318. If You’re Always Struggling, You’re Doing It Wrong
If you feel like you’re constantly struggling with food… If strength training always feels hard to stick to… If you feel like you’re forever “trying to get back on track”… …but somehow, your running is fine? This episode is for you. Today’s episode is called If You’re Always Struggling, You’re Doing It Wrong—and yeah, I know that sounds harsh. But hear me out, because this isn’t about shaming you or telling you to “try harder.” It’s about something way more important. I talk to runners all the time who tell me they’re disciplined, motivated, and committed—yet food and strength training feel like a constant battle. And the interesting thing is, those same runners don’t say that about running. So today, we’re going to break this down. What the struggle really is. Why it keeps happening. And how putting simple systems in place—not more motivation—is the real solution.
317. You Can’t Rush Progress
Let me say this straight up—you can’t rush progress. And yet, almost every runner tries. In this episode, “You Can’t Rush Progress,” we’re talking about why fat loss, strength, and better running performance take longer than you want—but not longer than they need to. If you’ve ever jumped from plan to plan… pushed harder when your body was already tired… or wondered why you’re doing “all the right things” but still not seeing the results you expected—this conversation will hit home. I’ll break down what real progress actually looks like, why impatience is one of the biggest things holding runners back, and how to shift from constantly chasing results to building momentum that actually lasts. No hype. No shortcuts. Just clear thinking, practical examples, and a better way to approach training and nutrition—so you stop fighting your own progress and start working with it.
316. The Leaner, Stronger Runner Framework Part 3: Why Motivation Isn’t the Problem
In The Leaner, Stronger Runner Framework – Part 3: Why Motivation Isn’t the Problem (And What Actually Creates Consistency), we’re talking about the missing piece that determines whether anything you’ve learned so far actually sticks. Most runners think they need more motivation, more discipline, or more willpower. But if that were true, you’d already have the results you want. The real issue isn’t effort—it’s the system you’re relying on to stay consistent when life gets stressful, motivation fades, and things don’t go perfectly. In this episode, I break down why motivation always runs out, why starting over feels so normal for runners, and what actually creates long-term consistency without burnout. This is about identity, structure, and learning how to trust yourself again—not trying harder or being perfect. If you’re tired of resetting and ready to build something that lasts, this episode brings everything together.
314. The Leaner, Stronger Runner Framework Part 1: Why Running More Isn’t the Answer
If you’re a runner who feels like you’re doing everything “right” but still not getting the results you want, this episode is for you. This is The Leaner, Stronger Runner Framework – Part 1: Why Running More Isn’t the Answer. And today, we’re going to take a hard look at one of the biggest mistakes runners make when they’re trying to lose weight and improve performance—just doing more miles and hoping it eventually works. Because for most runners, running more often, longer, or harder doesn’t fix the problem. It actually makes things worse. In this episode, I’ll explain what’s really happening inside your body, why effort doesn’t always equal progress, and what you should focus on instead if you want to feel lighter, stronger, and make running feel easier again. This is Part 1 of a short, powerful series designed to give you clarity, quick wins, and a simple framework you can start using right away—without burning yourself out. So if running feels harder than it should… if you’re training consistently but your body doesn’t seem to change… and if you’ve tried adding more miles, more intensity, more discipline—and somehow you’re still stuck… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.
313. What This Year Taught You (If You’re Willing to Look)
This episode is called “What This Year Taught You (If You’re Willing to Look)”, and it’s probably one of the most important conversations we can have right now. Before you rush into setting new goals, new races, or another plan that promises everything will be different next year, I want you to pause. Because if you don’t take the time to reflect on what this year actually showed you—about your habits, your mindset, your training, and your relationship with your body—you’re likely to repeat the same patterns all over again. Today, we’re not talking about success or failure. We’re talking about lessons. Honest ones. The kind that lead to real change—if you’re willing to look at them. This is a reflective, slightly uncomfortable, but incredibly powerful year-end reset that can change how you show up next year—not just as a runner, but as a human being.
312. Why Starting Over Every January Never Works (And What Actually Does)
Every January, runners do the same thing. They get fired up, set big goals, promise themselves this year will be different… and a few weeks later, they’re right back where they started. That’s why today’s episode is called “Why Starting Over Every January Never Works (And What Actually Does)”. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason January motivation fades so fast, why relying on willpower is a losing strategy, and how the motivation → burnout → quitting cycle keeps runners stuck year after year.More importantly, I’ll show you what actually works if you want to get leaner, get stronger, and make running feel easier—not just in January, but all year long. This episode also connects directly to something I’ve been building for a long time—because so many of you have been asking for a better way. If you’re done starting over and ready to do this differently, you’re going to want to listen all the way through.
311. The Holiday Survival Plan for Runners: Stay Lean, Stay Strong, Stay Sane
The holidays can feel like a minefield for runners—parties, travel, family dynamics, big emotions, endless food, disrupted routines… it’s a lot. That’s why in this week’s episode, “The Holiday Survival Plan for Runners: Stay Lean, Stay Strong, Stay Sane,” I’m giving you a simple, realistic, no-nonsense plan to help you navigate the season with confidence. This isn’t another “avoid the cookies” conversation. This is about staying mentally grounded, honoring your goals, staying consistent with your training, and actually enjoying the holidays without feeling like you’re constantly battling temptation or starting over in January. You’re going to learn how to handle parties, food pressure, travel, stress, emotional eating, and schedule chaos—without losing momentum and without feeling deprived. If you want this holiday season to feel easier, calmer, and more intentional, you’re absolutely going to want to listen to this one.
310. The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Losing Weight
Today on the podcast, we’re digging into something that every runner deals with but almost no one talks about openly: “The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Losing Weight.” These thoughts are subtle. They’re sneaky. They feel reasonable. And that’s exactly why they keep so many runners stuck. We tell ourselves little stories like “I run so much, I should be able to eat whatever I want,” or “I’ll start eating better after my race,” or “It’s just my hormones,” and we don’t even question them. They become invisible barriers that quietly sabotage our progress. In this episode, I’m going to shine a big bright light on the most common lies runners tell themselves about losing weight, why they feel so true, and how to shift into thoughts that actually support your goals. If you’re ready for honesty, clarity, and a massive mindset upgrade… this one’s for you.
309. Functional Strength for Aging Runners: Stay Powerful for Life
In this week’s episode of the Running Lean podcast, I’m diving into a topic that becomes absolutely essential as we get older—Functional Strength for Aging Runners: Stay Powerful for Life. If you’re a runner in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, you already know that things start to feel a little different as the years go by. Maybe your paces slow down, maybe recovery takes longer, maybe those annoying aches and pains pop up more often. But here’s the truth: none of this has to mean decline. You can stay strong, fast, confident, and powerful for decades—if you’re training the right way. Functional strength is your secret weapon. It keeps you moving well, running efficiently, and feeling capable both on the run and in your everyday life. If you want to run strong for life, this episode is your blueprint. Let’s keep you performing at your best for many years to come.

