
Doctors of Running Podcast
We are Doctors of Running, a group of doctors of physical therapy all working to provide you all with information about the art and science of running and what we are putting on our feet. In this podcast we will be giving evidence-based deep dives into running related topics as well as detailed running shoe reviews. You can also check us out at our website -- doctorsofrunning.com, and on social media @doctorsofrunning
To help us continue to produce content for you all, consider joining our support team: https://anchor.fm/doctors-of-running/support
Latest episodes

Jun 29, 2022 • 57min
#94 Surviving the Summer: Training & Hydration Strategies for the Heat
Today on the podcast Matt and Andrea talk all things summer training. As the temperature increases, we're forced to adjust our running. They offer strategies and tips for adjusting your training, hydrating before/during/after the run, staying cool, and, of course, shoes (does the Asics Metaracer have a USB port?!).
Each month at DOR starting in 2022, a member of our team selects a charity of their choice to donate 10% of our monthly profits to. This month we're donating to Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a program that was developed to help young girls recognize their strengths, learn goal setting, build social connection, all while building confidence. Through the program, they learn how teamwork can help in achieving a goal and work toward completing a 5k together at the end of the season. To learn more and donate visit www.girlsontherun.org.
The Subjective: What time of day do you run?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - DOR Giving: Girls on the Run
2:24 - The Subjective: What time of the day do you run?
5:17 - Summer training: temperature vs. dew point
11:29 - Modifying your training for the heat
19:01 - Hydration strategies
25:44 - Cooling strategies
33:32 - Shoe uppers & breathability
42:58 - Staying safe from sun damage
54:41 - Wrap-up

Jun 22, 2022 • 54min
#93 Shan Riggs & Joshuaine Grant's 3000 Mile Journey Through the East Coast Greenway
Today Andrea and Matt are joined by two very special guests: Shan Riggs and Joshuaine Grant. On April 16th, 2022, Shan started to run more than 3,000 miles across America again, this time from Key West to the Canadian border along the East Coast Greenway, hoping to be the first person to run the entire trail. The journey is unique in that Shan will be supported the entire route by his partner Joshuaine, who will be towing all of their supplies by bicycle. This run/ride is to support & raise funds for the East Coast Greenway in its mission of connecting people to place. Along the way they'll cross 15 states averaging 40 miles per day, every day. We hear from Shan & Josh about what it takes to take on such an epic trek: training, supplies, nutrition, and, of course, shoes. To learn more & donate, check out their website.
The Subjective: How many days per week do you run?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - The Subjective: How many days per week do you run?
1:30 - Shan & Josh's trip up the East Coast Greenway
5:53 - Shan & Josh's background and training
13:53 - Supplying and organizing their trek
21:47 - Surprises & challenges along the way
24:40 - Injury prevention & pain management while ultra-running
33:50 - How do you fuel yourself on a 3000 mile journey?
43:36 - The most memorable parts of their trip
47:17 - What's next on their journey
49:44 - Advice for anyone interested in ultra-running
52:15 - Wrap-up

Jun 15, 2022 • 1h 12min
#92 The Truth About Runner's Knee (plus Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Review)
Runner's Knee (also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome) is one of the most common running injuries among new runners. It's so prevalent, yet so misunderstood. In this episode, Nate & Matt take a deep dive into the symptoms, anatomy, and mechanics of Runner's Knee, and they explore what makes it such a complicated, hard-to-diagnose injury. They also review Mizuno's latest update to the Wave Horizon 6, their premium stability trainer featuring a new Enerzy Core in the midsole.
This episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.
The Subjective: How light/heavy do you like your daily trainers? How important is weight to you?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:38 - The Subjective: How light/heavy do you like your daily trainers? How important is weight to you?
4:30 - Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
21:02 - Is the Wave Horizon worth it at $170?
24:54 - Wave Horizon comparisons
29:20 - Who is this shoe for?
40:10 - What is Runner's Knee?
47:40 - The anatomy & mechanics of patellofemoral pain
1:01:21 - The role of muscular activation in treating Runner's Knee
1:10:00 - Wrap-up

