479: Stop Telling Women to Stop Running (Running Myths Ep. 2)

If you're a woman in perimenopause or postmenopause, you've probably seen the claim that running is bad for your hormones because it raises cortisol. Maybe you've even wondered if you should be doing less cardio, switching entirely to walking, or giving up running altogether. In this episode, Kevin and I unpack that idea and talk about what cortisol actually does in the body. Yes, exercise temporarily raises cortisol, but that's a normal and useful response. The bigger issue is chronic stress, poor sleep, under-fueling, and inadequate recovery. And while menopause can change how our bodies respond to stress, that doesn't mean we need to stop doing something that's incredibly valuable for our cardiovascular health, fitness, and brain health. I want you to walk away from this conversation feeling less afraid of running and more confident about how to balance running, strength training, fueling, recovery, and the rest of your life. 00:00 – The Menopause Running Myth 02:50 – Where the Claim Comes From 07:08 – Cortisol Isn't the Villain 11:08 – Menopause and Cortisol Regulation 13:41 – What Actually Drives High Cortisol 15:20 – Research Says Aerobic Exercise Helps 18:11 – The Real Risk Is Heart Health 21:35 – Why Walking Isn't Enough 25:09 – VO2 Max and Longevity 29:03 – Measuring VO2 Max 33:01 – Training to Boost VO2 34:16 – Brain Benefits of Cardio 38:44 – Cortisol Fearmongering 40:24 – Strength Plus Running 43:11 – Walking Versus Aerobic Exercise 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 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.