415: Injuries Are Not Normal — Let’s Stop Normalizing Pain in Running

Let’s set the record straight: pain and injury are not just things runners have to live with. In this episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, we’re taking on one of the most damaging myths in the running world — the belief that hurting is normal, expected, or even necessary if you want to improve.Spoiler alert: it’s not.Yes, injuries are common — but that doesn’t make them inevitable. And accepting them as “part of the process” only keeps runners stuck in a frustrating cycle of pain, inconsistency, and burnout. We’re here to break that cycle.We’ll share real-life stories from our own journey and from runners we’ve coached — and we’ll unpack some of the most common injury drivers, including muscle imbalances, overtraining, poor recovery habits, underfueling, and chronic stress.More importantly, we’ll give you practical tools to run strong and stay healthy: ✅ Why strength training is non-negotiable ✅ How to personalize your plan to fit your life and body ✅ What proper recovery really looks like ✅ Why underfueling is sabotaging your progress (and how to fix it) ✅ How to stop outsourcing your intuition to your watch ✅ And the mindset shift that will help you run for the long haul, not just the next raceRunning shouldn’t hurt. And it’s time we stop normalizing it. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running for decades, this episode will challenge how you think about pain, progress, and what’s actually possible for you.00:43 The Trigger: Challenging Common Narratives02:02 Understanding Pain vs. Discomfort04:31 The Harmful Impact of Some Medical Advice05:32 Rant: Misguided Medical Opinions08:56 Reframing Pain and Injury in Running10:38 The Elite Athlete Dilemma19:22 Consistency Over Intensity22:45 5 Common Causes of Running Injuries39:41 5 Ways To Avoid InjuriesGain 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.