Ep 255 Embracing My Inner Athlete: A Conversation with Hildee Weiss
Starting running as an adult can feel like stepping into someone else’s world, especially if you did not grow up playing sports or calling yourself “an athlete.” The Rise and Run Podcast , mixes practical runDisney training talk with the emotional reality of learning to believe you belong on the road.
Find Your Inner Athlete with Hildee Weiss
We sit down with author Hildee Weiss, whose memoir, Embracing My Inner Athlete, traces her transformation from a busy mom who felt self conscious and unsure, to someone willing to try hard things. She talks about the nudge that changed everything, a family member asking what she was doing for herself, and a trainer who helped her challenge limiting beliefs. Hilde describes classic barriers adult runners face: fear of looking silly, fear of injury, and the belief that “real runners” are other people. Over time, a first 5K becomes a gateway to confidence, and she begins to accept that if you run, you are a runner, regardless of speed, age, or place in the pack.
Hildee’s most practical lesson is also her most emotional: shifting language from “I have to run” to “I get to run.” She explains how watch data and constant comparison can steal joy, and how paying attention to the route, waving to people, and treating the run as personal time can restore motivation. She also shares how setbacks like surgery and returning to running can shake confidence, and why cross training like strength work and cycling can rebuild momentum. For anyone nervous about a first runDisney race, her advice is to treat it as an experience, not a competition, and to show up with openness and curiosity. The through line, from training schedules to identity, is that it is not too late to start, and the inner athlete often appears the moment you take the first step.
The Race Report Sponsored by Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Subscribe to the podcast, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave us a review. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received?
Show Links
Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through links on our site or social media channels , we may earn a affiliate commission.
Hildee’s Links
Insatgram
Blog
Embracing My Inner Athlete Book
Rise and Run Links
Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page
Rise and Run Podcast Instagram
Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop
Rise and Run Patreon
Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)
Sponsor Links
Magic Bound Travel
Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Affiliate Links
The Start Line Co.
Fluffy Fizzies
Mona Moon Naturals
Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page
Kawaiian Pizza Apparel
GoGuarded
