We’re taught that if training doesn’t feel hard, exhausting, or leave us sore, it must not be working. And that belief sneaks into everything…strength training, running, and honestly, life.

In this episode, I’m talking about why hard is a tool, not a requirement. Why always pushing can backfire. And how building strength, endurance, and consistency actually comes from doing work you can repeat…not work that wrecks you.

This is for the runners who feel like they’re constantly trying to prove they’re doing “enough.” And for the ones who are tired of turning every workout into a battle.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why strength training doesn’t need to crush you to be effective
• Where the “everything has to be hard” mindset comes from
• How always pushing can lead to burnout, inconsistency, or injury
• What “not hard” training actually looks like (and why it still works)
• How this shows up in running and real life, too

If you’ve ever walked away from a workout wondering if it “counted” because it didn’t destroy you, this one’s for you.

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• Follow me on Instagram
• Visit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.com
• Want to work together? Learn about 1:1 Coaching
• Free guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

Running research is everywhere. One study gets shared and suddenly it feels like there’s a “right” way to fuel, train, or perform — and if you’re not doing it, you’re behind.

In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I talk about why research isn’t wrong… but also isn’t always about you.

Using a recent fueling study shared by David Roche as an example, this episode covers:

• Why elite-focused research doesn’t always translate to everyday runners
• How studies often get shared without enough context
• Why women are still underrepresented in endurance and fueling research
• How comparison sneaks in when research turns into rules
• Why not being an elite actually changes what’s useful
• How to use research as information, not instructions
• Simple ways to decide what’s actually worth trying for your body and goals

This episode is for runners who want to be informed without feeling overwhelmed and who are tired of assuming something is wrong with them when a “proven” strategy doesn’t work.

Research can be helpful.
But it’s not personal.

Enjoying the show?

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.
Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes.
Ratings and reviews help more than you know.

• Follow me on Instagram
• Visit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.com
• Want to work together? Learn about 1:1 Coaching
• Free guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here
• The research article that has a super long name
• David Roche's email for the study

New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. And honestly? They don’t deserve it.

In this episode, we’re talking about why wanting more for yourself is not the issue, why cynicism isn’t wisdom, and why we need to stop yucking other people’s yums. This is encouragement with a little spice, plus some real talk on how to actually keep a resolution by focusing on the process instead of the outcome.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why New Year’s resolutions aren’t the problem and why being dismissive about them helps no one
• The difference between outcome goals and process goals (and why process always wins)
• How outcome obsession in trail running leads to burnout, overtraining, and injury
• FOMO goals vs goals you’re actually excited to work for
• Why signing up for races too fast or for the wrong reasons usually backfires
• What you can control when motivation fades
• How being encouraging costs nothing and matters more than you think
• Why “don’t yuck the yum” should be a rule we all live by

If you’re heading into a new year with a goal, a spark, or even just a quiet curiosity about what’s next, this episode is for you. And if you tend to roll your eyes at January goals? It might be for you too.

Enjoying the show?

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.
Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes.
Ratings and reviews help more than you know.

• Follow me on Instagram
• Visit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.com
• Want to work together? Learn about 1:1 Coaching
• Free guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here
• Atomic Habits by James Clear