Doctors of Running Podcast

We're more than halfway through 2023, so it's time for some mid-season awards! David, Matt, and Nathan are joined by a very special guest: Connor Blalock of Running Warehouse fame. Not only does Connor, and the rest of the team, give their top five shoes of the year so far, but he gives an insight into working for one of the biggest running retailers. Learn about what it's like to interact with shoe companies and test & review more shoes than just about anyone else. Be sure to let us know what your favorite shoes of the year so far are! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:21 - Getting to know Connor 5:08 - Connor's process reviewing & making videos about shoes 13:00 - Connor & the team's favorite shoe types & characteristics 17:18 - Shoe trends in the industry 27:54 - Maintaining balance and avoiding bias in reviewing shoes 30:24 - Matt's top 5 shoes of 2023 so far 35:22 - Nate's top 5    39:40 - David's top 5   47:14 - Connor's top 5 57:49 - Connor's thoughts & comparisons on the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly 1:02:20 - Wrap-up Be sure to check out this week's sponsor, ⁠⁠⁠Running Warehouse⁠⁠⁠. Summer's all about racking up the miles before a busy fall racing season. Check out some some of our favorite daily trainers like Hoka's 9th iteration on the beloved Clifton series. If you're looking for something soft and bouncy check out Skecher's latest trainers: Go Run Ride 11 and Maxroad 6 featuring their new Hyperburst Ice foam. If you want something that can pick up the pace, take a look at the revamped Adidas Boston 12 with the softer Lightstrike 2.0 midsole. You can find rabbit’s new trail line and more by visiting ⁠⁠⁠runningwarehouse.com⁠⁠⁠ today.

In this episode, Nathan and Matt are joined by special guests Andrea Paulson and Cory Hoffman from Saucony, to discuss two of their newest and most exciting shoes: the Endorphin Elite and Kinvara Pro. Together, they explore the intricate process of developing and testing midsole foams. Get a behind the scenes look at the development of PWRRUN HG and the unique geometry of the Endorphin Elite. Learn the origin story of the Kinvara Pro, a brand new dual-density, plated "super" trainer. They walk us through the extensive testing and development process that went into creating this shoe and learn who benefits most from its unique features. With the rise of super shoes and their impact on training, the conversation turns to the data surrounding their usage and how it shapes the way we approach our training. Oh, and have you been itching to know the real meaning of "HG"? Tune in to find out! Get ready for an engaging, informative, and thought-provoking discussion on running shoe technology and the future of footwear in the running world.  Andrea Paulson is the Vice President of Product Engineering & Human Performance at Saucony. She leads different, yet connected, divisions that work on every aspect of shoe design, construction and future innovations, as well as biomechanical testing, gathering performance & personal preference data.  Cory Hofmann is a Performance Engineer at Saucony research laboratory, testing almost every aspect of their shoe: fit, durability, mechanical properties, etc. Cory specializes in testing and measuring running shoe performance, focusing on biomechanics and physiology. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 7:40 - How midsole foams are developed & tested 18:22 - How are PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB different? 21:42 - The developement of the Endorphin Elite's geometry 27:30 - Running economy testing for the Endorphin Elite 30:28 - Is Saucony heading towards ditching EVA/TPU foams? 33:41 - How durable is PWRRUN HG? 38:42 - What's next for PWRRUN HG? 45:40 - The origin story of the Kinvara Pro 53:30 - The testing & development of the Kinvara Pro 1:01:47 - Who does the Kinvara Pro benefit? 1:13:59 - How does this data impact the conversation about training in super shoes? 1:19:56 - How much should we train in plated shoes? 1:30:03 - What does HG stand for? 1:31:24 - Wrap-up Be sure to check out this week's sponsor, ⁠⁠⁠Running Warehouse⁠⁠⁠. Summer's all about racking up the miles before a busy fall racing season. Check out some some of our favorite daily trainers like Hoka's 9th iteration on the beloved Clifton series. If you're looking for something soft and bouncy check out Skecher's latest trainers: Go Run Ride 11 and Maxroad 6 featuring their new Hyperburst Ice foam. If you want something that can pick up the pace, take a look at the revamped Adidas Boston 12 with the softer Lightstrike 2.0 midsole. You can find rabbit’s new trail line and more by visiting ⁠⁠⁠runningwarehouse.com⁠⁠⁠ today.