Jun 8, 2022 • 1h 18min
#91 Common Running Form Mistakes and a Look at New Balance's Streakfly/Takumi Sen Competitor
Runners are constantly looking to refine and improve their form. Today, Nate, Matt, DJ, and Andrea give you some advice on how to avoid common running form mistakes. You'll learn about the role of hip extension the running gait cycle, how to measure and gain hip extension, and it's impact on shoe choice. They also review New Balance's entry into the 5K/10K racing shoe market, the SC Pacer. This racing flat features a full FuelCell foam midsole and a full-length carbon plate. How does it compare to the Nike Streakfly and the Takumi Sen 8? Have a listen!
The Subjective: What's your performance trainer/workout shoe?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:12 - The Subjective: What's your performance trainer/workout shoe?
2:35 - New Balance SC Pacer Review
20:35 - Motor planning and its effects on shoe preference
29:23 - New Balance's Energy Arc and the effects of plate shape
33:55 - Hip extension and its placement in the running cycle
41:22 - Commonly problematic form cues
49:10 - Measuring hip extension and why runners might be lacking it
59:19 - What happens if you lack hip extension
1:05:24 - Strategies for gaining hip extension
1:10:00 - The intersection between shoe types and hip extension
1:16:50 - Wrap up
1:17:42 - Bonus track

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 10min
#90 Strength Training 101 for Runners and a Look at Topo’s New PEBAX Powered Trainer
Our very own Dr. David Salas is a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS). In today's episode DJ & Nate give runners a host of information about the benefit of strength training for runnres, how to get started, common pitfalls and more. They also take a look at an exciting new performance trainer from Topo: the Specter. It features a PEBAX-based midsole, surrounded by an EVA rim for some guidance. The result is an exciting, unique uptempo shoe with the potential to shake up the market!
We are excited to have this episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.
The Subjective: What's your favorite summer running gear?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro & DOR Giving
4:38 - The Subjective: What's your favorite summer running gear?
5:54 - Topo Specter Review
27:30 - What a CSCS is
33:36 - How runners should be strength training
43:36 - Common pitfalls for runners starting with weight training
56:32 - How to get started with strength training at home
1:06:10 - Wrap-up & further resources

May 25, 2022 • 1h 14min
#89 Flexible vs. Rigid Forefoots with Kofuzi!
Matt and DJ are joined by a very special guest, Michael Ko (aka Kofuzi)! Kofuzi tells us about his background and the growth of his YouTube channel. They take a look at his journey to 100,000 subscribers and what's next for his channel. Finally, they investigate the effects of a flexible or rigid forefoot-the biomechanics implications and what type of runner may want each kind of shoe.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Running Warehouse! Right now there are Memorial Day promotions going on with discounts on many types of products through the end of May. Make sure you check it out. Also, coming soon, Running Warehouse will have the ASICS METASPEED SKY+ and EDGE+ in stock on June 1. We will be testing and putting out full reviews on these models soon!
The Subjective: Do you prefer a flexible or rigid forefoot? Why, and for what purposes?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - The Subjective: Do you prefer a flexible or rigid forefoot? Why, and for what purposes?
1:42 - Introducing Kofuzi
9:32 - The significance of 100K YouTube subscribers
19:53 - The state of running culture & media coverage
31:05 - Kofuzi's goals and vision for his channel
40:42 - The basics of the forefoot of shoes
44:51 - How shoe design impacts forefoot flexibility or rigidity
47:13 - The impact of plates on forefoot rigidity
51:08 - The benefits of a flexible or rigid forefoot
1:06:51 - Midsole nostalgia: adapting to midsole changes over time
1:13:17 - Wrap-up

May 18, 2022 • 1h 17min
#88 The Value of Full Body Running Evaluations, and a Review of the ASICS Glideride 3
Nate, DJ, and Matt explore the value of getting a full body running evaluation from a clinician. They explain how they go about evaluating runners in their own practices at physical therapists. They also take a look at common muscular, skeletal, and mobility weaknesses or restrictions in runners and how to address them. Before that, they review ASICS's brand new GLIDERIDE 3, which features their new FF Blast+ compound, giving a softer, more natural ride.
We are excited to have this episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.
The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:20 - The Subjective: Have you ever had a full body running evaluation?
1:50 - ASICS GLIDERIDE 3 Review - Upper
6:56 - ASICS GLIDERIDE 3 - Midsole & Ride
23:34 - Who this shoe may work for
35:08 - Overview of full body running evaluations
43:59 - Common muscular weaknesses in runners
59:28 - Common mobility restrictions in runners
1:03:20 - Testing parameters in running evaluations
1:09:32 - The importance of running evaluations
1:16:14 - Wrap-up

