Running as a Coping Mechanism: The Emotional Weight of Athletic Identity

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the inspiring and emotional journey of Kate Mihevc Edwards, a runner who turned her love for the sport into a career as a physical therapist specializing in running medicine. But her story isn’t just about the miles she’s logged or the strides she’s taken in her profession—it’s about facing life-changing challenges and finding a new way forward.

Kate takes us through her personal and professional evolution, sharing her early experiences as a runner and the pivotal moment when she was diagnosed with ARVC, a rare genetic heart condition. This diagnosis completely shifted her running journey, forcing her to reevaluate what running meant to her and how it could fit into her life. Along the way, Kate opens up about the emotional and physical hurdles she’s had to overcome—self-blame, identity loss, and adjusting to a new reality with health limitations.

It’s a deeply personal episode that sheds light on the complexities of running with health challenges and how mental health plays a crucial role in recovery.

But it’s not all heavy stuff! Kate also shares the exciting work she’s been doing, including the app she developed to help runners connect with resources and stay supported in their journeys, no matter what stage they’re at. She’s a powerhouse when it comes to bringing awareness and building community for runners who need it most.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who's ever faced a setback, big or small, in their running journey—and for those who want to better understand the mental and physical side of navigating health challenges. Kate’s story is a beautiful reminder that even when our path takes an unexpected turn, we can still find ways to thrive.

Meet Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS:

Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS is a physical therapist, author, speaker, and educator dedicated to broadening the understanding of how we treat and care for runners. With over 15 years of experience helping thousands of athletes, she’s passionate about shifting the culture of running, which often focuses too heavily on physical performance and race outcomes.

While runners and those who care for them commonly define success through speed or race results, Kate knows that success goes far beyond the body’s performance. The culture of running can sometimes lead to injury, health concerns, and confidence issues. Through her own personal journey, navigating both her own injuries and health struggles, Kate has learned that an athlete’s true success is about more than just their sport.

• https://www.fastbananas.com/

• https://www.katemihevcedwards.com/

About Your Host

Elisabeth Scott is a running coach, educator, and the founder of Running Explained, where she helps runners train smarter, run stronger, and enjoy the process. After getting sober at 29, she laced up her running shoes with the goal of finishing a 5K—and never looked back. Since then, she’s gone on to complete multiple races, including marathons with a Boston Qualifying time, all while deepening her expertise in endurance training.

With a science-based approach, Coach Elisabeth is passionate about making complex running concepts accessible and actionable for runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on building a strong aerobic base, improving running efficiency, and developing a whole-human approach to training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and sustainable progress.

Through Running Explained, Elisabeth offers training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, her guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.

📲 Learn more at ⁠RunningExplained.com⁠ 📢 Follow on Instagram: ⁠@runningexplained