Andrea is joined by esteemed guest Shannon Thompson, a mental performance consultant and expert in psychological performance training. Together, they dive deep into the mental aspects of running, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies to enhance your performance and manage anxiety. Discover the power of mantras and phrases as Andrea and Shannon discuss their personal favorites for overcoming challenges during races and training. Learn how positive self-talk can fuel your motivation, boost your confidence, and push you beyond your limits. Mental performance training is a crucial component of success in running, and they shed light on its importance and practical applications. From managing performance anxiety to modulating extreme nervousness, they share techniques and exercises that will help you optimize your mental state and perform at your best. Gain valuable advice for tackling different stages of long-distance races, overcoming workout-related anxieties, and navigating the emotional and mental impacts of physical injuries. Get ready to unlock your mental potential and take your running to new heights! Shannon's athletic background began in the equestrian sport of Three Day Eventing. She was fortunate enough to compete nationally and internationally successfully for more than 20 years and she also coached riders of all ages and levels during this time. Since retiring from equestrian sport she developed a passion for running. She's raced the 800m through to ultra trail events and almost everything in between. Her interest regarding the power of the mind to impact an athlete’s performance and overall experience moved her to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology, and then a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Positive psychology is the science of human flourishing and high achievement. Her work out of HYPO2 is offered to a wide range of clients, including elite, professional endurance athletes from around the world, and the Division I teams at Northern Arizona University. She draws upon empirical research, her own experience, and the arts to help each individual grow, perform and experience the opportunities within sport to the full. You can find her on her website or Instagram @shannonleighthompson! The Subjective: what mantra/phrase do you use to get through races or training? Chapters 0:00 - Intro 6:45 - The Subjective: what mantra/phrase do you use to get through races or training? 9:10 - What is mental performance training? 15:15 - Techniques for managing performance anxiety 24:54 - Strategies for modulating extreme nervousness 33:00 - Advice for getting through different stages of long distance races 37:15 - Managing anxiety surrounding workouts in training 43:23 - The effects of a physical injury on mental health 55:27 - Managing anxiety when returning to sport post-injury 59:40 - Cultivating personal identity outside of athletic pursuits 1:08:36 - Wrap-up Be sure to check out this week's sponsor, ⁠⁠⁠Running Warehouse⁠⁠⁠. Summer's all about racking up the miles before a busy fall racing season. Check out some some of our favorite daily trainers like Hoka's 9th iteration on the beloved Clifton series. If you're looking for something soft and bouncy check out Skecher's latest trainers: Go Run Ride 11 and Maxroad 6 featuring their new Hyperburst Ice foam. If you want something that can pick up the pace, take a look at the revamped Adidas Boston 12 with the softer Lightstrike 2.0 midsole. You can find rabbit’s new trail line and more by visiting ⁠⁠⁠runningwarehouse.com⁠⁠⁠ today. 

