A Shame-Free Look at Eating Disorders, Recovery, and Mental Health in Runners

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders. 

Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos.

Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others.

Listen to hear about:

• Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for running
• Getting back into training with less pressure
• Reduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issues
• Misconceptions about athletes and eating disorders
• The nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in running

Stay connected:

• Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling 
• Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.com
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.
• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.