28 Voluntary Suffering vs. Unnecessary Suffering

25:32 Balancing Suffering and Enjoyment in Running

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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.

Balancing Training and Sustainability: Episode 376 of Real Life Runners

In episode 376 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss the challenges of balancing all the advice on training, eating, and living healthier lives for optimal performance, especially for real-life runners with busy schedules. We delve into the science and practicalities behind different training philosophies, including the benefits and pitfalls of sprint training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), as well as the importance of sustainable progress through creating habits one step at a time. Highlighting our experiences with high school cross country runners, we emphasize how proper distribution of training load, adjustments based on real-time conditions, and gradual habit changes can lead to sustainable success and avoid injury and burnout.

01:35 Balancing Training and Life

07:07 The Importance of Nutrition and Recovery

11:53 Adapting Training for Different Populations

17:04 Exploring Sprint Training

21:52 Understanding Sustainable Progress

22:53 Sprint Workouts: Different Perspectives

25:28 Maximum Velocity vs. Maximum Effort

27:45 High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

28:55 Building Sustainable Habits

30:07 Strength Training: Where to Start

30:52 Adjusting Effort Levels in Running

31:13 Sustainable Nutrition Changes

36:11 The Importance of Habit Stacking

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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.

'Eat Less, Move More' - you've heard this right? It seems like it's just the accepted advice if you want to lose weight - but is this good advice for runners? We explore the negative impacts of calorie restriction on active individuals, discussing how it can lead to decreased performance, muscle loss, and hormonal imbalances. Emphasizing the importance of properly fueling the body, especially for female runners and those in perimenopause or menopause, we highlight why runners need to rethink conventional dieting wisdom and focus on balanced energy intake to support their activity levels and overall health.

00:46 The Misconception of 'Eat Less, Move More'

07:21 Understanding Metabolism and Energy Needs

08:14 The Impact of Diet Culture on Active Individuals

17:54 The Importance of Matching Energy Intake with Energy Output

20:49 Nutrient Timing and Fueling Strategies for Runners

27:02 Banana Burps and Energy Metabolism

27:27 Understanding Low Energy Availability (LEA) and RED-S

31:28 Fueling for Performance: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

34:03 Intermittent Fasting: Pros and Cons

40:27 Keto Diet: Is It Right for You?

41:30 The Dangers of Calorie Restriction

46:25 Fueling Your Body for Performance

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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 episode 374 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we explore the popular concept of zone two training and dispel common myths around it. We explain why solely relying on zone two is not sufficient for improving running performance. The episode delves into the importance of integrating various effort levels, particularly sprint training, which brings numerous benefits, such as increased muscle recruitment, improved endurance, and better fat burning, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. Practical tips on safely incorporating sprint training into your routine, the significance of a thorough warm-up, and appropriate recovery strategies are also discussed.

01:33 Defining Zone Two Training

03:25 The Blurry Lines of Training Zones

06:10 Simplifying Training Zones

14:18 The Importance of Sprint Training

21:56 Sprint Training for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

26:30 The Benefits of Sprint Training

26:55 Balancing Sprint and Zone 2 Training

28:36 Incorporating Sprint Training Safely

33:59 Mental and Physical Hurdles of Sprint Training

41:11 Effective Warm-Up Techniques

45:01 Starting Your Sprint Training Routine

46:58 The Importance of Cool Down and Recovery

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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 episode 373 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we delve into the concept of Mudita—sympathetic joy—and its significance in sports and personal life, emphasizing the importance of genuine joy for others' successes. This episode also highlights key takeaways from Olympic events and commercials, pointing out how these lessons can make us better runners and humans. Additionally, we share insights from a recent business retreat and discuss the balance between competition and compassion, using various Olympic stories and commercials as examples.

01:43 The Concept of Mudita

03:32 Applying Mudita in Running

07:38 Olympic Commercials and Community Support

15:25 Personal Running Stories and Inspiration

24:10 Finding Joy in Every Run

24:51 The Power of Celebration

26:48 The Controversial Nike Commercial

27:31 Winning Isn't for Everyone

29:51 The Mindset of Elite Athletes

39:21 Embracing Mudita in Running

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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 episode 372 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we dive into our favorite stories and lessons from the recent Olympics. We discuss inspiring performances from various athletes, particularly in running events, and what runners of all levels can learn from these elite competitors. The conversation spans topics such as overcoming challenges, the importance of fueling and cooling during races, and the power of mindset and self-belief. We also share practical tips for recreational runners, emphasizing the significance of training, preparation, and celebrating achievements. From marathon strategies to individual race tactics, this episode offers valuable insights for enhancing both running and personal growth.

01:00 Olympic Excitement and Personal Reflections

05:24 Body Positivity and Athleticism

10:46 Sifan Hassan's Incredible Feats

17:50 Kenneth Rooks' Steeplechase Journey

26:49 Embracing Excellence: The Power of Preparation

28:34 The Resilience of Jakob Ingebrigtsen

31:39 The Unique Personalities of the U.S. Sprint Squad

35:14 Marathon Strategies: Cooling and Fueling

43:05 The Impact of Course and Technology on Marathon Performance

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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 Episode 371 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss how our body's symptoms and signs, like pain and discomfort, are often messages that need to be interpreted rather than squashed or ignored. We explore how to distinguish between soreness and pain, the importance of understanding your body's signals, and the various factors including training practices, lifestyle, and mental stress that can influence these symptoms. We emphasize the need for proper recovery, nutrition, and stress management and advocate a more mindful and holistic approach to health and wellness. We share personal experiences, practical tips, and a checklist to help you identify and address the root causes of your symptoms.

03:08 The Problem with Symptom Squashing

11:36 Understanding Pain and Discomfort

22:39 Identifying the Root Causes

24:38 Understanding the Big Picture

25:53 Impact of Real Life on Training

27:18 Training Load and Recovery

35:28 Importance of Nutrition

39:37 Managing Stress and Anxiety

43:10 Recognizing Body Signals

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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.