The 1% Better Runner with DLake

Most running injuries don’t come from running too much—they come from running too much, too soon. This episode breaks down exactly how I help runners rebuild fitness after injury without wrecking their bodies. From gym strength to VO2 max, from tempo runs to elliptical intervals, this is the blueprint for stacking fatigue the smart way. If you’re sick of starting over every few months, this is how...

The most successful athletes aren't the ones who train the hardest; they're the ones who know exactly how much they can handle without breaking. What if you’ve been doing it all wrong—pushing too hard or not hard enough—without even realizing it? In this episode, I unpack the real difference between being slightly overtrained versus slightly undertrained and why that small distinction could make o...

What if the cross training activity you love most is actually the least effective for improving your running performance? If you’ve ever wondered whether your spin class or Sunday hike is actually helping your running, this episode is for you. I break down the truth behind popular cross-training activities to reveal which ones actually translate to improved running performance and which ones are j...

Most marathoners show up on race day hoping for the best—but this workout reveals the truth about your fitness long before you toe the line. What if you could predict your marathon outcome before race day without guesswork or hoping your long runs were enough? In this episode, I walk you through a powerful workout almost nobody is using—but should be. It’s a next-level tweak to a popular track ses...

Rolling out of bed and straight into running is the fastest way to guarantee injury—and I used to be guilty of this exact mistake for years. Have you ever started a run feeling stiff and sluggish, wishing you could feel loose and ready to go from the first step? In this episode, I'll share my personal three-step warmup routine that has transformed my runs, helping me feel years younger, prevent in...

I trained for six months to avoid the medical tent—and still almost ended up there. After months of disciplined heart rate-based training, I took on the marathon to see if the low-intensity aerobic engine I built could carry me across 42.2 kilometers of real-world terrain and unpredictable conditions. What followed was a humbling, high-stakes experiment in pacing, pain management, and mental grit....

Your smartwatch knows more about you than your coach, so why isn’t it helping you train smarter? What if your smartwatch actually understood you—not just your steps or heart rate, but your lifestyle, goals, and even those off days when your body says “not today”? This episode breaks down the core flaws in current running AI and smartwatch tech, revealing why most fitness platforms fall short for e...

What if the key to running faster wasn't about running harder, but about remembering how to skip like a kid? What if the secret to unlocking faster, more joyful running isn’t another grueling workout, but something so simple you’ve likely been ignoring it? In this episode, I dig into the counterintuitive power of short, controlled bursts that could completely change your approach to training—physi...

The fitness tech industry is failing runners, and no one’s talking about it. Ever felt like your smartwatch or running app just doesn’t get you? You crush a hard workout, and it calls it "unproductive." You take a rest day, and your fitness score drops. The truth? Most fitness tech is stuck in the past; obsessed with data but clueless about what runners actually need. This episode breaks down why...

Sprinting might be the most dangerous—and most effective—thing you’re not doing. In this episode, I break down how distance runners can safely and effectively use drills like skips, strides, windups, and sprints to get faster, feel better, and stay injury-free. You’ll learn why skipping is the glue that holds your fast running together, how to dose speed work safely, and how each drill fits into y...

Are you training to feel good, or are you training to actually get better? We dive deep into how long runs can become the ultimate dress rehearsal for race day. You’ll learn why messing up your fueling, running without a watch, and embracing small failures during training builds the confidence you need on the big day. We’ll cover pacing, gut training, mindset, and how to turn “bad” runs into break...

For years, I thought cross-training was just a filler on recovery days — I couldn’t have been more wrong. This episode flips the script on cross-training. Instead of seeing it as “extra credit” or just something to do when you’re injured, you’ll hear how it can actually help you increase volume, boost recovery, and stay fast without piling on risky mileage. I share the mindset shift that changed m...

What if 80,000 tiny mistakes were the reason your body feels destroyed after a race? Most runners don’t need to completely change their form—they need to understand it. This episode breaks down heel, midfoot, and forefoot striking, and why overstriding—not the footstrike itself—is the biggest problem. You’ll learn the science behind impact forces, how to work with your body’s natural stride, and h...

