

Run Long Run Healthy
Run Long Run Healthy
Running science, explained. Each episode, hosts Brady Holmer and Thomas Watson break down one major sports science topic or study related to running, in a way that regular runners can apply it to their daily training and routines. We cover topics like nutrition, training protocols and methodologies, fuelling, supplementation, recovery, and overall well-being.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2025 • 13min
The Key To Running Success Is...Ergodicity.
What is ergodicity and how can it help you plan for longevity in your running? That's the topic Thomas is exploring in today's episode, where he looks at how it can apply to single races, seasons, or your whole life - and why you should be more like Haruki Murakami and less like David Goggins00:00 Introducing ergodicity01:16 What is ergodicity?03:25 David Goggins - non-ergodic05:19 Haruki Murakami - ergodic06:58 My big fat ergodic podium win in Namibia08:20 Tortoise and Hare08:45 Why timeframe matters10:35 The price of a non-ergodic approach long-term11:30 How to apply ergodicity to your running - 4 tips

Nov 14, 2025 • 26min
You're Fueling Less Than You Think During Marathons
In this episode, Brady and Thomas discuss a new study that showed marathon runners were consistently consuming less carbohydrates during their race than they either planned or perceived; why this is happening, why it’s important for runners to be aware of this, and how to avoid it.The RLRH Substack post on this article:https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/p/why-marathoners-keep-missing-theirThe study:Under Consumed and Overestimated: Discrepancies in Race-Day Carbohydrate Intake Among Endurance Athleteshttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsc.70055Run Long Run Healthy is brought to you by Marathon Handbook.➡ https://marathonhandbook.comSubscribe to the Run Long Run Healthy podcast:➡ Spotify: https://bit.ly/RLRH-spotify➡ Apple podcasts: apple.co/43iqUKxGet the RLRH weekly newsletter (choose free or paid):➡ https://marathonhandbook.com/run-long...➡ https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/Follow us online:BRADY ON X ➡ https://x.com/B_Holmer/PHYSIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING (Brady's Newsletter) ➡ https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/MARATHON HANDBOOK IG ➡ / marathon.handbook00:00 Intro'ing the topic01:20 The importance of carbs during the marathon03:51 the study, explained08:50 perceived vs actual carb intake12:18 How sleep and anxiety play a role15:48 GI issues a factor?17:30 How this study has influenced Brady's fuelling strategy

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Consequences of Neglecting Strength Training For Runners
Jason Fitzgerald is one of the best known and best regarded running coaches online. As the founder of Strength Running, he is an expert in strength training for runners, injury prevention, overcoming plateaus, and longevity.Today we have a pretty wide-ranging conversation about strength training and running, including why it’s so important for runners, how to get started, what the minimum effective dose looks like, Jason’s tips for injury prevention and overcoming performance plateaus, as well as sports science and what he’s learned in the past 10 years. Run Long Run Healthy is brought to you by Marathon Handbook.➡ https://marathonhandbook.comSubscribe to the Run Long Run Healthy podcast:➡ Spotify: https://bit.ly/RLRH-spotify➡ Apple podcasts: apple.co/43iqUKxGet the RLRH weekly newsletter (choose free or paid):➡ https://marathonhandbook.com/run-long...➡ https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/Follow us online:BRADY ON X ➡ https://x.com/B_Holmer/PHYSIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING (Brady's Newsletter) ➡ https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/MARATHON HANDBOOK IG ➡ / marathon.handbook00:00 Why runners need strength training06:30 Defining ‘strength training for runners’ weightlifting and bodyweight applications11:00 how to incorporate strength work14:46 how to start weightlifting, and gym anxiety19:46 Training schedule structure21:46 Strength training at home, equipment26:05 The Minimum Effective Dose of Strength Training for Runners29:46 Jason’s home strength training setup32:26 Injury Prevention Protocols37:35 How to deal with performance plateaus43:46 What new research has influenced your running and coaching in the last 10 years?50:50 Supershoes and shoe rotation55:10 advice for aging runners57:56 How Jason approaches running as a dad in his 40s01:02:56 Looking towards our 60s, 70s, and beyond

Oct 17, 2025 • 23min
The Consequences Of Delaying Carbs After Your Run
The reference paper: Delaying post-exercise carbohydrate intake impairs next-day exercise capacity but not muscle glycogen or molecular responseshttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apha.14215Acta Physiologica Sept 2024Submit questions for future mailbag episodes in the comments or on the RLRH Substack.Run Long Run Healthy is brought to you by Marathon Handbook.➡ https://marathonhandbook.comSubscribe to the Run Long Run Healthy podcast:➡ Spotify: https://bit.ly/RLRH-spotify➡ Apple podcasts: apple.co/43iqUKxGet the RLRH weekly newsletter (choose free or paid):➡ https://marathonhandbook.com/run-long...➡ https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/Follow us online:BRADY ON X ➡ https://x.com/B_Holmer/PHYSIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING (Brady's Newsletter) ➡ https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/MARATHON HANDBOOK IG ➡ / marathon.handbook 0:00 The role of carbs in running03:30 Carbs after running - why?05:05 Carb deprivation - fasted/depleted workouts06:40 The Study - testing the effects of delaying carbs post-run10:00 The findings of delaying carbs by 3hrs14:30 carbs led to more HIIT reps and lower RPE16:14 Applying the findings to your running

