65: Training for Life: Dr. Rachel Goldman on Stress Management, Body Image and Getting Out of Your Own Way

What if becoming a better athlete had less to do with pushing harder and more to do with changing the way you think?In this episode, Alex Larson sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Rachel Goldman to explore the mental side of endurance sports. From perfectionism and body image to stress, flexibility, and the pressure athletes place on themselves, this conversation dives into the psychology that shapes both performance and well-being.Dr. Rachel shares why so many endurance athletes get caught in all-or-nothing thinking, how chronic stress impacts both the mind and body, and why learning to adapt, rather than striving for perfection, can help you perform better over the long term. Together, Alex and Dr. Rachel discuss practical mindset shifts that can help athletes navigate training through busy seasons of life without losing sight of what matters most.Whether you're training for your next race, balancing family and work, or simply trying to build a healthier relationship with food and exercise, this episode offers practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and compassion. Why endurance athletes are especially prone to all-or-nothing thinkingHow chronic stress affects performance, recovery, and overall healthThe difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset in trainingWhy flexibility often leads to greater long-term success than perfectionHow social media influences body image and athletic identityPractical ways to reframe comparison and quiet negative self-talkWhy fueling for performance requires both physical and psychological flexibilityHow to define your own "healthy, happy weight" instead of chasing a number on the scaleThe importance of viewing food as fuel while maintaining a balanced relationship with eatingWhy "training for life" may be the healthiest approach to both sport and everyday living Follow Dr. Rachel on social media: https://www.instagram.com/drrachelnyc/Website: https://www.drrachelnyc.com/ Get Dr. Rachel’s Book  When Life Happens https://amzn.to/4g4KGzl 00:00 Introduction and Background02:50 The Role of Running in Mental Health05:51 Stress Management and All-or-Nothing Thinking08:38 Navigating Life's Challenges and Flexibility11:27 The Impact of Stress on Performance14:10 Reframing Goals and Expectations17:24 Training for Life: Preparing for the Unexpected20:19 Body Image and Comparison in Athletes28:01 Body Diversity in Athletics30:45 Reframing Body Image and Performance33:30 Food as Fuel: The Athlete's Perspective37:26 Bridging the Gap: Knowing vs. Doing41:34 Managing Setbacks: Injuries and Identity46:26 Practical Tools for Change: Insights from the Book This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com.  This Episode is Brought to You By Carb Culture ShopGrab your merch from the shop with saying that endurance athletes just get! This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off  https://www.thorne.com/u/alexlarsonnutrition  Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian https://alexlarsonnutrition.comFREE Carb Loading 101 Guide https://alexlarsonnutrition.myflodesk.com/carb-loading Connect with Me:Instagram: @alexlarsonnutritionWebsite: alexlarsonnutrition.com Don’t Forget to Subscribe!Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes. Have Questions or Suggestions?Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!