Tread Lightly Running Podcast

This episode answers a listener question: how can you prevent a pace drop at the end of your marathon? This is such a common question for so many runners! So many factors go into not hitting the wall during a marathon: training, fatigue resistance, nutrition, pacing, and more.  Discussion points include: Why glycogen depletion can cause you to slow down (2:05) Gender and age differences in slowing down during a marathon (3:40) Does the length of your training runs impact your fatigue resistance? (6:30) The role of hydration in marathon performance (8:00) Carbohydrate intake during a marathon (10:20) How to set an appropriate marathon goal time (12:00) Training volume and marathon training workouts for fatigue resistance(15:50) Recovery nutrition, long run nutrition, and carb loading (19:45) How to not slow down from hills in your marathon (21:40) Can a tune-up race help you run a faster marathon? (23:45) If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: All about marathon pacing (ep 6) First marathon training tips (ep 17) What to eat before a race (ep 20) Mastering your mindset (ep 23) How many miles should you run per week? (Ep 27) How to taper for a marathon (ep 30) Please excuse how Laura sounds, she had a sinus infection at the time of recording!  References:  PMID: 34010308 PMID: 32922647 PMID: 24901444

We answer a listener's question on rebuilding mileage after a few weeks of lower-volume training before diving into a frequently requested topic - knee pain while running. We dive into the different types of knee pain, what causes knee pain for runners, how to treat runner’s knee and IT band pain, and more.  Discussion points include:  Is running bad for your knees? (3:10) What are the causes of knee pain for runners? (5:28) What causes IT band pain and how to resolve it (6:50) Does changing your running form fix knee pain? (12:35) Can your pre-run warm-up reduce your knee pain? (16:30) Are your running shoes causing your knee pain? (18:40) Exercises to address knee pain (20:55) Can you run through knee pain? (24:15) Should you use a knee brace when running? (28:05) Osteoarthritis and running (30:06) Further resources: https://www.runtothefinish.com/fix-runners-knee-and-knee-drift/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/it-band-solution/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/knee-pain-after-running/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/running-is-painful/ References: Blagrove & Hayes, The science and practice of middle and long distance running.  PMID: 36875337 PMID: 31728373

What is the grey zone in running? The benefits and detriments of running in the grey zone How to use the talk test  When to use zone 3 training Should you do all of your long runs at marathon pace? What is polarized training (hard days hard, easy days easy) Marathon pace/zone 3 workouts Zone 2 vs zone running when you are a beginner runner If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:  44: Why do you get muscle cramps when running? 9: What is 80/20 running? 2: Zone 2 training and heart rate 32: What your running watch stats mean References:  PMID: 33344993 PMID: 36900796 PMID: 35661059 PMID: 26578968 Skiba, Scientific Training For Endurance Athletes https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2019.00070/full Further reading:  https://lauranorrisrunning.com/what-is-zone-2-training/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/zone-2-heart-rate-training/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/running-heart-rate/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/training-intensity-distribution-for-runners/

We first answer a question about using the bathroom during races. Then, we dive into an exciting topic: the 2024 Marathon Olympic Trials!  Discussion points include: A preview of the marathon course and spectating tips The start time controversy How are athletes chosen to go to the Olympics? Understanding the Olympic Standard times The financial costs of hosting the US Olympic Marathon Trials Our picks for who will make the US Olympic Team The track and field Olympic trials References/Further Reading:  https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-—-marathon/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-marathon-qualificatio/women-s-marathon-performances https://www.letsrun.com/news/2022/04/are-the-us-olympic-marathon-trials-broken-examining-the-business-model-of-americas-greatest-marathon/

We start with a listener question on the type of terrain to train on when preparing for a flat marathon. Then, we dive into the main topic: how to start running at 40, 50, and beyond. Discussion points: Benefits of starting running as a master’s athlete (4:20) Why it may feel harder to start running at age 40 or older (7:15) Step one of how to start running at 40 and beyond (11:00) Reducing injury risk when you start running (15:30) How to use run-walk intervals (17:50) Why you should be strength training after age 40 (19:53) Protein for masters athletes (25:12) Recovery for new runners over 40 (26:20) Uphill strides to preserve VO2max (28:32) Plyometrics for runners over 40 (31:01) If you enjoyed this episode, you may like: - Episode 25: Running during Perimenopause and Post-Menopause - Episode 26: Training Recommendations for Older Runners Further resources: Dynamic warm-up: https://www.runtothefinish.com/dynamic-stretching-warm-up-running/ Protein powder recommendations: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/best-protein-powders-for-runners/ Tips to start running over age 50: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/start-running-at-50/ Tips for running after 60: https://www.runtothefinish.com/running-after-60/ References:  PMID: 22313809 PMID: 30848809

