The Run Smarter Podcast

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on ultra marathoner Patrick Regan, an accomplished athlete sponsored by GU Energy Labs. Patrick shares insights from his journey from marathons to ultramarathons, including his strategies for training, injury prevention, and nutrition. With a rich background in both competitive running and coaching, Patrick provides valuable advice for runners looking to make the transition to longer distances.About Patrick Regan:Ultra marathoner with impressive achievements in 50 miles, 100Ks, and 100-mile races.A seasoned running coach with a passion for helping others achieve their ultra running goals.Host of the Ultra Wizard Ramble podcastKey Highlights:Transitioning from Marathon to Ultra: Patrick discusses the misconceptions about moving from marathon running to ultramarathons, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong running economy and the ability to metabolize calories efficiently over longer distances.Injury Prevention and Strength Training: Insights into Patrick's approach to reducing injury risks, including his strength training regimen and tips for balancing running with strength and mobility work.Nutrition and Fueling Strategies: Patrick shares his strategies for fueling during long runs and races, highlighting the significance of adapting calorie intake and hydration to meet the demands of ultra endurance events.Training Insights: An overview of Patrick's typical training week, offering a glimpse into how he prepares for ultramarathons and balances high mileage with recovery and strength training.Recovery Techniques: Patrick emphasizes the importance of recovery, including down weeks in training cycles and strategies for post-run and ongoing recovery to ensure longevity in the sport.Connect with Patrick Regan:Coaching Services: Learn more about Patrick's coaching philosophy and services at Patrick's Coaching Website.Connect on Insta @patrickreaganrunning Also check out the Ultra Wizard Ramble Podcast💥💥80% of Runners are Injured EVERY YEAR 😲 But it Doesn't Have to be You!Avoid being a statistic & sign up for the FREE 5-Day Injury Prevention Challenge Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or AndroidPodcast Facebook group

In this solo episode, Brodie shares insights into his personal strategy for maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. After a hiatus from racing due to COVID, he's now setting his sights on new challenges and meticulously planning his training regimen to stay healthy and competitive.Key Highlights:Background and Motivation:Discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his racing and training routines.Shares past achievements in trail running and CrossFit, and how these experiences have shaped his current fitness goals.Introduces the decision to train for a Hyrox event, highlighting its blend of running, strength, and high-intensity workouts.Training Philosophy and Approach:Outlines a detailed weekly training plan, incorporating running, strength training, and specific workouts to prepare for the Hyrox event.Emphasizes the importance of gradual progression, avoiding abrupt changes in training load to reduce injury risk.Highlights the significance of structured planning, flexibility, and monitoring exercise intensity and recovery.Injury Prevention Strategies:Discusses the importance of considering past injuries and being mindful of potential risk factors.Shares practical tips for adjusting training based on physical cues and the need for acceptance if injuries do occur.Nutrition and Recovery:Talks about adjustments in fueling strategy to support increased training demands.Shares insights into recovery practices, including sleep, hydration, and the use of supplements to aid recovery and performance.Personal Reflections and Future Goals:Reflects on the mental and emotional aspects of training for a challenging event.Considers the long-term impact of his current training and lifestyle choices on his health and fitness.Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or AndroidPodcast Facebook group

Discover how wearable technology can predict and prevent running injuries as Dr. Bradley Neal shares insights from his groundbreaking study. Learn about the role of acute load in injury risk and practical tips for adjusting training loads. Explore the transition from physiotherapist to sports medicine researcher and the potential of data analysis in injury prevention for runners.

The papers we will review in this episode are:Impact of Running Exercise on Intervertebral Disc: A Systematic ReviewGait asymmetry in spatiotemporal and kinetic variables does not increase running-related injury risk in lower limbs: a secondary analysis of a randomised trial including 800+ recreational runnersFoam rolling and stretching do not provide superior acute flexibility and stiffness improvements compared to any other warm-up intervention: A systematic review with meta-analysisRun Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or AndroidPodcast Facebook group

Hannah has a Masters in Exercise Science and a PhD in Kinesiology specializing in wearable technologies. Her recent publication is titled 'Use of subject-specific models to detect fatigue-related changes in running biomechanics: a random forest approach'. Today, we chat about fatigued running conditions and what practical lessons we can take from the recent research. Key Topics DiscussedInjury Prevention and Biomechanics:Challenges in distinguishing myths from evidence-based practices in running.Research on Fatigue and Running Form:Exploration of how fatigue affects running biomechanics.Individual variability in response to fatigue.Wearable Technology and Running:Use of wearable devices to study running patterns and fatigue.Potential future developments in technology for running analysis.Practical Takeaways for Runners:Understanding personal running mechanics and fatigue response.Utilizing changes in biomechanics as signals for training adjustments.Future Research Directions:Integrating additional sensors and physiological data to enhance understanding of running fatigue.Become a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group

