

Tread Lightly Running Podcast
Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 15, 2023 • 24min
Episode 10: How Do You Train When You Aren't Preparing for a Race?
Episode 10 answers the question: what should you do when you aren't training for a race? Non-race training includes immediately after a race (off-season) and general fitness/base building phases. You do not always need a race on the calendar as a runner! In fact, many runners thrive long-term when they give themselves some time for less intensive training between races. This episode focuses less on the science and more on practical applications. Amanda and Laura share how they train runners through these times - and train themselves!
If you are a runner and are not training for a race, you may be interested in Amanda's Virtual Run Club! This virtual group is a WEALTH of information, workouts, and support for any phase of training. You can learn more here: https://www.runtothefinish.com/online-running-group/
Additional resources:
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/what-to-do-after-a-goal-race/
https://www.runtothefinish.com/winter-maintenance-plan-for-runners/
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/base-building-running-workouts/
https://www.runtothefinish.com/running-and-weightlifting/
We love to hear from you! If you have questions, comments, or requests for future episodes, you can reach out to us at:
@treadlightlyrunning (Instagram)
@lauranorrisrunning
@runtothefinish
podtreadlightly@gmail.com

Apr 8, 2023 • 31min
Episode 9: What is 80/20 Running?
Episode 9 dives deep into the topic of 80/20 Running! 80/20 running has been a popular concept for around a decade now. You have likely heard about it on Instagram or read books on the topic. In this episode, we dive into the science of 80/20 running - and how you can actually apply it in your training.
Key moments in this episode include:
- The origins of 80/20 running
- What actually is 80/20 running (polarized vs pyramidal training intensity distribution)
- The science of what happens in each training zone
- Do recreational runners need to follow 80/20 running?
- How to implement 80/20 intensity distribution in your own training
- How to account for cross-training such as Peloton workouts
We also answer a bonus listener question: Do runners benefit from doing core strength exercises?
Further reading:
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/training-intensity-distribution-for-runners/
For more on training intensities, listen to Episode Two on Zone 2 Training!
References:
PMID: 23921084
PMID: 36900796
PMID: 35362850
PMID: 29182410

Apr 2, 2023 • 34min
Episode 8: Carbon Plated Running Shoes
Episode 8 of the Tread Lightly podcast dives into a popular topic: carbon plated running shoes! If you haven't worn them, you've likely seen the bright neon supershoes at races over the past few years. Carbon plated shoes are hugely popular - but are they the right marathon running shoe for everyone?
In this episode, we discuss:
- Responders vs non-responders to carbon plated running shoes
- Do slower runners get the same benefits?
- Injury risk from carbon plated running shoes
- How to choose the best marathon running shoes for you
More resources:
https://www.runtothefinish.com/marathon-running-shoes/
https://www.runtothefinish.com/nike-zoomx-vaporfly-next-2-review/
https://www.runtothefinish.com/nike-alphafly-vs-vaporfly/
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/marathon-running-shoes/
References
PMID: 36626911
PMID: 34740871
PMID: 35250342
PMID: 34726119
PMID: 36780101
Bhimani et al. (2022). Use of flexible carbon fiber insoles for hallux rigidus: a randomized controlled trial. AOFAS Annual Meeting.

Mar 26, 2023 • 39min
Episode 7: Supplements for Runners
Episode 7 is about supplements for runners! So much could be said about supplements, so this episode is likely part one of many. Supplements for runners is a hot topic, and so we wanted to give evidence-based takes on various supplements.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What to look for in supplements (purity, efficacy, and safety)
- How to determine if you need a supplement
- The science of probiotic supplements!
- Our take on Athletic Greens
- Anti-inflammatory supplements (turmeric and CBD)
- Creatine for runners
- How to choose a protein powder
References:
PMID: 31864419
PMID: 28642676
PMID: 28615996
PMID: 30068354
PMID: 30262735
PMID: 33500785
Additional resources:
https://www.runtothefinish.com/best-protein-powder-for-women/
Inside Tracker: RUNTOTHEFINISH is 20% off - https://shrsl.com/31y55
Previnex: RTTF15 is good for 15% off
https://lauranorrisrunning.com/no-fuss-nutrition-for-runners/

Mar 19, 2023 • 35min
Episode 6: All About Marathon Pacing
Learn tips on marathon pacing to avoid hitting the wall, adapt strategy based on course profile, downhill marathon pacing, running in hot weather, managing tough parts of the race, setting goal pace, and mastering consistent effort throughout the race.

