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Aging well isn't about avoiding setbacks. It's about learning how to respond when life knocks you off course. For Episode 200 of Becoming Elli, Jill and Chris are joined by Maria Molvin to talk honestly about what happens when an injury, surgery, health issue, or major life change disrupts the routines that have helped keep us active and strong. All three have experienced their own setbacks, from knee, hip and abdominal issues to recurring ankle problems. They talk about the realities of suddenly having to rethink everyday activities like walking, sitting, sleeping and showering, as well as the emotional challenges that can come with losing independence and feeling impatient with recovery.   The conversation also explores what happens after the initial setback: physical therapy, rebuilding strength and range of motion, returning to weights, incorporating walking into recovery, changing activities and learning when to push and when to back off.   And setbacks aren't always physical. A gym closing or changing ownership, travel, or other life changes can disrupt even the most established exercise routine. How do you create a new normal when the routine that kept you consistent is suddenly gone?   Perhaps the hardest part is accepting uncertainty. Recovery isn't always linear, and "normal" may look different than it did before. Rather than focusing on a fixed endpoint, the conversation encourages us to recognize progress, adjust our expectations and keep moving forward.   We discuss: What can knock us off course as we age The unexpected challenges of recovering from surgery or injury The emotional side of losing independence Knowing when to push and when to back off Physical therapy and transitioning back to exercise Returning to weights and walking Changing activities when our bodies change What happens when a familiar fitness routine disappears Creating a new normal Letting go of the expectation that recovery will be linear Focusing on progress rather than a fixed endpoint How to adapt without giving up For anyone facing a setback: Start where you are. Small steps matter. Adapt rather than give up. Accept help. Find a way to keep moving.   And that's really what Becoming Elli is about: aging, adapting, growing and staying strong — even when things don't go according to plan.

What if the athlete you think you could never become is actually already inside you? In this episode of the Becoming Elli Podcast, we talk with Hildee Weiss, author of Embracing My Inner Athlete, about what happened when she decided to stop putting everyone else first and start making her own health and well-being a priority. At 46, Hildee describes herself as a couch potato. She was a wife and busy mother of five who had spent years taking care of her family and putting herself last. Then she began working with a personal trainer, discovered running, and gradually began to see herself in a completely different way. What started with the goal of running eventually led to 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, trail runs and Spartan races. Along the way, Hildee has also faced injuries, illness and surgery — experiences that could have brought her athletic journey to an end but instead became part of her story of resilience. In this episode we discuss: Making the decision to put yourself first Discovering running later in life When you start thinking of yourself as an athlete Consistency when you don't feel like working out Coming back from injuries, illness and surgery Changing the way you see your body How becoming an athlete changed her identity Embracing your inner athlete It's never too late to start What's next?   Links: Hildee's book, Embracing My Inner Athlete, is available through Simon & Schuster. Website/blog: Hildee Weiss https://youwantmetodowhat.home.blog Instagram: @momoffive68  Facebook: Hildee Weiss

Elli Overton is a three-time Australian Olympic swimmer, mom, TEDx speaker and children's book author. After a successful career in elite swimming, she experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning away from a career that had defined her identity. Today, she is pursuing a master's degree in professional counseling while developing her work as a speaker. Her interests include performance, mental health, resilience, self-awareness and what she calls sustainable excellence. Her current work brings together her professional education and the lived experience she gained as an elite athlete. Elli Overton competed in three Olympic Games, won multiple World Championship medals and other major international titles, and built her identity around becoming the very best swimmer she could be. In this episode, we have a candid and surprisingly relatable conversation about what happens when achievement becomes intertwined with identity. Elli shares how coming fifth at two Olympic Games affected the way she viewed herself, how her inner critic took over, and how she eventually began to understand the difference between what happened and the story we tell ourselves about what happened. While Elli's story begins in elite swimming, the lessons go far beyond sports. For women over 50, there can be so many moments when the definition of success needs to change. Careers change. Children grow up. Parents age. Bodies change. Relationships evolve. Activities we once did easily may become more difficult. So how do we decide what success means , rather than continuing to measure ourselves against who we used to be? We discuss: When achievement becomes identity The difference between achievement and self-worth Why our 50s and beyond can be a time for reinvention The inner critic and perfectionism Sustainable excellence Comparison versus learning from others Creating healthier habits Finding joy in the process A different definition of success Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellioverton/

What if living a longer, healthier life has less to do with winning the genetic lottery and more to do with the choices we make? In episode 197 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast, Chris and Maria take a closer look at cardiologist and scientist Dr. Eric Topol's recent appearance on NPR's TED Radio Hour, How to be a "Super Ager" (it's not your genes.) Dr. Topol discusses the science—and the myths—surrounding longevity and anti-aging. His central message is an important one: rather than focusing simply on lifespan, we should be paying more attention to healthspan—the years we live in good health and free from major age-related diseases. Read more at our SUBSTACK page

We have some exciting news to share! If you listened to our Spring Break episode, you know that we asked if anyone would like to join us as a cohost on this podcast. After 8 years, we had been feeling a bit fatigued with producing our podcast so we were delighted when Maria Molvin contacted us and said she was interested in joining the Becoming Elli team.  It's actually rather nice to be a team instead of just two of us. You may remember that we interviewed Maria in April 2024, just over two years ago. You can check out episode 152 if you want to hear that discussion. Maria and Jill worked together earlier in our careers, so we've known each other a long time.

