
Tread Lightly Podcast
Run smarter, not harder! Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MS bring their combined 20 years of coaching experience to break down common running myths, running tips, and more. We provide evidence-based running tips for runners of all distances and experiences.
Latest episodes

Feb 8, 2025 • 30min
102: How Much Mobility Do Runners Need?
Mobility is a buzzword in the fitness space - but what does it actually mean? Can improving your mobility help you run faster? Do you need complicated routines, or just a few intentional movements? We sort through the trends to bring you an evidence-based and practical approach to mobility for runners.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between mobility and flexibility
Why does mobility matter for runners?
The relationship between mobility, flexibility, and running economy
Does greater mobility reduce your injury risk?
Does foam rolling improve mobility?
How to do mobility exercises for runners
Does yoga count as mobility
This episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their Muscle Health Plus contains third-party tested creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, and other ingredients to reduce muscle soreness and improve muscle mass and strength. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!
Resources:
Haff & Triplett, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Human Kinetics.
Dicharry, Jay. Running Rewired. 2nd edition.
PMID: 38446400
PMID: 19050648

Feb 1, 2025 • 35min
101: How to Run Faster by Using Cross-Training for Runners with Mary Johnson
Is cross-training just for injured runners, or could it unlock your best running performance? We are joined in this episode by Mary Johnson, a running coach who recently ran a 3:08 at CIM. Mary has embraced cross-training as both an athlete and a coach; in this episode, she shares how it’s helped her get faster - and how it can do the same for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What counts as cross-training for runners?
If all runners benefit from cross-training
How doing workouts in cross-training can improve your fitness
If your heart rate is the same on cross-training workouts
How to motivate yourself to do cross-training
If cross-training is ever detrimental for runners
Mary has been a running coach since 2016 and is the founder of the popular Lift Run Perform coaching group. You can connect with her at itsamarython on Instagram or email at mary@liftrunperform.com.
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Jan 25, 2025 • 34min
100: Understanding Different Marathon Training Plans and Methodologies
You’ve likely encountered all sorts of different marathon training plans - Higdon, Hansons, Run Less Run Faster, Low Heart Rate, and more. You may have wondered which of these plans, if any, is right for you - and we are here to take that guesswork out for you! In this episode, two seasoned running coaches examine different marathon training methodologies.
This is episode 100 and we want to thank each and everyone of you for listening and supporting the podcast!
Discussion points include:
Defining the 80/20 principle
The Hansons Marathon Method
MAF Method/Low Heart Rate Training
The Run Less, Run Faster Method
Jack Daniels Formula/VDOT
Canova/Percentage-Based Methods
This episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their Muscle Health Plus contains third-party tested creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, and other ingredients to reduce muscle soreness and improve muscle mass and strength. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Jan 18, 2025 • 33min
99: Does Heel Striking Cause Injury? Myth vs Science on Running Injuries
Is heel striking bad? Should you change your running form? You’ve probably heard conflicting answers on your questions about running injuries - so we bring the science to work through myth vs supported theory on running injuries. We also share approaches for actually reducing your injury risk - and these may surprise you.
Discussion points include:
Does heel striking cause injury?
Should you change your running form?
Do max-cushioned shoes increase injury risk?
Did you get injured because you didn’t stretch enough?
Can running on concrete cause injury?
Will zero drop running shoes reduce injury risk?
Can you skip eating before runs?
Is strength training protective against injury?
What can you do to mitigate injury risk?
This episode is sponsored by Final Surge. Whether you are a running coach or an athlete, start your new year off strong with Final Surge! Final Surge offers training plans for runners of all abilities, as well as a user-friendly platform to track your progress. If you are a coach, Final Surge provides a comprehensive training platform to develop plans and analyze your ath
Go to https://www.finalsurge.com/ and use RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off your first coaching purchase (monthly or yearly) or RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off any training plan purchase.
References:
PMID: 38053265
PMID: 29791183
PMID: 34386286
PMID: 26304644
PMID: 22927504
https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Abstract/2020/02000/Influence_of_Gait_Retraining_on_Running_Economy__A.3.aspx
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbmr.4658?af=R
https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/01/monday-shakeout-can-running-shoes.html
Ryan Norris, Mechanical Engineering PE (on explanation of concrete vs asphalt)
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Jan 11, 2025 • 35min
98: Is Sugar Bad for Runners? Dispelling Common Fueling Myths with Cortney Berling, RD, MPH
You’ve likely heard that high sugar consumption has health risks - so how do you reconcile that with your need to fuel as a runner? Is sugar bad for runners, or is it a necessary fuel source for your fastest running and healthiest self? (Spoiler: it's the latter!) We brought on Cortney Berling, RD, MPH, to dispel common myths about sugar for runners.
Discussion points include:
Defining the different types of sugar
What’s the difference between using candy and gels on runs?
Whole foods vs engineered sports nutrition products
Does sugar have the same impact on your blood sugar while running as it does at rest?
Do runners need to worry about the health risks of taking sugar in gels?
When and how should you fuel your runs?
Is it beneficial to combine different types of sugars on your runs?
What should runners do about their sugar cravings?
Can you train your body to not need sugar during a run?
This episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their probiotic provides 30 million CFUS with six bacteria strains - and unlike other brands, their probiotic works! Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.
Thank you for Cortney for joining us! Cortney Berling is a registered dietitian focused on working with runners and female athletes. You can connect with Cortney on Instagram: eatwell.run better or work with her at https://www.eatwellrunbetter.com/roadto262.
