Tread Lightly Podcast

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Episodes

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Run smarter, not harder! Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MS bring their combined 20 years of coaching experience to break down common running myths, running tips, and more. We provide evidence-based running tips for runners of all distances and experiences.

Episodes

Episode 16: What Runners Need to Know About Iron

Have you ever felt tired in training and like you just don't have another gear? So many different factors can contribute to fatigue in runners - including low iron levels. In this episode, we discuss iron for runners and what you need to know about this essential mineral. This episode does not constitute as medical advice - ultimately, if you have questions about iron, you are encouraged to reach out to a registered dietitian or a medical doctor. Discussion points include: - Laura's and ...

May 27, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 15: Running in the Heat And Heat Acclimation

Summer running is here - and we have all you need to know about running in the heat! You are not losing your fitness when you start to slow down during summer runs - rather, your body is reacting to the physiological stress of running in the heat. We share both evidence-based and experience-based tips on heat acclimation and summer running - so that you can turn summer training into fall PRs. We also answer a listener question: how do you, as coaches, approach peak week in marathon training? Our...

May 20, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 14: How to Become a Running Coach - Part 2

Episode 14 continues the conversation on how to become a running coach. If you haven't already, listen to episode 12 for a discussion on certification and education. This episode focuses on the business side of run coaching - how do you actually get and keep clients? Laura and Amanda draw from their collective 18+ years of coaching experience to share their best tips. Topics discussed include: Marketing tips for running coaches, including the power of testimonials Why you should start chargi...

May 13, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 13: How to Become a Running Coach, Part 1

Are you curious about how to become a running coach? In this episode of the Tread Lightly podcast, we have a candid conversation about how we became running coaches. We took different paths to get there (the field of Laura's first master's degree may surprise you!) - and your path may look different! This episode also covers running coach certifications and education resources. The episode content includes: Educational backgrounds of Laura and Amanda How we pivoted from journalism and co...

May 06, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 12: Electrolytes for Runners

Electrolytes are a popular topic when the weather starts warming up! In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about electrolytes for runners. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium. Many of your sports drinks and gels contain these - but what do they actually do? Will electrolytes help you reach your running goals, or are they overhyped? Discussion points include: - What are electrolytes? - What do electrolytes actually do for runners? - Do electr...

Apr 29, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 11: Is Foam Rolling for Runners Worth the Time?

Episode 11 of the Tread Lightly podcast dives deep into the topic of foam rolling! Foam rollers are very popular recovery products. However, you may have seen some social media posts arguing that foam rolling is a waste of time. Should runners foam roll? We take an evidence-based approach to answer that question. Discussion points include: - the mechanisms of action of foam rolling, including how it affects your nervous system - should you foam roll for IT band pain? - does foam rolling reduce y...

Apr 22, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 10: How Do You Train When You Aren't Preparing for a Race?

Episode 10 answers the question: what should you do when you aren't training for a race? Non-race training includes immediately after a race (off-season) and general fitness/base building phases. You do not always need a race on the calendar as a runner! In fact, many runners thrive long-term when they give themselves some time for less intensive training between races. This episode focuses less on the science and more on practical applications. Amanda and Laura share how they train runners thro...

Apr 15, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 9: What is 80/20 Running?

Episode 9 dives deep into the topic of 80/20 Running! 80/20 running has been a popular concept for around a decade now. You have likely heard about it on Instagram or read books on the topic. In this episode, we dive into the science of 80/20 running - and how you can actually apply it in your training. Key moments in this episode include: - The origins of 80/20 running - What actually is 80/20 running (polarized vs pyramidal training intensity distribution) - The science of what happens in each...

Apr 08, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 8: Carbon Plated Running Shoes

Episode 8 of the Tread Lightly podcast dives into a popular topic: carbon plated running shoes! If you haven't worn them, you've likely seen the bright neon supershoes at races over the past few years. Carbon plated shoes are hugely popular - but are they the right marathon running shoe for everyone? In this episode, we discuss: - Responders vs non-responders to carbon plated running shoes - Do slower runners get the same benefits? - Injury risk from carbon plated running shoes - How to ...

Apr 02, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 7: Supplements for Runners

Episode 7 is about supplements for runners! So much could be said about supplements, so this episode is likely part one of many. Supplements for runners is a hot topic, and so we wanted to give evidence-based takes on various supplements. In this episode, we discuss: - What to look for in supplements (purity, efficacy, and safety) - How to determine if you need a supplement - The science of probiotic supplements! - Our take on Athletic Greens - Anti-inflammatory supplements (turmeric and CBD) - ...

Mar 26, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 6: All About Marathon Pacing

Episode 6 is all about marathon pacing! Chances are, you've hit the wall in a marathon before. We share tips on how to pace a marathon so that you don't hit the wall - and maybe run a PR! We delve into: - how to adapt your marathon strategy based on the course profile - Pacing tips for downhill marathons like Boston Marathon - Tips for running a marathon in hot weather - how to strategically manage the tougher parts of the marathon - how to set a marathon goal pace Dew point chart: https...

Mar 19, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 5: The Applied Science of Long Run Fueling

Episode 5 covers the topic of long run nutrition! We approach how to fuel long runs and races (15K to ultra) from both science and practice. We want you to understand why you should fuel - along with how you can actually hit your carbohydrate goals in a long run/race without feeling sick. Topics in this episode include: - carbohydrate goals for long-distance running - why fueling on your long runs won't make you gain weight - how to actually get in all those carbs on long runs - sport nutrit...

Mar 12, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 4: Should Runners Stretch? The Science of Static and Dynamic Stretching

Episode 4 tackles the question: should runners stretch? You may have heard that you always need to stretch before or after runs. Is that true, based on the most recent science? We take an evidence-based approach to our discussion on stretching for runners, including: - should you stretch before runs? -types of stretches for runners, including static vs dynamic stretching - flexibility vs mobility - why runners don't need to touch their toes - does stretching reduce your injury risk? -stretch...

Mar 05, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 3: Should You Sync Your Run Training with Your Menstrual Cycle

We are back in episode 3 to discuss the hot topic of menstrual cycle sycning. Should you change your training based on where you are in your menstrual cycle? You've probably seen things on Instagram about how you should do different workouts in different weeks based on your hormones. But does the research actually support this - and is it an effective way to train? We delve into recent research and share practical recommendations for training around your period. Discussion points include: - ...

Mar 05, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 2: Zone Two Training and Heart Rate Monitoring

In our second episode, we discuss Zone Two training! Zone 2 running is very popular right now - so what exactly is it? We take a deep dive into zone 2 training, including: - the science of zone 2 training - how to implement zone 2 training into your running - factors affecting your heart rate on runs - heart rate training for runners and how to calculate your heart rate zones Lactate Threshold/Friel Method: For this method, run a 30 minute time trial (as far as you can in 30 min!) after warming ...

Mar 05, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 1: Should You Limit Long Runs to Three Hours?

In our first episode of the Tread Lightly podcast, we examine the popular "rule" that you should not run for longer than three hours in marathon training. Does the evidence support this? We take an evidence-based and practical approach to long run duration. In this episode, we discuss: - The origins of the three hour long run rule and how it may be outdated - How to recover better from long runs - What research actually says about long runs in marathon training - How should 4, 5, or 6 ...

Feb 28, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast