How to Enjoy Running More: Overcoming Pain, Letting Go of Judgment, and Finding the Fun in Every Run

In this week’s episode, Kevin and I dive into something every runner wants more of—joy in running. Because let’s be real, not every run feels amazing. Some days are light and fun, and others feel like a grind. But with the right approach, running can be something you actually look forward to.

We share some of our own stories (the good, the tough, and the funny!) and talk through practical ways you can bring more enjoyment into your miles. Here’s a little sneak peek of what we cover:

• Eliminating pain – Strength training and mobility aren’t just “extras”—they’re the keys to feeling good in your runs.
• Letting go of judgment – You are not “too slow.” You’re a runner, exactly as you are.
• Creating a plan that fits you – Adjusting speed work, long runs, and strength sessions so that training feels sustainable and fun.

At the end of the day, running doesn’t have to feel like punishment—it should build you up, body and mind.

We also share some exciting resources to help you along the way, including our new secret podcast (yep, you heard that right!) and our 30-Day Strong Runner Challenge—a simple way to start combining running and strength so you can enjoy running more, with less pain and more confidence.

👉 Tune in now and let’s make running something you truly love again.

02:25 The Reality of Enjoying Running

05:26 The Inconsistency and Injury Cycle

12:20 The Hamster Wheel of Chasing PRs

20:18 Consistency is Key: Health and Running

27:43 Making Running More Enjoyable

29:45 Understanding Discomfort vs. Pain in Running

30:42 The Importance of Strength Training

32:22 Letting Go of Judgment

37:39 Finding Enjoyment in Running

42:18 Creating a Personalized Running Plan

46:08 The Non-Negotiable Need for Strength Training

50:15 Listening to Your Body's Signals

51:45 Making Running Fun and Enjoyable

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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.

In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Tara Welling — a former professional runner who raced for Nike and Skechers — to hear her powerful story of grit, growth, and finding joy again in the sport she loves.

Tara takes us back to her first miles in elementary school, through her rise to the professional circuit, and into the realities most people never see — the burnout, the pressure, and the struggles with body image that came with competing at the highest level. She shares how stepping away from the sport allowed her to rebuild a healthier relationship with running, one rooted in balance, joy, and self-respect.

We also talk about what it’s like to run during pregnancy, the transition into motherhood, and how she’s now pouring her experience into coaching. Through her work with RunDoyen, Tara helps runners of all abilities tap into personalized training, the right mindset, and the power of community support.

This conversation will remind you that running is not just about chasing times — it’s about chasing what lights you up inside. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply trying to fall in love with running again, Tara’s story will leave you inspired to run your own race.

Tara Welling is a former professional runner for Nike and Skechers, a 2x National Champion in the Half Marathon and 15k, and a 4x U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier (2012 – 10k & 5k track, 2016 – 10k & 5k track, 2020 – marathon, 2024 – marathon).

Now a coach with RunDoyen and a mom of two, Tara combines her elite-level experience with a personalized, supportive approach to help runners of all levels reach their goals — whether that’s chasing a PR, building consistency, or finding joy in the process.

If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below!

tara.erdmann11@gmail.com

https://www.rundoyen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tara_welling/

00:21 Tara's Early Running Journey

02:41 Choosing Running Over Soccer

05:54 College Running Experience

07:11 Body Image and Nutrition in Running

12:20 Training and Motherhood

19:16 Professional Running Career

22:02 Burnout and Rediscovering Joy in Running

26:23 Training with Sketchers

28:57 Finding Joy in Running

29:44 Running During Pregnancy

33:23 Balancing Motherhood and Running

33:42 Olympic Trials Experience

40:34 Coaching Philosophy and Approach

43:41 Personalized Training Plans

Join the Real Life Runners Team today!

https://www.realliferunners.com/team

Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team

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!

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.

Today we share our recent hiking adventure in Tahoe — and the very real mental battles that came with it. From the moment we started running uphill at high elevation, the physical strain was obvious, but the mental strain was even louder.

We pull back the curtain on our internal monologues — the negative thoughts that crept in, the moments of self-doubt, and the “why are we doing this?” questions — and how we worked through them in real time. One of the biggest takeaways? How powerful it can be to say those thoughts out loud instead of letting them fester. By sharing our struggles with each other, we were able to shift the energy, laugh about the hard parts, and turn a grueling climb into something we genuinely enjoyed.

We talk about the importance of communication, endurance, and mutual support — and how facing hard things together not only builds resilience, but also strengthens our connection. In the end, the challenge wasn’t just about getting to the top of the mountain. It was about proving that we can push through discomfort and still find joy in the journey.

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Negative Thoughts

01:45 The Tahoe Hike Story Begins

03:51 Planning the Mountain Run

05:11 Starting the Challenging Hike

13:14 Facing the Uphill Battle

21:17 Struggles on the Trail

22:32 Negative Thoughts and Self-Doubt

25:43 Communication Breakthrough

29:58 Enjoying the Journey Together

37:36 Reflecting on the Experience

Join the Real Life Runners Team today!

https://www.realliferunners.com/team

Join the Team! --> https://www.realliferunners.com/team

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!

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.