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at running shoe design and production. Matt & Nathan are joined by special guest Richard Kuchinsky, founder of Directive Collective and an expert in footwear design and development. They explore an array of topics–from defining industrial design and the significance of consultants in the footwear industry to Richard's proudest project with The Directive Collective, this is an inside look at the shoe design process from initial sketches to the finished product. Delving deeper, they discuss the factors influencing shoe pricing and the emerging trends Richard foresees in the ever-evolving footwear landscape. Additionally, they examine the categorization of running shoes, the pivotal role of comfort and "feel" in selecting the right shoe. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 5:20 - Defining industrial design 10:44 - The role of consultants in the footwear industry 13:16 - What is The Directive Collective? 19:50 - The project Richard is most proud of 22:12 - The shoe design process: from sketch to final product 29:48 - The time horizons for creating a shoe 37:16 - What goes in to shoe pricing? 45:38 - The trends Richard sees coming in the footwear industry 49:22 - How Richard would categorize the variety of running shoes 55:09 - The role of comfort and "feel" in shoe selection 1:03:14 - What's next for shoes? 1:06:02 - Richard's all-time favorite shoe 1:08:02 - Wrap-up Richard Kuchinsky, a runner and running shoe designer, is the Founder and Owner of The Directive Collective- a full-service design footwear design consultancy. A 4x Boston Qualifying marathoner, Richard has an extensive experience of 20+ years in the footwear industry, and has driven the creative design and development process for global brands, focused on design DNA and strategy. The Directive Collective provides complete footwear design solutions from concept to commercialization including technical design and development and specializes in performance running and innovation. You can find Richard on Instagram, LinkedIn, and The Directive Collective website. Be sure to check out this week's sponsor, ⁠⁠Running Warehouse⁠⁠. Rabbit’s new outdoor collection is made for the trail, by trail runners. Inspired by time spent in the mountains, rabbit’s new line has been crafted and put through the test by elite athletes on some of the hardest trails and races in the world. We’ve been huge fans of rabbit’s EZ tee shirts since we first reviewed them a few years ago. They remain some of our favorites and are still highly soft and comfortable hundreds of miles later. Our chief editor Matt Klein is also a lifelong fan of their High Country collection which blends office-ready apparel with running-quality fabric for those looking for run commute attire. You can find rabbit’s new trail line and more by visiting ⁠⁠runningwarehouse.com⁠⁠ today. 

Think of this episode like a game show/quiz: buy or sell? Nate, David, and Matt take a look at a bunch of different trends in the running shoe world and ask whether they would buy or sell each of them. Are mega-stack trainers worth it? Should EVA be kicked to the curb? Should we train in plated trainers and/or super shoes? What's the point of the new crop of short-distance racing shoes? Tune in for our takes on all of these and more! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 05:34 - Buy or Sell: shoes with 40+mm of stack height 14:30 - 3D foot scans to help you pick shoes 23:20 - Ditch EVA for PEBA 30:02 - Plated training shoes 38:58 - Matching foot type or pronation to shoe type 44:28 - Dual-density midsoles 50:45 - Shoes without true rubber outsoles 55:52 - Daily training in super shoes 1:03:54 - Super shoes built for short distance races 1:11:39 - Wrap-up Be sure to check out this week's sponsor, ⁠Running Warehouse⁠. Rabbit’s new outdoor collection is made for the trail, by trail runners. Inspired by time spent in the mountains, rabbit’s new line has been crafted and put through the test by elite athletes on some of the hardest trails and races in the world. We’ve been huge fans of rabbit’s EZ tee shirts since we first reviewed them a few years ago. They remain some of our favorites and are still highly soft and comfortable hundreds of miles later. Our chief editor Matt Klein is also a lifelong fan of their High Country collection which blends office-ready apparel with running-quality fabric for those looking for run commute attire. You can find rabbit’s new trail line and more by visiting ⁠runningwarehouse.com⁠ today.

On this episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast we delve into the world of high school and collegiate runners, covering a variety of topics to enhance performance and long-term health. Reflecting on their own experiences, Nathan, David, Andrea, and Matt share valuable running advice they would give their younger selves. Leaning on their clinical experiences and the scientific literature, they then shed light on the risks of early sports specialization and advocate for sports variability, offering best practices to promote athleticism and prevent injuries. With a focus on the well-being of young athletes, the episode explores into common running injuries and provides insights on injury prevention and recovery strategies. They also explore the vital aspects of nutrition, hydration, and sleep, highlighting their significance in optimizing performance & longevity. And of course they have to work in shoes! This episode is a must-listen for young athletes, coaches, and parents seeking evidence-based guidance to navigate the world of high school and collegiate running. The Subjective: what running advice would you give your younger self? Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:56 - The Subjective: what running advice would you give your younger self? 14:08 - Defining early sports specialization and its risks 27:30 - Best practices to emphasize the importance of sports variability 41:43 - Common running injuries in young athletes 46:33 - Nutrition, hydration, and sleep advice 1:00:00 - Shoe recommendations for young runners 1:09:08 - Wrap-up Get ready for the summer heat with new head gear from this week’s sponsor, Running Warehouse!  Running hats are the perfect protection to keep you cool and focused on your miles. We’ve tested several hats over the years at Doctors of Running and have really enjoyed two brands in particular - Ciele and Fractel. If you like a slim, sleek hat with all the color options, Ciele’s GOCaps are ultra-light, airy and have a really great lockdown. For those who want a wider fit, you may want to check out caps from Fractel which have a wider fit and solid UPF 50+ protection to keep you protected from the sun.  Fractel: ⁠https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/10/fractel-performance-headwear-review.html⁠  Ciele: ⁠https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/11/ciele-athletics-performance-headwear.html

This episode is all about sleep! Getting healthy sleep is the biggest performance enhancer out there (yes, even more than super shoes). Nate and Matt are joined Dr. Ryan Wooderson to talk all things sleep. They explore fundamental issues like the physiology of sleep, what "enough" sleep is, and how to adjust after a bad night of sleep. Ryan also gives tips on how to set yourself up for a good night's sleep, optimize your recovery, and more. Dr. Ryan Wooderson is a physical therapist, biomechanist, and fitness/wellness advocate. He is passionate about helping people move better and live better, for the long run. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Regis University and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is an orthopedic clinical specialist and his practice focuses on injury prevention and helping athletes return to the sports and activities they love. He has been practicing for 8 years in Denver, CO. You can find him online revoptdenver.com and Instagram @longrunphysio. The Subjective: tell us your sleep stories! How do you work to get better sleep? Have any sleep horror stories? Chapters 0:00 - Intro 5:00 - Overview of the basics of recovery 9:22 - What are some signs of insufficient recovery? 13:23 - The basics of sleep 20:29 - How much does one night of bad sleep matter? 24:41 - What to do if you have a bad night of sleep 27:26 - What is "enough" sleep? 32:01 - How should you change your running plans after a bad night of sleep? 39:59 - What's the role of naps? 44:56 - The build-up effects of consistently poor sleep 49:18 - The balance of using running as a stress-reducer 54:55 - Tips for prioritizing stress-reducing activities 58:36 - Strategies to set yourself up for good sleep 1:03:04 - The interaction between sleep and running performance 1:05:16 - Burritos vs. tacos 1:10:18 - Wrap-up Get ready for the summer heat with new head gear from this week’s sponsor, Running Warehouse!  Running hats are the perfect protection to keep you cool and focused on your miles. We’ve tested several hats over the years at Doctors of Running and have really enjoyed two brands in particular - Ciele and Fractel. If you like a slim, sleek hat with all the color options, Ciele’s GOCaps are ultra-light, airy and have a really great lockdown. For those who want a wider fit, you may want to check out caps from Fractel which have a wider fit and solid UPF 50+ protection to keep you protected from the sun.  Fractel: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/10/fractel-performance-headwear-review.html  Ciele: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/11/ciele-athletics-performance-headwear.html

This episode is all about your questions! Matt & David host another Q&A show. Your questions take them all over the place, from stable neutral shoes, building a shoe rotation, running during pregnancy, recovering from an ankle sprain and more! Be sure to stick around for Matt's final, completely absurd question. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 6:20 - What are your favorite stable neutral shoes? 9:47 - Which shoes are best suited for treadmils? Soft tracks? 18:08 - What should you look for in a shoe after an ankle sprain? 24:13 - How many shoes are necessary for an average shoe rotation? 28:45 - Why do some shoes cause hot spots or tingling in the feet? 33:53 - How should training be modified during pregnancy? 41:04 - What would you (not) like to see in running shoes over the next 5 years? 44:08 - If you forefoot strike in super shoes, do you get the full benefit? 47:22 - What causes stiff/painful big toes? 51:27 - How does running with a handheld bottle impact mechanics? 56:22 - Are carbon orthotics worth using with carbon plated shoes? 59:56 - How can you train and compensate for running on heavily cambered road? 1:07:42 - If super shoes were a food, what would they be? 1:10:44 - Wrap-up Memorial day is not just about fun in the sun and spending time with family and friends, it’s about deals. This week’s podcast sponsor Running Warehouse has got you covered from head to toe with deals on running apparel and shoes, including some incredibly deep savings on Saucony with over 30% off your favorite models. Also find 25% off Altra and Salomon, along with hydration gear from Nathan, Amphipod and others to make sure you stay hydrated all season long. Shop Memorial Day Weekend sales at Running Warehouse here: https://tinyurl.com/5eju7c3d

