Making Strides Podcast

At 40 years old, Esteban Trujillo ran 2:14:30 at the California International Marathon, qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Five months later, he ran 2:16 at the Boston Marathon for second place masters. But the part of his story most podcasts miss is what happened in between college and his comeback. At 28, after years of training in the shadow of his Olympian twin brother Carlo...

In this episode of Making Strides , AJ and Adam dive into a study that surveyed more than 700 recreational runners before a local race. The results were eye-opening and, honestly, a little concerning. You'll hear the two break down what runners think causes injuries, what actually matters, and how these beliefs shape training behavior and mindset. They walk through each slide from the post that in...

In episode 33 of the Making Strides podcast, AJ and Adam welcome back Ty Mangum, a prominent sports science researcher, to discuss the critical topic of air quality, wildfire smoke, and its impact on athletic training. The episode delves into how fine particulate pollution affects vascular function and overall health, especially for outdoor athletes.   Listeners will gain practical insights on mon...

Even physical therapists get injured... and when we do, it's often messy, humbling, and full of doubt. In this episode, AJ, Adam, and returning guest Dr. Stephanie Mundt open up about their most frustrating injuries and what they've learned about rehab, resilience, and redefining what running means at different life stages. We cover: The emotional toll of persistent or confusing injuries When reha...

In this episode of the Making Strides podcast, hosts AJ and Adam delve into the crucial topic of knowing when to seek professional help for running injuries and performance plateaus. As running coaches and physical therapists, they share their expertise on the indicators that suggest it's time to get professional support, whether it's due to persistent pain, stiffness, or a plateau in performance....

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, hosts Adam, AJ, and special guest Chase, a seasoned physical therapist and competitive swimmer, delve into the world of cross-training for runners. They discuss why runners are drawn to cross-training, debunk common myths, and provide actionable advice to enhance your running journey. Topics include injury prevention, enhancing performance, and the be...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, co-hosts AJ Cohen and Adam Schwerdt discuss the intricacies of running form. They emphasize the misconception of a 'perfect' running form and explore the individuality of running styles, likening them to unique signatures. They also debunk common myths like the negative perception of heel striking and explore under-discussed topics like how changes in...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ chats with Lisa Zagorski, PT, DPT, OCS to talk about " Things PTs Need to Stop Telling Patients ". Here are some of the things we talked about: You need to STOP doing XYZ activity. (without offering or trying modifications first) Your XYZ hurts because your XYZ is weak. Your XYZ hurts because your XYZ [enter biomechanical reason]. You need to do so...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam sit down with registered dietician, Katie Kissane to talk about iron for endurance athletes. Check it out! —— 5:00 Katie's story and journey into dietetics 12:00 Supplementing without prior testing 14:30 AJ's story of being anemic 15:30 Sex difference with anemia and definitions 19:45 AJ's crazy supplement protocol 26:00 Inhibitors of abso...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam answer some questions submitted by listeners and a few gathered from social media. Topics include strength work for runners and rehab, priorities, cramping, and getting faster. Check it out! 3:00 Strength training for the upper body 10:25 Patellofemoral pain exercise selection 18:45 What would you do if life granted you an extra hour per w...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam talk to Jenna Moore, RD, CSSD about a number of hot topics in the nutrition/fueling world for endurance athletes.  —— 6:00 What is fasting? 8:45 Breaking down Jenna's 30day fast  12:15 Sugar dependencies and cravings 15:00 Supporting tissue growth with nutrition 18:30 Fats for energy 26:45 Rock climbing nutrition 32:15 Time it takes for nu...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam talk about another common question they get asked. When and how do you return to training post-race? They close out the episode by discussing the ever-important question of how long should your long run be leading into a race. Specifically, one of Adam's coaching clients is used as an example as they are approaching a 60k race. Enjoy! ---...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam talk have a great conversation with a number of great takeaways to help you while injured and facilitate better training for performance. Adam recently fractured his ankle so that was discussed as well as the rehab to follow with several considerations that are often missed by health care professionals. They close out the episode by talkin...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast AJ and Adam talk to Brad Wells. He studied atmospheric science at CSU and works in meteorology. Naturally, they discussed all things weather so that you can best know what is coming your way and prepare. Also discussed, are the infamous inversions and how accurate our watches are at measuring altitude and incoming storms. 8:00 Accuracy of extended fore...

