Dear Runner Bod,

Strong Through Every Season: Running & Motherhood with Alex Morelli of the Stronger Season

What happens when a woman who knows how to push her body to the limit… enters a season where control disappears?
In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, a runner, coach, HYROX competitor, and mom, whose life sits at the intersection of discipline, chaos, and freedom.
With 39 half marathons, 9 full marathons, and now a growing love for HYROX, Alex knows what it means to be strong. But her journey into trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum revealed a different kind of strength, one that so many women are forced to figure out on their own.
We talk about:
Why even highly disciplined athletes can feel lost in their bodies during the PP season
The massive gap in education and support for women navigating fertility and postpartum
Redefining strength beyond performance metrics
Staying grounded in movement through demanding seasons of life
This conversation is for every woman who has ever felt confused, isolated, or unsupported in her body… especially when she’s used to being “in control.”
Because strength isn’t just physical. It’s awareness, education, and the courage to keep showing up.
Follow Alex on Instagram @alex_thestrongerseason and on Tiktok @alex_thestrongerseason
 
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Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Zero Fcks Given with Amanda Katz, NASM, Run Coach

What if the “healthy” habits you’ve been chasing… aren’t actually helping your health?
In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Katz to unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways toxic fitness culture shows up in women’s lives (often disguised as discipline, wellness, or “just taking care of yourself.”)
We dive into how behaviors that look healthy on the outside can quietly disconnect you from your body, increase stress, and keep you stuck in cycles of fear and control.
We also get into something we don’t talk about enough:how fear shapes the way women approach fitness, food, and their bodies…and how learning to recognize it can change everything.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” but still don’t feel good in your body… this conversation will hit.
In this episode, we cover:
How toxic fitness culture hides behind “health”
Signs your “healthy habits” may actually be hurting you
The role fear plays in food, body image, and performance
Why letting go of control can feel terrifying—but necessary
What it actually looks like to support your health as a female athlete
You can follow Amanda on Instagram @amanda_katzz. You can also check out her website www.amandaskatz.com.
 
If you’re ready to upgrade your running gear and do something good for the planet while you’re at it — go check out Definite Articles at definitearticles.com and use code RUNNERGIRLDIETITIAN to save 20%
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Run clubs are having a moment right now… but not all of them feel the same.

In this episode, I sit down with Evan Campbell, founder of the Conshohocken Running Club, to talk about what it actually means to create a space where all paces feel welcome and why that matters more than ever for the future of running. And how shifting the focus of run club from ego and performance to making a difference in your community can be more fulfilling than your next PR.
We get into:
Why “all paces welcome” often falls flat and how to do it right
How run clubs can become powerful community hubs, not just workout groups
The role of leadership, local partnerships, and even politics in shaping a run club
How their club raised money for a local elementary school and built relationships within their town
What runners can do to give back through the sport they love
If you’ve ever felt intimidated to join a run club… or you’re part of one and want to make it better… this episode will change how you see running.
Check out Conshy Run Club!
Instagram: Conshy_runs
TikTok: Conshy_runs
LinkTree: Conshy Run Club
 
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If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

This is YOUR JOURNEY. Celebrate it! with Coach Stacey

If you’ve ever trained hard… only to completely fall apart on race day… then this episode is going to hit.
Because spoiler: it’s probably not your fitness.
I’m joined by run coach Stacey Gross, and we’re diving into the missing piece most runners overlook: mindset.
We talk about:
Why you might be “bombing” races despite strong training
The sneaky “but” statements holding you back (and how to catch them)
Why comparison is keeping you stuck (and how to opt out)
How to actually build confidence as a runner 
Why enjoying your training might be the most performance-enhancing thing you can do
This conversation is your reminder that running is not just physical! It’s a full-body, full-brain sport.
And if you’ve been stuck in your head lately… this is your reset.
 
Follow Stacey on Instagram @s__gross. If you are interested in working with her you can reach out on Instagram.
Want to try Go Guarded? Use my code serena10 at checkout!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

What if the thing holding your running back… isn’t your training plan?

