Most runners love the feeling of a good workout — that endorphin rush, the sweat, the sense of accomplishment. But here’s the truth: your body doesn’t get stronger during the run. It gets stronger during recovery.

In this episode, Angie and Kevin kick off a brand-new series on the science of recovery — because if you want to make progress, stay healthy, and actually feel good while running, recovery isn’t optional. It’s essential.

They break down what recovery really means, why it’s often overlooked, and how you can start getting it right. You’ll learn:

🏃‍♀️ How training stress (and life stress) affect your recovery — especially for women over 40
😴 Why quality sleep, protein, and proper fueling matter more than you think
⚖️ The difference between under-recovering and being “just tired”
💪 Simple, practical ways to support recovery — from active recovery runs to mindset shifts

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re feeling more fatigued, sore, or unmotivated despite consistent training, this episode is your guide to finding balance, rebuilding stronger, and running for the long haul.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to make recovery your secret weapon for performance, progress, and longevity in running — and life.

00:28 The Importance of Recovery in Training

05:26 The Science of Stress and Adaptation

09:10 Understanding the Stress and Adaptation Cycle

15:12 The Role of Recovery in Training

15:26 The Exhaustion Phase and Its Implications

19:45 Balancing Stress and Recovery

27:15 Signs of Stress and Under-Recovery

30:34 The Critical Role of Sleep in Recovery

32:34 The Importance of Sleep for Muscle Recovery

33:53 Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality

37:14 The Role of Hormones in Recovery for Women Over 40

39:34 Optimizing Protein Intake for Muscle Recovery

43:03 Recognizing Signs of Under-Recovery

47:07 Effective Recovery Strategies

Join the 30 Day Running Reset and get a plan that will help you build a strong and injury-proof body by combining running and strength training in a way that actually works for runners like you.

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/secret

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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.