My form was fine… until I ran slower. Form breakdown doesn’t always happen when you're tired—it can hit at your "comfortable" marathon pace. In this episode, I break down how a mild hamstring strain led me to reassess everything I thought I knew about run form. You’ll hear how I tested drills, cadence changes, and strength work to fix overstriding and avoid heel striking without interrupting train...

I suck at threshold running—and that’s exactly why I train it. If you’ve ever pushed too hard in training and felt wiped for days, this episode is for you. I take you along on a real sub-threshold workout—three sets of controlled discomfort just below the redline—and explain why this “missing” zone is where real aerobic strength comes from. We’ll break down the difference between aerobic and anaer...

I finally realized small tweaks, like a race predictor test, proper taper, sauna and sleep could make a big impact on race day. I share how simple tests, proper tapering, and everyday habits boost my running performance without drastic changes. By focusing on easy-to-implement tools—like short sauna sessions, specific race predictors, and a solid sleep routine—I’ve learned how small adjustments ca...

I didn’t realize how bad my form was… until I slowed it down. What happens when a run coach steps into the athlete role and gets his form analyzed? In this episode, I react to a full slow-motion breakdown of my running stride—flaws, habits, wrist flicks, helicopter arms and all. With the help of a top-tier running physio, I uncover the subtle inefficiencies that were holding me back (and might be...

At kilometer 17, everything got quiet—and that’s when it got real. This episode dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in marathon training: the fast-finish marathon pace long run. We push through 25K at race pace to test mental and physical readiness five weeks before race day. Learn why using effort over data matters, how to simulate race fatigue, and what it means to coach wit...

A long stride doesn’t make you faster—it can slow you down and invite injuries. I dive into seven detailed tips to refine your running form—from better posture and healthier footstrikes to aligning arm swing and cadence for smoother, more efficient movement. Each tip helps you reduce injury risk, build stronger habits, and make running feel more enjoyable, without overwhelming changes that can lea...

My watch tracks every mile, but it doesn’t warn me about toxic air. I’m diving into how air pollution can creep into every run without you even noticing. This episode shows you real-time data tools to dodge dirty air, simple adjustments to protect your lungs, and ways to sharpen performance over the long haul. It’s all about making cleaner, smarter choices with your training so you keep your pace...

VO2 max training can make or break your race—are you doing it right? VO2 max training is essential for endurance, but most runners are making mistakes that limit their progress. In this episode, we break down the best ways to train your VO2 max, how to balance it with Zone 2 running, and why lactate threshold matters even more for long-distance races. Plus, we dive into a real VO2 max test and rev...

Training on hills won’t always prepare you for a flat race—here’s what you need to know. Flat marathon courses might seem easier, but they come with unique challenges that can make them just as tough—if not tougher—than hilly races. In this episode, we break down how to train effectively for a flat marathon, avoid burnout, and make key adjustments to your running plan. You’ll learn why pacing can...

What if missing a run was actually helping you get faster? Trying to be the perfect runner? That mindset might be what’s holding you back. In this episode, I dive into why perfectionism leads to burnout and how embracing consistency—flaws and all—can actually help you run faster and stronger. I’ll break down the simple mindset shifts that turned my own running around, how to enjoy the process, and...

Why is a 5K the perfect race to kick off your running journey? Here's what makes it ideal. Starting to run can feel daunting, but this episode simplifies the process into manageable steps. Learn how to go from zero to running consistently with proven tips like walk-run intervals and staying consistent without burnout. Once you’re on your feet, discover why training for a 5K is the smarter, more ef...

Your race performance can be 90% decided before you even cross the start line. Here’s how. You’ve trained for months. You’ve put in the work. But race day is where it all comes together—or falls apart. In this episode, I break down 17 race day tools and tactics that can give you the edge, whether you’re aiming for a new PR or just want to avoid common race day mistakes. We’ll cover fueling, hydrat...