For many, turning 40 can feel like a signal to slow down. For Rebecca, it was the opposite: a green light to chase something she’d always dreamed of: running her first marathon.
“Turning 40 was the turning point about the mental mindset shift of waiting for the right time to finally moving forward,” she shares. What began as a simple bucket list goal soon became a full-blown transformation.
Rebecca isn’t just a runner. She’s a mother, bodybuilder, and yogi; a woman rewriting what strength looks like beyond 40. Each chapter of her fitness journey has been fueled by the same driving force: growth, resilience, and recovery.
Running for Growth, Not Just Distance
Rebecca’s marathon journey began with one goal - to finish. But as she prepares to run her fourth Bank of America Chicago Marathon, each race has become more about growth than the miles themselves.
“I have a new goal for each marathon I have run,” she says. “The first year was just about finishing. The second year I wanted to improve my training and reintroduce weights. The third and this year, it’s about cross-training and fine-tuning nutrition both before and during the race.”
Every marathon has taught her something new about perseverance, planning, and pride.
“The first marathon was addicting,” Rebecca admits with a smile. “You feed off the energy of the crowd. The self-fulfillment that follows is motivating.”
Running has also become a family value. “It’s setting a good example for my kids,” she says. “We enjoy being active together and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.”
Her secret is simple: show up early, every day. “I schedule workouts first thing in the morning. It’s hard to wake up initially, but the sacrifice pays off in dividends. When the workout is done, the rest of the day can happen.”
For Rebecca, running isn’t just a sport but a rhythm that keeps her grounded through the chaos of work, family, and life.
Training Smart: Learning When to Push and When to Pause
With experience comes wisdom and Rebecca’s training approach reflects that balance.
Leading up to race day, she blends the structure of bodybuilding with the endurance of marathon running. “I’m treating taper week like peak week before bodybuilding,” she explains. “The goal is to decrease overall weekly mileage to rest and have fresh legs for race day. I focus on decreasing intensity, continuing yoga, nutrition, and as much as I can… sleep.”
Of course, not every training day feels great and Rebecca doesn’t sugarcoat that. “Bad runs are going to happen,” she says. “Your body and mind don’t function the same way every day. I know the less rewarding training days will pass and progress pays off in dividends. Keep going.”
Her calm, consistent mindset has become her biggest strength, proof that endurance isn’t just built in the legs, but in the mind.
Redefining Strength Through Bodybuilding and Yoga
Running may have been her first challenge, but bodybuilding took Rebecca out of her comfort zone in a whole new way.
“Bodybuilding was definitely something outside my comfort zone,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to challenge myself. It was a very rewarding experience and added different exercises to my workout routine. I enjoy all three types of physical activity.”
That balance between power and patience is something yoga helped her find.
“Handstands were a goal I had about a year ago,” she shares. “The first time I walked into a yoga class and saw the class in crow pose, I thought they were all nuts! I also thought I had zero interest in standing on my hands because I was not a gymnast. I have learned to never use the word ‘never.’”
Each discipline has shaped her differently. Running builds endurance. Lifting builds power. Yoga builds mindfulness. Together, they’ve helped Rebecca discover that true strength is about more than muscle, it’s about movement, balance, and belief.
Recovery: The Secret to Staying Strong
Rebecca has learned that the real transformation doesn’t just happen during the workout, it happens after.
“I definitely need to rest my legs and feet,” she says. “I have learned to enjoy the after effects of cold plunges, compression boots, and Ance recovery sneakers.”
Ance sneakers have become an essential part of her post-run ritual. “The compression straps and ice help with swelling and aching after long runs. The pressure points under the heel are very therapeutic.”
For Rebecca, recovery isn’t a reward, but a part of the plan. It’s what allows her to keep showing up stronger, race after race.
Wisdom That Comes with Every Mile
As Rebecca continues her journey beyond 40, her philosophy remains beautifully simple: stay consistent, stay curious, and never stop learning.
“Just keep going. Pick something that interests you and is enjoyable. Progress follows where passion leads. It creates this positive feedback loop within yourself.”
Her advice for anyone starting later in life is deeply personal and practical:
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It’s never too late to start,
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Start where you are, not where you were,
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Consistency beats intensity,
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Weights are your friends,
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Prioritize recovery and mobility,
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Celebrate every win.
Because for Rebecca, success isn’t defined by time or trophies, it’s measured in movement, mindset, and momentum.
Run. Lift. Recover. Repeat.
Rebecca’s story is proof that strength doesn’t fade with age, in fact, it evolves with purpose. Every finish line, every rep, every recovery session is part of a bigger picture: a life built on movement and meaning.
Recovery is readiness for tomorrow and about getting 1% better each day. Just like Rebecca, you can give your body the care it deserves.
Step into recovery that moves with you. With Ance Recovery sneakers, experience 360° arch support, acupressure-based comfort, and intelligent design that helps your muscles recharge.
Whether you’re running marathons, lifting weights, or chasing kids, Ance keeps you ready for what’s next.
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