
Tread Lightly Running Podcast
The Tread Lightly Running Podcast provides data-driven, evidence-based running advice in a practical, accessible, and inclusive manner. . You'll learn about how to run faster, marathon training, the latest fueling science, how to prevent running injury, and more.
Tread Lightly Running Podcast is co-hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Together, they have over 20 years of coaching experience and have helped thousands of runners reach their goals through 1:1 coaching and group training. They've appeared in Runner's World, SELF, NPR, Outside, and other major media.
Latest episodes

Jun 28, 2025 • 35min
How to Train for Downhill and Hilly Races When You Don’t Have Hills
If you are preparing for a hilly race, such as the New York City Marathon, or a downhill race such as a REVEL marathon, your training will look different from what it would for a flat marathon. We guide you through an evidence-based, practical approach for training for a hilly race - including creative interventions if you live in a flat area. You will learn:✅ The different energetic and mechanical demands of uphill and downhill running✅ How to muscularly prepare for a downhill race✅ How to train for a hilly race when you live in a flat area✅ Strength training exercises for a hilly race✅ Developing a performance mindset for hilly races✅ Proper hill running form✅ Pacing strategies for hilly races✅ How to fuel during a hilly raceThank you to our sponsors:➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/➡️ Tifosi: Follow link https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/c/2475256/2888012/29284 for durable, budget-friendly, no-slip sunglasses!➡️Skratch: Follow link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.Let’s stay connected:➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning➡️ 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/References:PMID: 27501719PMID: 30357515PMID: 38921863

11 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 45min
What A PT Really Wants You to Know about Running Injuries, with Dr. Victoria Sekely
Dr. Victoria Sekely, a passionate Physical Therapist and run coach, dives into the complexities of running injuries. She discusses the multi-factorial nature of injuries and the importance of personalized care. Learn whether pronation is a big concern, how to manipulate training loads, and the mind-body connection in pain management. Victoria tackles common misconceptions about ice versus heat, shares insights on nutrition's role in injury prevention, and emphasizes the value of sleep for long-term runner health.

Jun 14, 2025 • 34min
Do You Need to Cool Down After a Run?
As many runners know, a run takes more time than just the miles themselves. You have a pre-run warm-up and recovery nutrition - and so you may wonder if you really need a cooldown after your run, or if you can save some time there. In this episode, we answer a common listener question about what a cooldown after runs actually does - and if you need to do them. We break this discussion into a physiological explanation of what a cooldown does (and what a cooldown won’t achieve) and a practical explanation of how to apply effective cooldowns in your training. You will learn:✅ What a cooldown after a run achieves - and what it doesn’t ✅ If you need to cool down after an easy run ✅ Why you don’t need to worry about flushing out “lactic acid”✅ How cool down miles can improve your running performance✅ Do you need to stretch for your cool down?✅ How to cool down after an interval or tempo run✅ Should you use an ice bath for a post-run cooldown?Thank you to our sponsors:➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/➡️ Tifosi: Follow link https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/c/2475256/2888012/29284 for durable, budget-friendly, no-slip sunglasses! ➡️ Skratch: Follow the link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase. Let’s stay connected:➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning➡️ 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/References:🤓 PMID: 39263899🤓 PMID: 29663142

Jun 7, 2025 • 40min
Does Zone 2 Actually Matter for Runners? Debunking Myths and Answering Your Top Zone 2 Running Questions
Are you confused about all the zone 2 chatter on social media? Do you experience frustration when you try to run and your watch tells you running in zone 3 despite it feeling easy? There is so much information about zone 2 and running - and some of it is correct, some of it is over-simplified, and some is over-exaggerated. In this episode, you will learn what exactly zone 2 is - and how much it actually matters for running. We answer your questions about zone 2 and dispel myths about zone 2.You will learn:✅ Different tests and formulas to accurately calculate your zone 2✅ If you need to use heart rate for easy runs✅ If new runners should worry about heart rate zones✅ Variables that can impact your heart rate while running✅ Why zone 2 is not the only training zone that matters✅ The importance of fueling during long zone 2 runs✅ How to manage hills during easy runsThank you to our sponsors:➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/➡️ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.comLet’s stay connected:➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning➡️ 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/References:PMID: 31045681PMID: 24408353PMID: 35661059PMID: 39616560PMID: 26578968