Mar 12, 2023 • 37min
Episode 5: The Applied Science of Long Run Fueling
Episode 5 covers the topic of long run nutrition! We approach how to fuel long runs and races (15K to ultra) from both science and practice. We want you to understand why you should fuel - along with how you can actually hit your carbohydrate goals in a long run/race without feeling sick.
Topics in this episode include:
- carbohydrate goals for long-distance running
- why fueling on your long runs won't make you gain weight
- how to actually get in all those carbs on long runs
- sport nutrition products vs whole foods
- gut training to avoid GI upset on race day
We mention the Feed in the episode - https://thefeed.com/ (non-affiliate link, Laura really loves this company).
References
PMID: 24791914
PMID: 36173597
PMID: 32403259
PMID: 28332114
PMID: 24901444
Jeukendrup & Gleeson (2016). Sport Nutrition (4th ed.) Human Kinetics
You can contact us with questions, listener comments, or topics for future episodes at:
@runtothefinish
@lauranorrisrunning
@treadlightlyrunning
email: podtreadlightly@gmail.com

Mar 5, 2023 • 25min
Episode 4: Should Runners Stretch? The Science of Static and Dynamic Stretching
Episode 4 tackles the question: should runners stretch? You may have heard that you always need to stretch before or after runs. Is that true, based on the most recent science? We take an evidence-based approach to our discussion on stretching for runners, including:
- should you stretch before runs?
-types of stretches for runners, including static vs dynamic stretching
- flexibility vs mobility
- why runners don't need to touch their toes
- does stretching reduce your injury risk?
-stretching in general vs stretching directed by a physical therapist
You can contact us with questions, listener comments, or topics for future episodes at:
@runtothefinish
@lauranorrisrunning
email: podtreadlightly@gmail.com
References:
PMID: 34658909
PMID: 21735398
PMID: 19050648
PMID: 20030776
PMID: 34444136
PMID: 21610517

Mar 5, 2023 • 30min
Episode 3: Should You Sync Your Run Training with Your Menstrual Cycle
We are back in episode 3 to discuss the hot topic of menstrual cycle sycning. Should you change your training based on where you are in your menstrual cycle? You've probably seen things on Instagram about how you should do different workouts in different weeks based on your hormones. But does the research actually support this - and is it an effective way to train? We delve into recent research and share practical recommendations for training around your period.
Discussion points include:
- what is actually going on in your menstrual cycle?
- an overview of what the research actually says about how your menstrual cycle impacts your training
- individual approaches based on how you feel
You can contact us with questions, listener comments, or topics for future episodes at:
@runtothefinish
@lauranorrisrunning
email: podtreadlightly@gmail.com
References:
PMID: 34639326
PMID: 33572406
PMID: 32661839
PMID: 32037785
PMID: 32781438

Mar 5, 2023 • 34min
Episode 2: Zone Two Training and Heart Rate Monitoring
Coaches discuss Zone 2 training in running, explaining heart rate zones and how to implement them. They cover methods like the Lactate Threshold, Seiler, and Polar to calculate heart rate zones. Benefits of Zone 2 training include endurance and fat burning. They emphasize the importance of consistency and optimizing performance with heart rate monitoring.

11 snips
Feb 28, 2023 • 30min
Episode 1: Should You Limit Long Runs to Three Hours?
Explore the outdated three-hour long run rule in marathon training and how to train smarter with evidence-based insights. Learn about the impact of exercise duration on mitochondrial adaptations, reconsidering long run limits, guidance on carbohydrate intake, and essential recovery tips for individualized training.