Ask the Coach Q&A (2026 Edition)
The Marathon Training Academy's 2026 Ask the Coach Q&A episode delivers hard-earned wisdom for runners over 50, especially women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Coaches Angie and Abby dismantle the myth that aging means inevitable decline, revealing that with strategic recovery, nutrition, and strength training, runners can not only maintain but improve performance well into their 50s and beyond. They challenge the idea that marathon racing is the only measure of success, advocating for joy-driven training and the run-walk method as powerful tools for longevity. The episode reveals that super shoes and modern recovery science are making four hard races a year feasible, even for older runners, while emphasizing that heart rate spikes during menopause are normal and often manageable with hydration, medical checks, and smart pacing. Most strikingly, the coaches argue that strength training should be prioritized over running for women over 40, not as a supplement but as the foundation of long-term fitness and injury resilience.
Runners over 50 can safely race 3-4 marathons per year if they prioritize recovery, nutrition, sleep, and strength training.
Heart rate climbs during long runs are normal, but dramatic increases post-menopause warrant blood work to rule out iron deficiency, thyroid issues, or vitamin D deficiency.
Strength training should be prioritized over running for women over 40—choose strength over a run if you only have time for one.
The Maffetone method may be too restrictive for older runners; use heart rate zones based on actual performance, not age-based formulas.
The run-walk method is a powerful tool for older runners to complete marathons with less pain and injury risk.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Shout Outs: Celebrating Runner Milestones
The hosts kick off the Q&A with celebratory shout outs to members who achieved major milestones: Bridget’s first ultra, Julia’s grueling climbs and races, and Phil’s dramatic 16-minute PR at the Fargo Marathon.
Meet Coach Abby: A Runner’s Journey into Coaching
Abby shares her path into coaching—starting in her late 30s, earning a master’s in exercise physiology, and building a career helping runners train smarter and avoid injury.
How Many Marathons Can You Race After 50?
“It does depend on whether you're comfortable wearing super shoes and racing in them and how that helps you recover faster from a race.”
Can You Still Get Faster After 50?
“It's about dialing in nutrition. Sometimes, you know, when we're younger, we're getting away with stuff. But the older you are, the more that can make the difference between doing well.”
When Running Hurts: Reimagining the Goal
“If the marathon distance is just painful and not bringing joy, then find what does. And it might be half marathons. It might be jumping into the local 5Ks and 10Ks.”
“Over 50% of women who are in perimenopause and menopause do experience heart rate variations. It can be heart palpitations, sometimes tachycardia, feeling like your heart is beating faster than it normally would.”
“If the marathon distance is just painful and not bringing joy, then find what does. And it might be half marathons. It might be jumping into the local 5Ks and 10Ks.”
“So it does depend on whether you're comfortable wearing super shoes and racing in them and how that helps you recover. faster from a race.”
Hosts
Guest
Coach Angie
person
Coach Abby Omerza
person
Marathon Training Academy
organization
Trevor
person
Julia
person
Lagoon Sleep
brand
MetPro Nutrition Coaching
brand
Ultra Running
brand
Bridget
person
Phil
person
Hard Work Pays Off -Interview with Cari Masek
45m • 6/2/2026
INTERVIEW | Make Money by Rewriting Your Story with Heather Parady
27m • 5/30/2026
Wrestling Life:WWE Clash In Italy Rate And Review Show
1h 2m • 6/1/2026
Autism Parents Disgusted With Man's Complaint About Child Incident On Flight
50m • 6/2/2026
Encounters x334 - Haunted New Orleans | Voodoo, the Rougarou & French Quarter Frights
1h 8m • 6/4/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime