Rob Steger is an ultra runner, the author of Training for ultra and the host of the Training for ultra podcast. We start the conversation with Rob's journey into running, filmmaking and podcasting before turning our attention to his ultra marathon training philosophy. Rob describes the benefits of developing a 'flow state' when running along with his opinions on training mileage. Further into the conversation, Rob uncovers tips to ramp up your weekly mileage, strategies to increase your mental r...
Sep 19, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 173
Brodie dives into a 2005 review paper by Gary A Knutson titled: 'Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: A review and recommendation for clinical decision-making'. In part 2 Brodie will talk about: Your responses and personal experiences with leg length discrepancy, what treatments have been effective or unhelpful. The difference between anatomical discrepancy and the functional 'short leg', stemmed from neuromuscular dysfunction. The effects a leg discrepancy might have on your core endu...
Sep 16, 2021•44 min•Ep. 172
Brodie dives into a 2005 review paper by Gary A Knutson titled: 'Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: A review and recommendation for clinical decision-making'. In part 1 of this 2 parter, Brodie will talk about: The prevalence of leg-length difference: How common is it amongst the population, and out of those with a leg difference, what is the average in discrepancy? The effects of lower leg discrepancy: If one were to have a difference in leg length, does this lead to pain? Does it l...
Sep 12, 2021•38 min•Ep. 171
Part 2 interviews Søren T. Skou is a Professor of Exercise and Human Health at University of Southern Denmark and Næstved, Slagelse, Ringsted Hospital. We continue the discussion on meniscus injuries for runners and focus our attention on the chronic population, especially with the correlation early onset osteoarthritis. Søren talks about why there is such a high correlation between knee damage and arthritis and ways we can delay or prevent this early onset. We also delve into treatment & ma...
Sep 09, 2021•48 min•Ep. 170
Prof. Jonas Thorlund is Head of the Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy at the University of Southern Denmark. His research interests are around knee meniscus injuries and developments in knee arthritis. Brodie chats to Jonas about the anatomy and physiology around acute and chronic meniscal injuries. They talk about common symptoms, tests to diagnose and potential pitfalls when relying too much on scans. Lastly, Jonas shares the research finding around surgery vs non-su...
Sep 05, 2021•57 min•Ep. 169
Dr. Amy Novotny is the owner of the PABR Institute which uses a holistic approach through breathing and body awareness techniques to restore body movement and relieve pain. Today, we dive into the interwoven relationship between your breathing, your nervous system, acute pain, chronic pain, running injuries and running performance. We also answer your patron questions including: What are some different breathing strategies if running in pain vs not running and in pain? Is nasal breathing benefic...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 168
Tyler hated running from his years spent in the military. Then after becoming a father, he decided to pick up the sport he hated for a better, healthier life. The art of challenging himself with running grew into a love of running but he was quickly sidelined with knee pain. In search of answers, Tyler tried various exercises, stretches and braces which would only offer temporary relief. The injury persisted! Then, after listening to the Run Smarter Podcast, Tyler leart some cruical lessons and ...
Aug 29, 2021•49 min•Ep. 167
Does Cadence change with Running Speed? Brodie dives into this discussion to help you understand the relationship between cadence, running efficiency & running speed. We also delve into the research paper titled: 'Muscular strategy shift in human running: dependence of running speed on hip and ankle muscle performance' by Tim W. Dorn, et al in 2012. Brodie also shares his own experiences and his own data in cadence when changing speeds along with the experience of some patron members. Lastly...
Aug 26, 2021•31 min•Ep. 166
Have you ever been told that your glutes aren't switching on properly? Maybe that they are asleep? Have you been told that because you sit all day, your hip flexors are getting tight which inhibits your glutes from activating? On today's episode we discuss this puzzling condition and put the theory to the test. Brodie draws inspiration and content from Greg Lehman's blog titled: Have the butt muscles of the world gone silent? Tune in to learn where this theory originated, what the evidence shows...
Aug 22, 2021•46 min•Ep. 165
Amy is a treadmill runner who developed PHT in 2018, which then turned into 2 years of confusion & frustration. We discuss her inital symptoms, how it progressed until she was unable to run and her search to find answers. What then took several months to find a solution, Amy shares what treatment process was the most effective which allowed her to return to running. Amy is now training for a half marathon and shares her routine to keep this injury at bay. Become a Patron! Choose your Tier He...
