447: What I Know at 45 (And What I’m Still Learning)
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this solo episode, I’m taking some time to pause, reflect, and look back on 45 years of life, growth, and learning—both on and off the run. I’m sharing the lessons that have shaped me as a runner, a coach, and a human, and the shifts that continue to guide how I show up today.
I talk about how my relationship with health and fitness has evolved over the years—from wanting to be skinny to wanting to be strong, from restriction to truly fueling my body, and from chasing outcomes to learning how to enjoy the process. I share how letting go of the need to be right has opened the door to getting it right—especially when it comes to growth, grace, and self-awareness.
This episode goes deeper than training, too. I reflect on moving from a victim mindset to taking ownership of my life, from searching for an identity to choosing one, and from constantly proving myself to trusting myself. I also get honest about the things I’m still working through—procrastination, accepting support, and caring less about other people’s opinions.
If you’re in a season of transition, questioning old patterns, or feeling called to grow into a stronger, more aligned version of yourself, this episode is for you. My hope is that my reflections encourage you to pause, reflect, and give yourself permission to evolve, without needing to have it all figured out.
Come hang out with me for a real, honest conversation that feels more like a coaching session for real life.
Thanks for being here and running this journey with me.
04:08 Embracing Strength Over Skinniness
13:04 Fueling the Body with Love
18:08 Trusting the Process Over Chasing Outcomes
24:56 From Being Right to Getting It Right
29:07 Parenting and Growth Mindset
30:57 Shifting from Victim to Leader
38:11 Choosing Your Identity
43:06 Ongoing Personal Development
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.
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In this solo episode, I’m taking some time to pause, reflect, and look back on 45 years of life, growth, and learning—both on and off the run. I’m sharing the lessons that have shaped me as a runner, a coach, and a human, and the shifts that continue to guide how I show up today. I talk about how my relationship with health and fitness has evolved over the years—from wanting to be skinny to wanting to be strong, from restriction to truly fueling my body, and from chasing outcomes to learning how to enjoy the process. I share how letting go of the need to be right has opened the door to getting it right—especially when it comes to growth, grace, and self-awareness. This episode goes deeper than training, too. I reflect on moving from a victim mindset to taking ownership of my life, from searching for an identity to choosing one, and from constantly proving myself to trusting myself. I also get honest about the things I’m still working through—procrastination, accepting support, and caring less about other people’s opinions. If you’re in a season of transition, questioning old patterns, or feeling called to grow into a stronger, more aligned version of yourself, this episode is for you. My hope is that my reflections encourage you to pause, reflect, and give yourself permission to evolve, without needing to have it all figured out. Come hang out with me for a real, honest conversation that feels more like a coaching session for real life. Thanks for being here and running this journey with me. 04:08 Embracing Strength Over Skinniness 13:04 Fueling the Body with Love 18:08 Trusting the Process Over Chasing Outcomes 24:56 From Being Right to Getting It Right 29:07 Parenting and Growth Mindset 30:57 Shifting from Victim to Leader 38:11 Choosing Your Identity 43:06 Ongoing Personal Development 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.