In our Spring Break episode, we discuss the switch from soups to salads, getting outside for exercise and new beginnings. Spring is in the air, and we're feeling energized to shake things up—both in and out of the kitchen. Chris shares the excitement (and learning curve!) of getting a new bike and figuring out all its features, while Jill has been enjoying time on her e-bike and the freedom it brings to get outside more. Staying active doesn't have to look the same every season, and we're both leaning into what feels fun right now. Speaking of fun, Chris talks about why she's been line dancing every chance she gets—it's a great way to move, laugh, and connect. Jill is feeling inspired too and is on the hunt for pickleball lessons as she looks to pick up a new sport this spring. We also dive into some simple food swaps to refresh your routine. Chris shares how she's transitioning from winter comfort foods to lighter options, trading in hearty soups for fresh, satisfying salads. Jill is ready to break out of her food rut and is looking for easy ways to add variety and excitement back into her meals. Chris highlights a new protein bar she's been enjoying, and Jill shares a quick update on electrolytes—what they are, and why they might be helpful as activity levels increase with the warmer weather. Finally, we talk about some upcoming changes to the podcast. As we look ahead, we're beginning the search for a co-host who could eventually step in and continue the Fit Strong Women Over 50 mission when we decide to retire. If you've been thinking about trying something new—whether it's a different workout, a new sport, or a simple food swap—this is your sign to go for it.

As 2025 comes to a close, Chris and Jill slow things down for a thoughtful end-of-year conversation. Instead of a highlight reel or checklist of accomplishments, this episode focuses on reflection, intention, and what it really means to age strong — physically, mentally, and emotionally. They also share an important announcement: For links and more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In this episode, Jill and Chris welcome back Dr. Glenn Livingston, psychologist, researcher, author, and creator of Defeat Your Cravings. You may remember him from Episode 155—or from his work helping thousands of people stop binge-eating, quiet food cravings, and rebuild a peaceful relationship with food. Glenn draws on decades of research, including studies with more than 40,000 participants, and his own personal journey out of food addiction. His insights combine practical behavioral strategies with deep compassion for anyone struggling with overeating. For links and more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

This week, Jill and Chris talk with Suzy Rosenstein, master certified life coach, midlife mentor, and host of the Women in the Middle podcast. Suzy has helped thousands of women who feel stuck in midlife rediscover clarity, joy, and purpose. Her signature blend of humor, curiosity, and encouragement inspires women to see aging not as something to fear—but as an incredible opportunity. Together, we explore the mindset traps that keep women stuck, how to embrace aging with intention, and why midlife can be one of the most meaningful and fulfilling chapters of life. We discuss: Why Midlife Women Get Stuck Using Envy as a Tool for Growth Fitness, Motivation & Taking Small Steps Food, Hormones & Midlife Changes Her "FUN" process for navigating midlife with clarity and purpose Celebrating Life After 50 For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

In this inspiring episode, Jill and Chris chat with Melissa Wilson, a vibrant grandmother who's redefining what it means to be fit and strong after 60. Jill met Melissa at the gym and has watched her incredible transformation firsthand — from hesitant beginner to confident, strong, and motivated athlete. Melissa shares her personal fitness journey, the turning point that motivated her to start, and how her mindset and lifestyle have evolved along the way. She opens up about challenges, surprises, and the role that community, consistency, and courage have played in her success. Whether she's tackling a tough challenge like the Murph, perfecting her lifts, or planning her next goal, Melissa shows that it's never too late to become your strongest self — inside and out. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

189 - Mediterranean Diet with Chris and Jill In this episode of Fit Strong Women Over 50, we're diving back into one of our favorite topics — food! Many of us reach a point where we want to eat healthier, feel better, and still enjoy the foods we love. This past summer my doctor has recommended that I follow the Mediterranean diet, which inspired this episode all about three of the most researched and effective eating styles for women over 50: the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets. We talk about what makes each plan unique, how they overlap, and why they're all considered top choices for long-term health and wellness. For links and more information visit our website, BecomingElli.com.

Imagine racing your bike up steep Icelandic mountains, through snow, across rivers—and doing it with your daughter and grandson. That's exactly what today's guest, Þórdís Rósa Sigurðardóttir, does. Disa is a competitive cyclist from Iceland who races on road and gravel courses in one of the most challenging climates on earth. She's passionate about cycling, fitness, and community—and she's sharing that love across three generations of her family. In this episode, Disa talks about: The challenges and beauty of cycling through Iceland's rugged landscape How she trains for races in every season (yes, even in the snow!) Tips for climbing steep hills and building strength on the bike How she balances training with family and life The importance of recovery, cross-training, and staying injury-free after 50 Her approach to nutrition and fueling for long rides The joy of racing alongside her daughter and grandson Disa's story is full of grit, adventure, and inspiration—proof that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere, at any age. For more information, visit our website at BecomingElli.com

Bone health is a topic that affects so many women, especially as we move through midlife and beyond. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Lisa Moore, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Brick House Bones®. Lisa's mission is to help people with low bone density or osteoporosis rebuild confidence, strength, and resilience—so they can keep doing the things they love with the people they love. Dr. Moore is trained through BoneFit™ and the Institute of Clinical Excellence in bone health exercise. She blends the latest research with yoga, strength training, and mindful movement to help women strengthen their bones safely. She also offers a program called Journey to Fracture-Proof, which provides practical, research-based tools to improve bone health. For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Angela Mazza, a triple board-certified endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hormone imbalances. Dr. Mazza is the founder of the Metabolic Center for Wellness in Central Florida, where she takes an integrative and personalized approach to patient care. She is also the co-host of the Thyroid Talk with Dr. Angela Mazza podcast and the author of Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Thyroid Health. Together, we explore how the thyroid gland affects women's health, especially during midlife transitions such as perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Mazza helps us understand the signs and symptoms of thyroid issues, the role of hormones, and the kinds of tests available to identify potential problems. She also explains the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, how thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) works, and whether thyroid issues can be prevented. For more information and links, visit our website: BecomingElli.com