Easy runs, interval workouts, strength training, prehab work, warm-ups, cross-training, and recovery - it’s a lot for anyone, much less if you are balancing a job and family! Additionally, you may have received messaging before that you NEED to do more to improve - but maybe that doesn’t mesh with your real life. There is a big gap between training…

This experience happens to virtually every runner. No matter how well your training cycle went, race day doesn’t go as planned. You get sick on race week, the weather forecast looks sub-optimal, you have a lot of work stress, or you just don’t feel great on race day. We draw on our coaching experiences as well as a basic understanding of race day p…

Are stability shoes outdated or the magic key to preventing injury? It’s actually neither - for some runners, they are the appropriate shoes, but they aren’t for everyone. We discuss overpronation and stability shoes in this episode. Discussion points include: Understanding pronation and supination in the running stride Is overpronation bad? What a…

The big marathons including Boston and New York are ubiquitous on social media - but do they live up to the hype? We take a different format in our episode today and provide you with a nuanced hot take (as paradoxical as that sounds) on the most popular marathons. First, we answer a listener’s question about taking Tylenol or Advil before a race. T…

The running community talks a lot about longer distances, but we are focusing in this episode on an underrated distance: the mile. While most runners can run multiple miles without stopping, racing a mile as fast as you can is an entirely different challenge. In this episode, we discuss how to improve your mile time - whether you are aiming for a 5…

A number of listeners have asked us some questions based on common running myths - and so we’re here today to refute some of those myths! From running making you look older to marathons being bad for your health, we wade through the myth and evidence in this episode. How does blood donation impact your running? Does running make you look older? Do …

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 - …

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 ag…

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 ep…

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 a…

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 stren…

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 So…

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…

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, …

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…

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 ge…

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 f…

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 quest…

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 discu…

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 poin…

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 …

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…

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 en…

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 cos…

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 star…

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…

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 the…

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. Ho…

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…

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. …

After a listener question about training logs, we dive into a controversial topic: diet trends. We are not registered dietitians, so please always defer to a sports RD for individual advice. Here, we take a hard look at what the evidence says on glycogen depletion training, fasting for runners, and low-carb diets. Discussion points include: Glycoge…

Ever wonder why it feels so hard when you run in Colorado or Utah? We discuss the science of altitude acclimatization and running at high altitudes in this episode. We also provide some helpful tips to make your next runs at high altitude feel better! We also answer a listener question about easy pace for 5+ hour marathoners. Discussion points incl…

In our opinion, the 10K is one of the most underrated distances to race and train for. It’s long enough to require endurance but short enough that you need to develop your speed. This episode is focused on everything you need to know if you want to race a 10K, including: How long should you train for a 10K? How to set a 10K goal pace Should you tap…

Want to start running more on the trails or curious about trying a trail race? This is the episode for you! We talk about tips for train running to help you get out on the trails and enjoy the experience. These trail running tips and techniques are based both on our coaching experiences and own experiences as two road runners who also run on trails…

Is a heel strike as bad as people say? How much does your running cadence actually matter? What is the proper running form for your feet? We answer those questions - and more - in our discussion on running gait. Discussion points include: Is there an ideal running cadence? Should you change your running cadence? What is vertical oscillation? Is the…

We tackle an important topic in this episode: women's and girls' participation in running. How do we encourage young girls to stick in sport? How do we encourage adult women to participate in running despite barriers - and what are those barriers? How do we initiate more conversations around women's issues in running? Discussion points: The importa…

We devote this episode to answering one of the most common questions we receive as running coaches: how do you increase running mileage? How do you increase mileage for the first time? What about building your mileage after an injury or race, when you return to the mileage you previously did? Is the 10% rule a helpful guideline? The Jack Daniels eq…

Do you want to get your family, including spouse and kids, involved in running? In this episode, we share both evidence-based and practical tips for how to run with kids and family. Discussion points include: What distances are appropriate for young kids? How to safely introduce your kids to running How to get your family involved in running Doing …

Has your running watch ever told you that your VO2max improved? Or that your training was unproductive? Running watches give us more information now than ever - but what does that data actually mean? We dive into some of the most popular running watch stats, such as VO2max, heart rate data, and recovery time, so that you know what data you need - a…

Muscle soreness is a universal experience for runners. But how do you know what degree of soreness is normal? How to you manage muscle soreness so you can keep training? We answer those questions and more in this episode! Topics include: What is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)? Why being sore all the time is a problem What causes DOMS? Is infl…

This episode is sponsored by the Run to the Finish Run Club! Use the code treadlightly to save $50 on a one-year subscription. The Virtual Run Club gives you access to running plans from both Laura and Amanda, strength training workouts, sport nutrition guidance, and more! You can sign up here: https://www.runtothefinish.com/online-running-group/ D…

You sent in your running questions, and we have your answers! We spent this episode answering listener questions, including: What are our tips for training for a marathon in summer weather? How do you improve running cadence - and why would you do this? Running tips for heavier and slower runners How do you get into a racing mindset? What adaptatio…

Ever wonder what pieces of gear two running coaches use for their runs? We spend this episode discussing the gear we currently use (and enjoy) in summer 2023: running watches, running shoes, splurge items, sport nutrition, hydration vests, and more! Some of the gear recommended in the podcast: Salomon Active Skin hydration vest Nathan Pinnacle Hydr…

We answer one of the most common questions we receive as running coaches: how many miles (or kilometers) should you run per week? Discussion points include: Why your weekly training volume is fluid, not static The rationale for high-volume training Why you need to consider strength training, cross-training, nutrition, and lifestyle into determining…

This episode serves as part two of our discussion on perimenopause and menopause. However, the advice here applies to both male and female runners over age 50. Discussion points include: The importance of consistent resistance training Adjustments to your training schedule, such as 10-day training cycles and more frequent cutback weeks How to maint…

We tackle a topic that not a lot of people like to talk about, but affects many runners - how perimenopause and menopause affect your running. Both Amanda and Laura have experience working with runners experiencing mid-life hormonal shifts. Hopefully, we can help those who are struggling with their running during perimenopause, so that they can kee…

Have you ever felt like your running is getting worse, even as you put in more training? In this episode, we delve deep into the topic of overtraining syndrome and training-overload (signs of overtraining without a medical diagnosis). Overtraining is characterized by a long-term decline in performance, as well as symptoms affecting your overall hea…

Every runner has experienced a race where their fitness was there - but their mind gave up. Mindset plays a tremendous role on endurance performance. However, mastering your mindset and improving your mental toughness in running is not as simple as "getting hard" or "toughing it out." In this episode, we share evidence- and experience-based approac…

Let’s talk about running shoes! Running shoes are the most essential piece of gear for training - and now, there are more options than ever. This episode answers all the major questions about running shoes. In this episode, we discuss: What all the running shoe terms (heel-toe drop, stack height, etc) mean The benefits of rotating your running shoe…

Inevitably, every runner needs to take time off of running. Maybe you are sick, injured, burnt out, or busy with life. The question then becomes: how do you start running again? Is it a different protocol if you are returning from injury compared to coming back from a short couple weeks off? We guide you through how to start running again after var…