In this episode of the Making Strides  Podcast AJ and Adam close out their series on strength training for runners by answering questions fielded from their listeners. Questions revolve around: -Our thoughts on rest -Soleus injury rehab -Upper body training for runners -Combining intervals and strength work -"Mountain Legs" routine -Blood flow restriction training —— 2:45 Implementing ST while pri...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast AJ and Adam sit down to discuss programming considerations revolving around strength training (ST) for runners. This is part 2 of a multi-episode series in an attempt to keep them in smaller bite-sized pieces so you can begin taking action after each episode for better, stronger running. In this episode they discuss… -ST in-season vs off-season -Where...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast, AJ and Adam sit down to begin a discussion revolving around strength training for runners. This will be part of a multi-episode series in an attempt to keep them in smaller bite-sized pieces. This way you can begin taking action after each episode for better, stronger running. In this episode, they discuss: - what is and isn't "strength training" - va...

In this episode of the Making Strides Podcast AJ and Adam sit down with Nick Clark to discuss developing a lifelong relationship with running. Nick has been at the top of the game in the ultra world, runs the Gnar Runners (race organization in the northern Colorado area), and has been running consistently for decades. He brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective with his history and involvement...

0:42 What is the pelvic floor and pelvic PT? 6:40 What would indicate a need for pelvic PT 11:45 Emily's soap box on Kegels 18:20 Leaking during races. Ok? 25:00 The internal exam 31:40 Fitness and missed periods 36:00 Birth control   In episode 17 of the MSP AJ and Adam are joined by Adam's wife, Emily Schwerdt. She is a pelvic PT at Ascend Physical Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO. This episode t...

This is a Solo Strides episode with Dr. AJ Cohen, talking about the reasons and motivations for running trail and ultra adventures and races. "Tired, dehydrated, nauseous, feet hurt, legs hurt, fall down, get back up, bleeding, blurry vision. These are the things we feel as mountain-ultra runners shortly after every time we tie our laces and slip out onto those serene trails. What drives us to suf...

In this episode, AJ and Adam are joined by PT and coach Danielle Kroot. She is the owner of Starting Line Run Studio which is Maine's first run studio! Nearing the end of her own pregnancy, she's been largely underwhelmed by the information out there about returning to running postpartum so she partnered with a postpartum exercise specialist to create a program and fill the void to help women get...

This is a Solo Strides episode with Dr. Adam Schwerdt. Adam sits down to talk about a key component in training for the runner or any athlete for that matter. To make training work optimally for you, you have to work hard and push the body. However, there is another component that may be even more important. Self-honesty! Being self-honest with yourself engenders long term health, continued perfor...

In episode 13 of the MSP AJ and Adam are joined by PT and coach Stephanie Mundt. She is the owner of Volante Physical Therapy and Performance in Scottsdale, Az. Steph has been putting out a great series of Instagram posts surrounding various things runners are told that are not only often wrong, but harmful to the future of these runners. It's a great conversation so buckle up because this one has...

Today we answered listener questions surrounding the topics of: Speedwork building up for and leading up to trail and ultra races. Knowing how fast to run during training. How to maintain fitness during the winter without training as much as you may have during the rest of the year. --- Record your own question to be featured on the podcast at this link . AJ's website at Up and Running Physical Th...

This is a Solo Strides episode with Dr. AJ Cohen, talking about accountability as a runner and what it means to toe the line between pushing your potential and getting injured. AJ's website at Up and Running Physical Therapy   AJ's Instagram Up and Running PT facebook page