The Run Smarter Podcast

Curious about the impact of beetroot as a performance enhancer? Discover its effects on muscle recovery and oxidative stress. Learn how asymmetrical foot positioning can affect your run and when to address it. Thinking of rotating your running shoes? A study reveals that diversifying footwear can significantly lower injury risk. Plus, find efficient ways to fit strength training into a busy schedule, and dive into the potential of BPC-157 for injury recovery, amidst mixed opinions on its effectiveness.

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍 Episode 391 – Running is Rehab: When Doing is the Fixing with Greg LehmanIs complete rest the answer to running injuries? Or is movement—specifically running—itself the medicine?In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Greg Lehman, renowned physiotherapist, biomechanist, and educator, to challenge long-standing rehab dogmas. We dive into why running itself should often be the primary rehab tool and how to safely navigate pain, fear, and flare-ups on your return to running.Whether you're dealing with a stubborn tendon, recovering from a muscle strain, or stuck in the fear loop of re-injury, this conversation will shift your mindset and offer practical strategies you can use immediately.🎯 In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why "running is rehab" and what that really meansHow to reframe pain and symptoms as part of the recovery journeyWhy many runners are told to stop running unnecessarilyHow to use pain intelligently (yes, you can run with some pain)The truth about muscle imbalances and faulty running formWhen to reintroduce hills, speedwork, or doublesWhy the 10% rule may be flawed—and what to do insteadHow to know if you're progressing or pushing too far👤 About Greg LehmanGreg is a Canadian physiotherapist, chiropractor, and strength & conditioning specialist with a Master’s in Biomechanics. He teaches internationally on pain, rehab, and movement—blending science with practical application. Greg is well known for his humorous, evidence-based takes on rehab myths and frequently posts on Twitter.🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and intro to Greg Lehman 04:12 – What does “Running is Rehab” actually mean? 08:36 – Should you have to “earn the right to run”? 12:44 – When running should be your primary rehab tool 18:40 – The risks of rest: deconditioning, fear, and setbacks 23:30 – Pain, hypervigilance & learning to run with discomfort 29:40 – How to know when running is too painful 36:55 – The role (and limits) of strength work in running rehab 43:00 – Advice on speedwork, hills, and returning to higher mileage 52:22 – Do braces, tape, or orthotics help with return to run? 56:20 – Debunking poor form & muscle imbalance fears 01:00:10 – Should you still follow the 10% rule? 01:03:30 – Closing advice: Be flexible. Progress isn't always linear.💬 Quotes to Remember“The best way to get better at running is… running.” – Greg Lehman “Pain is okay. We just need to poke the bear—don’t hump the shit out of it.” “You don’t have to be 100% pain-free to start running again.”You can find Greg's website, twitter & instagram here along with his website on OA for runners. 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! 🎉✨

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Join Brodie as he breaks down the latest running research from May 2025, giving you science-backed insights to run smarter, reduce injury risk, and boost performance. In this episode, you’ll explore:📌 Featured Research Summaries:1. Biomechanical Strategies to Improve RunningHow increasing your cadence by 10% can reduce knee pain — especially patellofemoral pain.Why combining cadence, footwear (lower heel drop), and orthoses yields the best biomechanical results.Why cadence alone might be the most powerful, accessible change you can make.2. Foot Strike & Tibial LoadingForefoot striking increases tibial stress by 15–16%—why this matters for runners with a history of shin splints or stress fractures.How exaggerating a heel strike decreased tibial load—especially useful for runners recovering from bone stress injuries.Don’t be fooled by impact forces: internal loading tells a more important story.3. Diagnosing Iliopsoas TendinopathyA new test (the HEC Test) combining hip flexion + external rotation had a 94% sensitivity and 88% specificity.Why this figure-4 movement is now one of the best clinical tools for groin pain.How a guided injection was used to confirm accuracy — and what this means for runners with chronic hip pain.4. Trail Running Safety InsightsBased on real-world fatal incidents reported in the news.Top causes of death: hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and falls.Actionable tips for recreational trail runners:Plan your route and let someone know.Bring layers and an emergency blanket — even for short runs.Use a GPS tracker and whistle.Know the symptoms of heatstroke and hyponatremia.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! 🎉✨

