The Strength Running Podcast

Kate Edwards, a board-certified orthopedic specialist and renowned running medicine physical therapist, shares her wealth of knowledge on injury prevention. She emphasizes the critical roles of strength training, nutrition, and sleep in staying injury-free. Kate offers practical tips for improving sleep quality, discusses the unexpected downsides of data obsession in running, and highlights effective cross-training methods. Additionally, she evaluates popular recovery strategies like cold plunges and kung fu for your muscles while separating the truly beneficial from the ineffective.

In this discussion, Olympic coach Stuart McMillan shares his vast experience, having coached over 70 Olympians. He reveals key differences between sprinting and endurance running mechanics. McMillan emphasizes how endurance runners can greatly enhance their form through sprinting techniques. The conversation covers holistic training approaches, progressive overload, and essential weightlifting exercises. Listeners are offered practical advice on adapting their running drills to improve efficiency and performance, ensuring safety in the process.

Michael Brandt, the founder and CEO of Ketone-IQ, is a 2:42 marathoner and expert in ketone research. He discusses the fascinating impacts of ketones on energy production and their cognitive benefits. Brandt explains how ketones can enhance post-exercise recovery and improve athletic performance. He also explores the future of ketones in sports nutrition and their potential medical applications, including brain health. The conversation is packed with insights on how ketone supplements can revolutionize both physical and mental performance.

Ian Sharman, founder of Sharman Ultra Coaching and an elite ultrarunner, shares insights from his impressive career, including a personal best marathon at 43. He discusses the mental challenges runners face, like handling pre-race excitement and avoiding the comparison trap on platforms like Strava. Sharman emphasizes the importance of a process-oriented mindset, focusing on training over outcomes, and learning to adapt to race conditions—showing that with commitment, age doesn't have to define performance.

Discover how community coaching can enhance your marathon training. Learn strategies for gradually increasing mileage after injury, while balancing strength training frequency. Uncover the benefits of cross-training and treadmill workouts, especially for runners in flat terrains. Dive into the importance of understanding VO2 max and lactate thresholds, and how they influence your training. Plus, explore tips for managing training schedules around busy lives and the advantages of adjusting rest days.

Dr. Karl Knopf, an author and expert in strength training for older adults, shares invaluable insights on adapting running as we age. He debunks the myth that age is a barrier to strength training, emphasizing that it's never too late to start. They discuss the importance of functional fitness, how poor posture impacts runners, and strategies to prevent muscle loss, like training against sarcopenia. The conversation also highlights tailored strength programs and the critical role of cross-training for longevity in running.

Dr. Lara Pence, a licensed psychologist and founder of The Coaches Collective, shares her expertise on mental toughness. She introduces the "3Rs" framework: Recover, Rebound, and Reignite, essential for athletes. Listeners learn about the balance between reality and confidence, how positive thinking can boost performance, and the power of personalized mantras while running. Lara emphasizes that mental toughness is a skill developed through self-awareness and compassion, tailored to the individual for optimal success.

Kylee Van Horn, founder of Flynutrition, and Zoë Rom, elite ultra runner and journalist, tackle the myths of nutrition for endurance athletes. They discuss the impact of pseudoscience and cultural narratives on dietary choices, advocating for a curious and flexible mindset. Misconceptions about post-exercise nutrition are debunked, emphasizing individuality over strict diets. They also highlight the importance of fundamental nutrition practices over trendy supplements, offering insights on how athletes can optimize their fueling strategies for better performance.

In this engaging discussion, Claire Shorenstein, a seasoned sports dietitian and distance runner, unpacks the evolving protein requirements for endurance athletes. She emphasizes why personalized nutrition matters, discussing the importance of a balanced intake of all macronutrients, particularly during recovery or injury. Claire also shares practical strategies to boost protein intake and addresses the unique considerations for plant-based athletes. Listeners will discover how to navigate protein needs effectively while maintaining a flexible approach to healthy eating.

Ever wondered about supercompensation and how it can impact your running progress? Discover effective recovery strategies after getting sick and avoid common pitfalls that beginners face. Learn when to incorporate strength training into your weekly plan for maximum benefit. Find out if longer runs with the same mileage truly offer an advantage and explore practical core and mobility exercises to enhance your routine. Perfect for anyone aiming for a big running goal in 2025!