359 episodes

Angie and Kevin Brown are here to help real life runners to improve their running and their life through conversations about training, mindset, nutrition, health and wellness, family, and all the crazy things that life throws at us.  The lessons that we learn from running can carry over into all aspects of our life, and we are here to explore those connections through current research, our experiences, and stories from real people out on the roads and trails, so that you can become a physically and mentally stronger runner and achieve the goals that matter to you. We are Kevin and Angie Brown, husband and wife, mom and dad, coaches, and runners. Angie holds her doctorate degree in physical therapy and uses running as part of her integrated fitness routine. Kevin is a marathoner who has been coaching runners for over a decade.  Together, we want to help make running more accessible to more people, so that more people can gain the benefits of being a Real Life Runner. 

Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown Angie and Kevin Brown

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 143 Ratings

Angie and Kevin Brown are here to help real life runners to improve their running and their life through conversations about training, mindset, nutrition, health and wellness, family, and all the crazy things that life throws at us.  The lessons that we learn from running can carry over into all aspects of our life, and we are here to explore those connections through current research, our experiences, and stories from real people out on the roads and trails, so that you can become a physically and mentally stronger runner and achieve the goals that matter to you. We are Kevin and Angie Brown, husband and wife, mom and dad, coaches, and runners. Angie holds her doctorate degree in physical therapy and uses running as part of her integrated fitness routine. Kevin is a marathoner who has been coaching runners for over a decade.  Together, we want to help make running more accessible to more people, so that more people can gain the benefits of being a Real Life Runner. 

    355: Stiffness: The Good and The Bad

    355: Stiffness: The Good and The Bad

    We explore the multifaceted nature of stiffness in runners. We discuss how stiffness can be both beneficial and detrimental, affecting efficiency, energy transfer, and overall performance. Our perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between 'good' and 'bad' stiffness, and we offer insights into managing stiffness effectively. Through strategies like resistance training, eccentric contractions, and plyometrics, we aim to empower runners with the knowledge to optimize their performance while mitigating negative effects.


    02:56 Good Stiffness vs. Bad Stiffness: An In-Depth Look
    08:24 The Causes of Joint Stiffness and How to Combat It
    28:10 The Role of Strength Training in Enhancing Mobility
    29:01 Functional Strength Training: Beyond the Machines
    31:06 When Stiffness is Actually Beneficial: A Deep Dive into Tendons
    39:58 Strategies for Improving Tendon Stiffness
    47:29 Plyometric Training: The Final Piece of the Puzzle


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 51 min
    354: Why Runners Get Hurt: 5 Main Causes of Injuries

    354: Why Runners Get Hurt: 5 Main Causes of Injuries

    Why do 80% of runners get injured? If you are one of the unfortunate many, you know how frustrating and painful running injuries can be.  That's why we are diving into the 5 main causes of running injuries in this week's episode to help you avoid some of the common mistakes that sidelines so many runners.


    01:28 Exploring the High Injury Rate Among Runners
    02:02 Running Injuries vs. Soreness
    07:03 Training Mistakes: The Law of the Toos
    20:53 The Role of Weakness in Running Injuries
    24:44 The Power of Strength Training for Runners and The Effectiveness of Single Leg Exercises
    31:03 The Importance of Proper Fueling for Runners
    40:07 The Critical Role of Recovery: Sleep and Nutrition
    45:08 Life Stress and Its Impact on Running Injuries


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 52 min
    353: Training Cycles: A Powerful Tool for Continuous Running Improvement

    353: Training Cycles: A Powerful Tool for Continuous Running Improvement

    In episode 353, we dive into the significance of leveraging training cycles to boost both running performance and overall health. We explain what training cycles are and why they're crucial, and we guide you on how to make the most of them for ongoing enhancement. 
    We discuss common pitfalls that runners encounter, such as inconsistency and a lack of variety in training during non-race periods, and offer practical strategies to overcome these hurdles. 
    We cover various types of training cycles, including strength building, mileage building, and race preparation, outlining the advantages of each and how they contribute to achieving your running goals. 
    Additionally, we introduce the concept of cycle stacking, emphasizing the importance of planning multiple cycles strategically to attain greater success over time. Our goal with this episode is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to break free from the cycle of progress and regression in your running journey, fostering continuous growth in your capabilities.


    01:39 Breaking the Cycle of Inconsistency: Why Variety Matters in Training
    02:23 The Pitfalls of a Monotonous Routine: How It Leads to Decline
    05:36 Beyond Races: The Versatility of Training Cycles for All Runners
    11:10 The Art of Progressive Overload: Building Strength and Speed
    20:53 Navigating Mileage Building and Strength Training
    24:37 The Importance of Listening to Your Body
    27:27 Maintaining Speed and Strength During Mileage Building
    30:32 The Role of Mobility and Drill Work


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 40 min
    352: Is Technology Hurting or Helping Your Performance?

    352: Is Technology Hurting or Helping Your Performance?