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍In this episode, Brodie Sharpe sits down with Sara to share her inspiring journey of overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) after struggling with it for several years. Sara's story is filled with ups and downs, from navigating misdiagnoses and passive treatments to discovering the power of strength training and the mind-body connection. Whether you’re currently battling PHT or looking for guidance on chronic pain, this episode offers valuable insights and hope.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode and Sara’s success story00:33 – Background on Sara’s PHT journey and how it developed over the years01:07 – Sara shares the onset of her symptoms dating back to 200902:34 – The chronic resurgence in 2017 and the role of life transitions03:54 – Seeking treatment: from passive treatments to sports medicine05:49 – Ineffective treatments: PRP, dry needling, and acupuncture06:48 – Diagnosis of PHT and later gluteal tendinopathy08:15 – Attempting different procedures: Tenex, injections, and shockwave therapy09:43 – The mental and emotional toll of chronic pain10:41 – Finding Brodie’s podcast and beginning strength training12:18 – The importance of slow, heavy progressive strength training in recovery14:13 – Balancing treatment approaches and avoiding unnecessary interventions16:29 – Returning to running: overcoming fear and rebuilding confidence19:22 – A pivotal moment: discovering ‘Think Away Your Pain’ and the mind-body connection24:27 – The impact of personality traits on chronic pain and recovery27:53 – How stress and responsibility play a role in pain persistence31:36 – Understanding the emotional component of pain and its management34:27 – Key strategies for overcoming hypervigilance and overanalysis37:45 – How to shift treatment strategies when progress plateaus41:02 – Sara’s current status: running again and symptom management42:51 – Final advice for PHT sufferers and key takeawaysKey Takeaways: ✔ Passive treatments like PRP, dry needling, and injections may not provide long-term relief for PHT. ✔ Strength training, specifically slow, heavy progressive loading, is a crucial foundation for recovery. ✔ Addressing the mind-body connection can be a game-changer in managing chronic pain. ✔ Hypervigilance and fear of movement can perpetuate pain—learning to reframe these thoughts is essential. ✔ Recovery is a journey—adjusting your approach when progress stalls is key to success. ✔ Stress and personality traits (perfectionism, responsibility, self-criticism) can influence chronic pain.Resources Mentioned:Sara's email: sarashaff@gmail.comThink Away Your Pain – David SchechterHealing Back Pain – Dr. John SarnoEmily's TMS InstagramDan’s YouTube Channel: Pain Free YouFor MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Dr. Ian Seels, a seasoned musculoskeletal physiotherapist, shares invaluable insights on how diet influences pain and recovery, particularly for runners. He discusses the significance of inflammation over weight, advocating for anti-inflammatory diets rich in healthy fats and low in carbs. The conversation reveals how chronic inflammation can hinder recovery and highlights the benefits of nutritional ketosis. Seels also delves into the importance of omega-3 to omega-6 balance and offers tips for readers to make informed dietary choices for better overall health.

Join Dr. Nick Fuller, an obesity researcher and former elite hurdler, as he shares insights on sustainable weight loss strategies tailored for runners. He reveals why diets often fail, explaining the biological factors that cause bodies to resist weight loss. Listeners will learn that carbs aren’t the enemy and discover his unique 6-step Interval Weight Loss approach. The conversation dives into managing cravings, the impacts of aging on weight, and the importance of healthy habits over quick fixes. It's all about understanding your body's needs for effective weight management!

