The Body in Motion: Running, Chronic Illness & Self-Trust

Season 2, Ep 21

Welcome to The Chronic Chronicles, I'm SO happy that you're here!

In this episode, I'm joined by Kate, a physical therapist, strength coach, and runner living with chronic illnesses. Kate had to step away from outpatient PT work after a long road to diagnosis, and now supports others through personalized coaching that centers on pacing, energy awareness, and compassionate movement.

We cover so much in this episode, including my own experience training for my first 5K while navigating a POTS flare, and how Kate's coaching philosophy helps people find the "middle ground" in movement: not giving up on your body, but not pushing it past its limits either.

We dive into:

Rebuilding a relationship with movement after chronic illness diagnosis

Hypermobility and running; what's possible, and what to be mindful of

Strength training as an anchor for the hypermobile community

Why increased muscle mass can support blood flow and reduce POTS symptoms

Learning your "energy envelope" and the stoplight method for pacing

The emotional nuance of living in the "both/and" space, not falling into victimhood, but also not bypassing the hard stuff

How community and coaching can offer structure, support, and softness all at once