In episode #33 of the podcast, Dr. Kate and Dr. Kacy interview two time Olympian and running phenom Kara Goucher. They first talk about how her grandfather inspired her love of running and how he ran into his 90s; later on continuing to run on a reduced-body weight treadmill. They also talk about the evolution of Kara’s running career and maturation during high school and into college where she faced pressure from others and herself to strive for a certain body image and was self admittedly not getting the proper nutrition for her sport. Kara also discusses some of the injuries she sustained because of this unhealthy pattern and her journey of learning about fueling for her sport in healthy ways. Dr. Kacy joins in to emphasize the importance that they both feel now of sending positive messages young females in the sport of running and cultivating positive body image and nutrition habits for healthy development. Kara talks openly about her view now on the absolute necessity of fueling well as it contributes to the vitality to sustain a long-term successful running career. Kara also opens up about some of the challenges that she’s faced with her loss of running as a professional with her recent diagnosis of “Runner’s Dystonia,” and what that has meant for her on a physical, mental, and emotional level. Her passion for the sport of running really shines through as she talks about her recent experience as a commentator for NBC, where she’s covered the races that she used to compete in like this year’s Boston Marathon.
This episode is truly inspiring! You won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation with Kara Goucher!