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Ever get into a training rhythm that feels good but out of nowhere it just hits you - why am I doing this?  The Olympic Trials got me thinking about putting in the work and not getting the outward-facing goal.  There are lots of feel-good stories and interviews with athletes making the team, but what about the athlete that just misses?  What about the athlete that finished last?  Is it worth all of the work?  Why do we do uncomfortable things?   Highlights of the Episode   The Olympic Trials are amazing, inspiring, and heartbreaking Why go through the pain? The journey is bigger than one race If the race is the only thing, what happens even if you finish it, PR it or win it? The training is where you test yourself - this holds even more for non-elite This is a matter of integrity - who do you want to be?  You didn’t sign up for easy, you signed up for your best self   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

Have you noticed the number of new devices and apps popping up that will help you track your recovery?  There is a saying that if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.  With this in mind, wearable company’s have found more and more aspects of our bodies that they can measure.  Do the numbers actually help optimize our recovery better than an honest personal assessment about how we are feeling?   Highlights of the Episode   Growth is equal to stress plus rest Benefits of sleep tracker Sleep is the ultimate restoring factor Recovery following exercise Measuring your recovery   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just take a break from life for the next 9 months and build a beautiful multi-phased training plan filled with consistent build-up and plentiful recovery?  How does a training plan get created and executed when running is not the only aspect of your life? While illness and vacation can sometimes throw a wrench in our plans, what about when our job creates its own physical challenge?   Highlights of the Episode   Honesty is the key to personal training Multiple aspects of having a plan Train your mind, body and skills Balancing physically demanding job and working out Common mistakes while fitting training into your life   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

Races are coming back.  Before you just sign up for the first one available, consider how long it will take you to be prepared for the race.  In this episode, we dive into one of our favorite distances, the half marathon.  We break down training strategies and timelines based on whether this will be your first ever, your first in a while, or a repeat race when you are chasing a personal best.    Highlights of the Episode   What should you bring to the starting line Runner’s endurance and long, slow run adaptations How long is this going to take? What is your goal?  Complete or compete Base building and race specific phase   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

One of our key principles of training is that your running cannot all stay at the same pace.  One of the training terms thrown around quite a bit is polarized training.  In this episode, we look at what polarized training actually entails, what the research suggests about alternate styles of training, as well as if and how to incorporate this style of training into your own running.    Highlights of the Episode   Levels and Methods of training Polarized vs pyramidal How is this useful to you? Personal adaptations   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

The half marathon is such a wonderful race distance.  It is long enough that you need to put in months of training to perform well, but it is short enough that you do not need to abandon all work and family obligations to devote yourself to increased mileage and a weekend long run that can get grueling while prepping for a marathon.  In this episode, we cover how to set yourself up for success whether you are looking to complete your first half marathon or improve on your last race.    Highlights of the Episode   When should you start training for a half marathon?   Do you have the strength needed to run a half marathon?   What does it take to train for a half marathon?   How to run and train for a half marathon?   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

The way we look when we run can be remarkably distinguishable to other runners who have known us for a while.  As races get going again, this is a good reminder that while running form can be improved and optimized, there are plenty of runners out there with less than “perfect form” putting up strong race results.  In this episode, we cover running form while racing and the adage that running form will simply improve with more running.    Highlights of the Episode   Kevin’s race recap First mass start live race since January 2020 What does racing have to do with running form? You cannot improve running form simply by running more The keys to improving your running form How your strength plays a role in your running form   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

As runners, many of us are looking to improve in some manner.  Some of us are looking to improve consistency.  This may rely on adding enjoyment or removing pain.  Some of us are trying to run faster or farther.  This can rely on appropriate training and planning.  Given enough time, a training plan will create enough adaptations to your body that you can survive whatever new challenge you undertake.  A big key in this process is making sure your body can handle the workload by making sure your body is moving correctly and your muscles have both the strength and endurance needed.    Highlights of the Episode   What do you want to accomplish? Improve consistency, run longer, and run faster What is stopping you? Role of strength and cardio ability   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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 know the immense benefits that running can bring to us, both physically and mentally, and we want other people to experience that without all of the aches, pains, and frustrations. To be able to take charge of their physical and mental health and train in a way that’s right for them. Here's the secret that we've learned on our running journey and after coaching runners for 15 years: Training your mind, body, and skills is the MOST EFFECTIVE way to be a successful runner. Without all 3, you will never reach your full potential as a runner and will always fall short of your goals. Today we talk about the importance of training your mind, body, and skills, and the 5 stages of your running journey that will make you more successful in achieving your running goals.   Highlights of the Episode   Training your mind, body, and skills for success The 5 Stages of the Runner's Journey Characteristics of all 5 stages The Power of Becoming a Real Life Runner Our personal journeys through the stages   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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.

