443: Skinny Is Back...And It's Not A Good Thing: 3 Mindset Shifts for Women Runners in 2026

Skinny culture is making a comeback… and honestly, it’s got me concerned. It’s not only back — it feels like it’s EVERYWHERE. And it’s not serving runners — especially women in their 40s and beyond.In this episode of the Real Life Runners Podcast, Kevin and I have a real, honest conversation about why chasing “skinny” is holding so many runners back — from stronger runs, better recovery, and long-term health.We dive into three powerful mindset shifts that can change how you train, fuel, and feel in your body:Strong over skinny — because muscle is your superpower for performance, injury prevention, and aging wellBuilding over losing — shifting the focus from shrinking your body to building strength, confidence, and resilienceFueling over restricting — learning how proper nutrition (and even eating more!) actually supports fat loss, hormone health, and better runningIf you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to be lighter and wanting to be stronger… or if old diet rules are creeping back into your running life, this episode is for you.We talk about what actually supports sustainable running, why muscle matters more than the number on the scale, and how to move into 2026 focused on health, energy, and longevity — not deprivation.This is your reminder: 👉 You don’t need to be smaller to be a better runner. 👉 You need to be strong, fueled, and supported.Press play and let’s redefine what healthy running really looks like — together. 💪✨01:06 New Year Reflections and Upcoming Race01:32 Kevin's Race Preparations05:22 Angie's New Year and New Planner 10:59 The Skinny Culture Discussion25:40 Owning Your Space and Voice26:11 Building a Resilient Body27:11 The Dangers of Rapid Weight Loss30:17 The Importance of Muscle for Longevity34:02 Strong Over Skinny40:08 Fueling Over Restricting48:49 Summing It All Up53:14 Join the MovementMentioned in the podcastGrab Angie's new favorite planner here.Gain 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.