Nike's back with the latest version of the "original" super shoe, the Vaporfly 3! It's quickly become a favorite of our team, and on this episode Matt & Andrea give it a deep dive. With almost every brand selling their own super shoes now, how does the Vaporfly 3 stack up against the competition? Tune in to hear our thoughts on how it compares to the Saucony Endorphin Elite, Endorphin Pro 3, Aspics Metaspeed Sky+ and more! The Subjective: what is your current favorite racing shoe and why? Chapters 0:00 - Intro 3:40 - What got updated on the Vaporfly 3 9:38 - How does the midsole of the Vaporfly 3 compare to the previous versions? 14:06 - Outsole updates 16:38 - How the ride of the 3 compares to the previous versions 27:56 - How's the durability? 32:21 - Vaporfly 3 comparions 36:22 - Vaporfly 3 vs. Endorphin Pro 3 39:02 - Vaporfly 3 vs. Metaspeed Sky+ 41:22 - Vaporfly 3 vs. SC Elite v3 44:46 - Vaporfly 3 vs. Rocket X 2 47:30 - Vaporfly 3 vs. Wave Rebellion Pro 49:56 - Wrap-up This week’s episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast is sponsored by Running Warehouse. As runners, we love the outdoors and the positive impact it can have on our health and on the well-being of future generations. This Earth Day, celebrate the sustainable initiatives taken by brands to create high-quality eco-friendly gear. Head on over to Running Warehouse to check out all the sustainable styles. Link to Sustainable Styles: https://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-EARTHPP.html?from=docrun&utm_source=docrun&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=sustainable_styles

This episode is all about super shoes, particularly their benefits for the non-elite runner. At the beginning of the year, Geoff Burns and Dustin Joubert published a new study looking at the running economy benefits of super shoes for runners at slower paces (8:00-10:00 minutes per mile). They were gracious enough to lend us a ton of their time to discuss their latest findings. Get a behind the scenes look at how studies like these are put together and executed. Hear how Geoff performed test on himself during a treadmill marathon! Learn more about how much benefit the average runner can get from super shoes, how much they aid in reducing muscle breakdown, and how to pick the best super shoe for you. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 8:43 - An overview of Geoff & Dustin's latest study 13:44 - How much does the control shoe matter in these studies? 21:31 - Geoff's solo TREADMILL MARATHON test 32:31 - Biomechanics vs Perception 45:13 - Do non-elite runners get as much benefit for running economy as elites? 54:07 - How do shoes play a role in decreasing muscle breakdown? 1:04:07 - Biomechanical changes that occur when running in softer shoes 1:12:30 - How do the latest super shoes stack up against the top-tier shoes? 1:17:13 - How should non-elite runners go about picking their racing shoes? 1:30:53 - Wrap-up Dr. Geoff Burns is a physiologist and engineer with an expertise in running. He works for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Sport Physiologist, and he conducts academic research with the University of Michigan. His work has focused on running biomechanics and performance. Geoff is a runner himself and competes internationally in ultramarathons. He was the 2016 USA national champion in the 100km and has finished 5th at the 100km World Championships, twice, in 2016 and 2018.  Dustin Joubert has a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University (2015). He was a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2015-2022 before landing at his current academic home at St. Edward's University in the great running community of Austin, TX. After publishing the first super shoe comparison study, he realized there was a great interest in objective running shoe performance reviews, independent of brand partnerships. He started an Instagram page in September 2021 with the goal of sharing such data. After some success there, he decided to start his website in September 2022 to better catalog the testing and reviews he has done and continue to do with the goal of also reaching a larger audience beyond Instagram alone. This week’s episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast is sponsored by Running Warehouse. As runners, we love the outdoors and the positive impact it can have on our health and on the well-being of future generations. This Earth Day, celebrate the sustainable initiatives taken by brands to create high-quality eco-friendly gear. Head on over to ⁠Running Warehouse ⁠to check out all the ⁠sustainable styles⁠.