    Exploring the Impact of Technology on Running Performance
    Today we discuss the double-edged sword of technology in running. We delve into how various devices, like GPS watches, heart rate monitors, and sleep trackers, can both aid and complicate runners' training routines. We emphasize the importance of listening to one's body over strictly adhering to data and discuss the potential stress and disconnection that overreliance on technology can cause. The episode also covers the concept of cumulative fatigue, the benefits of adding a little extra to one's run, and encourages runners to find a balance between using technology wisely and staying in tune with their body's signals.


    02:01 The Heart of Today's Episode: Technology in Running
    03:54 The Pros and Cons of Running Tech: A Deep Dive
    13:52 Heart Rate Training: Accuracy and Alternatives
    21:25 The Art of Pacing Without Technology
    23:16 The Impact of External Devices on Training
    24:14 Navigating the World of Health and Fitness Tech
    27:59 Understanding Your Body Beyond the Numbers
    35:26 Finding Balance: Using Technology Wisely in Training
    40:49 The Simplicity of Health: Beyond Gadgets and Numbers
    43:10 Trusting Yourself Over Technology


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 44 min
    351: Forced Recovery: How to Connect to Your Body to Avoid Injury

    351: Forced Recovery: How to Connect to Your Body to Avoid Injury

    In episode 351 of the Real Life Runners podcast titled 'Forced Recovery,' we discuss the importance of recovery for runners and the concept of forced recovery, where neglecting recovery leads to compulsory rest due to injury or exhaustion. We share personal experiences, including Kevin's forced recovery after running the Daytona 100 with a hernia and subsequent surgery. 
    The episode highlights common mistakes runners make by ignoring recovery and offers insights on how to honor and listen to one's body to prevent forced recovery situations. Encouraging runners to adjust their training plans, take necessary rest days, modify workouts, and prioritize long-term health and progress. We also talked about the upcoming free training class that aims to help runners train more effectively.


    03:14 The Misconception of Running Injuries and the Reality of Forced Recovery
    09:55 Redefining Dedication: The True Path to Long-Term Running Success
    13:27 Adjusting Priorities: A Personal Story of Flexibility and Recovery
    19:26 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Workouts
    19:59 The Importance of Connecting and Honoring Your Body
    20:37 Deciphering Between Soreness and Pain
    24:08 Modifying Training Plans for Long-Term Success
    32:05 Learning from Forced Recovery and Making Smarter Training Choices
    34:19 Honoring Your Body's Needs for Optimal Recovery
    40:11 Closing Thoughts: Train Smart, Honor Your Body


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 41 min
    350: Avoiding Training Mistakes: Fueling, Injury, and Loving the Run with Dr. Lisa Mitro

    350: Avoiding Training Mistakes: Fueling, Injury, and Loving the Run with Dr. Lisa Mitro

    Dr. Lisa is a physical therapist and run coach that specializes in the prevention and treatment of running injuries, and has helped thousands of runners from across the globe. She's on a mission to inspire and educate runners of all experiences and ages so they can continue running pain free. She is a true believer that movement is medicine.

    This episode of the Real Life Runners podcast features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Lisa Mitro, a physical therapist and running coach specializing in preventing and treating running injuries.

     Dr. Mitro shares her running journey, beginning with running for stress relief in grad school to becoming a marathon runner. She discusses common mistakes runners make, including issues with pacing, fueling, and training, and how these contribute to performance and injury risks. 

    Emphasizing the importance of moving at a slower pace, utilizing zone two heart rate training, and proper nutrition, Dr. Mitro reflects on how these strategies significantly improved her stamina, recovery, and overall enjoyment of running. The episode also touches on the mental adjustments required to adopt these healthier running habits and the surprising positive effects they can have on weight management and injury prevention.


    If you want to connect with Dr. Lisa Mitro, you can find her at the links below!
    Website: www.drlisadpt.com
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dr.lisa.dpt/


    01:44 Dr. Lisa's Running Journey: From Stress Relief to Passion
    04:30 The Evolution of a Runner: Learning from Mistakes
    06:51 The Technical Side of Running Injuries and Training
    16:46 Turning Personal Challenges into Professional Motivation
    19:29 Revisiting the Basics: The Importance of Easy Running
    21:54 Discovering a New Approach: Slowing Down
    31:32 Fueling Strategies and Weight Loss Insights
    40:32 The Power of Mindset and Performance Focus


    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!


    Grab your free Strength Guide for Runners here.
    Interested in our coaching program? Check out our coaching options here.
    Grab your free copy of the Running Snapshot by clicking here.
    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.

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
143 Ratings

143 Ratings

Runner Lori ,

Love this podcast

I listen to this podcast every week and I always learn something new about how to grow whether mentally, physically or improve my skills as a runner. I especially like the thought shifts about running as it has changed my view and love of running so much

Pin_Addict ,

Real people, awesome advice.

I love how Angie and Kevin bring us behind the scenes of their journeys as runners. I’ve always had a negative relationship with running and they have shifted how I think about moving my body in a way that supports the life I want to lead. Thank you!

dear running ,

Can’t wait for the next!

All I can say is… after this episode I can’t wait for the next! What a powerful experience to listen in on your strategies, challenges, and excitement in training for a 100 mile race. Thank you!

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