Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown

He did it again! Kevin completed his second 100-mile race (first on a trail) on January 18th and 19th, overcoming various challenges. The episode covers the logistical preparation, unexpected issues like missing fuel sources and equipment, and the emotional ups and downs both Kevin and us faced. It details the start of the race, Kevin's tactics, the importance of hydration and nutrition, and...

We kick off the new year by discussing Kevin's preparation for his upcoming 100-mile ultra trail race, the Long Haul 100 in Lakeland, Florida. We delve into Kevin's training journey post hernia surgery, the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, and the adjustments made along the way. The episode also covers the logistics of the race, including nutrition strategies, the unique...

In this engaging episode, we welcome Amanda Schaefer, a mental performance coach and former college athlete who shares her transformative health and fitness journey. Amanda discusses shifting her priorities from being a busy mom to reclaiming her health and strength through disciplined gym visits and mental training. She delves into the challenges of overcoming negative self-talk, the importance o...

One thing I have learned over and over again this year is that we must "let go to let in". As 2025 approaches, we  need to bring closure to 2024 to allow space for future successes, joy, and achievements in running and life. In this episode we highlight five key things runners should consider letting go of and leave in 2024.  02:06 The Clothing Analogy: Letting Go to Let In 08:23 Five Th...

When you race, do you race the clock or race other runners? In this week’s episode, we dig into this idea, share personal anecdotes, including their unique race experiences and how their expectations have shifted over time due to various factors such as training, health, and past performances. We also delve into the mental strategies employed during races, the psychology of competition, and practi...

 In episode 389 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss the universal law of rhythm, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing life's natural cycles. We explore how recognizing the ebb and flow of activity and rest can significantly impact both training and overall well-being. The episode dives into Kevin's personal journey of overcoming his relentless push in traini...

In episode 388 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, Don Oswalt, an accomplished triathlete who began his athletic journey at 44, shares the transformative power of mantras. Don discusses his late start in endurance sports and how his passion quickly escalated, leading to participation in prestigious events like the Ironman World Championships and Boston Marathon. He highlights the crucial role of men...

In episode 387 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we share five crucial tips for running through the holiday season. Understanding the challenges the holidays present, they provide strategies to keep your running routine intact amidst celebrations and commitments. We encourage listeners to plan ahead, adjust as necessary, and embrace the festive period while maintaining a balanced approach to fitne...

This week we dive deep into the concept of sacrifice in running. We discuss the necessary sacrifices runners must make to achieve their goals and how to know if you're sacrificing the right things. We address common pitfalls, such as sacrificing the wrong aspects of life or overdoing the variety in training to the detriment of progress. Learn that real progress may require giving up old belie...

Today we are digging into the often misunderstood topic of motivation. We discuss why motivation, while potentially useful in the short term, is not the key to long-term success in running. Instead, they emphasize the importance of consistency and action, which build the necessary belief systems to achieve running goals. The episode highlights how small, manageable action steps can bolster motivat...

In episode 384 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, the focus is on the importance of heavy lifting for runners. The episode challenges the traditional belief that runners should stick to high repetitions and low weights, highlighting heavy lifting's role in improving strength, endurance, and body composition. We discuss the benefits of heavy lifting, debunk myths about getting bulky, and provid...

In this episode, we discuss the essential distinction between goals and intentions in the world of running. We delve into our recent cross country season, revealing how we worked with our team on journaling exercises to enhance their mental strength. We also highlight the value of mental tools and training, and how releasing control over specific race outcomes can lead to greater satisfaction and...

In this solo episode of the Real Life Runners Podcast, I dive into a topic that's close to my heart as a physical therapist with 17 years of experience—hip strength and stability, and how they play a critical role in both enhancing your running performance and reducing the risk of injuries. We'll explore the anatomy and function of key hip muscles, focusing particularly on the gluteus me...

In episode 381 of the Real Life Runners podcast, we dive into why running can feel more challenging over 40, and provide actionable strategies to counteract these challenges. We discuss the importance of tailoring your training to your current abilities and debunk myths about needing expensive gear like carbon-plated shoes. Emphasizing the critical role of proper sleep for recovery, we offer pract...

In this episode of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we discuss our tried-and-true strategies to prevent and treat muscle cramps that many runners face. We tackle topics like common causes of running cramps, such as dehydration, under-fueling, and improper footwear, as well as behavioral changes like attempting new terrains or intensity levels. We share solutions from our own experiences, including p...

In episode 379 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we focus on women experiencing perimenopause and dive into the three most common training mistakes they make, leading to decreased energy, weight gain, and reduced performance. We discuss hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen and its effects on muscle and bone health, emphasizing the need for appropriate training and recovery. We ex...

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 re...

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 ult...

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...

'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 b...

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 recru...

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 insigh...

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 th...

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 str...

What are small details that don’t take a lot of time but make a big difference when done over time? Today we are talking about those things. We draw an analogy to deep cleaning our house, relating it to how small changes and consistent habits in training can significantly impact performance over time. We discuss the integration of mobility work, fueling correctly, and incorporating strides into a...