Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍

In this listener Q&A episode, Brodie answers your submitted questions on a range of running topics—from biomechanics and nutrition to recovery strategies and age-related changes in performance. Packed with science-backed insights and practical takeaways, this is part one of a two-part Q&A series.

🔍 What’s Covered in This Episode:

🥤 Is Beetroot a Performance Enhancer?

A listener asks why WADA might ban beetroot supplements like caffeine.
Brodie turns to the Run Smarter AI Assistant for research-backed answers.
Find out how beetroot may impact muscle recovery, oxidative stress, and strength post-race.

🦶 Asymmetrical Foot Position in Swing Phase

What to do if one foot points down and the other points outward while running.
When to ignore it and when to address it with assessments, strength/mobility work, or conscious retraining.

👟 Should You Rotate Running Shoes?

A review of a 22-week prospective study: Runners who used multiple shoe types had a 39% lower injury risk.
Learn how shoe variety changes loading patterns to potentially prevent injury.
Plus: How to safely transition into a new pair.

💪 Can I Add More Strength Training If I’m Time Poor?

Listener Ben wants to fit more upper body strength work into an already full week.
Brodie shares how to superset exercises for efficiency and recommends a push–pull split over two sessions.

⏱️ “I Used to Run a 41-Minute 10K... Now Everything Feels Hard”

Emma is struggling after a major performance decline post-relocation and age-related changes.
Brodie dives into how menopause, environmental factors, training intensity, and aging physiology may all play a role—and what to do about it.

🍑 What Causes Hip Drop?

Lindy asks about excessive hip drop and how to correct it.
Brodie breaks down biomechanics, contributing factors (like cadence and strength), and specific glute medius exercises (hip hikes, crab walks, jump rope drills).

🧬 BPC-157: The “Healing Peptide” – Is It Legit?

Listener Scott asks if BPC-157 is worth exploring for tendon healing.
Brodie consults tendon rehab expert Dr. Alex Nelson, who shares a cautious perspective: mostly animal studies, inconsistent results, and many unknowns.

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

154 – Alex Woodroe & The Sweet Science of Folk Horror