Tread Lightly Running Podcast

You’ve likely encountered all sorts of different marathon training plans - Higdon, Hansons, Run Less Run Faster, Low Heart Rate, and more. You may have wondered which of these plans, if any, is right for you - and we are here to take that guesswork out for you! In this episode, two seasoned running coaches examine different marathon training methodologies. This is episode 100 and we want to thank...

Is heel striking bad? Should you change your running form? You’ve probably heard conflicting answers on your questions about running injuries - so we bring the science to work through myth vs supported theory on running injuries. We also share approaches for actually reducing your injury risk - and these may surprise you.  Discussion points include: Does heel striking cause injury? Should you chan...

You’ve likely heard that high sugar consumption has health risks - so how do you reconcile that with your need to fuel as a runner? Is sugar bad for runners, or is it a necessary fuel source for your fastest running and healthiest self? (Spoiler: it's the latter!) We brought on Cortney Berling, RD, MPH, to dispel common myths about sugar for runners.  Discussion points include: Defining the differ...

We take an informed deep dive on run streaks. Who benefits from run streaks (if anyone)? What are the risks and drawbacks? Are there alternative goals you can set?  Discussion points include: What defines a running streak? Why are running streaks so popular? What are the drawbacks of run streaks? When should you stop a running streak? How to safely do a run streak  Alternative activity streaks Wha...

Warming up before a run is something both Amanda and Laura have repeatedly preached - so in this episode, we take a deeper dive into warm-ups. We explore the science warming up properly before a run and provide practical examples of how to warm up before different types of workouts. Discussion points include: Why should you warm up before running? How long should a warm-up be? Should you stretch b...

Are you plagued by pain over the front of your lower legs? Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries. However, the treatment is not as simple as Google suggests - shin splints won’t heal for good with just rest and ice alone. In this episode, we take a look at shin splints based on research, basic anatomy/biomechanics, and a training perspective. This episode does not replace physic...

Do you dream of doing an ultra marathon some day - but you feel intimidated by the training, gear, or logistics? If so, this episode is for you. We brought on Coach Rhandi Orme to share her first-hand experience and coaching expertise to help you understand what it takes to run an ultra - and how to know if you are ready for your first ultra.  Discussion points include: Common misconceptions about...

You’ve got running questions - and we have your answers! Join us today as we answer your running questions, including: Should you run on concrete or asphalt?  What should you do after completing a Couch to 5K program? Can you keep PRing in your 40s? Is racing weight something to worry about? Can you do Hydrox during marathon training? Can you go too slow on your easy run days? Should you do a two...

How much water do you need to drink during a run? Do you need electrolytes? We've got answers to all your hydration questions in this episode! First, we answer a listener’s question on liquid calories as a pre-race nutrition strategy. Then, we take a deep dive into the science of hydration for runners - and practical takeaways you can use to feel better on your runs. Discussion points include:  Wh...

Do you need to hire a running coach? If you want to hire one, how do you find the right one for you? We draw on our experiences of working with hundreds of runners over almost 20 years combined to guide you through how to find a running coach!  How do you know if you will benefit from a running coach? What’s the scope of a running coach? Can you work with a running coach even if you aren’t doing a...

Being a runner does not mean that bone stress injuries are inevitable! We bring on a specialist today to discuss running and stress fractures, including how to prevent and treat bone stress injuries. Discussion points include: What is a bone stress injury? Understanding stress reactions, stress fractures, and full fractures Signs and symptoms of a bone stress injury Risk factors for stress fractur...

Struggling with knee pain on the outside of your knee? Today’s episode may help! We are not physical therapists, so we approach the topic of IT band syndrome based on a coaching perspective and research. If you are dealing with IT band syndrome, we encourage you to reach out to a PT!  Discussion points include: The anatomy of the IT band Should you foam roll your IT band? What causes IT band syndr...

Are you preparing for RunDisney weekend, a Ragnar relay, Hood to Coast, the Speed Project, or another multi-stage race? This episode is for you! Two experienced running coaches share expert opinions on how to train for multi-day races - and how to strategize so that you feel good during these races.  The physiological demands of multi-stage races The importance of hydration and fueling during rela...

What do Oscar Wilde, fluid dynamics, and running have in common? The treadmill! We answer your most common questions about treadmill running, including if you need a 1% incline, whether you can train for a race on the treadmill, and how to enjoy treadmill runs.  Discussion points include: Shifting your mindset around treadmill running Is it harder to run on a treadmill? Can you train for a maratho...

Don’t skip this episode just yet - every runner, male, female, non-binary, parents, child-free, etc can learn from Dr. Amanda Fisher! In this episode, Dr. Fisher explores how your pelvic floor impacts your running, including hip and groin injuries, bladder control while running, and even the runner’s trots. We have received many questions about these topics and felt it best to bring on an expert a...

Most runners share the common experience: a jittery, anxious feeling as you line up before your race. Pre-race nerves happen - and while some nerves can be a performance enhancer, too much anxiety can wreck your race. We provide guidance for managing pre-race anxiety in this episode as we draw upon our experiences of working with hundreds of runners.  Discussion points include: What it means if yo...

This episode brings in some new research to update one of our early episodes - running on your period. In addition to talking about cycle syncing, we expand this episode to discuss how to deal with cramps, PMDD, and other PMS issues while running. This episode should be super helpful if you are a female runner or a coach to female runners!  Discussion points include:  A quick overview of the menst...

Did you know that you can finish a marathon up to half of an inch shorter than when you started? Or that there’s a reason it feels so hard to climb up and down stairs after a marathon? It may surprise you all that happens to your body after a marathon! First, we answer a listener’s question about time on feet for easy-paced long runs. Then, we dives into the nuances around a popular topic on socia...

In this episode, we are joined by ultra runner, coach, and scientist Dr. Alyssa Olenick (aka Doc Lyss)! Dr. Olenick has her PhD in Exercise Physiology and joins us to discuss the overlapping fields of hybrid training and female physiology. Discussion points include:  Dr. Olenick’s research on female athletes Why runners need to consider both health and performance in training Defining hybrid train...

Have you ever wondered how much your genetics influence your running? Are your paces or performances a matter of being a gifted athlete, or can you train beyond your genetic disposition? We explore the science of genetics on running performance in this episode. Additionally, we answer a listener’s question about using swimming as cross-training.  Discussion points include: A very quick and simple...

First, we answer a listener’s question about breathing issues during runs. Then, we dive into a whole episode based on requests from listeners: what running gear is overhyped, and what gear is actually worth the cost? Discussion points include: Do you need a Garmin or other running watch? Do you need a chest strap heart rate monitor? Are foot pods worth the cost? Are sweat trackers useful or overr...

How do you measure training intensity on easy runs and workouts? Should you use pace, RPE, or heart rate? We talk about the advantages and drawbacks of each method for measuring training intensity on your runs. Before our main discussion, we answer a listener’s question about caffeine supplementation, coffee, and energy drinks before runs.  Discussion points include:  When do you want to use pace...

Are you struggling with Achilles pain, a chronic high hamstring injury, or another tendon issue? This is the episode for you! We brought on an expert on tendinopathy and tendon health - Dr. Alex Nelson, DPT, owner of Training with Tendinopathy.  You can follow Dr. Nelson on Instagram @training_with_tendinopathy Discussion points include: Defining tendinopathy vs tendonitis vs tendinosis Why rest a...

As unfortunate as it is, it’s inevitable if you run enough: a disappointing race can happen. This experience happens to almost every runner! It’s part of putting yourself out there and chasing your goals.  We talk about dealing with challenging races and missed goals in this episode.  Before our main topic, we answer a listener's question about scrapping vs foam rolling. Why and how to do a po...

Our listener question follows up on the listener question from episode 72 - how do you take objective vs subject approaches to determine your best race distance? Then, we dive into an important topic: pre- and post-run nutrition, and why they matter so much. We dive into the science and provide practical tips that you can implement in your own training.  Discussion points include: The definition o...