This week on the Dear Runner Bod, I’m joined by Leah Avery, DPT, physical therapist, running coach, and lifelong athlete with over 30 years of experience in sport.
Leah shares how it took seven years to break her marathon PR and nine years to chase a Boston Qualifier, and why the extreme sense of urgency so many runners feel can quietly sabotage long-term progress.
We talk about the mindset shift that changed everything for her: viewing food not as something to control, but as an opportunity to thrive.
We also dive into:
Why patience is one of the most underrated performance tools
The role fueling plays in sustainable progress
How athletes can learn to keep showing up after “failure”
Navigating seasons where running can’t be your whole identity
How Leah’s experiences shape the way she coaches runners today
If you’ve ever felt behind, frustrated with your progress, or scared of falling short of a big goal… this episode is for you.
Follow Leah:IG: Leah.Runs.DPTWebsite: Train Smart Run Strong
 
If you’re ready to upgrade your running gear and do something good for the planet while you’re at it — go check out Definite Articles at definitearticles.com and use code RUNNERGIRLDIETITIAN to save 20%
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Gels vs the candy aisle!!

I am talking about intra run fueling, I have started doing my long runs again and I am very excited to start intra run fueling again. I give you the science behind using manufactured gels vs food you can buy in the candy aisle and help empower you to choose which one is right for you. I share how often you should fuel and how many grams of carbohydrate per hour you need to fuel your body for your run. 
Here is the link to the article I talk about in this episode.
This episode originally aired March 3, 2025.
Jacked Granny Protein Bars have around 16 grams of protein, the perfect post-run snack or mid-afternoon fuel — go check out jacked-granny.com and use code RUNNERGIRL to save 10%.
If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

How to Chase Fast Marathon Times Without Burning Out (with Olivia Garcia)

Many runners believe chasing big goals means pushing harder, racing more, and constantly comparing themselves to everyone else online.
But that mindset can lead to burnout fast.
In this episode of Dear Runner Bod, I’m joined by marathoner, mom of two, and run coach Olivia Garcia. Olivia started her running journey with no competitive background and has since transformed into an incredibly fast marathoner while balancing motherhood and life outside the sport.
We talk about how she rebuilt her fitness after pregnancy and postpartum, why nursing can be an incredibly depleting phase for the body, and how she’s learned to pursue ambitious running goals without losing the joy of the sport.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up with other runners on social media or struggled with mom guilt while prioritizing your training, this conversation will feel incredibly validating.
This episode is a reminder that your journey is your own and that the most sustainable progress often comes from tuning out the noise and trusting your body. You can follow Olivia on Instagram at @watch_Oliviarun
 
Want to try Go Guarded? Use my code serena10 at checkout!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

The one about low ferritin & iron deficiency anemia

I am talking about how being a female runner sets you up to have nutrient deficiencies that make it harder for your body to have energy to do basic bodily functions. I want you to be aware of the risk of feeling fatigued and how your red blood cells can be created in a way that does not make you feel optimal in your body. I dive into the science of what happens when you do not have enough usable iron in your body. I give you things to look for when your labs come back with low iron or low ferritin.
This episode originally aired September 23, 2024. 
 
Jacked Granny Protein Bars have around 16 grams of protein, the perfect post-run snack or mid-afternoon fuel — go check out jacked-granny.com and use code RUNNERGIRL to save 10%.
If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

“You’re Fine.” The Iron Lab Gap Hurting Women Runners

Iron deficiency is one of the most common performance limiters in women runners… yet it is constantly missed.
Many athletes are told their labs look “normal” even while experiencing fatigue, poor recovery, elevated heart rate, or declining performance.
In this episode, I break down why that happens and how to advocate for yourself when investigating possible iron deficiency.
You’ll learn:
Why standard lab panels often miss early iron deficiency• The key iron markers runners should ask their doctor to test• Why ferritin alone does not tell the whole story• How inflammation, training load, and menstruation can affect lab results• When symptoms matter more than “normal ranges”
If you’re a runner feeling unusually tired, struggling with performance, or constantly being told your labs are “fine,” this episode will help you understand what questions to ask and how to push for a deeper investigation.
Because being dismissed when something feels off is frustrating. And your performance, health, and energy deserve better answers.
Curious about supplements for iron deficiency? Check out my faves and save 20% at Fullscript: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/smarie-rd-iron-deficiency-anemia 
^ always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before taking
 
If you’re ready to upgrade your running gear and do something good for the planet while you’re at it — go check out Definite Articles at definitearticles.com and use code RUNNERGIRLDIETITIAN to save 20%
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

A lil' bone fracture with that low carb diet?

I am talking about bone health and low carb dieting. We live in a world where women are obsessed with losing weight as quickly as possible. It can be frustrating when you start to fuel your body like an athlete and you may gain some weight especially if you are coming from a low carb diet.
I share some of my story with my injuries in my 20's and how it was a result of the dieting I was doing at the time. I delve deep into why going low carb can be hurting your bone density.
This episode originally aired August 26, 2024.
 
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Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian