
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

Nov 16, 2024 • 37min
92: A Science-Backed Guide to Hydration for Runners
How much water do you need to drink during a run? Do you need electrolytes? We've got answers to all your hydration questions in this episode! First, we answer a listener’s question on liquid calories as a pre-race nutrition strategy. Then, we take a deep dive into the science of hydration for runners - and practical takeaways you can use to feel better on your runs.
Discussion points include:
Why does hydration for runners matter so much?
The role of electrolytes (including sodium) in hydration
How hydration can stop those headaches after a long run
How to reduce your risk of hyponatremia
Understanding sweat rate vs sweat concentration
How much water should you drink before a run
Hydration while running so your stomach doesn’t feel sloshy
How to carry water while running
Hyperhydration strategies
Should you use IV hydration before a race?
Additional resources: https://www.featherstonenutrition.com/hydration-sweat-rate/
💻 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:
Eichner, E.R. "Genetic and Other Determinants of Sweat Sodium." Current Sports Medicine Reports 7.4 Supp 1(2008): 236-S40.
PMID: 28332116
Jeukendrup & Gleeson. (2016) Sport Nutrition. Human Kinetics.
Wilson (2020). The Athlete’s Gut: The Inside Science of Digestion, Nutrition, and Stomach Distress. VeloPress.
PMID 26920240
PMID: 38198662

Nov 9, 2024 • 38min
91: How to Pick the Best Running Coach For You
Do you need to hire a running coach? If you want to hire one, how do you find the right one for you? We draw on our experiences of working with hundreds of runners over almost 20 years combined to guide you through how to find a running coach!
How do you know if you will benefit from a running coach?
What’s the scope of a running coach?
Can you work with a running coach even if you aren’t doing a race?
How do you find the right running coach for you?
Does a coach’s own race times matter?
Questions to ask a potential running coach
How do you find a running coach?
🎧 Looking for another running podcast? Jonathan Levitt explores the power of motivation for elite, sub-elite, and recreational runners alike in his popular For The Long Run podcast. Listen here: https://pod.link/1453616436
💻 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 2, 2024 • 46min
90: How to Prevent Bone Stress Fractures: Bone Health for Runners with Dr. Nathan Carlson
Dr. Nathan Carlson, a Kansas City-based physical therapist and coach specializing in runners and triathletes, dives deep into the world of bone health. He explains what bone stress injuries are and how to distinguish between stress reactions and fractures. Dr. Carlson highlights key risk factors and shares nutrition tips—like the importance of calcium and vitamin D—to boost bone density. He also discusses the impact of body weight on injury risks and offers insights into safe training methods for young athletes to prevent these common issues.

Oct 26, 2024 • 32min
89: What Runners Should Know about IT Band Syndrome
Struggling with knee pain on the outside of your knee? Today’s episode may help! We are not physical therapists, so we approach the topic of IT band syndrome based on a coaching perspective and research. If you are dealing with IT band syndrome, we encourage you to reach out to a PT!
Discussion points include:
The anatomy of the IT band
Should you foam roll your IT band?
What causes IT band syndrome?
What exercises can address IT band pain?
Will stretching help the IT band?
Will cortisone shots help IT band pain?
Can a running gait analysis help treat IT band pain?
References:
PMID: 35007886
PMID: 26573859
PMID: 19574661
💻 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!

Oct 19, 2024 • 32min
88: How to Prepare for RunDisney, Ragnar, and Other Relay/Multi-day Races
Are you preparing for RunDisney weekend, a Ragnar relay, Hood to Coast, the Speed Project, or another multi-stage race? This episode is for you! Two experienced running coaches share expert opinions on how to train for multi-day races - and how to strategize so that you feel good during these races.
The physiological demands of multi-stage races
The importance of hydration and fueling during relay races
Developing a pacing and recovery strategy for relay races
How to include a Ragnar race in a larger training block
Different training strategies for a Ragnar race
How to train for the RunDisney race weekends
Strategies to enjoy Disneyworld/Disneyland and your RunDisney races
🎧 Looking for another running podcast? Jonathan Levitt explores the power of motivation for elite, sub-elite, and recreational runners alike in his popular For The Long Run podcast. Listen here: https://pod.link/1453616436
💻 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!

