In this episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss the importance of starting fall race preparation during the summer months, particularly June and July. We delve into the concept of cycle stacking, emphasizing the need to lay a strong foundation now to avoid last-minute rush and stress. Key topics include the importance of strength training, building mental toughness, adapting to heat, and incorporating up and down weeks for better adaptation and reduced injury risk.

The episode also highlights the flexibility required during summer schedules and vacations, encouraging runners to redefine consistency and integrate new training strategies that align with their current life circumstances.

05:00 Importance of Summer Training for Fall Races

08:20 Cycle Stacking: Building a Strong Foundation

12:04 Adapting Training for Runners Over 40

14:33 Strength Training and Addressing Imbalances

18:26 Mental Training and Consistency

21:50 The Power of Up and Down Weeks

25:57 Planning Ahead for Recovery

26:16 Balancing Business and Training

27:33 Training in the Heat

29:12 Heat Adaptation Benefits

34:34 Summer Training Strategies

39:30 Creative Training Solutions

Join the Real Life Runners Team today!

https://www.realliferunners.com/team

Join 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.

In this empowering and eye-opening episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Nikki DiNezza—a true expert in the world of gut health. Whether you're a runner, a health-conscious human, or someone who’s just trying to feel better in your own skin, this conversation will resonate with you.

Dr. Nikki shares her fascinating journey into gut health and explains how our digestive system is so much more than what we often think. We talk about why runners, in particular, need to prioritize their gut—especially if you've ever struggled with GI distress on a long run (yep, we’ve all been there!).

Together, we explore the vital role of fiber, why stress management is essential for your gut and nervous system, and the truth about probiotics and prebiotics. Dr. Nikki also gets real about common pitfalls—like jumping too quickly into elimination diets or getting overwhelmed by functional medicine rabbit holes.

What I love about this conversation is how practical and holistic it is. We talk about mindful eating, training your gut (just like you train your body!), and tuning in to what your body needs—without falling into restriction or fear.

💡 Whether you're looking to improve your digestion, optimize performance, or just feel better day to day, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and a renewed sense of connection with your body. Dr. Nikki is all about helping people become “citizen scientists” of their own health—and I couldn’t agree more.

Dr. Nikki DiNezza is a functional medicine practitioner and the founder of Infinity Holistic Healthcare. She’s also the creator and lead instructor of the popular program FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days, where she helps people struggling with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) finally flatten their bloated bellies and poop like champions—without giving up the foods they love.

She’s passionate about helping people get their lives back through holistic, evidence-based approaches to gut health.

👉 Connect with Dr. Nikki:

🌐 Website: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/

📩 Email: doctor@fodmapfreedom.com

📷 Instagram and YouTube: @gut.microbiome.queen

00:15 Dr. Nikki’s story and how she became a gut health expert

01:33 How stress impacts your gut, your health, and your recovery

02:49 Why gut health matters so much for runners

03:31 Gut health 101: the basics we all should know

09:01 Probiotics vs. prebiotics: what to know and how to use them

17:30 Why fiber is your gut’s best friend (and how to get more of it!)

24:29 The tricky side o

Join the Real Life Runners Team today!

https://www.realliferunners.com/team

Join 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.

This week on the Real Life Runners Podcast, we are celebrating the amazing energy and breakthroughs from our recent Running Reignited Challenge! It was so inspiring to see so many of you reconnect with your goals and remember why you started running in the first place.

But here’s the thing we really want to talk about: Inspiration is great—but it’s not enough on its own.

If we want to create real change, we have to move from feeling motivated to actually taking action. That’s where the results live.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why so many runners (especially women over 40) struggle to follow through—even when they want to
• How to avoid the “start strong, burn out fast” trap
• The power of structure and support in keeping you consistent
• What actually matters in your running routine (hint: it’s not just doing more!)
• How strength training, nervous system health, and nutrition all play a role in your progress
• Why having a flexible, sustainable plan is key—and how the Real Life Runners team can help you build one that fits your life

We also share real stories from our team members—runners just like you—who’ve shifted from feeling stuck and frustrated to strong, confident, and in control of their running journey.

So if you’ve ever felt like you just can’t seem to stick with it—or you’re ready to stop starting over—this episode is for you.

Let’s stop chasing motivation and start building momentum. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Listen now and take that next step toward the runner (and person) you want to be.

00:03 Reflecting on the Running Reignited Challenge
01:01 Inspiration vs. Implementation
02:02 Next Steps After the Challenge
02:36 The Importance of Consistent Action
04:05 Building a Comprehensive Training Plan
05:17 Understanding Your Body's Needs
06:31 Self-Assessment Questions for Runners
10:04 The Role of Strength Training
13:34 Managing Your Nervous System
15:21 Nutrition for Midlife Runners
20:19 The Real Life Runners Team
26:58 Special Enrollment Period
41:19 Testimonials from Real Life Runners

Join 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.