439: How Your Athletic Identity Influences Performance and Running Injuries with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards

In this week’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kate Edwards, a physical therapist with more than 15 years of experience and someone who brings so much compassion and clarity to the running community. From the very beginning, I knew this conversation would resonate deeply with runners who struggle with identity, injury, stress, or the constant pressure to “do it all.”Kate shares how her journey into running medicine was shaped not only by her clinical background but also by her own experiences navigating significant health challenges. That perspective gives her a rare depth of understanding — one that so many runners will feel seen and supported by.We spend a lot of time talking about athletic identity, because it’s something I see runners wrestle with every single day. It’s so easy for running to become the biggest part of who we are… until something shifts. Injury, life changes, burnout, or even a tough training cycle can shake that identity. Kate and I dig into why building a more balanced sense of self not only supports your emotional well-being but also plays a major role in injury prevention and longevity in the sport.We also explore the true complexity of running injuries, RED-S, stress, fueling (especially for female runners), and why understanding yourself as a whole human — not just an athlete — is essential for long-term health. Kate does an incredible job unpacking these topics in a way that feels both empowering and practical, giving runners a clearer picture of how their body, mind, and lifestyle all fit together.If you’ve ever felt “less than” when you’re not running your best, or if you’re craving a more sustainable, joyful relationship with your training, this conversation is absolutely for you.Connect with Dr. Kate Edwards:https://www.fastbananas.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katemihevcedwards/05:22 The Importance of Athletic Identity12:01 The Impact of Injury on Identity13:41 Finding New Outlets and Coping Strategies23:00 Understanding Running Injuries26:30 The Role of Physical Therapists28:13 Stress and Its Impact on Runners35:51 Understanding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)37:58 Fueling and Training for Female Runners42:05 Balancing Training and RecoveryGain 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.