10 snips
May 30, 2025 • 29min
The Best Running Books and Our Summer Reading List
Discover a treasure trove of audiobook recommendations perfect for those long summer runs! The hosts dive into their favorite running books, highlighting key insights on performance and mental health. They discuss inspiring titles like 'Out of Thin Air' and 'Good for a Girl,' along with engaging audiobooks that add motivation to your stride. The conversation also explores the emotional depth of literature, including Neil Gaiman's work, while inviting listeners to share their own recommendations for a literary running journey.

May 23, 2025 • 45min
How to Embrace New Things During Long Running Breaks with Mirna Valerio
In this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Mirna Valerio, a best-selling author, content creator, and accomplished ultra runner and multisport athlete. Mirna discusses how she learned to embrace new sports and hobbies during a long break from running. Whether you take an intentional or forced break from running, you’ll learn a lot from her discussion on identity, the mental side of a break from running, and more. In this episode, you’ll learn from her about: Identity and runningHow she ventured into other sports, including cycling and skiingMindset shifts from running to broader trainingHow to embrace being a beginner in a new sportHow to know if you should take a break from runningWhy it is beneficial to expand to sports and hobbies beyond runningThis episode is sponsored by:Tifosi Optics: Shatter-proof, anti-bounce, comfortable, and stylish sunglasses made for running. Get 20% off using this link! BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/Let’s stay connected: Connect with Mirna at https://themirnavator.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/themirnavator/Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunningTread 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=enThousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!

May 16, 2025 • 38min
How to Run Your Fastest 10K
Whether you are aiming for a 1-hour 10K, want to run a sub-50 min 10K, or even a sub-40 min 10K, this episode is for you! We discuss how to run PR in the 10K, no matter your pace. This episode is for intermediate to experienced runners. If you are looking for more information on your first 10K, tune into episode 38! In this episode, you will learn:The benefits of including a 10K in your race scheduleWeekly volume and long runs when aiming for a 10K PROur favorite 10K workouts when training for a PRHow to progress your workouts when training for your fastest 10KWhen to use current 10K pace vs goal 10K pace in trainingWhat does 10K effort feel like?How to set your 10K goal paceSupplements and nutrition for a 10K race10K racing strategiesThis episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their Joint Health supplement has received rave reviews from our listeners. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.comUse code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase at Skratchlabs.com!Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off BodyBio supplements at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/ References: PMID: 38558543PMID: 40010368 💻 Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning🎙️ Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend! 👉 Follow us @treadlightlyrunning @runtothefinish and @lauranorrisrunning on Instagram!

46 snips
May 10, 2025 • 34min
How to Set Realistic Time Goals in Running
Setting realistic time goals in running can be tricky! The discussion explores how personal history and psychology play a role in performance. You'll discover the importance of customizing your goals rather than relying solely on pace calculators. Learn key strategies for breaking down finish times into achievable paces and how factors like training background and race conditions affect outcomes. Plus, pick up tips on using tune-up races and benchmarking workouts to refine your ambitions!

14 snips
May 3, 2025 • 36min
Why Running Fasted Won't Make You Run Faster
Discover why running fasted may actually hinder performance. Dive into the science that debunks myths around fasted running and learn how proper fueling can boost your runs. Get practical snack ideas that won’t upset your stomach and find out how pre-run nutrition affects training adaptations. The discussion also covers the unique nutritional needs of runners and how to fine-tune your gut for optimal performance. Tune in to learn why ‘fed is fastest’ for every type of runner!

8 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 38min
How to Keep Running Fun While Chasing Your Goals with Laura Green
Laura Green, a physical therapist and full-time content creator, brings her humor to the running scene. She talks about how to blend enjoyment with the pursuit of performance goals, emphasizing that keeping running fun can actually boost your performance. Laura shares her personal journey and the importance of finding joy in the process, building community, and the impact of positive coaching. With anecdotes and a lighthearted touch, she highlights the camaraderie and relatable experiences that make running a joyous adventure.