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍📌 Episode Summary:Welcome back, Run Smarter Scholars! In this special research roundup episode, Brodie dives into three fascinating new studies released in April that could change the way you train, recover, and stay injury-free. Recording from a beachside getaway, Brodie filters through over a dozen newly published papers and handpicks the most actionable and interesting ones for runners like you.📚 Papers Covered:1. Shin Splints: A Closer LookMedial Tibial Stress Syndrome: A Scoping ReviewShin splints may be the early stage of tibial stress fractures.Risk factors include high BMI, poor hip strength, excessive pronation, and prior injury history.Overuse and excessive soleus muscle activation play key roles.Treatment strategies include hip strengthening, gait retraining, arch support trials, and gradual return to load with walk-run programs.🧠 Takeaway: Don’t ignore shin splints—they're an early warning sign. Address hip control, pronation, and running loads to stay ahead of injury.2. Injury Prevention Strategies in RunnersRunning-Centred Injury Prevention Support: A Scoping ReviewMost injury prevention programs fail unless supervised.Effective strategies include:✅ Strength training (especially supervised)✅ Gait retraining with feedback✅ Recovery education (sleep, stress, rest days)✅ Coach or group supportRunners prefer passive tools (e.g., shoe changes), even if less effective.💡 Practical Tip: Build a multifactorial plan tailored to your injury history, training volume, biomechanics, and personal preferences.3. Sprint Training Boosts Running EconomyThe Effects of Intermittent Sprint Training on Running Economy and Leg Stiffness in Highly Trained Runners12-week protocol: just 1 sprint session per weekResults:💨 68% improved running economy💪 12–17% increase in leg stiffness🔄 Less vertical movement = greater efficiency🧠 Benefits driven by neuromuscular adaptations, not cardio alone👟 Improvements seen across genders and ages🚀 Actionable Insight: Sprinting once a week can enhance your economy—even if you're already highly trained.🔍 Bonus Research in the AI Library (April Folder)If you're subscribed to the Run Smarter AI Assistant, head to the April folder to explore even more papers Brodie didn't cover in full, including:💉 PRP for Achilles tendinopathy🧠 Psychological traits of multi-marathoners🦵 Return-to-sport protocols for PHT👣 Biomechanics: cadence, footwear & orthotics🧬 Molecular signaling in tendinopathy🍽️ Personalized nutrition for elite performanceFor MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍Today, we're joined by internationally renowned physiotherapist, researcher, and hip guru, Dr. Alison Grimaldi, to tackle one of the most misunderstood running-related injuries: gluteal tendinopathy.Alison joins Brodie to dismantle outdated myths, clarify diagnoses, and break down exactly what runners should (and shouldn't) do if dealing with this lateral hip condition.🧠 What You'll Learn:✅ What gluteal tendinopathy is and how it presents❌ Why you shouldn’t rely on imaging for diagnosis or treatment decisions🚫 The truth about ITB stretches, clamshells, and corticosteroid injections🏋️‍♀️ The exercises that actually work — including progressive loading and isometrics🔁 Key biomechanical contributors like crossover step width and pelvic drop🛏️ Lifestyle strategies to reduce aggravation (sleeping positions, sitting habits, running terrain)🧬 Why partial tendon tears don’t mean you’re doomed (and rarely require surgery)🛠 Practical Takeaways:Diagnosis Tip: The combination of pain on palpation + 30-second single-leg stance test = 99% diagnostic accuracy.Rehab Advice: Build tendon tolerance with progressive strength work — clamshells won’t cut it!Avoid Pitfalls: Passive treatments (like steroid injections or repeated stretching) often delay recovery.Movement Fixes: Widen step width, increase cadence, and avoid road cambers if they aggravate your symptoms.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Dr. Alison Grimaldi’s website & self-help course: https://dralisongrimaldi.com/online-courses/Gluteal Tendinopathy Masterclass paper (Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 2023)👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Alison Grimaldi:With 30+ years in clinical practice and a PhD in hip rehabilitation, Alison is a leader in hip research and physio education. She teaches worldwide and has developed evidence-based rehab programs for both professionals and the general public.Follow her on social media: 📸 Instagram: @dralisongrimaldi Website: https://dralisongrimaldi.com/   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! 🎉✨

Jordi Sullivan, a qualified dietitian with a Master's in Dietetics, shares his expertise as the founder of The Fight Dietitian. He dives into the crucial role nutrition plays in injury recovery, offering actionable strategies for optimizing performance. Jordi emphasizes the importance of calorie intake and protein for tissue repair while discussing carbs, fats, and the signs of under-fuelling. He clarifies the value of supplements like collagen and offers insights on creating personalized nutrition plans that even recreational runners can follow.

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍Belinda Beck is a Professor in the school of allied health services at Griffith University. She has been involved in bone health research for 20 years and published over 100 research papers. Today, we discuss stress fractures and bone health. We start with the adolescent population and why diet, bone loading & peak bone mass is so important in this population. Secondly, Belinda dives into symptoms, risks, causes and treatment of stress fractures. Lastly, we talk about the masters runner and aging populations. What is the best approach for the treatment and management of bone conditions such as osteoporosis?Click here to head to the bone clinic You can also find the bone clinic on facebookCheck out some previous podcast episode:Avoiding & Managing Stress FracturesThe hidden dangers of RED-S with Isobel RossFor MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