475: When Your Identity Gets Stripped Away with Heather Lacy

What happens when something you’ve always used to define yourself suddenly disappears? In this episode, Angie talks with Heather Lacey about identity, running, career changes, injury, and the uncomfortable process of figuring out who you are when a familiar title no longer fits.Heather spent 20 years as a healthcare executive before being laid off. Running became an important coping tool during that transition, but she eventually realized she had transferred the same achievement-driven identity into running. From chasing career titles to chasing PRs, Heather shares what she learned about going all in, the pressure to prove yourself, and what happens when running is temporarily taken away by injury.Heather also shares the story of her son Luke’s scoliosis surgeries during COVID and how running helped her manage the stress of months in the hospital. Her experience ultimately changed how she viewed racing, performance, and success. This conversation is a reminder that you are more than your job, your pace, your race results, or any other title you give yourself.Heather Lacy is a healthcare executive turned running coach, advisor, and author of The Other Side of the Mirror: What Happens When Your Title Disappears. After spending 20 years building her career, Heather experienced firsthand what happens when a title that has shaped your identity is suddenly gone. Her journey led her to explore who we are beyond our careers, achievements, and even our identities as runners. Through her story, Heather encourages others to embrace change, let go of past versions of themselves, and find freedom in discovering who they are in each season of life. If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below!Website: [email protected]: @heather.lacyBook: The Other Side of the Mirror: What Happens When Your Title Disappears00:28 Heather's running origin story05:18 Taking a pause to figure out what's next07:10 From chasing career titles to chasing PRs08:51 “You're faster than you think you are”10:37 Becoming a running coach13:10 Does a coach have to be fast?16:18 When running becomes your identity17:19 Injury and losing the ability to run19:34 The Other Side of the Mirror23:05 It's never too late24:22 Giving yourself time before you pivot26:05 Luke's scoliosis journey32:33 When a marathon isn't about the PR35:45 The power of the running community37:30 Why Heather wrote her book40:55 Authenticity and being yourself42:20 What running means to Heather nowGain 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.