Aug 19, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 164
Today is another Run Smarter Q&A episode. This time Brodie is answering questions all to do with trail running and hill running. Here are the questions below: Is training more trails (hills & unstable surfaces) different than non-trail running? What is the best way to run downhill without pounding? What exercises will help me increase my uphill running? Especially when they are longer hills over 1km. What are some good progressions to get ready for an upcoming big hilly trail run? Become...
Aug 15, 2021•34 min•Ep. 163
Brian Hanley is a senior lecturer in exercise & biomechanics at Leeds University & is on the podcast today to talk about achieving your marathon PB! Instead of focusing on a training plan, Brian dives into race-day tactics, pacing strategies and other decision-making processes you need to consider. Brian's insight into the physiological and psychological factors involved in the marathon results in simple and practical take aways for you to plan a successful half-marathon or marathon race...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 162
Today is another Run Smarter Q&A episode. Brodie answers all the questions below: For beginner runners consistency is key, but is there a certain aspect of running (sessions per week, distance per session, mobility, strength work) that you feel should take a high priority? What are the advantages & disadvantages of running shorter distances more often vs longer distances less often for injury risk and preparing for a marathon? What would you recommend for strength training in the last 8 ...
Aug 08, 2021•33 min•Ep. 161
Brodie has a new smarter running routine! On today's episode, Brodie talks about his recent running routine including his new process with tracking his mileage and exercise intensity. After listening to this episode, you'll go away with some tips to help improve your weekly routine & find a nice balance in intensity distribution, cross-training, rest days & strength training days. Become a Patron! Choose your Tier Here Run Smarter YouTube Channel Receive Run Smarter Emails Book a FREE In...
Aug 05, 2021•27 min•Ep. 160
Today, Brodie reviews a paper titled 'Do Injury-Resistant Runners Have Distinct Differences in Clinical Measures Compared to Recently Injured Runners? This study tested 116 recently injured runners, 61 acquired re-injury resistant runners and 46 never injured runners. They tested muscle strength, joint mobility, foot posture and other clinical measurements to gather any conclusion. Listen in as Brodie discusses the results, conclusions, limitations and the final take-aways summarising this study...
Aug 01, 2021•36 min•Ep. 159
On today's episode Brodie dissects the Run Smarter Quiz results and ponders on a few questions. We do a deep dive into running technique such as: Are you more likely to get injured if you have knocked knees? Will strengthening will help correct poor running form like hip drop & collapsing feet? Brodie wraps his head around these questions along with the remainer quiz results. Become a Patron! Choose your Tier Here Run Smarter YouTube Channel Receive Run Smarter Emails Book a FREE Injury chat...
Jul 29, 2021•41 min•Ep. 158
As we learnt from our discussion in Part 1 (Episode #133), epigenetics can interact with your DNA and genes in order to activate & deactivate your blueprint. Even though your DNA is hardwired, the cell's characteristics & function can change based around your epigenetics. In part 2 we get practical! Brodie is joined once again by Dr Cam McDonald who is a lecturer, dietician & exercise physiologist. Also joining us are two other podcast listeners James and Darren. Brodie, James & ...
Jul 25, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 157
We dive into all things Peroneal Tendon pain which is found on the outside of the ankle. Brodie has sifted through the available literature to bring you a comprehensive analysis and best current advice. First, Brodie dives into the anatomy and potential causes for this particular injury. Once the aetiology is understood, we dive deeper into the other potential diagnosis, treatment options and strength training progressions. Whether you have this injury or not, understanding its components is han...
Jul 22, 2021•36 min•Ep. 156
If the name rings a bell, Danny appeared on the Run Smarter Podcast several months ago on episode #116. Back then, Danny talked about his success story overcoming shin splints and highlighted the importance of increasing your cadence, slowing down and widening your step width. On today's episode, Brodie catches up with Danny's running chapter. He walks us through his latest ultra marathon success and with his injury hiccup. Danny describes which lessons he has learnt on the podcast to overcome t...
Jul 18, 2021•43 min•Ep. 155
Alex Murray is a podiatrist and an education partner with Cause Health who have an E-book titled: Rethinking causality, complexity & evidence for the unique patient. Today, we dive into the complicated topic around why treatment may work for some, but not others, even when they have the same diagnosis. Alex explains 'causality' and the complexity behind individual experiences. We talk about the importance of receiving a diagnosis, the dangers with providing the same treatment to everyone and...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 154
By popular demand we have another success story! Chris is a German ultrarunner who has been suffering with ankle pain for over a year. Chris details his journey consulting with a podiatrist, an orthopaedist and receiving MRI scans to reach a diagnosis and the search for an effective management plan. Chris then found the Run Smarter Podcast and started implementing the lessons along with shrugging off unhelpful beliefs created in the past when looking for answers. Listen in to hear about Chris' r...
