Doctors of Running Podcast

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.

On this episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast, Matt is joined by two phenomenal guests from Brooks, Jennifer Sumner and Evan Day, biomechanists on the Brooks' Run Research Team. They give us an inside look at how Brooks' unique approach to biomechanical testing and research in shoe development. They help us tackle big questions like "what does it mean to be a runner?" and "how do we tell the difference between 'good' and 'bad' running mechanics?" They even dive into the link between mental health and wellness and how we run, and how that might influence our shoe choices.  Chapters 0:00 - Intro 9:02 - What does it mean to be running footwear biomechanist? 19:44 - How does Brooks define a "runner"? 26:18 - What is Run Signature? 36:34 - How to differentiate between good and problematic running mechanics 44:16 - How does Brooks categorize runners & their mechanics? 50:18 - The link between a runner's psychology, wellness, and biomechanics 1:03:16 - Integrating this link between mental health and mechanics into footwear design 1:09:55 - What are the next big questions Brooks is trying to address in running? 1:17:05 - 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. Jennifer Sumner is the Director of the Run Research Team at Brooks. Her passion for injury prevention started with a two-year sports medicine program in high school. From here she went on to study Biomedical Engineering and human movement for topics ranging from ergonomics to tissue engineering and finally into running injury prevention throughout her academic career. She found her passion for applied research in the product space as a research technician for Biomechanigg Inc, evaluating the influence of everything from hockey skates to road bicycles on human movement and performance. She entered the industry as a Research Scientist with New Balance before moving to Brooks, where has been for the last six years. The Brooks passion to build for all who run using science-based insights is what will keep Jennifer with the brand for years to come. Evan Day is a Manager on the Run Research Team at Brooks overlooking biomechanical testing and research related to Inline Product (<2 years to market) and advancement of Run Signature. He has been an avid runner since his first season of middle school cross country, and became interested in the interaction between the body and footwear after suffering a tibial stress fracture in high school. From there he studied Kinesiology at Iowa State University, where he also did his Master’s in Biomechanics, focused on running injuries. He then continued on to complete his PhD at the University of Oregon in the Bowerman Sports Science Clinic focusing on running performance. He entered the industry working on basketball footwear at adidas, before transitioning to Brooks. Living the opportunity to spend every day obsessing over the granular details of footwear and running biomechanics is a dream come true for him.

If you're a runner, chances are you've been injured in the past year. Even with medical advice, it can be hard to know what causes our injuries, but training mistakes can often be a piece of the puzzle. Andrea uses her years of experience as both a PT and a coach to give you some insight into how variables in your training (mileage, pace, etc.) may be effecting your injury risk. She also takes a look at what the scientific evidence says about how training load impacts injury risk. Be sure to listen to learn how to better structure your training so you can keep running consistently! The Subjective: have you had an injury that was caused by training errors? Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:44 - The training variables that effect running injuries 7:54 - New runners are at a higher risk for injury 15:08 - How do changes in training load impact injury risk? 18:04 - How different training errors pose different types of injury risk 22:51 - The correlation between past and new injuries 24:03 - How to adjust your training load to reduce your risk 28:41 - The role of recovery in reducing injury risk 34:02 - How to set your training paces & workouts 37:02 - Consistency is key 38:30 - Adding a new variable to your training can put you at injury risk 42:39 - Nutrition is critical to strong training 43:50 - 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

Listeners dive into a Q&A about running shoes, exploring topics like toe spring versus rocker design and the impact on performance. The hosts compare various shoe models, including the Endorphin series, offering insights for beginners and heavier runners alike. They discuss the concept of super-shoe non-responders and provide tailored recommendations. In a fun twist, they reveal which type of shoe each member would embody, adding a humorous and personal touch to the practical shoe advice!