

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

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!

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

Jun 20, 2025 • 42min
How Post-Run Heat Exposure Can Mimic High Altitude Training
The hosts dive into the concept of heat training as a fascinating alternative to altitude training. They discuss how immersing in hot water post-run can enhance respiratory efficiency and performance. Discover the benefits of saunas versus hot baths and their impacts on recovery. The conversation also includes strategies for building endurance in hot and humid conditions. With practical tips on managing training amidst high temperatures, this discussion offers runners innovative ways to improve their performance.

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ranking Running Metrics: Optimize, Track, or Ignore?
Brady and Thomas dive into 30 popular running metrics, categorizing them as Optimize, Track, or Ignore. They discuss the importance of weekly mileage, cadence, and heart rate, emphasizing a balanced approach to data. The role of perceived exertion is highlighted as crucial for assessing workout intensity. They also explore the significance of blood biomarkers for overall health. Additionally, the impact of wearable technology on perceptions of performance is examined, urging runners to balance data with their personal motivations.

Jun 6, 2025 • 41min
The Science of Post-Run Nutrition: Explaining the 4Rs Framework
In this episode, Brady and Thomas do a deep-dive on post-run nutrition, exploring the 4Rs framework and how they (and their audience) can apply it to their running routines.Review paper: The 4Rs framework of Sports Nutrition:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/6/867The 4Rs app:https://dbss.shinyapps.io/4RsApp/00:00 4Rs Framework Intro03:30 Allostatis explained06:00 THE 4Rs FRAMEWORK06:06 1st R - Rehydration11:10 2nd R - Refuel17:44 3rd R - Repair21:58 4th R - Recovery25:43 - Applying The 4Rs - Brady's Practices29:50 - Thomas' Messy Approach34:44 - Applying the toolkit to busy lives37:27 The 4Rs app39:01 Why The 4R framework is so useful

May 30, 2025 • 46min
Running and longevity: Is the best longevity hack actually...running?
Run science, explained.This week we're exploring longevity for runners, and how running can potentially help us live longer.Expect to hear about a sub 4-minute miler's life expectancy, why VO2 Max is the most important trait to optimize for longevity, and thinking in decades not years.00:00 Intro02:00 What we know about the science of longevity05:34 How running could hurt your longevity (Coronary Artery Calcification)12:30 ‘Outrunning the grim reaper’ study of 4-minute milers20:11 Why VO2 Max is the most important trait for longevity24:00 How much can you train your Vo2 Max?28:24 Reliability of measuring VO2 Max31:48 Training protocols for increasing VO2 Max34:44 Training considerations for older runners36:52 Developing a mindset for longevity in running39:20 Going from goals to systems44:45 Setting goals that can improve longevity

May 28, 2025 • 24min
Physiological Resilience: How To Train Your Endurance Running Muscle
Explore the intriguing concept of physiological resilience and its pivotal role in endurance running. Discover how this fourth element, alongside VO2 max, lactate threshold, and running economy, shapes performance. Learn from the feats of Eliud Kipchoge and understand how durability can be nurtured through training. Get insights on the impact of super shoes and race day techniques, including hydration and pacing strategies, to boost your running game and maintain performance under pressure.