In this episode, Brodie brings you up to speed on the latest research on strength training including a new paper titled: Effect of Strength Training Programs in Middle- and Long-Distance Runners’ Economy at Different Running Speeds: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysisBecome a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group

This episode highlights the importance of foot strength for running and everyday life with Tim Bransdon. Can we overcome plantar fasciitis, heel pain, foot pain with functional strengthening? If so, how? We look at some practical tests you can perform at home to determine your level of foot balance, coordination, strength, spring & overall function. Tim also talks about the role of orthotics for runners, foot shape and pronation. Does the structure of your foot determine your level of recovery, or does strength and function play a more important role?If your plantar fasciitis is so severe that it is painful walking, Tim talks through your first steps to recovery. He discusses the importance of establishing the correct mindset and empowering you through careful stages of rehabilitation. Tim Bransdon is a podiatrist from Wollongong Podiatry and is also part of the Running Lab conducting StrongFeet programs for health professionals.Become a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group

The podcast episode delves into a research paper titled "Anxiety State Impact on Recovery of Runners with Lower Extremity Injuries," exploring the correlation between emotional states and rehabilitation among runners. Here are the key points covered:Emotional Reactions to Injury: The discussion emphasizes the emotional reactions runners experience when injured, including frustration, anxiety, fear of re-injury, and identity loss. Different personalities and emotional dispositions influence how individuals handle injuries and recovery.Study Design and Findings: The paper involved 41 participants with running-related injuries, assessing their anxiety levels, emotional states, and running mechanics. The results showed that while both highly anxious and low anxious groups improved during recovery, persistently high anxiety correlated with prolonged emotional distress, affecting recovery efficiency and running mechanics.Implications and Recommendations: The podcast explores the clinical implications suggested by the paper. It suggests strategies like positive mental state promotion, involvement in social running contexts, goal setting, gait correction techniques, and early screening for anxiety and depression to aid in rehabilitating injured runners.Conclusion and Insights: The conclusion highlights the challenges highly anxious individuals face in optimizing recovery and running mechanics. It underscores the need to consider emotional states alongside physical treatment in the rehab process.Become a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group

The podcast episode features Mark, a competitive masters runner in his sixties, sharing his journey overcoming proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT). We start exploring his initial symptoms, mistakes made, setbacks, and successful recovery methods. Mark's proactive approach to understanding his condition, especially upon receiving a diagnosis, led him to discover Brodie's podcast dedicated to PHT.Mark's injury originated from intense post-race training that exacerbated the PHT. Despite his initial resistance, Mark realized the importance of prioritizing rehab over running, a mental shift essential for recovery. His mistakes included running too much and participating in races prematurely. Gradually, he learned to follow prescribed exercise routines and mastered techniques like the deadlift, which significantly targeted the affected tendon.The conversation emphasizes the mental aspect of recovery, with Mark highlighting the significance of maintaining a routine, even during injury, for both physical and mental well-being. His dedication to sustaining a runner's routine, adjusting workouts, and staying positive played a pivotal role in his successful rehabilitation.Become a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group

We delve into the crucial link between nutrition and tendon health. The episode centers on a systematic review titled 'The impact of nutrition on tendon health and tendinopathy: a systematic review' examining the impact of nutrition on tendinopathy. Emphasizing the importance of collagen synthesis in tendon health, the review explores the potential benefits of nutritional interventions, particularly collagen intake combined with vitamin C, in preventing and healing tendinopathies.Despite limitations in the quality and variety of studies, the review hints at noteworthy findings. Excessive alcohol consumption appears to pose risks for certain types of tendinopathies, potentially inhibiting collagen synthesis. Collagen supplements show promise in improving clinical outcomes, yet optimal dosage and timing remain unclear.Brodie highlights key advice from a nutritionist, Fran Taylor, advocating for seeking professional guidance, limiting alcohol intake, consuming a balanced diet rich in color and proteins, and cautiously considering collagen supplements.Moreover, the episode outlines crucial steps for managing tendinopathies, including load management strategies, slow, heavy, progressive strength training, modifying aggravating factors, and bridging rehabilitation towards running goals.Become a Patron!Run Smarter YouTube ChannelReceive Run Smarter EmailsBook a FREE Injury chat with BrodieRun Smarter App IOS or Android Podcast Facebook group