What does it really take to stay athletic after 40? If you've ever felt torn between pursuing ambitious performance goals and chasing a certain body aesthetic, this episode is for you. Steph sits down with strength, running, and durability coach Alison Heilig to unpack the often-overlooked realities of training, fueling, and recovering as an athletic woman in midlife. From marathon training to strength gains, they explore why trying to "have it all" can sometimes come at a much higher cost than we realize.

Together, they dive into the growing pressure women face to be both high-performing athletes and relentlessly lean, and why that expectation is creating more frustration, injuries, and burnout than success. This conversation challenges outdated fitness narratives, encourages women to prioritize long-term performance over appearance, and offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to age athletically.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why many women unknowingly sabotage their athletic goals while trying to change their body composition.
The hidden expectation attached to performance goals that almost no one talks about.
How decades of diet culture continue influencing athletic women, even when they think they've moved beyond it.
Why fueling enough can actually improve both performance and long-term health after 40.
The subtle ways the fitness industry markets differently to women, and why it matters.
What it really means to "age athletically" without sacrificing your health along the way.
Connect with Alison Heilig: Miles to Go Athletics @milestogoathletics
Alison's book: The Durable Runner

Enjoyed this episode and want more?

If this episode resonates and you're ready to stop guessing in the gym, take the Lifting Quiz: https://stephgaudreau.com/quiz

Get the performance meal prep guide at https://go.stephgaudreau.com/mealprepguide

Please share it with a friend and subscribe to Fuel Your Strength so you don't miss future episodes like this one.