In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition, I talk with Nike-sponsored professional trail runner Bailey Kowalczyk. More than an incredible athlete, Bailey is a role model on and off the run. She bravely shares how an incredibly toxic college running environment was the catalyst for a severe battle with anorexia, ripping her away from the sport she loved. Bailey talks about her recovery journey, through relapse and inpatient treatment, unpacking disordered thoughts and behaviors. We discuss how eating disorders are often about much more than food, as well as the influence of coaches and those around you on mindsets and beliefs. Like many athletes, Bailey fell into the trap of thinking that losing weight would make her faster, but instead it led to injuries and being forced to stop running; now at a heavier weight, with a healthy well-fuelled body, Bailey is performing better than ever and is currently running professionally for Nike. Bailey and I talk about recovery silver linings and lessons that can be learned through times of struggle. Recovery is not a linear process, but with a growth mindset, relapses and setbacks can help you find greater healing in the long term. For Bailey, recovery left her with gratitude for her health and the ability to run, and she shares how with a healthy body she is now performing better than ever! We hear what a day in the life as a professional trail runner is like, and Bailey and I bond over our shared love for loaded smoothie bowls! For more on Bailey, check out her website www.baileykowalczyk.com  Follow Bailey on Instagram @baileykowalczyk and me, your host Lindsey Cortes, @female.athlete.nutrition  We have a huge announcement! We are launching patreon! Female Athlete Nutrition podcast patreon is now LIVE and we are excited to offer our community unique perks. Join today and receive bonus episodes, merch, monthly recipes, access to an exclusive community message board, and have the chance to ask Lindsey your questions and get a podcast shoutout, and more! Head to patreon today patreon.com/femaleathletenutrition  Need help with your fueling? Want to get in touch with Lindsey? Interested in the Female Athlete System of Transformation?  Head to www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com to learn more & book a call! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Previnex: https://www.previnex.com/ use code RISEUP for 15% off at checkout InsideTracker: www.insidetracker.com/riseup for 20% off the entire store for a limited time only! THIS PODCAST IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: Orgain, head to www.orgain.com and use the code RISEUP30 for 30% off your first order. Repeat customers can use the code OA2203 for 25% off future orders. Practice Better Click the link below to view plans and get a 14-day free trial. Then use the code RISEUP20 for 20% off your first 4 months: https://practicebetter.grsm.io/runp  Jen & Keri: https://jenandkeri.com/ use code RISEUP10 for $10 off your order In this episode we talk about: 4:40 Lessons learned through anorexia recovery  8:15 It’s not about the food; recovery, relapse, and disordered thoughts   13:00 Bailey’s running story 16:00 From “healthy” clean eating to anorexia nervosa 21:00 Recovery silver linings and growth through struggles  25:00 Toxic team cultures and running pressures 31:00 Lighter is not faster, a healthy body is; body image concerns  34:50 Bailey’s treatment and recovery experiences; stepping away from sport 36:30 Running before, during, and after recovery  41:30 Inpatient eating disorder treatment 45:30 Life as a professional trail runner 54:30 End of the podcast questions