Tread Lightly Running Podcast

If you are a new runner or returning to the sport after a hiatus, you likely started with Couch to 5K program. But what comes next after those initial weeks? In this episode, we discuss the different approaches of how to build your endurance and speed after finishing Couch to the 5K. ✨ Amazfit: User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase.✨ FlipBelt: Sleek storage options, including no-bounce running belts and shorts. Use code TLF20 at flipbelt.com for 20% off your purchase. ✨ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients, including Muscle Health Plus (creatine). Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content! In this episode, you will learn:✅ Realistic goals after completing Couch to 5K✅ Whether to build volume or speed next✅ What to do if you got injured during couch to 5K✅ Why you need to gradually progress any speedwork✅ What to do if you used Couch to 5K to rebuild after injury or a hiatus✅ How to know if you are ready to run a marathonIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:🎧 The Benefits of Using the Run-Walk Method (17 Oct 2025)🎧 How to Train for Your First Half Marathon (28 June 2024)🎧 First Marathon Training Tips (2 June 2023)Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Discover the secret power of carbohydrates during your long runs! Fueling with 60-90 grams of carbs per hour can boost performance and lower injury risk. The hosts dive into the science behind gels and sports drinks, offering practical tips on hitting your carb targets. Learn why hydration and balance are key, and hear about the surprising effects of temperature on fueling needs. Plus, they bust common myths around glycogen depletion and share how to incorporate real foods into your fueling strategy.

How long would it take to get from a 4:30 marathon to a BQ times? When should you change your training paces - or your training approach in general? We answer these and other listeners' questions in this episode! Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purpose.✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!In this episode, you will learn:✅ Are BQ marathons possible for anyone?✅ How do you know you need to progress your training?✅ How should you adjust training paces throughout a training cycle?✅ Understanding mid-run cravings✅ Advice for a first time back of the pack marathoner✅ When should you visit physical therapy vs self-treatReferences🔬 PMID: 37115611Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Explore the fine line between running for performance and running for health. Discover insights from a colon cancer study involving ultramarathoners and learn if too much running can be detrimental. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing mental health, nutrition, and recovery with performance goals. Find out how training should evolve with age and why VO2 max isn't the only metric that matters. Tune in for tips on creating health-focused training plans that promote longevity and well-being.

Burnout can strike any runner, and it's crucial to recognize its signs. The hosts delve into the various causes of running burnout and provide a step-by-step guide to recovery. They emphasize the distinction between psychological burnout and physiological overtraining. Learn how to adjust your training, set achievable goals, and even the benefits of running without a watch. Engaging in community support can also play a vital role in preventing burnout. The message is clear: prioritize your mental health and redefine your relationship with running.

Join Dr. Shalaya Kipp, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic and former elite steeplechase athlete, as she demystifies running economy. Discover how this key performance metric differs from efficiency and its massive impact on endurance events like marathons. Learn practical ways to measure and improve your running economy through training techniques, nutrition, and even your choice of footwear. Shalaya also touches on the effects of gear, stretching, and individual genetic factors on your running performance.

While running is a health-promoting activity, running can come with risks: animal encounters, dangerous weather, cars, and other concerns. In this episode, we take a pragmatic approach to navigating different potentially risky situations you may encounter on runs, including how to prepare and how to respond. Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.✨ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients, including Muscle Health Plus (creatine). Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com✨ Amazfit: User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase. In this episode, you will learn:✅ Why you should run against traffic✅ How to safely run in the dark✅ Why you should always run with your phone✅ How to deal with off-leash dogs on runs✅ Mountain lions, bears, and snakes✅ The risks of running in poor air quality✅ What to do if you get caught in thunder or lightningLet’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

Run-walk is an under-rated training approach for many runners. It’s not just reserved for new runners: you can use it during the summer heat, when returning from injury or having a baby, in ultra distances, as you age, and more. This episode focuses on run-walk, including when to use it, how to structure it, how to pace it, and more.Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Upstep: Custom orthotics, molded from the comfort of your home. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH at https://www.upstep.com/?ref=cajmuang for $20 off your purchase.✨ FlipBelt: Sleek storage options, including no-bounce running belts and shorts. Use code TLF20 at flipbelt.com for 20% off your purchase.✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.✨ Amazfit: User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase.In this episode, you will learn:✅ Who benefits from using run-walk✅  How to pace run-walk intervals✅ What is the Galloway Method?✅ How to structure your run-walk intervals✅ When you should not use run-walk✅ Other practical tips for run-walk✅ Can you do speedwork if you regularly use run-walk?Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

If you’ve had it before, you know that nagging pain in the arch of your foot all too well. We sit down with Dr. Lisa Mitro, DPT, to discuss how to treat one of the most common running injuries - plantar fasciitis. She describes the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, how to treat it acutely and long-term, and answers your biggest question - how you can keep running. Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.✨ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients, including Muscle Health Plus (creatine). Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.comIn this episode, you will learn:✅ Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis✅ How do you treat plantar fasciitis?✅ Can your running shoes cause PF?✅ Why big toe strength matters✅ Do orthotics help?✅ Can you run through plantar fasciitis?✅ How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to heal?About our guest:🔗 Connect with Dr. Lisa Mitro at https://www.drlisadpt.com/🔗 Follow Dr. Lisa on IG at @dr.lisa.dptLet’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

VO2max is trendy right now - but is training for VO2max legit or grift? We dive into the science of VO2max, how to improve it, and if it actually matters for long-distance runners. Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Upstep: Custom orthotics, molded from the comfort of your home. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH at https://www.upstep.com/?ref=cajmuang for $20 off your purchase. ✨ FlipBelt: Sleek storage options, including no-bounce running belts and shorts. Use code TLF20 at flipbelt.com for 20% off your purchase. In this episode, you will learn:✅ What is your VO2max?✅ What do VO2max numbers actually mean? ✅ How is VO2max calculated?✅ Is your Garmin’s VO2max estimate accurate?✅ How much does VO2max matter for performance?✅ How to improve your VO2max✅ Can you improve your performance without changing your VO2max?✅ Is VO2max a health indicator?Field Tests for VO2max:Cooper test: After a 10-20 min warm-up, run as far as you can in 12 minutes. Record distance and enter into this calculator. 1.5-mile run test: After a 10-20 min warm-up, run as fast as you can for 1.5 miles. Record distance and enter into this calculator.Lactate threshold test. After a 10-20 min warm-up, run 30 minutes as fast as you can (self-paced, even effort). Your average pace over the final 20 minutes is your velocity at second LT (60-min race pace) and your average HR over the final 20 min is your LTHR. References:🔬 PMID: 17414804🔬 PMID: 36754060🔬https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/06/04/bjsports-2025-110186Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/