We wrap up season 1 of the Tread Lightly podcast by answering some of your questions! Eating disorders/disordered eating in younger athlete population (0:50) Can you go too easy/slow on your easy runs? (7:40) Reducing fiber intake around races (11:20) Gel recommendations for sensitive stomachs (16:00) Isotonic gels and carbohydrate absorption rates (21:25) Blackcurrant/CurraNZ supplements (25:00) Distance vs time when cross-training (29:00) Weekly runs when not training for a race (31:25) Our thoughts on Apple watches for running Strength training machines for runners (36:20) If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: - Episode 29: Listener Q&A - Episode 10: How do you train when not preparing for a race? References: Jeukendrup & Gleeson. (2016). Sport Nutrition. 3rd Edition. Human Kinetics. PMID: 32460873 We will be taking a one-week winter break. We will return on January 6 with season 2! Thank you to everyone who listened - we appreciate you!

Ever wonder why you get muscle cramps when running? We have the answers - or at least, as the theories behind why you may get crampign from running. After we start with a listener’s question about bathroom issues during runs, we dive into the theories of cramping, how to prevent muscle cramps, and how to get rid of muscle cramps when running if they happen. Discussion points include: Muscle cramps vs stomach cramps vs side stitches (6:14) Different theories of what causes muscle cramps (8:16) How to treat mid-run muscle cramps (11:10) Training interventions to reduce risk of muscle cramps (14:14) Does magnesium prevent muscle cramps? (19:42) Do compression socks reduce muscle cramps? (22:21) Episodes of interest:  Electrolytes - Episode 12 Long run fueling - Episode 5 Marathon pacing - Episode 6 References: PMID: 32956536 PMID: 31696455 PMID: 34185846

This episode might seem like one big hot take, but we are coming at this topic based on real-life coaching experience and an understanding of the physiology of marathon training. As hard as it may be for some to hear, there are times when you should NOT train for a marathon. Our recommendations are not absolutist; individual situations may vary. However, our intention is to encourage reflection for when to run a marathon - and when not to.  First, answer a listener's question on running fuel options for runners with IBS/IBD/sensitive stomachs. (We reference episode 5 on long run fueling.) Discussion points include: The impact of stress on marathon training How long should you be running before you do a marathon How far should you be able to run before a marathon? Should you train for a marathon while trying to lose weight? Eating disorders, injury, and health issues and their impact on marathon training How many marathons should you run per year? Why you should not train for a marathon if you have signs of overtraining How long should you wait to run a marathon after having a baby? Use code TREADLIGHTY for $50 off a membership on the Run to the Finish Virtual Run Club! You can connect with us on Instagram (@treadlightlyrunning) or via email podtreadlightly@gmail.com - thank you all for listening!

This whole episode answers a listener’s question: what are our tips and tricks for running in cold weather? Amanda and Laura both have years of experience of running in the cold (from living in Northwest Indiana and Colorado). We take a look at what the research says about cold weather endurance training and share tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years.  Discussion points include: Motivation during the winter months The value of pre-run warm-ups for running in cold weather How to dress for running in cold weather  Breathing issues from running in the cold Hydration and fueling on runs in cold weather Do you run slower in cold weather? Tips for running on snow and ice How cold is too cold to run? Tips for racing in cold weather Further resources:  https://www.runtothefinish.com/what-to-wear-winter-running/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/your-guide-to-running-in-cold-weather/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/how-cold-is-too-cold-to-run/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/racing-cold-weather/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/best-winter-running-shoes/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/running-on-ice-tips/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/cold-weather-running-gear References: PMID: 34652333 PMID: 34574624 PMID: 26756639 PMID: 34574624 PMID: 17473775 PMID: 34752434

5K training and racing is hard, no matter your level of experience as a runner. Even if 3.1 miles is a warm-up for you, the distance can be challenging in terms of speed. If you want to improve your 5K time - whether that's a sub-40 min 5K, sub-30, or sub-20 - this is the episode for you! We also answered a listener question on run-walk intervals. Discussion points include: Weekly mileage when training for a 5K How to set a 5K goal pace 5K pace specific workouts Do you taper for a 5K? How to fuel for a 5K race Warming up before a 5K race How to pace a 5K race How to recover after a 5K race Further reading: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/how-to-improve-your-5k-time/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/5k-pace-chart/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/transition-from-the-marathon-to-5k/ https://lauranorrisrunning.com/taper-for-a-5k-or-10k-race/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/walking-a-5k/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/first-5k-tips/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/couch-to-5k/ https://www.runtothefinish.com/run-a-5k-in-30-minutes/