Breathing is essential for life.  We all know that. Today we want to talk about the importance of the breath, both when we are running and when we are not running.  How important is breath control? What techniques can we use to improve our breathing?   Highlights of the Episode   Two ways to think about breathing Breathing through your mouth vs nose Techniques for breathing Breathing while running and exercising   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

If you’re like a lot of runners that we work with, you may have noticed that your body isn’t responding the same way it used to.  As you get older, you may start to notice some aches and pains that weren’t there before.  Many runners experience some form of lower back pain, before, during, or after running.  Today we are going to address why it may be happening and what you can do about it.     Highlights of the Episode   Lower back pain in runners Possible causes of lower back pain Why is this happening What can I do about it   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

How do you know if you are being consistent? Is it running 5 days a week? 6 days? Running hard? Running easy all the time? Truth is... consistency looks a little different for everyone.   In this episode, we talk about consistency and why understanding your brain can improve all of our relationships with running days. Understanding how our brain works is even more powerful than motivation. Not only will you BE more consistent, but you will also WANT to get out there and do your training each day! Tell us, what does consistency mean to you?   Highlights of the Episode   Why your brain is working against you How to rewire your brain for success How to build new habits How to eliminate the need for motivation and be consistent   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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 talk all the time about recovering after a hard workout.  Recovery is needed for adaptation, so sleep and nutrition matter.  What about the recovery during a workout?  How long should you break for during an interval session or a strength routine?  In this episode, we look at how the body recovers during a workout, and why you may not be getting the results you are aiming for.    Highlights of the Episode   Recovery during a workout Recovery during strength work Short and longer recovery Is yoga good for workout recovery? Recovery during harder interval runs How to balance speed and recovery duration   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

Runners often talk about a base-building phase as though high mileage is the only component. They think of it only as a build up to a longer race, or as something they might “need” to do. Maybe you’ve heard the term before but don’t really understand what it means or why it’s used. In this episode, we challenge the idea that base building is only about increasing mileage, and point out some other key components that need to be included in your base building phase. We also encourage all runners to consider a base building phase somewhere in their training year, especially if you’ve never tried one before. It’s a great time to help you build your base as a runner, and to set you up for greater success when race training begins.    Highlights of the Episode   What is base-building? How do all components of running work together? When to incorporate a base building cycle 3 components of base building   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

Have you ever crossed the finish line thinking you should have gone faster because you are not that tired?  Have you ever begged for the finish line to be a few miles closer because you went out way too fast?  Today we are talking all things pacing.  We will cover pacing strategies for races as well as training paces to help you reach your goals.  Runners take your marks...go!   Highlights of the Episode   Why is pacing important? Going out too fast and too slow What is the best way to pace a race? How to prepare and run your pace What about run/walking   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

Races are starting to come back onto the schedule. Whether it is a smaller local race or a major marathon with thousands of runners, racing is returning. With racing can come a major issue for many runners - pre-race nerves. The anxiety around racing has disappeared for the past year, but as runners prepare to pin on their numbers, let’s take a look at these jitters and what to do about them.   Highlights of the Episode   What causes fear and nervousness Better ways to overcome pre-race anxiety The longer buildup makes the race feel more important Develop a mental space for a better run Time trials and virtual races   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

Quitting. It’s something we never want to do, but are there times when that might be the best option? How do we know when to push through or pull the plug? In this week's episode, we answer this and some other questions posed to us by our listeners. Tune in to hear the answers!   Highlights of the Episode   How do you bring yourself to go back to running? How much is enough?  When should you stop? Quick update on our running   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

How do you see your body?  Do you use positive or negative words to describe yourself?  When we assess our physical body, we generally do so as a comparison to some image in our head.  In this episode, we want to discuss the physical stereotypes cast upon us.  We look into how these societal expectations are different for men and women, and how they change over time.  We also talk about the idea of loving your body for what it is, and how that can be another unhealthy trap.     Highlights of the Episode   How do you feel about your body? Gender stereotypes and roles Physical gender stereotypes Physical stereotypes with runners Does the societal physical image fit with the running goal?   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

As runners, we understand that food is more than simple nutrition. Food is fuel. While many runners struggle with their poor relationship with food, the bottom line is that you can't optimize your run and training well if you don't fuel properly. In this episode, Kristy Baumann, a registered dietitian and marathon runner, shares her wisdom about proper fueling and nutrition for runners. We also talk about her journey through her passion for nutrition and running, strategies for fueling your runner's body, and a lot more!   Highlights of the Episode   Signs of underfueling for runners Fueling guide every runner should know Rebuilding your body trust around food How to gain control of emotional eating What is proper nutrition for master runners? Food freedom VS choosing the right quality of food Fat adapted training for runners - Kristy is a registered dietitian, marathon runner, and mother to a two-year-old girl. As a new runner, she thought she was eating healthy to support her training. In reality, she was eating too clean and unknowingly was restricting calories, cutting out fat, ignoring hunger signs, food was constantly on her mind and she had a big sweet tooth. These were all signs of underfueling that resulted in recurring injuries and a poor relationship with food.   It was until she began to change her mindset around food, understand the science of nutrition and how the body works that she was able to fuel properly, feel more energized, and improved her running.   Now she is on a mission to spread the message that restricting food and following fad diets are not the answers. Having a positive relationship with food is the foundation of fueling well as a runner.   Connect with Kristy! @marathon.nutritionist   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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

Many runners head out for a run without worrying about pace or effort.  They take off and run and they finish pretty tired.  They fall victim to the moderate effort trap.  They never run that hard, but they never run that easy.  If you have moved to a more polarized approach, remember that moderate effort still deserves a place in your training, and could unlock much greater potential.     Highlights of the Episode   How do you measure your effort? How does polarized running works? What about that middle ground? Middle ground and run/walk Benefits of polarized running   Thanks for Listening!! To join the RLR Training Team, click here.  To download our FREE strength guide for runners, click here.   To join the RLR Tribe, click here. If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please send us an email at support@realliferunners.com    Come find us on Facebook and Instagram and say hi! Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one! Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Google Play Interested in Training plans and Coaching? Check that out here!   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