May 11, 2022 • 1h 26min
#87 Does Every Shoe Need a Plate? Discussing the Biggest Midsole Trends Right Now
Nate, DJ, and Matt take a look at all the current trends in shoe midsole designs. Do new generation foams really help performance? Are softer shoes better? Do rockers, guidance lines, and higher stack shoes make a difference? What about plates: how much do they improve running economy? Join us for a look at these questions and more.
This week's episode is sponsored by Running Warehouse! Memorial Day is coming up, which means lots of deals on your favorite running shoes over the past year is coming up. There's some great shoes you'll want to keep an eye on that we've loved including the Hoka Carbon X2, Saucony Ride 14, and Asics Magic Speed. Spring is also in full gear with some big releases out now including the Nike React Infinity 3, Asics Cumulus 24 with their new Flytefoam Blast Midsole, and the Saucony Axon 2. Additionally, there's a big Brooks Bra sale for 35% off starting mid-May for runners looking to stock up and get ready for the summer. Running Warehouse has been a longtime favorite of ours for their fantastic variety and excellent customer service. Check them out!
The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?
13:40 - Trends in misoles foams
25:23 - Trends in midsole geometries
35:24 - Dovetail heels
39:05 - Guidance lines
43:07 - Midsole cutouts
53:29 - Trends in shoe stack height
1:02:53 - Trends in midsole drop ratio
1:05:21 - Trends in midsole plates
1:15:41 - Future trends
1:24:19 - Wrap-up

May 4, 2022 • 1h 15min
#86 Stability vs. Support: How Do We Know What Runners Need? (ft. Dr. Matt Trudeau from Brooks Running)
Nate, DJ, and Matt are joined today by a very special guest, Dr. Matt Trudeau of Brooks Running. Matt gives us insights into shoe research and development at Brooks. He also explains Brooks' unique take on stability, support, and how to find the right shoe for your unique running style.
Dr. Matt Trudeau is originally from Montréal, QC, Canada. His background is in mechanical engineering: he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS, Canada), and his Master’s degree at University of Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) where he studied the role of fascia in poly-articular biomechanics. He then completed a doctoral degree in Ergonomics and Human Factors at Harvard University. He then went on to do a Postdoc with Benno Nigg at the University of Calgary. He now leads the Brooks Future Concepts Team at Brooks, where he’s been for the last 7 years. Matt is also the industry representative on the board of the Footwear Biomechanics Group.
The Subjective: How long does it take you to know whether a shoe's going to work for you?
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:46 - The Subjective: How long does it take you to know whether a shoe's going to work for you?
2:56: - Matt Trudeau's background
13:01 - Brooks' research methods
21:13 - Examining your own biomechanics when choosing shoes
23:52 - Pronation vs deviation and the need for support
27:12 - Brooks GuideRails & support features
36:53 - The science behind drop ratio
46:51 - Using the comfort filter to find shoes for you
53:49 - Researching the link between shoes and injury reduction
58:25 - Support in trail shoes
1:08:27 - Research and innovation at Brooks
1:12:43 - Wrap up

Apr 27, 2022 • 1h 1min
#85 All About Trail Shoes
Matt & David take a deep dive into trail shoes today. They take a look at different types of trail shoe offerings (hybrid, racing, technical, etc.), different types of terrain, and more. They also explore stability & support features in trail shoes. Finally, they review the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
The Subjective Do you use trail shoes? Why or why not? When do you strap on your trail shoes?
This week's episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse! Spring has sprung, which means a lot of new releases we've reviewed and loved have finally arrived, including the Hoka Carbon X3 and soon -to-be-released Asics Cumulus 24. The Cumulus, featuring their new Flytefoam Blast midsole, was a huge surprise for us and an early favorite trainer for 2022. Spring also means shorts season! Running Warehouse has you covered with a host of new offerings along with a few of our favorites like Chief Editor Matt Klein's all-time favorite, the BOA 1' split short (link below!). Head over to runningwarehouse.com to check it all out!
Matt's Favorite Shorts from BOA
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
2:40 - The Subjective: Do you use trail shoes?
7:09 - What makes a trail shoe a trail shoe
17:53 - Components of technical trail shoes
21:50 - Terrain that necessitates trail shoes
30:30 - The function of plates in trail shoes
35:04 - Stability in trail shoes
41:35 - Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review
56:13 - Final thoughts