Larger encompasses a variety of body types: taller than average, more muscle, or higher body mass. Both Laura and Amanda are taller than the average female runner and have worked with runners of a wide range of body sizes. However, we’ve noticed that a lot of the online advice that focuses mostly on how to start running if you have a larger body - but what about if you are a seasoned runner who is taller, more muscular, or heavier?  Discussion points include: What are the Athena and...

First, we answer a listener’s question on how to do when your race doesn’t go as you hoped. Then, we dive into a commonly asked question: how do you start running again after an injury? Importantly, this is not medical advice nor is it individual guidance - this is generalized running advice. Discussion points include: When can you start running again injury? Designing return to run plans based on how long you were off How to use cross-train during injuries How to reintroduce hard...

One of the most popular running goals is to run a half marathon in under two hours. A 1:59 half marathon is faster than the average finisher - it's a time that represents lots of hard work and dedication. In this episode, we are sharing tips from our years of coaching runners to this goal. Even if you have already run a sub-2 half marathon, this episode may still have some helpful running tips for you! Discussion points include: How do you know if you could run a sub-2 half marathon? ...

What’s the difference between a VO2max and threshold running workout? This episode is your guide to all the different type of running workouts, including interval runs, tempo runs, and more.  Before delving into the main discussion, we answer a listener’s question on running shoes for the treadmill.  Discussion points include:  When should you start adding running workouts to your training? How to start introducing running workouts as a beginner What are fartlek runs? Distinguishing...

We received several listener questions about strength training for runners, and this episode has answers!  Discussion points include: Sample schedules for how to include strength training with your running Should you always lift on the same day as a hard run? What are the benefits of strength training for runners? Managing muscle soreness from strength training Should you run or lift first?  Is bodyweight strength training enough for a strength training program for runners? How...

How much of a difference do age and gender actually make when it comes to training and performance? We’re taking a deep dive into those topics in this episode!  Discussion points: Why do some runners get faster with age? Shifting your perspective on goals as a masters athlete Understanding the physiological causes of gender differences in running Sociocultural variables impacting gender differences Do female athletes need to train differently than male athletes? How much do age and...

Join us for another updated episode today! This episode is an update - with better audio quality and additional information - on our popular marathon pacing episode.  Discussion points include: Understanding different pacing strategies How does weather impact your marathon pacing Should you use heart rate to set your race day strategy? How to pace a marathon on hilly courses, downhill courses, etc.  How to use your fueling strategy to support your pacing strategy When should you...

Curious about how to build running endurance? If learning how to run faster and longer is your goal, you will want to listen to this episode.  Discussion points include: The most important factor when building endurance (our answer may surprise you!) The importance of properly warming up How to overcome cardiac drift Should you use heart rate, RPE, or pace? How to use walking to build your running endurance Can uphill running help you build running endurance? Does strength...

As a disclaimer, the advice provided in this episode is general. We encourage discussing your individual situation with your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider.  This episode is targeted both toward pregnant runners and coaches who may work with pregnant athletes or those looking to support pregnant runners in their lives.  Discussion points include: Basic medical recommendations  What is safe for running while pregnant? How to navigate body changes during pregnancy as a runner ...

You asked and we are answering! This episode answers listener questions on all things running, including: Should you do a tune-up race or a baseline race before training? Can anyone run a marathon? How to manage incontinence/leakage when running How do you pick the right running coach for you? Are apps like Apple Fitness or Peloton effective for general strength training? How do you incorporate group runs into a training plan? How do you care for blisters, calluses, and black...

Are you tired all the time, both during runs and during the rest of the day? We have received a few listener questions on this topic, so we are taking a deep dive into training fatigue, abnormal fatigue, bloodwork, training load management, and more!  Amanda’s experience with fatigue and running Normal vs abnormal fatigue Is your nutrition causing fatigue? Low energy availability  Eating disorders and disordered eating Is it your training plan that is making you tired? Other...

Is running the Boston Marathon a dream of yours? As most runners know, you need to run a Boston Marathon Qualifying time (BQ) if you want to run Boston (outside of doing a charity bib). BQ times are challenging for most runners - so we are sharing what we have found works in real-life coaching practice. Before all that, we answer a listener’s question on beetroot supplements for running.  Discussion points include: Intrinsic vs extrinsic factors that influence one’s ability to run a BQ ...

We recognize that the long run is only one piece of marathon training. However, one of the most common questions we hear as running coaches is: how long should you run before a marathon? Should you follow the commonly cited rule that you should never run longer than three hours in training? We re-recorded our first ever episode for an updated discussion (with better audio quality!). We dive into the science of marathon long run length, as well as provide some practical...

We start with a listener about timing warm-ups before driving to go for a run. Then, we dive into one of the most common questions we hear as running coaches: when is it okay to quit a run? When should you push through? When should you skip a run altogether? How do you discern low motivation versus a legitimate reason to quit a run? Discussion points include: Our take on the “no days off” mentality in running What to do when your running motivation is low Should you run with a cold or...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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) ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...