Oct 10, 2025 • 48min
Mailbag Q&A: Creatine, Dealing With Colds, Supershoes, & Aging Athletes
Brady Holmer and Thomas Watson answer your questions.Submit questions for future mailbag episodes in the comments or on the RLRH Substack.Run Long Run Healthy is brought to you by Marathon Handbook.➡ https://marathonhandbook.comSubscribe to the Run Long Run Healthy podcast:➡ Spotify: https://bit.ly/RLRH-spotify➡ Apple podcasts: apple.co/43iqUKxGet the RLRH weekly newsletter (choose free or paid):➡ https://marathonhandbook.com/run-long...➡ https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/Follow us online:BRADY ON X ➡ https://x.com/B_Holmer/PHYSIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING (Brady's Newsletter) ➡ https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/MARATHON HANDBOOK IG ➡ / marathon.handbook 00:30 Static bike for marathon training advice05:05 Practical nutrition tips for pre and post run08:20 Dealing with colds and running14:03 First supershoes?19:34 Supershoe response for lighter runner24:46 Creatine long-term effects and protein advice30:50 lack of studies on aging female athletes?35:53 running / elliptical workout distribution38:52 Total knee replacement for serial marathon runner40:45 Diminishing returns from repeating workouts?

Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
The new 10% rule: the #1 predictor of running injury risk
The study:How much running is too much? Identifying high-risk running sessions in a 5200-person cohort study https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/17/1203Brady’s newsletter breaking it down…https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/p/run-long-run-healthy-how-much-running00:00 Intro - The “How Much Running Is Too Much Study?”01:15 Critiquing the classic 10% rule of running02:21 The New Study, explained03:30 Single Session Spike method04:13 The Findings04:51 The “single session paradigm”05:07 Time to ditch the classic 10% rule?05:58 Why the data doesn’t support the classic 10% rule07:14 Our takeaways from the new study

Sep 22, 2025 • 11min
Less Running = Faster Marathons, per new Boston Marathon Study
Discover surprising insights from a recent study on marathon training that suggests fewer runs can lead to faster marathon times. The discussion includes the benefits of a structured training cycle, revealing how an eight-month base phase can predict performance. It also highlights the role of quality runs and cross-training, particularly in the lead-up to race day. With practical takeaways for runners, the episode emphasizes sustained mileage while encouraging a strategic taper. Dive into the paradox of training frequency and marathon success!

Sep 12, 2025 • 47min
The Science of Running Negative Splits
Discover the fascinating strategy of negative splits in marathon running, where the second half is tackled faster than the first. Explore the physiological benefits like glycogen management, thermoregulation, and cardiovascular stability that contribute to success. Learn practical pacing tactics and training sessions to master this approach. Delve into the psychological aspects of pacing, including how starting conservatively can lead to a stronger finish. It's a deep dive into optimizing performance while ensuring endurance!

13 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
Amby Burfoot on 60 Years of Marathon Running
Amby Burfoot, a legendary marathon runner and 1968 Boston Marathon champion, shares his remarkable journey through six decades of running. He discusses the transformation of marathon culture from the 1960s to today, emphasizing community and camaraderie. Amby also delves into the evolution of hydration practices, running shoe technology, and nutrition, reflecting on how each has enhanced performance. He opens up about overtraining and the importance of recovery, making it clear that passion and adaptation remain key to long-distance running.

Jun 27, 2025 • 53min
How To Use Rate Of Perceived Exertion To Pace Your Running
Rating of Perceived Exertion is a subjective measure of your effort during activity. And it's one of the most powerful and useful tools a runner can use to control their pace. Run Long Run Healthy is brought to you by Marathon Handbook.➡ https://marathonhandbook.comSubscribe to the Run Long Run Healthy podcast:➡ Spotify: https://bit.ly/RLRH-spotify➡ Apple podcasts: apple.co/43iqUKxGet the RLRH weekly newsletter (choose free or paid):➡ https://marathonhandbook.com/run-long...➡ https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/Follow us online:BRADY ON X ➡ https://x.com/B_Holmer/PHYSIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING (Brady's Newsletter) ➡ https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/MARATHON HANDBOOK IG ➡ / marathon.handbook 00:00 Why is RPE so useful?01:52 RPE is more accurate predictor of effort than other metrics05:10 How we use RPE07:40 RPE accounts for all variables10:35 RPE vs Heart Rate12:39 Focus on process not the outcome13:22 How to log RPE on Strava15:39 The 6-20 Borg RPE Scale (original)21:23 The 1-10 RPE Scale (modified Borg)21:57 1/10 RPE22:18 2/10 RPE22:38 3/10 RPE23:43 4/10 RPE24:24 5/10 RPE25:20 6/10 RPE25:51 7/10 RPE26:25 8/10 RPE27:07 9/10 RPE27:20 10/10 RPE27:59 Clarifying that RPE isn't pegged to pace28:55 RPE scales with less points33:10 Hacks to lower your RPE40:00 Long-term RPE reduction techniques42:19 Higher Grit = Lower RPE?46:40 How to begin to implement RPE in your run training49:52 Our Breaking4 Predictions


