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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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!

Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.

Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.

Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.

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.

'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

To join the Academy waitlist, click here.

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!

Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.

Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.

Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.

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.