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Jan 4, 2025 • 30min
97: Should You Run Everyday? What Running Coaches Think of Run Streaks
We take an informed deep dive on run streaks. Who benefits from run streaks (if anyone)? What are the risks and drawbacks? Are there alternative goals you can set?
Discussion points include:
What defines a running streak?
Why are running streaks so popular?
What are the drawbacks of run streaks?
When should you stop a running streak?
How to safely do a run streak
Alternative activity streaks
What to do if you feel like you need to run every day
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
24: The Science of Overtraining
82: Hybrid Training as Health Training with Dr Alyssa Olenick
83: What Happens to Your Body after a Marathon
90: How to Prevent Bone Stress Fractures with Dr. Nathan Carlson
96: Why You Should Warm-Up Before Runs and How to Do It
This episode is sponsored by Final Surge. Whether you are a running coach or an athlete, start your new year off strong with Final Surge! Final Surge offers training plans for runners of all abilities, as well as a user-friendly platform to track your progress. If you are a coach, Final Surge provides a comprehensive training platform to develop plans and analyze your athlete's workouts.
Go to https://www.finalsurge.com/ and use RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off your first coaching purchase (monthly or yearly) or RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off any training plan purchase.
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Dec 14, 2024 • 34min
96: Why You Should Warm Up Before Runs - and How to Do It
Warming up before a run is something both Amanda and Laura have repeatedly preached - so in this episode, we take a deeper dive into warm-ups. We explore the science warming up properly before a run and provide practical examples of how to warm up before different types of workouts.
Discussion points include:
Why should you warm up before running?
How long should a warm-up be?
Should you stretch before a run?
Examples of pre-run dynamic stretches
How to warm up before speedwork
How to warm up before a race
This episode is sponsored by Final Surge. Final Surge is a training platform for coaches and runners alike. Both Amanda and Laura use it in their coaching!
Go to https://www.finalsurge.com/ and use RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off your first coaching purchase (monthly or yearly) or RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off any training plan purchase.
Further resources:
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/how-to-warm-up-for-a-run/
https://runtothefinish.com/dynamic-stretching-warm-up-running/
References:
Haff & Triplett. Essentials of strength training and conditioning (4th ed.) Human Kinetics
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Dec 7, 2024 • 30min
95: How to Treat Shin Splints
Are you plagued by pain over the front of your lower legs? Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries. However, the treatment is not as simple as Google suggests - shin splints won’t heal for good with just rest and ice alone. In this episode, we take a look at shin splints based on research, basic anatomy/biomechanics, and a training perspective. This episode does not replace physical therapy.
Discussion points include:
What are shin splints?
Can you run through shin splints
What causes shin splints?
How do you treat shin splints?
Can your running shoes give you shin splints?
Should you use ice, compression socks, or KT tape?
This episode is sponsored by Final Surge. Final Surge is a training platform for coaches and runners alike. Both Amanda and Laura use it in their coaching!
Go to https://www.finalsurge.com/ and use RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off your first coaching purchase (monthly or yearly) or RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off any training plan purchase.
References:
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/2/72
Example exercises: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpzyWZqOpZp/?img_index=1
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Nov 30, 2024 • 37min
94: Are You Ready for Your First Ultra? With Coach Rhandi Orme
Do you dream of doing an ultra marathon some day - but you feel intimidated by the training, gear, or logistics? If so, this episode is for you. We brought on Coach Rhandi Orme to share her first-hand experience and coaching expertise to help you understand what it takes to run an ultra - and how to know if you are ready for your first ultra.
Discussion points include:
Common misconceptions about ultra marathon training
How do you know if you are ready to do your first ultra?
How many times per week should you be running on trails?
What to expect with ultra marathon training
How to pick your first ultra race
Crew, pacers, and drop bags
What gear do you need for your first ultra?
How to work through the fear of running the dark?
Rhandi is an accomplished ultra marathon champion, endurance coach, and mom of five. She brings a holistic approach to how you can train for an ultra marathon - while balancing it with work and family. You can connect with Rhandi on Instagram at @run_rhandi_run or learn more about her coaching at rhandi.com.
This episode is sponsored by Centr. The Centr app allows you to get in workouts at home - including treadmill workouts! Get $600 off the Centr T-7 Treadmill, which has a smartphone mirroring screen. Use the link https://bit.ly/Centr-tread-lightly
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!

Nov 23, 2024 • 35min
93: Concrete vs Asphalt, PRing as a Masters Runner, and Other Listener Q&
You’ve got running questions - and we have your answers! Join us today as we answer your running questions, including:
Should you run on concrete or asphalt?
What should you do after completing a Couch to 5K program?
Can you keep PRing in your 40s?
Is racing weight something to worry about?
Can you do Hydrox during marathon training?
Can you go too slow on your easy run days?
Should you do a two week or three week taper?
How do you rebuild mileage after a race?
How do you know if you should stick to a new plan or switch?
Recommended marathons outside of the Six Stars/World Majors
How to mimic a hilly course on a treadmill
How to prevent sports bra chaffing
This episode is sponsored by Centr. The Centr app allows you to get in workouts at home - including treadmill workouts! Get $600 off the Centr T-7 Treadmill, which has a smartphone mirroring screen. Use the link https://bit.ly/Centr-tread-lightly
💻 Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews.
🎙️ 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!
References:
PMID: 35362850PMID: 33022655PMID: 22897427
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