Oct 12, 2024 • 35min
87: Your Treadmill Running Questions, Answered
What do Oscar Wilde, fluid dynamics, and running have in common? The treadmill! We answer your most common questions about treadmill running, including if you need a 1% incline, whether you can train for a race on the treadmill, and how to enjoy treadmill runs.
Discussion points include:
Shifting your mindset around treadmill running
Is it harder to run on a treadmill?
Can you train for a marathon on a treadmill
Do you need to use a 1 percent incline on the treadmill?
Is your watch or your treadmill accurate for measuring pace/distance?
What are good treadmill shoes?
References:
PMID: 27170525
PMID: 29641564
PMID: 22357398
PMID: 22357398
PMID: 35176971
https://runningwritings.com/2023/01/treadmill-workouts-guide.html
https://daily.jstor.org/treadmills-were-meant-to-be-atonement-machines/
💻 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!

Oct 5, 2024 • 37min
86: What You Need to Know about Running and Pelvic Floor Health, with Dr. Amanda Fisher
Don’t skip this episode just yet - every runner, male, female, non-binary, parents, child-free, etc can learn from Dr. Amanda Fisher!
In this episode, Dr. Fisher explores how your pelvic floor impacts your running, including hip and groin injuries, bladder control while running, and even the runner’s trots. We have received many questions about these topics and felt it best to bring on an expert about running and your pelvic floor.
Discussion points are:
What is your pelvic floor and why does it matter for running?
Does running strengthen or weaken the pelvic floor?
What are symptoms of a dysfunctional pelvic floor?
Are kegel exercises appropriate for all runners?
What to expect when you visit a pelvic floor PT
Do yoga or Pilates help your pelvic floor?
How to strengthen your pelvic floor for running after childbirth?
How to manage if you pee yourself while running
You can connect with Dr. Fisher: www.empoweryourpelvis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empower.your.pelvis/
💻 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!

Sep 28, 2024 • 29min
85: How to Manage Pre-Race Nerves
Most runners share the common experience: a jittery, anxious feeling as you line up before your race. Pre-race nerves happen - and while some nerves can be a performance enhancer, too much anxiety can wreck your race. We provide guidance for managing pre-race anxiety in this episode as we draw upon our experiences of working with hundreds of runners.
Discussion points include:
What it means if you have pre-race nerves
Why you want to work on controlling excessive pre-race anxiety
How to calm yourself down before a race
The value of race day routines
How you can use tune-up races to work through pre-race jitters
How to relax the night before and the morning of a race
💻 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!
This episode is sponsored by Skratch Labs! Skratch makes some of our favorite hydration mixes, sports chews, and more. Use code AMANDARUN20 for 20% off your order at https://www.skratchlabs.com/AMANDARUN20
Resilience CBD 20% off - https://www.runtothefinish.com/resilience-cbd/

Sep 21, 2024 • 30min
84: Should Runners Follow Cycle Syncing? How to Manage Running on Your Period
This episode brings in some new research to update one of our early episodes - running on your period. In addition to talking about cycle syncing, we expand this episode to discuss how to deal with cramps, PMDD, and other PMS issues while running. This episode should be super helpful if you are a female runner or a coach to female runners!
Discussion points include:
A quick overview of the menstrual cycle
Why cycle syncing may actually impair your performance
The effects of menstrual cycle phase on performance markers
Practical tips for how to feel your best when running on your period
Running with PMDD, heavy periods, and more
Is it normal to miss your period as a runner?
💻 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: 38600646
PMID: 37033884
PMID: 32781438
PMID: 32037785
PMID: 32661839
Survey referenced: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/fitness/a60004028/cycle-syncing/

Sep 14, 2024 • 32min
83: What Happens to Your Body After a Marathon & A Marathon Recovery Guide
Did you know that you can finish a marathon up to half of an inch shorter than when you started? Or that there’s a reason it feels so hard to climb up and down stairs after a marathon? It may surprise you all that happens to your body after a marathon!
First, we answer a listener’s question about time on feet for easy-paced long runs. Then, we dives into the nuances around a popular topic on social media: how much time should you take off running after a marathon? We take a step back first to understand what exactly happens to your body when you run a marathon - and then provide a marathon recovery guide based on that.
Discussion points include:
What running a marathon does to your musculoskeletal system
Lung and diaphragm fatigue after a marathon
Why you may feel emotional or confused after a marathon
Why you may feel nauseous or have poor appetite after a marathon
A deep dive into changes of biomarkers of systemic inflammation and muscle damage after a marathon
Why you can’t rely on muscle soreness as a sign you are ready to start running again
Are you more likely to get an upper respiratory illness after a marathon?
How many days should you take off of running after a marathon?
Support the podcast! Visit lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running.
This episode is sponsored by Skratch Labs! Skratch makes some of our favorite hydration mixes, sports chews, and more. Use code AMANDARUN20 for 20% off your order at https://www.skratchlabs.com/AMANDARUN20
References:
PMID: 34541607
PMID: 23705863
PMID: 39094181
PMID: 3169192
PMID: 31045685
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