Jul 11, 2021•41 min•Ep. 153
Part 2 of 2: Brodie Chats with Podiatrist, researcher & podcast host Ian Griffiths all about Plantar Fasciitis. We talk about the harsh reality of this heel pain and why is it so common, along with the confusion involving treatment. Some topics that we cover: Why is plantar fasciitis so prevalent? Why is so it hard to seek effective treatment? What are some common mistakes running with PF make? What does the evidence indicate regarding treatment? We also answer all your patron questions. App...
Jul 09, 2021•41 min•Ep. 152
Part 1 of 2: Brodie Chats with Podiatrist, researcher & podcast host Ian Griffiths all about Plantar Fasciitis. We talk about the harsh reality of this heel pain and why is it so common, along with the confusion involving treatment. Some topics that we cover: Why is plantar fasciitis so prevalent? Why is so it hard to seek effective treatment? What are some common mistakes running with PF make? What does the evidence indicate regarding treatment? We also answer all your patron questions. App...
Jul 04, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 151
Dr. Phil Hayes is a sport scientist, running coach and the co-editor of a new book titled 'The science & practice of middle & long distance running'. Brodie has spent the last 3 weeks reviews specific chapters out of Phil's book and now has the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss running fundamentals. We start with learning about the book and the hard work that goes into producing it. Then we turn our attention to racing principles including: What are some key misconceptions ru...
Jul 01, 2021•54 min•Ep. 150
Brodie continues to review the book titled 'The science and practice of middle and long distance running' with chapter eight called training volume and intensity distribution for elite middle and long distance runners (Chapter contributors: Arturo Casado and Leif Inge Tjelta). We talk about the different training variables including training frequency, duration, distance and intensity and their importance in formulating a training program. Next, we dive into different physiological measurements ...
Jun 27, 2021•34 min•Ep. 149
Today, Brodie talks to Emma Brockwell during a FaceBook live within the podcast patron FB group. Emma is a Women's Health Physiotherapist who specialises in post natal rehabilitation. She has written for Women's Running & Women's Health Magazine along with co-authoring research papers, authoring her book 'Why did no one tell me" and co-hosting the At your cervix podcast. We touch on the considerations a runner needs to be aware of during pregnancy, along with the physiological, hormonal and ...
Jun 24, 2021•55 min•Ep. 148
Brodie continues to review the book titled 'The science and practice of middle and long distance running' with chapter seven called movement screening and physical capacity assessments (Chapter contributors: Louis Howe and Paul Read). Brodie starts with describing the book's movement screening protocol and examples for each. Next, we continue assessing the runner with physical capacity assessments. This delves into 3 main type of strength including Maximal strength, Explosive strength & Reac...
Jun 20, 2021•30 min•Ep. 147
Matt Pendola has several professional qualifications including a running coach, S&C coach, licensed manual therapist & wellness coach and works with several Olympic athletes. He has also personally achieved a tonne of impressive running achievements including winning the Elite Spartan World Championships Masters Division (2015) & Qualified for Duathlon World Championships 3x. Today, Brodie talks with Matt about his training philosophy & his thoughts on running technique. Matt tal...
Jun 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 146
Brodie starts part 1 of 3 reviewing a new book titled: The science & practice of middle and long distance running. We break down chapter 5 titled the psychology of distance running before interviewing the editor next month. This episode covers the evidence surrounding the use of psychological strategies to help running performance. The psychological effects on performance can be explained by how we think, how we feel and subsequently, how we behave. This content divides into two areas, Psych...
Jun 13, 2021•34 min•Ep. 145
Today Brodie's sister joins the podcast to talk about her massive running revelation. It has taken around 7 years for Zoe to discover the art of running slow and is reaping the rewards. Not only is Zoe feeling fresh and able to run harder during her speed sessions but she has found a love for running and for the first time is her running career is looking forward to putting her shoes on and getting out the door! Brodie and Zoe talk about the principles of running slow and the benefits that come ...
Jun 10, 2021•34 min•Ep. 144
