Running After Age 40

The most successful, fulfilled people are often morning people!
If you struggle to get up and get your early morning run in, this quick episode is for you.
We share 10 tips for becoming a morning runner. Exercising in the morning isn't always fun, but it will help you own your day and improve your productivity.
Stop hitting snooze and learn a few easy tricks to shift your mindset about getting up early.
This episode was sponsored by Outschool- save $20 on your first class by visiting https://outschooler.me/sarah.
Follow me at Running_With_Grit on Instagram and visit our site https://runningwithgrit.com.

Listen in as Tami details how she is training for her first marathon after the age of 40. She describes how she stays motivated, sticks with her plan, and manages the hard days that come along with marathon training and running.
Tami finds inspiration from her daughter and running occasionally with a group, but she also just sets her goals and goes for them without second-guessing herself. She's successfully run several half marathons and just does the simple things that are necessary to remain healthy and joyful while running.
Stay tuned for updates on Tami after she finishes her first marathon and plans to stay healthy in the future. Check out www.runningwithgrit.com for resources on running after age 40.

If you are a runner trying to balance work, parenting, life, and staying fit, you can't miss this episode. Kiersten is a wife, working professional, mom to 3, and previous collegiate basketball standout. She now applies a balanced approach to fitness and personal wellness.
Kiersten details how she made the transition from collegiate sports to making running and cross-training a personal habit and lifestyle. She practices a hybrid approach with workouts ranging from running, triathlon training, weight training, in-person or at-home fitness classes, yoga, tennis, biking, and pickleball. Over the years, her nutritional habits have evolved and she discusses how she uses the Noom app, her air fryer, a CSA, and creative recipes to level up her family's diet.
As many runners can relate, Kiersten explains how running and working out provide her with mental clarity. She gives us unique ideas for staying fit with young children and insights in how to remain dedicated even when strapped for time. Kiersten elaborates on how she uses her competitive drive to set new goals for fitness, including creative ways to be alternative to running that are related to longevity and healthy living. She advocates listening to your body, paying attention if you are running sore, and always remaining grateful.
Resources:
Hypervolt
Noom App
Air Fryer
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (recipes)
Visit www.runningwithgrit.com for all things related to running after age 40.

We dive into an issue that many runners face—overthinking. Whether you're hesitating to start running, debating on signing up for a race, or just getting stuck in your thoughts, these 10 strategies can help simplify your running journey and bring more ease to your routine. Drawing from insights from friends, top running advice, and mental strategies, these tips are perfect for runners of all levels.

Key Takeaways:

1. Use the 5-Second Rule
   Inspired by Mel Robbins, the 5-Second Rule (counting down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and go!) helps you overcome hesitation and self-doubt to get out the door.
2. Focus on One Enjoyable Thing
   Shift your focus to one positive aspect of the run—whether it’s the fresh air, your favorite song, or a little sunshine.
3. Set a Clear Intention
   Instead of overthinking, set a simple intention for the run, like gaining energy or relaxing. This helps curb the tendency to spiral into unnecessary thoughts.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
   Embrace the beginner’s mindset—don’t worry about others or comparing yourself. Remember, every runner starts somewhere!
5. Stay Curious
   Treat each run as an opportunity to explore, stay engaged, and prevent nervous overthinking by noticing new things along the route.
6. Play the Noticing Game
   Focus on specific colors or sounds during your run (e.g., looking for yellow leaves or listening for birds). This simple mindfulness exercise makes your run feel more meditative and less cluttered by thoughts.
7. Establish a Pre-Run Routine
   A familiar song or quick routine signals to your brain that it’s time to run, reducing overthinking and helping you stay consistent.
8. Treat It as a Trial, Not a Commitment
   Sign up for a running club or race as a trial to avoid pressure. Viewing it this way makes it easier to enjoy and reduces stress.
9. Adopt a Learning Mindset
   Approach each run with curiosity—“I’m learning!”—to lessen performance anxiety and keep a positive, open attitude.
10. Set a Timer for Decision-Making
    If you’re caught in analysis paralysis, set a timer for five minutes to make a decision and move forward.

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Garden Cup! Enjoy healthy, ready-to-eat salads delivered to your door. Use this LINK for 20% off your first order. Perfect for quick meals, on-the-go lunches, and healthy snacks.

Additional Resources:

• Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners: Check out the show notes for our holiday gift list for runners.
• https://runningwithgrit.com/gifts-for-runners/

Join us and try these tips to kick overthinking to the curb and keep your running simple and enjoyable. Don’t let overthinking hold you back—run, walk, or crawl, but just keep moving!

Happy Holidays from The Running After Age 40 Podcast!
We discuss QUICK ways to be a little kinder on the roads. Kindness matters.
This episode is sponsored by Garden Cup! Enjoy healthy, ready-to-eat salads delivered to your door. Use this LINK for 20% off your first order. Perfect for quick meals, on-the-go lunches, and healthy snacks.

Additional Resources:

• Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners: Check out the show notes for our holiday gift list for runners.
• https://runningwithgrit.com/gifts-for-runners/