407: The Identity Shift Required for Running After 40

This week, we’re diving deeper—not just into outdated strategies that no longer serve us as runners over 40, but into the powerful role identity plays in our running journey.As runners, we can define ourselves by pace, distance, or race goals. But over time, that performance-based mindset can start to feel limiting—or even discouraging. In this episode, we talk about what it means to step into a new identity: one that prioritizes long-term health, strength, and the joy of movement.Angie and Kevin both share their own evolutions as runners, and together we offer practical tips for embracing the identity of a lifelong runner—someone who listens to their body, trains smarter, and finds meaning beyond the stopwatch. We also unpack the power of language and self-belief, and how the words we use can either reinforce old habits or help us create new ones.If you're navigating this transition too, we invite you to reevaluate how you see yourself as a runner and align your strategies with where you are now—and where you want to go.And don’t forget—we’ve got a free five-day running challenge starting May 12th! We’d love for you to join us.00:58 Aging and Running: Embracing Change01:42 Outdated Strategies and New Approaches03:20 The Importance of Identity in Running04:10 Personal Running Journeys06:23 Redefining What It Means to Be a Runner07:43 The Power of Self-Identity12:20 Words and Identity: The Impact on Performance19:40 Evolving as a Runner: New Identities and Strategies24:19 Embracing the Concept of Training25:53 Shifting from Running to Training28:24 Training with Wisdom and Recovery30:35 The Importance of Identity in Running37:36 Evolving as a Lifelong RunnerGain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secretJoin 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.