s5/e01 The Science of Habit Formation: Building Habits & Behaviors That Support Your Running Goals! with Karin Nordin, PhD

Welcome to Season 5 of The Running Explained Podcast!

IT'S BAAAAAAAACK!

What does it really take to change our habits, stay consistent, and build a mindset that supports our goals? In this episode, Dr. Karin Nordin, owner of Body Brain Alliance, joins Coach Elisabeth to break down the psychology of behavior change, motivation, and consistency, particularly in the context of running and exercise. They dive into how our brains resist change, why goal setting matters, and the role of self-perception in shaping our actions.

You'll learn actionable strategies for habit formation, how to overcome decision fatigue, and why self-judgment is often a result of unrealistic expectations. Whether you're struggling to stay motivated, trying to unlearn bad habits, or looking for ways to reinforce good ones, this conversation is packed with insights that will help you!

Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever struggled with consistency in your running, fitness, or life in general, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Karin Nordin provides science-backed, actionable strategies to help you build habits that stick, understand your motivation, and develop a mindset that supports long-term success. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, dealing with decision fatigue, or simply trying to improve your self-discipline, this conversation will give you the tools and insights you need to create lasting change.

Meet Dr. Karin Nordin, PhD – a behavior change expert and founder of Body Brain Alliance, where she teaches evidence-based, compassion-first techniques to help people create lasting change. With a PhD in Health Communication and a background in psychological sciences, Karin transforms personal development into an engaging, science-backed journey.

Follow her on Instagram @karinnordinphd and explore her coaching and courses at bodybrainalliance.com.

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